Yukti Dahiya has emerged as a promising young leader, researcher, entrepreneur, and social-impact advocate, creating meaningful outcomes across education, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and research. As founder of RISE—Rural Incubation and Startup Enablement, she expands access to mentorship, knowledge, microgrants, startup acceleration, and investor connections, supporting more than 75 startups through a network of over 100 mentors. Her research interests span economics, labour markets, sustainability, and social development, earning international recognition through the Best Research Paper Award by Oxford Global. Her financial-literacy initiative has reached students across 20 schools, while her sustainability work earned Rank 1 at the Harvard Sustainability Impact Summit. Her achievements include the India’s Young-preneur Summit 2025 Award, National Humanitarian Excellence Award, and nomination for the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar.

Harsh Gandhi, Managing Director of Listed & RBI-registered NBFC and over 16 years of experience in field of Finance, is reshaping Gujarat’s regional credit landscape. Under his leadership, the organisation has evolved from a vehicle finance enterprise into a diversified secured-lending business.

In 2016, he institutionalised gold finance to help semi-urban and rural borrowers, including small traders, farmers, and self-employed individuals, transition from informal moneylenders to formal credit channels. He later expanded into silver-backed lending following RBI’s April 2026 guidelines.

Gandhi also focuses on venture debt and startup financing, applying disciplined assessment of business fundamentals, cash flows, repayment visibility, and debt-servicing capacity. He pairs local market insight with strict risk management to drive sustainable lending and financial inclusion.

Ashley Kaur Reen: Bridging Fitness, Bhangra and Purposeful Entrepreneurship

Ashley Kaur Reen is a dynamic fitness entrepreneur, celebrated Bhangra artist and wellness advocate who has built a distinctive professional identity by bringing together Punjabi culture, fitness and community engagement. As a Multi-Unit Owner of Anytime Fitness, she has contributed to creating accessible, welcoming fitness environments while encouraging healthier and more active lifestyles. Her innovative approach combines the energy of Bhangra with contemporary fitness methodologies, making movement engaging, inclusive and culturally relevant. Beyond fitness operations, she has participated in corporate wellness initiatives, running events, cultural programs and public platforms, while also serving as a judge for reality and cultural competitions. A B.Com–MBA and Gold Medalist from Punjabi University, Patiala, she continues to champion wellness, entrepreneurship, cultural pride, leadership and women’s professional empowerment.

Mr. Milind Ladge: The Architect of “Shikshan Kranti” — Pioneering Education, Innovation, and Enterprise

Milind Ladge, Founder and Managing Director of the Aaryans Group, leads a team of over 1400 staff members and has redefined education through Aaryans World School, now spanning 17 branches across two decades — with 6 new schools will be added in upcoming 2 years. Popularly hailed as the champion of “Shikshan Kranti” (Educational Revolution), he has interacted with 222 leading global schools during his international visits. Beyond academics, he empowers students through initiatives like the Aaryans Commando Training Camp and the student-led Shetkari Mitra Sena. His ventures also extend into filmmaking, agriculture, dairy, and hospitality, earning Aaryans World School international recognition, including Best School for Innovation in Education at the Dubai-based International School Awards.

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Dr. Rajasekaran Samykan: Building a ₹50 Crore Biotech Growth Story

Dr. Rajasekaran Samykan, Founder & CEO of Algaven PhycoGen Private Limited, is leading an emerging multidisciplinary enterprise from Erode that brings together biotechnology, agriculture, sustainability and entrepreneurship. Founded on algae biotechnology, the company has expanded into eight divisions spanning microalgae, food technology, controlled-environment agriculture, aquaculture, natural ingredients, cosmeceuticals, farm-based value addition and pet nutrition. Its portfolio includes Spirulina, natural Phycocyanin, freeze-dried fruits and vegetables, functional food ingredients, traditional foods and value-added agricultural products. With a stated business volume of approximately ₹50 crore, Algaven is pursuing science-led innovation with commercial scalability while developing collaborations with researchers, farmers, academic institutions and industry partners. Its philosophy, “WHERE BIOTECH MEETS BOTANICAL,” reflects its ambition to transform research into products, markets and livelihoods.

Ms. Beulah Nand: Building Ventures, Bridging Global Opportunities

Beulah Nand is an entrepreneur and business leader who founded three ventures—Credvisa Immigrations Pvt Ltd, Arum Academy LLP and MBHS Educational Foundation—by the age of 30. A Commerce graduate with an M.Phil. in Entrepreneurship and Business Management, she has worked with global organisations including Equifax, Suncorp and Google. Her year in Canada through an International Volunteer Exchange and Learning programme transformed her perspective on culture, work and opportunity, influencing the vision behind her entrepreneurial journey. Today, Beulah leads all three ventures across immigration, education and professional development, driven by a belief in creating opportunities that broaden perspectives, empower individuals and enable meaningful growth.

Ms. Preeti Lamba: Transforming Education Through Experience, Innovation and Compassion

Ms. Preeti Lamba brings over 35 years of experience in education, emerging as a forward-thinking and compassionate leader committed to making learning meaningful, practical and engaging. Beginning her career in 1987 as a TGT Science teacher, she moved beyond traditional teaching by embracing experiential, activity-based and value-driven education.

As a principal, she has guided more than 15,000 students and mentored over 500 teachers, promoting innovative practices beyond rote learning. She has integrated Indian traditions and culture, spirituality, yoga, meditation, cleanliness, love for Hindi Bhasha, patriotism and environmental sensitivity into education. Her holistic vision seeks to nurture intelligent, compassionate and responsible citizens who respect their heritage, maintain inner balance, uphold moral values and develop a lasting sense of social responsibility.

Suhas Athma: Transforming People, Powering Business

Suhas Athma is a seasoned Strategic CHRO and HR Transformation Leader with more than 27 years of experience spanning manufacturing, technology, telecom, consulting, BFSI, and global capability environments. His career reflects a strong belief that aligning people strategy with business priorities can accelerate meaningful organisational transformation. He has led initiatives involving global shared services, GCC development, large-scale digital HR transformation, M&A integration, workforce strategy, and leadership development. His work has contributed to organisational scaling, cost efficiencies, and technology-led transformation through AI, RPA, and blockchain. With professional exposure across India, APAC, the US, and Europe, he brings a global perspective to people leadership. His approach integrates people, purpose, technology, and performance to build agile, efficient, and future-ready organisations capable of sustained growth and transformation.

Prof. Dr. M. Wali: Advancing Indian Medicine Through Excellence and Innovation

Prof. Dr. M. Wali, a Padma Shri awardee and renowned physician, is a distinguished figure in Indian medicine, known for his expertise, scholarship and commitment to patient care. A celebrated alumnus of GSVM Medical College with an MD in Medicine, he is regarded among Kanpur University’s notable graduates. Currently serving as a senior consultant at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, he has authored 124 journal papers and more than 20 medical textbooks. His career includes serving as personal physician to three Indian Presidents, reflecting his exceptional medical expertise and trust. He has received fellowships and lifetime achievement honours. As a researcher, teacher and healthcare advocate, he also promotes integration of Ayurveda and tobacco harm reduction, contributing to holistic healthcare.

Madhulika Syal: Where Leadership, Governance and Purpose Converge

Madhulika Syal’s journey brings together more than two decades of experience in banking, risk, governance and financial services with a deep belief in leading with integrity and purpose. Working across international markets, she has built expertise in enterprise risk, financial crime compliance, internal audit, regulatory governance and business transformation. For Madhulika, leadership is not simply about professional success; it is about accountability, resilience and creating meaningful impact. Her work has earned her several national and international honours across banking, finance and women’s leadership. Beyond the corporate world, she is the author of Unbroken Soul, reflecting themes of resilience, empowerment and transformation. Through her work, writing and mentorship, Madhulika continues to encourage purposeful leadership, women’s empowerment and positive change.

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