Co-Jury Chair
Jury
Ajay Jain
Founder, Kunzum Cafe
Ajay Jain is an author, photographer, traveller and founder of Kunzum, a chain of boutique bookstores. He has written 11 printed and over 50 e-books covering travel, fiction, marketing and personal development. He is a regular on the speaking circuit, and his motivational talks are much sought after.
He is a strong advocate on the power and importance of reading and travel for one’s mental and physical wellness, further resulting in societal development. Ajay also believes sustainability – environmental, social and cultural – should be top priority for everyone since our existence and quality of life depends on it.
He holds degrees in mechanical engineering (Delhi College of Engineering), management (FORE) and journalism (Cardiff, UK). His past careers have included the tech sector, sports management and journalism.
DETAILED BIO
Ajay Jain is an author, photographer, traveller and founder of Kunzum, a chain of boutique
bookstores set up mid-2022.
CREATIVE
He has written 11 printed and over 50 e-books covering travel, fiction, marketing and personal
development. He regularly holds exhibitions of his photographic art at various locations, including a
permanent display at Kunzum.
SPEAKER
He is a regular on the speaking circuit within India and internationally to include platforms like
Jaipur Literature Festival (and other lit fests), World Book Fair, International Booksellers
Conference in Sharjah, Bikaner House, ITB Berlin, PATA Thailand, TEDx, ATOAI etc. He also
addresses corporates, academic institutions and other groupings on marketing, personal branding,
travel, blogging and writing. His motivational talks are much sought after.
EDUCATION & PAST CAREER
He holds degrees in mechanical engineering (Delhi College of Engineering), business
management (FORE School of Management) and journalism (Cardiff University, UK). His past
careers have included the tech sector, sports management, and with newspapers and magazines
in reporting and editorial positions.
ABOUT KUNZUM
He strongly believes in the value of books for individual and societal development, and wants to
contribute his bit to expand readership. And thus the investment in Kunzum Books.
Kunzum has six outlets in New Delhi area of India, including Penguin @Kunzum, the only store in
the world dedicated exclusively to books by Penguin Random House. Each outlet can host events
for upto 60 people. Additionally, their flagship store in Greater Kailash II has two additional floors
called Theatre Kunzum - these are event spaces with seating of 125 and 100 respectively.
The brand gained popularity initially as the Kunzum Travel Café in Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi
and as Ajay’s travel blog before pivoting to the current avatar.
Contact Info
ajay@ajayjain.com
+91.9910044476
More About Kunzum
https://kunzum.com
SOCIAL MEDIA
Twitter
https://twitter.com/kunzum
https://twitter.com/ajayjain
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/kunzum
Facebook
Kunzum Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/kunzum
Personal Profile: https://www.facebook.com/ajayjain9
Brij Bakshi
Senior Media Professional & Visiting Professor
Brij Bakshi is a senior creative Communication and Electronic Media Professional and a former Additional Director General, Doordarshan (India’s Public Service Broadcaster). Brij has taken Voluntary Retirement as Additional Director General, Doordarshan many years before his date of superannuation.
Experience, Specialization and Achievements - A long and illustrious professional background spanning over 30 years in the world of electronic media he was entrusted with varied responsibilities in content creation and content management relating to Sports, News & Current Affairs, Education, Youth affairs, Health, Tourism, Agriculture & Rural sector etc.
- Had three years tenure from May, 2013 to May, 2016 as Visiting Professor at The Cluster Innovation Center, Delhi University.
- Currently, he is a visiting Faculty at the National Police Academy, Hyderabad, Telengana and also at the Internal Security Academy, Mount Abu, Rajasthan.
- Has many achievements of distinction in the domain of Electronic Media and Communication, particularly in production and telecast of sporting events, acquisition of Rights and execution and varied responsibilities in key areas including operations, commercial and business development, programme formats, public service broadcasting, sports production and organizational management.
- In his halcyon days as a young Television Producer, he developed an aptitude for production of documentaries on Tourism and his creativity in production of documentaries on Desert festival, Pushkar Mela and Nagaur festival was lauded by the Government and the Tourism Industry. - Brij possesses an indomitable spirit of contributing to education in these areas with new modules, subjects, innovative concepts along with lending perfection in imparting knowledge and refining the skills of Students and production personnel.
- Produced more than one thousand Multi camera Live events of National and International importance as Director Delhi Doordarshan from January 2009 to April 2013.
- Played a lead role in the television production of a large number of International Sporting events which include the Sydney Olympics 2000, Athens Olympics 2004, London Olympics 2012, Melbourne Commonwealth Games 2006, Commonwealth Games at Delhi in 2010, Cricket World Cup 1999 in U.K. and in 2003 in South Africa.
- While discharging these key responsibilities in an official capacity and apart from demonstrating his acumen and initiative in production and telecast of live sporting events as well as documentaries, he has been a core team member in processing the acquisition of Rights and discharge of obligations under the relevant agreements of many sporting events including Cricket for Doordarshan.
- Brij Bakshi has been felicitated with prestigious honors such as the ‘Knowledge and Technology Award’ by the Government of Delhi and the ‘Outstanding Electronic Media Person" by the Government of Rajasthan. In 2012 he was awarded the ‘Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Puraskar’ by the President of India for his creative contribution to Hindi television Programming.
- His love for the medium and desire to share his learning make him a valued and sought after Teacher/Trainer at various Institutions such as SVP National Police Academy, Hyderabad, National Academy of Broadcasting & Multimedia, Bhubaneswar and The Film and Television Institute of India (Pune). He is also a visiting Faculty at CRPF, Internal Security Academy, Mount Abu since May, 2013.
Academic pursuits and Training Courses attended - Brij Bakshi holds a Master’s Degree in Literature and a Post-graduate Diploma in Indian Theatre. He has successfully completed courses in Advanced Television Production at NHK in Tokyo, Advanced Course in the operation and maintenance of ENG/EFP equipment at AIBD in Kuala Lumpur, Broadcast Journalism at the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi and TV production and Technical Operations at Film and Television Institute of India, Pune.
Shri B.M. Bakshi can be reached at his Mobile No. +91 9810909292 and e mail: brijbakshi@hotmail.com
Chandramouli Basu
Storymaker, Filmmaker & Photographer
I’m an independent media professional with over three decades of experience. I have a small production outfit called Indigo Creative. Most of my work has been in documentaries and unscripted series for broadcast. I also have experience in radio, theatre and still photography and have co-scripted a feature film (looking for funding). I've directed/produced 43 documentaries that have aired on Nat Geo, Discovery, BBC and Doordarshan and 16 short form docus as well as PSAs. I'm currently developing a scripted web series and finishing a feature film script As a Creative Director or Executive Producer, I’ve created original series as well adapted format shows for India (Indian Idol, Roadies, Fame Gurukul, Sarkar ki Duniya etc). These span diverse genres from drama, unscripted, documentary and lifestyle. A part of my work has been to make cost effective films and PSAs for non profit organisations.
My shows and films have won several national and International awards like the, Asian Television Awards, the Hero Honda ITA, Indian Telly Award, RAPA, and IDPA Awards.
I’ve also worked in senior management roles, including Vice President and Head of Programming for leading Indian prodco, Miditech. I’ve worked with a range of people with diverse sensitivities, from marginalized groups to senior politicians and movie stars across India, Africa and Europe. I’ve built and run teams that have done path breaking shows in the South Asian region (#IndiaMyWay, Go India, #MeetSouthAfrica, Wheels, Top Drive etc).
My core belief is to use my experience, but keep storytelling contemporary and innovative.
Dhruv Nath
Author & Director at Lead Angels Network
Prof Dhruv Nath is a prolific author, an angel investor, a mentor to startups, and a Director with Lead Angels Network. Earlier, he was a Professor at MDI, Gurgaon, and a Senior Vice President at NIIT Ltd. As an angel investor, he has invested in over twenty startups and mentored a few hundred of them.
Prof Nath has been a consultant to the top management at Glaxo, Gillette, Nestle, Indianoil Corporation, RITES, Thermax, Bajaj Auto, Air India among others, as well as to the Prime Minister of Namibia and the Chief Minister of Delhi. As part of his stint at NIIT Ltd, he also launched the highly successful sales training institute NIS (later renamed NIS Sparta), which was later acquired by the Reliance ADAG group. Prof Nath has a B Tech in Electrical Engineering (First Class with distinction), and a PhD in Computer Science, both from IIT Delhi.
Dr Nath has written seven books so far. His latest book is, “The EARNICORNS”, published by Penguin Random House India. The book talks about four market leading unicorns, namely Naukri.com, Zerodha, Dream11 and Zoho, which have actually been making profits. His earlier books include the best-selling “Funding Your Start-up: And Other Nightmares”, and “The DREAM Founder.
Kapil Batra
Film Producer
Kapil Batra has been largely instrumental in directing some of the most popular programmes like Ted Talks India-Nayi Soch, Bigg Boss, Indian Idol, Dus Ka Dum, Jhalak Dikhlaa Ja, Comedy Ka Mahamukabla, Sach ka Saamna, Kya Aap Paanchvi Pass Se Tez Hain, Bournvita Quiz Contest and Guiness World Records and for Indian Television.
Kapil has directed numerous live shows and events like the Prime Minister Modi’s Live Telecast from Munich and London, Opening Ceremony for IPL in various cities, Opening and Closing ceremony for IFFI, Grand Finale of programmes like the Voice and Indian Idol as well as numerous live programmes for news channels. He has also directed prestigious Awards Functions like Filmfare, Femina Miss India, IIFA etc.
Kapil has the distinction of being the first ever news anchor for Zee News. From the first bulletin telecast in 1993, he was associated with Zee News for almost ten years as a regular anchor. Besides news, Kapil has also directed and produced numerous programmes for the channel.
Kapil has directed and produced corporate films and launch events for Maruti Suzuki, Kia Motors, Volkswagen, Airtel, Tata Telecom, Amway, Eicher, Hero Motors etc. Kapil has also directed documentaries for the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Defence Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Besides this, he has directed numerous films for NGO’s.
Kapil has helped set up software production houses like Zee News and Times Television. Kapil has been retained to direct shows with the biggest stars including Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Shilpa Shetty, Arshad Warsi, Boman Irani and a host of others. He has often been retained to direct programmes for reputed anchors like Vir Sanghvi, Karan Thapar, Vinod Dua, Siddhartha Basu, Derek O’Brien etc. He has been nominated as Best Director for the Pinnacle Awards for excellence in Television programming.
Whether it is a Television Channels, Production Houses, Corporate Houses, NGO’s or various Ministries, Kapil has left an indelible impression of professionalism and high production value.
Lulu Raghavan
President APAC, Landor
Lulu Raghavan is the President for APAC. She works closely with the market leaders and their leadership teams across APAC to nurture a culture of high performance and extraordinary creativity to drive business growth.
Lulu has spent over 24 years at the company across Landor offices in San Francisco, New York, London and Mumbai in various roles. She set-up Landor in India in 2008 and has grown it to be India’s largest and most reputed brand and design consultancy. She has led large brand transformation programmes for key clients including Tata Group, Mahindra Group, Aditya Birla Group, Godrej, Axis Bank, Indian Oil, Jubilant Bhartia Group, National Stock Exchange to name a few.
She is a well-known industry commentator who frequently speaks and writes on brand and design at various forums. Notable awards and achievements include Campaign India Mentor of the Year 2023, Campaign India Woman Shaping Change 2023, IMPACT Top 50 Women in Media, Marketing and Advertising (2024, 2023, 2019, 2015), Cannes Lions Design Jury 2018. She has co-authored 5 business school case studies on branding which are in wide circulation globally. She conceptualized and anchored “Beyond Logo”, a TV show for Bloomberg that evangelized the transformative power of brand on business.
Lulu is a strong advocate women in leadership and actively mentors younger women in her free time. She is proud to have helped establish WPP Stella in India which is a mentoring programme for high potential women. She teaches frequently at various business schools on branding. She is also the author of “Go Further, Faster: Shaping a Life that Matters.” Lulu serves as a Trustee for Dignity Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to the wellbeing of senior citizens in India.
She holds a BA in Economics and Applied Math from Davidson College in the US and an MBA in International Business and Marketing from SP Jain Institute of Management and Research in India. She understands and speaks five languages including English, Hindi, Tamil, French and Spanish.
Manish Porwal
Founder, Alchemist
MD at Alchemist Marketing Solutions, driving force behind the success of the company. Leading a strong team of close to 190 professionals.
• 23+ years in media & marketing services, across
national markets
• Initial career as all round media professional
– Planning, Buying, NBD, Sales and Marketing
• Later years as an integrated marketing
communication steward
• Worked on 200+ brands across 50+
categories
• An eloquent speaker, called to train/coach
top professionals and speak at various fora
• Extra-ordinary accolades as a young professional
• Rated 7th most influential media person by
Economic Times
• Became youngest Media Director and Head
of Sales/Marketing in the country
• Became CEO at 36, having already worked
across 3 top metros in the country
Peshwa Acharya
Founder, Think as Consumer
Profile Summary
High-impact CEO with over 30 years of experience transforming consumer products and services in emerging markets. Known for sustainable growth and market leadership, expertise spans building resilient brands, scaling operations, and executing strategic turnarounds. Proven success with MNCs (P&G, Reckitt), large Indian organizations (Reliance Retail, Dabur), and PE - backed businesses (Hicare by True North). Experienced in FMCG, Retail, E-commerce, Telecom and Consumer Services across India, Africa, and South Asia.
Key Professional Experience
Reliance Retail, VP – Marketing & Consumer Experience ( CMO) (2005-2010)
Built and scaled the $120 Billion Valuation Reliance Retail business with 1,500+ stores across
grocery, digital, and consumer goods formats.
- Achieved $1 Billion in revenue; developed -Reliance Digital and Reliance ResQ (first tech
support brand).
Sterling Holidays (Thomas Cook), Chief Marketing & Digital Officer (2015-2020)
Revitalized-Sterling Holidays- into an experiential holiday brand.
- Boosted digital revenue 5x and drove room occupancy to 75% through digital transformation
initiatives. Driven the Turnaround of the business , complete change of Business Model
ISS Hicare (True North), Consulting Chief Marketing Officer (2013-2015)
Developed a scalable consumer service brand with -Hicare, positioning it for growth in the
consumer market.
Globacom (Nigeria), Group CMO & Acting CEO (2012-2013)
Enhanced -Globacom’s business presence in West Africa.
Launched impactful consumer campaigns, increasing market share. ( Acting CEO )
Dabur Ltd (Balsara Division), Business & Category Head (2001-2005)
Integrated Balsara into Dabur with a focus on seamless Category brands and operational
cohesion.
- Expanded market share in high-potential regions and ensured smooth transition between
managements.
-Grew market share in highly competitive Oral care category: Babool into a INR 100 Cr Brand
Reckitt, Regional Sales Manager (1995-2000)
Drove 20% CAGR for Reckitt Business , with brands like -Dettol and Harpic, solidifying Reckitt’s market leadership.
Procter & Gamble, Assistant Brand Manager (1991-1994)
Launched “Ariel” in India, achieving $25 Million in initial sales and setting new FMCG
benchmarks.
Additional Roles
- The Chatterjee Group (TCG), Strategy Consultant (2023-Present): Garden Vareli’s
transformation, launching new consumer internet businesses (Ziki, Yukio, Sirrus).
- Brightcom Group, Independent Director on Board (2021-2023).
- Ampersand Group (Vibgyor Schools), Chief Business Officer (2020-2021): Drove EBIDTA
growth to 52%, and Collections to 90 % plus during pandemic.
- CEO - IIT Bombay Innovation Park (ASPIRE)
- CEO –Interim - Smaash ( Entertainment , Gaming retail )
- Driven Tech startups - Housing.com & Appsdaily .
Education
- PGDM (MBA), IIM Calcutta
- B. Tech, Chemical Engineering, IIT Kharagpur
Directorships & Interests
- Board Member -Platinum One Services; Guest Faculty at IIMs and IITs
- Digital content creator, Author, startup mentor, and active angel investor.
Prasad Shejale
Founder & CEO, LS Digital
Prasad Shejale, Founder and CEO of LS Digital, is a visionary on a mission to revolutionise the digital landscape, transforming customer journeys into powerful brand narratives. His framework for digital business transformation spans across media, creative & communication, data & insights, tech & innovation, UI/UX and CX/EX, reflecting a holistic approach to brand elevation.
As an alumnus of IIT Madras, Prasad combines his insights with a unique blend of marketing and technology expertise. At the helm of LS Digital, he has cultivated a dynamic ecosystem, bringing together entities such as Langoor, f1studioz, and Social Panga and forming a JV with .fearless to form .fear-LS in USA, under the LS Digital Group. This synergistic ensemble has not only propelled numerous brands to super growth but has also solidified Prasad's reputation as a leader who seamlessly integrates business strategy with technological innovation.
Prasad's distinctive strength lies in his ability to not only track industry trends but also to translate ideas into tangible realities. His passion for marketing and technology, coupled with an innate understanding of market dynamics, enables him to offer unparalleled insights. With a focus on crafting favourable consumer journeys—from awareness and appeal to ask, act, and advocacy—Prasad stands as a beacon of transformation in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Having founded Logicserve Group in 2006, Prasad has led its evolution from a modest team to a high-performing, result-oriented group. His entrepreneurial journey is marked by a commitment to excellence and a knack for assembling and leading exceptional teams. In a digital era where innovation is paramount, Prasad Shejale emerges as a forward-thinking entrepreneur who not only envisions change but actively shapes it.
'Challenge The Now' encapsulates Prasad Shejale's ethos, reinforcing his role as a forward-thinking entrepreneur who anticipates and instigates positive changes. His relentless pursuit of excellence shapes the future of digital marketing, making a global impact. Beyond the boardroom, his commitment to a healthy lifestyle embodies the spirit of 'Challenge The Now,' whether conquering Everest Base Camp or steering LS Digital through industry shifts. His positive attitude towards profession, health and life inspires anyone who interacts with him.
Pratibha Prahlad
Prasiddha Foundation
Prathibha Prahlad stands as a distinguished figure in the world of performing arts, recognized not only for her exceptional talent as a danseuse but also for her multifaceted roles as a choreographer, educator, author, speaker, arts administrator, and cultural visionary. Prathibha Prahlad’s remarkable journey through the arts has spanned over five decades, making her a pre- eminent representative of Indian dance on both national and international stages. With a repertoire that includes more than 5,000 performances across over 80 countries, Prathibha Prahlad has carved a unique niche for herself, becoming an inspiration to countless aspiring artists. Prathibha Prahlad is frequently invited to represent India as a cultural ambassador in international forums and participate in a number of highly reputed international festivals worldwide.
Prathibha Prahlad's contributions to the arts have garnered her numerous accolades throughout her career. Among the most notable is the Padma Shri, awarded in 2016, which recognizes Prathibha Prahlad's exceptional service in the field of arts. Prathibha Prahlad is also a recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, bestowed upon her in 2001, underscoring her status as a leading figure in Indian classical dance. Additionally, Prathibha Prahlad has received the highest state award from the Karnataka Government, the prestigious Karnataka Kalasri award, further affirming her impact on the cultural fabric of India. Prathibha Prahlad has been awarded with innumerous awards and honours. She has been bestowed with Lifetime Achievement Awards by notable organizations in both India and the USA. In a unique honor, Prathibha Prahlad is the only artist of her generation featured on a "My Stamp" released by the Department of Posts in India, celebrating her contributions and the significance of the Delhi International Arts Festival. This recognition not only highlights Prathibha Prahlad's achievements but also serves as a source of inspiration for future generations of artists.
Prathibha Prahlad's artistry reached a pinnacle with the recent production "WARRIOR WOMEN OF BHARAT," which opened the Festival of India in Russia in September 2023. This performance received standing ovations, showcasing Prathibha Prahlad's ability to connect with diverse audiences through powerful narratives and captivating choreography. This production, along with other notable works such as "BHARAT AFTER MAHATMA," “PANCHAJANYA”, “CALL OF THE FLUTE - KRISHNA’S WIDOWS”, "EKAM SAT," and "VANDE MATARAM," has earned Prathibha Prahlad international accolades and admiration from critics and audiences alike. Each of her choreographies reflects a deep engagement with cultural themes, history, and social narratives, establishing Prathibha Prahlad as an artiste extraordinaire.
As the founder of the Prasiddha Foundation and the Forum for Art Beyond Borders, Prathibha Prahlad is passionately dedicated to the promotion and preservation of traditional Indian dance forms, particularly Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi. Prathibha Prahlad's commitment to cultural advocacy extends beyond mere performance; it encompasses a holistic approach to nurturing and sustaining the arts. The Prasiddha Foundation, established in 1991, aims to foster a love and appreciation for all forms of art while also facilitating national and international cultural exchanges.
Through her foundation, Prathibha Prahlad has conceptualized and curated several significant arts festivals that have left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape of India. Among these is the Delhi International Arts Festival (DIAF), which Prathibha Prahlad launched in 2007.
Recognized as one of India’s most prestigious arts festivals, DIAF has grown into a powerful platform for cultural tourism and diplomacy. It showcases a diverse array of artistic expressions, bringing together artists from various disciplines and fostering dialogue between traditional and contemporary forms. The festival has become a vital space for cultural exchange, creating opportunities for collaboration and understanding among artists from around the world. The festival includes all genres of music, dance, theatre, puppetry, poetry, literature, visual arts, films and exhibitions - from the most traditional to the most contemporary expressions of all these art forms. It is India’s first public-private international arts festival. Across the 12 editions of the festival, over 24,000 Artistes from over 60 different countries have come to perform in DIAF. Participating Artists have come from across the globe with the United States of America, United Kingdom, Russia, Spain, Hungary, China, Brazil, Japan, to name a few. DIAF forged sister festival partnerships with the prestigious Edinburgh Festival, the China Shanghai Festival, the DjakArt International Festival, Singapore Arts Festival, and other festivals of Asia. Special editions of DIAF have featured the BRICS Festival, Africa in India Festival, ASEAN Festival, and SAARC Festival, featuring artists from these countries and re- enforcing cultural diplomacy efforts through soft power. The Delhi International Arts Festival has also taken up social initiatives, sensitizing under trials through cultural tools at Tihar Jail, supported various NGOs such as Salaam Balak Trust (Specially abled children) Chinh India- Animated Movie making & showcasing Children from Norway and New Zealand participated tGELF, Tribes India- Promoting tribal arts through exhibitions.
In addition to DIAF, Prathibha Prahlad played a pivotal role in establishing the Hampi Vijayotsav, a tourism-directed cultural initiative that highlights the breath taking landscape and historical significance of Hampi. This festival, celebrated against the backdrop of UNESCO- recognized heritage, has been instrumental in promoting Hampi as a key cultural destination, attracting both national and international visitors. The success of the Hampi Vijayotsav not only emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage in tourism but also reinforces Prathibha Prahlad’s belief in the transformative power of the arts.
Beyond her artistic endeavours, Prathibha Prahlad is deeply committed to education and advocacy within the arts. Prathibha Prahlad has designed dance syllabi for the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and played a key role in developing the Master’s degree program for the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD). Her contributions to education reflect her belief in the importance of structured learning in preserving traditional art forms while also making them accessible to a broader audience.
As an author, Prathibha Prahlad’s book on Bharatanatyam has garnered significant acclaim, remaining on Amazon’s best-seller list for over five years. The book serves as both a comprehensive resource for students and a valuable reference for scholars interested in understanding the intricacies of this classical dance form. By documenting the history, techniques, and cultural significance of Bharatanatyam, Prathibha Prahlad has made a lasting contribution to the discourse surrounding Indian classical arts.
Prathibha Prahlad's commitment to education extends beyond writing; she actively conducts workshops and seminars, sharing her expertise and insights with aspiring dancers. Through these initiatives, Prathibha Prahlad aims to cultivate a new generation of artists who are not only skilled performers but also informed cultural ambassadors.
In addition to her work in live performance and education, Prathibha Prahlad has made significant contributions to television and media. Prathibha Prahlad produced the award-winning series "SHRUTI," which centred on the life of a dancer-heroine and achieved high ratings during its broadcast. The series not only entertained audiences but also educated them about the rich cultural heritage of Indian dance. Furthermore, Prathibha Prahlad was commissioned by Bangalore Doordarshan to produce and direct a documentary titled "Natyakriti," which explored 50 years of dance in Karnataka and received national recognition for its excellence. Prathibha Prahlad's involvement in media highlights her ability to leverage different platforms to promote Indian arts, ensuring that cultural narratives reach wider audiences. By using television as a medium, Prathibha Prahlad has successfully introduced classical dance to a more diverse demographic, encouraging appreciation and interest in traditional art forms.
At the core of Prathibha Prahlad’s work is a profound belief in the unifying power of culture. Prathibha Prahlad often emphasizes that “Culture is the wealth you pass onto future generations. It is our identity and is the only truly unifying force in this divisive world.” This philosophy underpins her various initiatives and drives her commitment to cultural advocacy. Prathibha Prahlad views arts as a critical agent for societal change, capable of fostering understanding and connection among people from different backgrounds.
Prathibha Prahlad’s mission is not merely to promote Indian arts but to instill a sense of pride in the rich cultural legacy of India. Prathibha Prahlad believes that cultural engagement can serve as a powerful tool for community building, empowerment, and social transformation. Through her work, Prathibha Prahlad aims to create spaces where art can thrive, encouraging collaboration and dialogue among artists, communities, and audiences.
The Prasiddha Foundation, which Prathibha Prahlad established, serves as a vital platform for nurturing artistic talent and promoting cultural engagement. The foundation’s flagship festivals, such as Sharad Vaibhava and Eka Aneka, have become significant cultural events in India. Sharad Vaibhava, initiated in 1991, introduced a colloquium built around themes that fostered dialogue between artists of different genres, while Eka Aneka reintroduced all-night music and dance festivals to Bangalore, promoting the idea that art is for everyone to enjoy.
Prathibha Prahlad’s vision for the future includes the construction of the Prasiddha Centre, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to performing arts in Bangalore. This centre aims to provide artists with the resources they need to hone their craft and engage with audiences in innovative ways. The establishment of such a venue reflects Prathibha Prahlad’s commitment to creating sustainable spaces for artistic expression and cultural dialogue.
Prathibha Prahlad continues to be a guiding light in the realm of Indian arts, combining her passion for dance with a deep commitment to cultural advocacy and education. Prathibha Prahlad's expansive career is marked by significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of traditional art forms, making her a pivotal figure in India’s cultural landscape. As Prathibha Prahlad navigates the complexities of modern society, she remains steadfast in her belief that the arts have the power to transform lives and bridge divides. Through her ongoing work, Prathibha Prahlad inspires countless individuals to embrace their cultural heritage and appreciate the beauty of the diverse artistic traditions that define our world.
Savitaraj Hiremath
Founder & CEO, Tandav Films
ABOUT ME
Constantly achieving new peaks of success and creativity
with the above philosophy, Savita Raj Hiremath, is no less
than an industry veteran. She has been engaged in the
business of advertising, marketing and creating impactful
Hindi Feature Films since the last 25years.
She being a Co-Founder of Ushak kaal Communications Ltd, a 360-degree advertising and communication venture. Collaborating with a number of lifestyle brands, Savita has strived to personally address various social issues such as AIDS, girl child adoption, and care for hearing and visually impaired people among others; for which she has been felicitated several times as well. She conceptualized and promoted ‘Delhi Times’, an initiative that revived Times of India’s readership in Delhi. Savita has successfully organized a plethora of shows for Filmfare as well. Being a social person who feels at ease working with talents across fields, levels and ideas, she has become a revered industry player having worked for MNC brands such as Amway, Suzuki, Swarovski, Schwarzkopf and top Indian brands like Dabur and Hindustan Motors, etc. Worked exclusively with various Television Channels and has been a debater, guests at various News Channels, Doordarshan etc. Produced a music album titled ‘India Unlimited’, featuring 30 famous artists from all over India under a single banner to promote peace & harmony titled “Vaishnav Janato”. It was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Savitaraj produced a United Nations (UN Millenium Campaign ) on eradication of poverty with Celebrities of India & Abroad. Appreciated by one and all. Raaj successfully executed the T20 International Cricket for The Blind in 2017 held at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi India , organized the total Campaign from inauguration to closing award ceremony, the advertising campaign including the famous Film Song. It was called by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi as “The Anthem for The Blind.”
ACHIEVEMENTS
Co-Founder Of Bulls & Bears Advertising
Co-Founder Of Ushak kaal Communications Ltd.
Co- Founder of Tandav Film Entertainment Pvt Ltd
Co-Founder of Superstar Xchange Inc
Produced a music album titled ‘India Unlimited’,
featuring 30 famous artists from all over India under a
single banner to promote peace & harmony titled
“Vaishnav Janato”. It was inaugurated by the then Prime
Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Savitaraj produced a United Nations (UN Millenium
Campaign ) on eradication of poverty with Celebrities of
India & Abroad. Appreciated by one and all.
Raaj successfully executed the T20 International Cricket
for The Blind in 2017 held at Indira Gandhi Indoor
Stadium, New Delhi India , organized the total Campaign
from inauguration to closing award ceremony, the
advertising campaign including the famous Film Song. It
was called by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri
Narendra Modi as “The Anthem for The Blind.”
Savitaraj is a producer of the highly successful and
acclaimed Hindi Feature Film” Khosla Ka Ghosla.” The film
not only regaled the audiences, but also received
immense praise from film critics
Savitaraj has recently launched Hindi Feature Film
“JHUND” A slum soccer Film essayed by the iconic
Amitabh Bachchan with Director Nagraj Manjule of Sairat
fame with grand success.
AWARDS AND ACCOLADES
The multi-talented Savita is also the producer of
the highly successful and acclaimed Hindi feature
film” Khosla Ka Ghosla.” The film not only regaled
the audiences, but also received immense praise
from film critics. It went on to win the National
Award for ‘Best Feature Film in Hindi’.
# Won 160 Advertising & Marketing Awards from
Media, Advertising Clubs & Marketing Companies
# Won the National Award for Best Hindi Film
2008 by Government Of India .
# Got the Path-breaking Cinema Award from Star
Screen Awards. Many International Awards like
Kara Film Festival, Vienna Film Festival etc have
been received.
# Honoured by “ Kala Samman Awards “ by DC of
Gurugram in 2022 for Contribution of Art &
Cinema to Gurugram ( Haryana City)
# Facilitated by Prime Minister Shri Atal Behari
Vajpayee for the Music Album
# Appreciation by Shri Narendra Modi Jee for
Political Campaigns of 1998 and Continuing the
work of Ad- Films till date.
Shailendra Kumar
Chief Operating Officer, Moksha Media Group
Chief Operating Officer | E-Commerce & Start-Up Specialist
As a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience, I have developed a versatile
skill set and deep expertise across a range of industries, with a specialization in e-commerce
and startups. My career has been marked by a track record of success in driving operational
excellence, fostering growth, and navigating the dynamic challenges of online business and
entrepreneurial ventures.
E-Commerce & Start-Up Expertise:
With a decade-long focus on e-commerce and startups, I have successfully contributed to the
growth and development of two high-performing start-ups, where I played a pivotal role in
shaping business strategies, optimizing operational processes, and driving overall growth. My
experience includes managing the complexities of scaling businesses in a rapidly evolving
digital landscape, where agility, innovation, and customer-centric solutions are key to long-
term success.
Strategic Leadership & Operational Excellence:
Throughout my career, I have held leadership roles in multiple organizations, bringing a
proactive approach to business operations and consistently delivering results. As the Chief
Operating Officer at [Current Company], I oversee day-to-day operations, drive efficiency
improvements, and ensure alignment of business strategies with market trends and customer
demands. My ability to lead cross-functional teams, streamline processes, and identify growth
opportunities has been instrumental in achieving measurable success.
Start-Up Growth & Scaling:
My journey in the start-up ecosystem has been particularly rewarding, with valuable
contributions made to two successful ventures. I’ve had the opportunity to shape business
models, optimize product offerings, and establish strong market positions for these
companies. My entrepreneurial mindset, combined with a deep understanding of e-commerce
dynamics, has equipped me with the ability to adapt quickly and drive results even in the face
of uncertainty and rapid change.
Academic Foundation:
I hold an MBA from the prestigious Xavier Institute of Social Service, where I gained a
comprehensive understanding of business principles, management strategies, and operational
frameworks. This academic foundation, combined with my practical experience, provides me
with a strong, well-rounded perspective on business challenges and opportunities.