Mrinalini Padhi is a multi-faceted professional from Odisha, India, recognized as a celebrated lawyer, social activist, filmmaker, and author. She has gained national prominence for her legal advocacy and public interest litigation focused on temple reforms and social justice.
Anuja Chandramouli has written 11 books and is considered one of the finest writers in mythology, historical fiction and fantasy. Her highly appreciated debut novel, Arjuna: Saga of a Pandava Warrior-Prince, was named as one of the top 5 sellers in the Indian writing category for the year 2012 by Amazon India. An acclaimed Tedx…
Bhawana Somaaya is a film critic, columnist and author. She has been writing on cinema for almost 50 years. She is the former editor of Screen and written biographies of superstars like Hema Malini and Amitabh Bachchan. Her books are a point of reference for students studying cinema at Whistling Woods, Mumbai, Manipal University, Mangalore…
Dr. Binod K. Chaudhary is a rich philanthropist, politician, and businessman from Nepal. He serves as the Chaudhary Group’s (CG) president and chairman. With an estimated net worth of $1 billion, he was named Nepal’s lone billionaire and wealthiest individual in February 2013. His net worth has increased to $1.7 billion since 2013. In addition…
Lakshmi Murdeshwar Puri, born in 1952, is a distinguished former UN official and Indian diplomat. With 28 years in the Indian Foreign Service, she served as India’s Ambassador to Hungary and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Transitioning to the United Nations, Puri contributed significantly, becoming the deputy executive director of UN Women. Recognized for her human rights…
Mani Rao, a prolific writer, has authored twelve poetry collections and translated Sanskrit works, including those of Kalidasa, the Bhagavad Gita, and the tantric hymn Saundarya Lahari. Her anthropological study, “Living Mantra: Mantra, Deity and Visionary Experience Today,” explores mantra practices. Rao’s poems, translated into multiple languages, have appeared in prestigious literary journals and anthologies…
An alumnus of IIT Kharagpur, Smarak Swain is an officer of the 2008 batch of the Indian Revenue Service, known for his exemplary contributions to India’s financial and regulatory frameworks. His remarkable career spans diverse roles in New Delhi, Bangalore, and Bhubaneswar, including serving as part of India’s negotiating team in the OECD’s Task Force…
Sikta Deo is an Indian journalist, currently working as a Senior Anchor with NDTV. Sikta Deo has received several accolades for her journalistic work.
Pravin Shekhar is a celebrated figure in Indian theatre, known for his creative brilliance, commitment to the arts, and innovative approach enriched with high aesthetic values. With a career spanning over 36 years, he has directed over 30 plays, acted in 25, and designed numerous productions that have earned him critical acclaim nationwide. Recipient of…