Introducing the “15 Indian Shining Stars 2024: Champions of Excellence, Innovation and Progress” – a group of exceptional individuals who have not only risen to the forefront of their respective fields but have also made an indelible mark on the global stage.
1. Annamrita Foundation
Led by President Kushal Desai, Annamrita Foundation It was inspired by instructions given by ISKCON founder Srila Prabhupada in 1974, when he saw village children fighting for pieces of food.Prabhupada commanded that no one should go hungry within a ten-mile radius of ISKCON temples. Inspired by this vision, the Annamrita Foundation was formed and is committed to serving food with the same love and devotion as a mother gives to her child. Founded in 2004 as an NGO serving mid-day meals to school children, Annamrita has expanded its mission to aid the needy across India.
2. Rhythm Wagholikar
is a versatile individual from Pune, excelling both as a real estate businessman and a passionate writer. His love for music has led him to create unique literary works on great personalities like Lata Mangeshkar, Kishori Amonkar, Usha Mangeshkar and Girija Devi. He also wrote a prosopography on transgender sociology, which earned him an honorary doctorate. Along with his wife Anuja, he hosted one of India’s first transgender marathons, spreading a strong message of acceptance and equality in society. Rhythm’s innovative approach to book aesthetics and distinctive visual appeal has given birth to several bestsellers. Together with Rachna Shah, he has also written a song on the Indian Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.
3. Sanjukta Arun Barik
A contemporary artist, founder and director based in Mumbai La Artemisia Pvt Ltdand owns the wearable art label Sanjukta_Arun. Passionate about art since childhood, she decided to move from a corporate career to a professional artist 30 years ago. Sanjukta has participated in 75 shows, including 27 solo exhibitions globally. She set up her gallery to support both established and emerging artists, organising successful national and international shows. Her 2023 awards include the Mid Day Most Powerful Woman Award and the All India Women’s Achievers Award. In 2024, and many more awards. Her goal is to promote her artists, weavers and artisans, focusing on collaboration and enterprise development.
4. Dr. Prasad Appa Tarkar
He is an architect, art director, sculptor and filmmaker who has carved a niche for himself and left an indelible mark on every field he has worked in. His journey began with the foundation laid by his father, renowned artist Appa Tarkar, whose innovative approach to art direction inspired him. Dr. Prasad Merging tradition with modernity. The establishment of “Vedas” in 2001 was the beginning of Dr. Prasad’s visionary ventures. From modest beginnings with religious sculptures to grandeur in art direction for national events and films, “Vedas” quickly rose to prominence. Notable among its achievements is the transformation of the Oshiwara crematorium, a project that won international recognition and a national award from Dr. Abdul Kalam.
5. Dr. Neha Prasad Kamat
Dr. Neha Prasad Kamat is a renowned psychologist and influencer and is passionate about mental health care and child development. She runs an educational NGO named Kamat Social FoundationAs a writer, she aims to raise awareness and assist individuals struggling to build careers due to stress and mental health challenges. She advocates a positive approach to marriage, emphasizing understanding over expectations and ego. Through her videos and writings, she spreads positivity and awareness. Dr. Kamat’s research, published in leading journals, earned her an honorary doctorate from IIU University.
6. Utkarsh Singh
Utkarsh SinghAt just 26 years old, Singh is revolutionizing India’s startup ecosystem as a prominent angel investor and investor in growth, Stride Ventures. With an MBA and CFA from ISB, his career has included leadership roles in leading VC funds and investment syndicates. Singh’s investments span across sectors such as clean tech, energy and SaaS, managing a portfolio of $900 million AUM and delivering high returns. He democratizes investment opportunities, empowers HNI investors and family offices from tier 2 cities and catalyzes growth in India. Apart from investing, he has been instrumental in scaling businesses from 0-1. Being a serial entrepreneur himself, he exemplifies social impact and innovation of the next curve
7. CA Mayank Choudhary
Marv & Associates LLPFounded by Mukesh Chaudhary, has provided expert corporate governance and tax management guidance for over 30+ years. Mayank Chaudhary drives this vision forward. Their commitment to a personalized approach and client-centric values ensures quality services. Led by a stellar team including partners like Atul Agarwal, they provide comprehensive solutions in tax, audit and corporate finance. With a dedicated staff and a wide service portfolio covering accounting, audit, corporate restructuring and governance, they maintain professionalism and dynamism.
8. Atul Jain
Atul JainA successful online entrepreneur hailing from Jalandhar, seamlessly combining his digital skills with the rich legacy of the family business, Brand World takes brands to unprecedented heights through digital media. With deep expertise in PR, Branding, Media, Google Knowledge Panel and Wikipedia, Atul has emerged as a stalwart in the digital marketing space. He organises impactful collaborations between brands and influencers.
9. Amar Kolhapuri
RW – Royalway, founded by visionary Amar KolhapuriA testament to passion and perseverance. Originating from the quaint village of Wai, Amar’s dream was to turn his budding brand into an international sensation. RW – Royalway is known for its unique blend of contemporary trends and timeless elegance, rooted in traditional craftsmanship. Despite humble beginnings and financial constraints, Amar’s creativity and commitment to quality established a loyal customer base.
10. Jitendra Chawla
Jitendra ChawlaThe CEO of SMEBiz is a seasoned expert in lead generation, branding, sales and business development strategies. With a passion for brand building and marketing, Jitendra is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs to achieve their business goals. His core approach revolves around facilitating the growth of businesses through effective branding and marketing strategies. Jitendra firmly believes that brands have the power to inspire and make a lasting impact on people’s lives. He is deeply committed to helping individuals and companies establish strong brand identities, etc.
11. Ramesh Rahi Yadav
Graphologist who uncovers human potential and development. In an age characterized by digital communications and technological marvels, the simple act of signing your name may seem mundane. However, Ramesh Rahi YadavAccording to an eminent graphologist, the signature is far from ordinary. For him, it is a gateway to unraveling a person’s innermost thoughts, motivations and potential. This profound belief in the power of signatures was highlighted at the prestigious Times Applaud event on September 2, 2023, where cricket legend Harbhajan Singh honoured Yadav with the prestigious Inspiring Leader Award.
12. Dr. Anand Shukla
MBBS, MD, PhD, DSc, DPHV (ICRI), FCLR (Apollo Hospital), is a distinguished medical professional currently working as Additional Professor of Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance at Subharti Medical College and University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. He completed MBBS and MD in Pharmacology from MLNMC, Allahabad University in 1991. Dr. Shukla Has served as senior resident and research officer in pharmacology at Lady Hardinge Medical College. His notable achievements include emergency medicine training, oncology research at Apollo Hospitals and longevity research in lifestyle diseases at the University of Fiji.
13. Dr. Vivek Kumar Pathak
Dr. Vivek Kumar Pathak is a highly respected ENT surgeon with qualifications including MBBS and MS. He has held several prominent positions, serving as a senior ENT surgeon at Kailash Hospital in Noida and Greater Noida, UP, India, a senior ENT surgeon and ENT professor at Sharda Medical College and Hospital in Greater Noida, and the CEO and senior ENT surgeon at Docstreat Healthcare and Integrity Care in Noida Sector-20. With over 10 years of experience, Dr. Pathak has earned great respect in his field, treating and managing a wide range of conditions such as nasal polyps, radiation necrosis in the neck, hyperthyroidism and goiter.
14. Praveen Pulata
Praveen PullataAn eminent personality from Andhra Pradesh, Praveen is the CEO of RISE Political Research & Analysis and Chairman & Managing Director of RYT Research and RISE Private Limited. With an illustrious career spanning 15 years in Political Research & Analysis, Praveen is known as a consummate strategist and experienced election analyst. As a visionary entrepreneur and committed philanthropist, Praveen Pulata’s influence extends across the country, supporting major political parties and contributing to the electoral success of 49 MLAs and 6 MPs in the recent AP elections.
15. Amol Dahiwadkar
An acclaimed architect and interior designer, he has spent over 14 years shaping India’s architectural landscape. His journey began in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in architecture from North Maharashtra University. Amol’s career has flourished globally, honing his skills in international firms and blending aesthetics with functionality. His work spans from Dubai to Delhi, where he has showcased his innovative designs. Realising the need for comprehensive project delivery in India, he co-founded Biological Design Workshop (ODW),
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