Anirudh Varma
Pianist and Composer
Contemporary pianist, composer, and producer, he is renowned for his unique blend of Indian classical, Western classical, and contemporary music. As a Grade 8 pianist certified by the Associated Board of Royal Schools of Music, London, Mr. Anirudh's performances seamlessly weave these genres together, showcasing his versatile repertoire. He is also the curator and creative director of The Anirudh Varma Collective, a Delhi-based contemporary Indian classical ensemble that has garnered international attention and has been the subject of academic research worldwide.
Mr. Anirudh's musical journey includes the release of his debut EP, "Melancholic Rhapsody," in February 2016, followed by his full-length debut album, "Perspectives," featuring over 65 musicians from India, both of which received critical acclaim. His performances have graced prestigious events such as The Jaipur Literature Festival 2020, Jashn-e-Rekhta 2020, Calcutta School of Music, and HCL Concerts, among others.
Ankit Aggarwal
Founder and CEO, Unstop
Defying the traditional path of an "engineering plus MBA", his journey is marked by a passion for education and a drive to make a difference. From opting out of his MBA summer placements at IMT Ghaziabad to getting a 100% tuition scholarship from Harvard Business School for a coveted leadership program, he has done things differently. He has worked at Deloitte, Sapient, and spent 3 years with Teach for India (NGO) to understand the educational inequity from the roots of India. Fueled by his experiences and his desire to make a positive impact, Mr. Aggarwal founded Unstop, a unique community-driven platform catering to both students and companies that uses gamification to make learning, interaction, and hiring more engaging. Through Unstop, he connects students across domains in India to a world of opportunities across the globe. This enables students to learn & upskill, showcase their talent, while getting rewarded and hired by their dream employers.
Ankur Warikoo
Entrepreneur and Author
From entrepreneur to content creator, Mr. Warikoo is a multi-faceted personality. He's a successful entrepreneur, having founded ventures like WebVeda, an online school that helps young professionals become life-ready and HelpClub, an anonymous platform where one can receive and offer help to people without any fear of judgement and co-founded nearbuy.com. He is also a bestselling author, with books like "Do Epic Shit", “Get Epic Shit Done” and recently “Make Epic Money”, guiding readers on personal and professional success.
Mr. Warikoo’s engaging and honest approach to topics like business, finance, and self-awareness has resonated with a wide audience, making him one of India's top content creators. He encourages self-reflection and critical thinking to help individuals navigate their paths to success. His life’s journey is truly inspirational.
Kannan Gopinathan
Ex - IAS, Activist
Mr. Kannan Gopinathan, former IAS officer in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli Cadre, became a notable figure in India's civil service landscape due to his unwavering commitment to public service.
Mr. Gopinathan’s dedication to public service has been remarkable. During the devastating floods in Kerala, he volunteered for relief work, working alongside labourers in flood-affected areas without disclosing his identity. It was only when his IAS batchmate, the Ernakulam Collector, recognized him and revealed his identity to the public that his selfless service came to light. Despite the challenges he faces, his commitment to serving the people remains unwavering, earning him both admiration and criticism in equal measure.
Kshitij Sheetak
Digital Creator and Cinematographer
Mr. Sheetak is a distinguished digital creator and cinematographer celebrated for his exceptional talent and creative prowess. With a diverse portfolio spanning various industries, Mr. Sheetak has collaborated with esteemed organizations such as Outlook Traveller, Apollo Group, Mahindra, Isuzu, Havells, NDTV, TLC, and Fox Life, translating their creative visions into captivating visual narratives.
As an independent producer, Mr.Sheetak has captivated audiences with his feature film 'Narayan,' which received nationwide acclaim. Additionally, his work on the film 'Mystery Man,' written and directed by Vibha Singh, earned him recognition at the esteemed Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival.
Priyanka Mohite
Mountaineer and Scientist
Ms. Priyanka Mohite, is an exceptional Indian mountaineer and scientist whose groundbreaking achievements have earned her widespread recognition. With a postgraduate degree in Biotechnology from the University of Mumbai, Kalina, Priyanka combines her passion for adventure with her dedication to scientific exploration as a Research Associate at Aurigene Oncology Ltd.
Ms. Mohite's illustrious mountaineering career includes being the first Indian woman to climb five peaks above 8000m and to conquer Mount Annapurna I, the 10th tallest mountain in the world, in 2021. She has also summited Mount Makalu, Mount Lhotse, and Mount Everest, earning her prestigious awards such as the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award and the Shiv Chhatrapati State Adventure Award.
Shahabuddin Yaqoob Quraishi
Former Chief Election Commissioner
Mr. S.Y. Quraishi is a distinguished figure in Indian Civil Service and leadership, renowned for his impactful contributions to democracy and human development. He joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1971. Rising through the ranks, he eventually ascended to become the 17th Chief Election Commissioner of India, overseeing the electoral processes of the world's largest democracy from July 2010 to June 2012.
Mr. Quraishi’s global influence extends beyond borders, as he has represented India in numerous international conferences. His impact has been acknowledged through prestigious awards such as the Nehru Fellow Award, the Secular India Harmony Award, and the Silver Elephant, the highest national award of the Indian Scouts and Guides, among others. His commitment to democracy earned him the title of "Defender of Democracy" by the Chauthi Duniya Group of Newspapers in 2011.
Shreyaa Kapoor
Finance Educator
Ms. Shreyaa Kapoor is a prominent finance influencer known for her expertise and insights in the world of finance. With a background in finance and accounting, Shreyaa has established herself as a respected voice in the industry, sharing valuable knowledge and advice through her platforms. As a finance influencer, Ms. Kapoor educates and empowers her audience, offering practical tips and strategies for financial success. Her content covers a wide range of topics including budgeting, investing, and personal finance management, catering to individuals of all backgrounds and financial goals.
Shreyaa's dedication to financial literacy and her ability to simplify complex financial concepts have earned her a loyal following and recognition within the finance community. Through her engaging content and genuine desire to help others achieve financial wellness, Shreyaa Kapoor continues to make a meaningful impact in the lives of her followers.
Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri
National Award Winning Filmmaker, Author
Vivek Agnihotri's career in Indian cinema has been a blend of commercial ventures, critical acclaim, and social activism. As an avant garde Indian film director, producer and screenwriter, Mr. Agnihotri is one of the few new age Hindi cinema film directors, known to experiment in different genres of film making. A turning point came in his career in 2019 with "The Tashkent Files," a political thriller exploring a historical event. The film's success and his National Film Award win for Best Screenplay (Dialogues) solidified his position in the industry. However, it was "The Kashmir Files" (2022) that catapulted him to national prominence, while garnering him the Nargis Dutt Award for Best Feature Film on National Integration. Beyond filmmaking, Agnihotri is a social advocate, having led movements supporting victims of the Bhopal gas tragedy.