40 Rising Leaders Below 40: Next-Gen Leaders Transforming India

The next era of leadership is being shaped by a new generation of visionaries who are redefining success across different industries on a global level. From entrepreneurship and technology to finance, creative industries, and social impact, these 40 Rising Leaders Below 40 are setting new benchmarks through their thinking and decisive action. The list showcases 40 dynamic leaders under the age of 40 who are driving innovation, creating impact, and shaping the future of India through their vision, determination, and leadership.

1. Ridhi Mehra, Founder & Creative Director

Ridhi Mehra is one of the most influential entrepreneurs in Indian luxury fashion, known for building a brand that seamlessly bridges craftsmanship and contemporary design. Since launching her label in 2012, she has grown it into a global business spanning 20+ countries, with flagship stores in Hyderabad and Delhi, including the brand’s flagship bridal store in Ambawatta, Mehrauli, Delhi. Her label has become synonymous with modern Indian occasion wear, offering bridal couture, festive wear and menswear that blend traditional artistry with contemporary silhouettes. Recognised for her entrepreneurial vision and design innovation, Ridhi continues to champion Indian craftsmanship while shaping the global conversation around modern luxury fashion.

2. Bhavya Shah, Founder | Milo Jewels

Bhavya Shah is the Co-founder of Milo Jewels, a lab-grown diamond jewellery brand built on design with intent — diamonds, honestly sourced, worn without waiting for an occasion to justify them. Rooted in the manufacturing origins of Nouveau Diamonds in Navsari, with 650+ machineries, Milo treats that provenance as its defining asset — a direct line from maker to wearer. Positioned around design and self-purchase for the modern Indian woman, collections span Gifting, Essentials, Design House, and The Vault. Complimentary engraving, permanent bracelets, and jewellery refurbishing extend the experience beyond the sale. Under Bhavya's leadership, Milo has opened three Mumbai showrooms, built a strong e-commerce presence, and is growing towards 100 stores by 2030.

3. Shivam Khullar, The Research & Development Chef and Sous Chef at The Catbird Seat

Shivam Khullar is a rising force in global fine dining, recognised for his contribution to culinary innovation and research-led gastronomy. As Research & Development Chef and Sous Chef at Nashville's Michelin-starred The Catbird Seat, he has played a key role in shaping a dining experience ranked among North America's finest. With training across Michelin-starred kitchens in the United States and Europe, Khullar represents a new generation of Indian chefs making their mark on the world stage.

4. Divya Yachamaneni: Transforming Lives Through Sustainable Water Solutions

As CEO of Naandi Community Water Services Pvt. Ltd. (Naandi Water), Divya Yachamaneni is driving meaningful social impact by expanding access to safe and affordable drinking water across underserved communities. After a successful corporate career, she chose to lead a mission focused on one of India’s most pressing challenges—clean water for all. Under her leadership, Naandi Water has navigated regulatory complexities, funding challenges, and operational disruptions while steadily scaling its impact. Today, the organisation provides safe drinking water to over 880,000 people and 30,000 schoolchildren.

5. Sareen Shikalgar, Founder & Principal Designer, Tiny Design.

Sareen Shikalgar is an Architect, Interior Stylist, and the founder of Tiny Design whose career has been driven by her curiosity for design. Having graduated at the top of her class with distinction, she ventured well beyond the traditional architectural path. Her portfolio spans Set Design for celebrity-led advertisements and films, Interior Design, and luxury destination wedding design. Today, she leads Tiny Design, a Mumbai-based studio rooted in the belief that spaces should feel personal, almost like a journal of lived experiences. Sareen also runs a passion project called the Tiny Art Club, an initiative that champions art for all and sends free artwork to strangers across India.

6. Rohan Khanduja, Amazon Product Leader & Founder of Lotus Worldwide and ORIGIN

Rohan Khanduja is a global product and technology leader with 16 years of experience building and scaling zero-to-one innovations at Amazon and Bank of America. As Founder of Lotus Worldwide, a Seattle-based conscious design and consumer hardware company, he is shaping ORIGIN, its design-led consumer brand, and FIREFLY, a flagship portable smart lamp being developed for a global Kickstarter launch. He also co-founded the Lotus Worldwide Foundation, advancing education access, sustainability, and opportunity across communities. Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice, Rohan combines systems thinking, AI/ML insight, and people-first leadership to guide complex platforms and multidisciplinary teams toward mass-market adoption.

7. Medha Shri Dahiya: Driving Empathy-First Leadership at Wildr

As India Head of Customer Success at Wildr, Medha Shri Dahiya is redefining remote workplace culture through empathy-led leadership. She has introduced thoughtful initiatives—from intern coffee stipends and mindfulness workshops to flexible work arrangements that support young mothers, caregivers, and professionals navigating life transitions. By fostering inclusivity and prioritising employee well-being, Dahiya has helped create an environment where people feel valued both personally and professionally. Her leadership reflects the belief that empathy is not just a workplace value but a strategic advantage that strengthens collaboration, innovation, and long-term success.

8. Aditi Seshadri & Priya Thachadi: Building an Inclusive Future with Unlock Impact

As co-founders of Unlock Impact, Aditi Seshadri and Priya Thachadi are redefining entrepreneurship by helping purpose-driven organisations grow while advancing gender equity across South and Southeast Asia. Through their flagship service, Comms Ninja, they empower social impact startups with strategic communications and marketing while creating fully remote, flexible employment opportunities exclusively for women, including caregivers and those in underserved communities. Their Nüshu Network has supported over 800 women entrepreneurs with access to capital, mentorship, and a collaborative ecosystem.

9. Chitrakshi Vij, Presence & Influence Strategist.

Chitrakshi Vij is a Presence & Influence Strategist, entrepreneur, and leadership mentor. Over the last decade, she has coached more than 7,000 professionals, 10000+ hours of subject matter expertise, led one of India's most active professional communities through India's largest image management associations, advised founders and businesses on growth and positioning, and is now collaborating with Indian and international organisations on leadership, communication, and AI-driven workplace solutions. Her work is focused on building leaders, stronger businesses, and lasting impact.

10. Richa Gangani, Founder, Richa’s Fitness Lab

Richa Gangani is the Founder of Richa’s Fitness Lab, a wellness platform committed to helping individuals achieve sustainable health through personalized nutrition and lifestyle coaching. With a strong focus on long-term well-being, she advocates a practical and balanced approach to fitness that moves beyond restrictive diets and short-term solutions. Richa emphasizes customized strategies tailored to a person’s lifestyle, habits, health goals, and nutritional requirements. Through her guidance, countless individuals have embraced healthier habits, improved their relationship with food, and achieved meaningful transformations. By simplifying wellness and promoting mindful lifestyle choices, Richa continues to inspire people to take charge of their health and build lasting, positive change.

11. Vidhi Shah | Founder, Flying Pencil Creative Solutions

Vidhi Shah is the Founder of Flying Pencil Creative Solutions, a strategy-led branding and communications agency helping businesses build impactful, future-ready brands through creative storytelling and integrated marketing solutions. Since establishing the agency in 2011, she has led its growth into a trusted creative partner for organizations across diverse industries, delivering brand strategy, design, digital marketing, and communication solutions that drive business value. Her leadership reflects a commitment to empowering brands to connect meaningfully with their audiences while fostering a culture of excellence, adaptability, and long-term client partnerships, making her a distinguished leader in India’s creative communications landscape.

12. Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder & CEO, Garuda Aerospace

Agnishwar Jayaprakash is the Founder and CEO of Garuda Aerospace, one of India’s leading drone technology companies driving innovation across agriculture, defence, infrastructure, and industrial applications. A former international swimmer turned entrepreneur, he has built Garuda Aerospace into a pioneer in indigenous drone manufacturing and Drone-as-a-Service solutions, supporting India’s vision for technology-led growth. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its nationwide footprint, empowering farmers and enterprises with cutting-edge aerial intelligence. Recognized in Fortune India‘s 40 Under 40, Agnishwar continues to shape the future of India’s drone ecosystem through innovation, scalability, and a strong commitment to nation-building.

13. Mr. Tejas Chavan, Director, Green Spaces

Mr. Tejas Chavan is the Director of Green Spaces and a purpose-driven entrepreneur committed to advancing sustainable living and eco-conscious hospitality. Under his leadership, Grape County Eco Resort & Spa has emerged as one of Maharashtra’s leading eco-tourism destinations, guided by the philosophy of “Co-Exist with Nature.” He has spearheaded transformative initiatives including the plantation of over 60,000 native trees, creation of five rainwater-harvested lakes, 100% water recycling systems, and biodiversity restoration projects. A passionate advocate for sustainable development, regenerative farming, rural empowerment, and responsible tourism, Mr. Chavan continues to demonstrate how environmental conservation and economic growth can work together to create lasting value for communities and future generations.

14. Sheetu Surana, Director at Surana Jewellers 

Beyond her role at Surana Jewellers, Sheetu Surana has established herself as a prominent voice in the luxury, lifestyle, and entrepreneurial landscape. Through authentic leadership, strategic networking, and thoughtfully curated experiences, she has built a personal brand that reflects elegance, credibility, and influence. Her ability to connect heritage with contemporary aspirations, while fostering meaningful relationships across business and social communities, has strengthened her public presence. By leveraging storytelling, community engagement, and purposeful communication, Sheetu exemplifies how modern leaders can transform expertise and values into lasting influence, redefining personal branding in today's dynamic world.

15. Mrs. Vandita, Founder & Proprietor of Vandy’s Nail Studio

Mrs. Vandita (Popularly Known as Vandy) is the Founder & Proprietor of Vandy’s Nail Studio, Vandy’s Makeup Art, and Goddess Umbrella Foundation. At 29 ( A mother to a 3 year old daughter )with over seven years of entrepreneurial experience, she has built a successful professional nails,beauty, makeup, PMU, and training academy business. Holding a Master’s degree in Anthropology with Honors, Vandita combines academic knowledge with strong business acumen inherited from her family’s construction business background & Ayurvedic treatment centre/Hospital arena. Raised by a single mother, she credits her success to perseverance, hard work, and faith in destiny. Through Goddess Umbrella, she empowers women.

16. Shilpi Singh, Director, Della Group

Shilpi Singh is a Director at Della Group and a founding architect behind DLC’s evolution into a formidable global network of entrepreneurs and changemakers. She is the driving force behind DLC Guide, Della’s global thought leadership platform for the hospitality industry, envisioned by her mentor, Design Futurist Jimmy Mistry. At Della Townships, Shilpi is advancing the Integrated Salutogenic Living philosophy across Della’s wellness-led township developments while spearheading strategic global brand collaborations. As Della Townships scales towards a USD 5+ billion GDV, she also leads strategic talent acquisition and executive recruitment. She is regularly invited to speak on global platforms, podcasts, and international media, sharing insights on leadership, community building, and the future of wellness-led integrated townships.

17. Aditya Vikram Birla, Chairman and Managing Director of the Cosmic Birla Group

Aditya Vikram Birla is the Chairman and Managing Director of the Cosmic Birla Group, a diversified industrial enterprise with interests in railways, defence, EVs, engineering, and infrastructure. Born in Kolkata in 1989, Aditya was raised in an industrial family environment marked by structure, responsibility, and early exposure to business operations. He studied at Don Bosco Park Circus, completed his BBA from Jadavpur University, and earned an MBA from Cardiff University, UK in 2012. After returning to India, Aditya took charge during a financial crisis and steadily expanded the group across steel, EVs, defence, and infrastructure. From a 125 crore Group 5 years ago, under Aditya’s leadership it has grown into a 5,000 crore conglomerate.

18. Jugal Chauhan, Founder, Course Unbox

A digital marketing strategist and educator with over 14 years of industry experience, Jugal Chauhan leads Course Unbox, a Noida-based institute focused on AI-powered digital marketing and skill-based professional training. As businesses increasingly seek practical skills over traditional qualifications, Chauhan is helping bridge the gap between education and employability through hands-on learning, live projects, and industry-focused mentorship. Through Course Unbox, he trains students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and career changers in digital marketing, AI automation, SEO, performance marketing, and emerging technologies. His mission is to equip learners with job-ready skills that enable them to thrive in India's rapidly evolving digital economy.

19. Guru Dutt Kaushal, Founder, Experience My India

Guru Dutt Kaushal is a young entrepreneur redefining experiential travel in India through his venture, Experience My India. Starting his journey as a local guide in Vrindavan at the age of 19, he transformed his passion for showcasing authentic India into a thriving travel brand. Today, the bootstrapped company serves travelers from over 35 countries and has curated journeys for more than 50,000 clients. With a strong focus on personalized experiences, cultural immersion, and exceptional service, Kaushal has built Experience My India into a rapidly growing travel enterprise, earning global recognition through trust, customer satisfaction, and word-of-mouth referrals.

20. Dr Abhimanyu Bhatia (MBBS,MD,FCCCM), Co-Founder Qris Health

Dr Abhimanyu Bhatia is a Critical Care and Chronic Disease Specialist and a healthcare entrepreneur committed to making preventive care continuous, accessible and doctor-led. As Co-founder of Qris Health, he has built an integrated chronic disease management platform that combines MD doctor consultations, diagnostics, AI-enabled continuous monitoring and structured follow-up for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and thyroid disorders. With a presence across five major cities, Qris Health has supported more than 10,000 patients. His vision is to move healthcare beyond episodic treatment towards early detection, continuous engagement and measurable outcomes, helping Indians lead healthier, longer and better-informed lives.

21. Jayraj Hrishikesh, Founder & CEO, Thinkspace Edutech Pvt. Ltd. 

AI-Deeptech Venture: From Zero to Million-Dollar Revenue! Bootstrapped. Profitable from Year One. Unstoppable! In a country where depression is no longer a whisper, Jayraj Hrishikesh built a new system with co-founder Vikas V. Rao, Ex-Infosys. Founder & CEO, Thinkspace Edutech — India's 1st AI-deeptech UBER-model platform, JAICAREERHUB, connecting psychologists and career counsellors. Approved by IIT & AIIMS. Zero funding. Pure vision.45,000+ users. 4 countries. 2024: represented India in Europe as an award-winning founder.Author, Emotional Intelligence as an Experience. Trainer to 30,000+ students. A meditator.The world's loudest industry found its quietest disruptor.

22. Mridula Agarwal, Founder & Lead Practitioner of iReAwake

Mridula Agarwal occupies a category few can claim — where ancient spirituality meets modern neuroscience to deliver measurable, real-world transformation that goes beyond therapy. As founder of iReAwake and creator of the proprietary Soul Rebirth Process™, she works across seven layers of human experience — soul-level imprints, ancestral DNA, subconscious programming, and somatic patterns — reaching root causes that conventional modalities never touch. Clients pulled back from suicidal edges. Decades-long depressions lifted. Financial collapses reversed. People rebuilt from the abyss — not managed, not coped with, but genuinely transformed.

23. Naitik Ashwin Vyas, Founder & CEO of Lords Mobility

Naitik Ashwin Vyas is an entrepreneur, investor, and business strategist dedicated to building globally scalable enterprises from India. Over the last decade, he has worked across healthcare, new age technology, clean mobility, and industrial innovation, creating businesses that combine commercial success with societal impact. From pioneering digital health initiatives to driving next-generation mobility solutions, he has consistently focused on solving real-world challenges through innovation and execution. As Director of Lords Mobility (Lords Mark Tech Next Pvt. Ltd) and a leader within the Lords Mark ecosystem, Naitik is helping shape India's manufacturing and technology future.

24. Muralikrishnan - CMO & Co-founder - Wow! Momo          

Poised to be India’s indigenous unicorn food start-up; Wow! Momo 2.0 Journey is being co-written by Muralikrishnan. From small kiosks in Kolkata to Country’s largest Chain of Momo Delicacies with more than 650+ outlets in 50+ cities, they say rest is history! Not only did Muralikrishnan, etch steady growth for their business, but he also championed innovation in brand building. Curiously passionate - that sums up lis life and exactly what he thinks is need to build brands. Having spent his majority life in advertising and creativity; and worked with national and multi-national brands, what kicks him the most is the idea of marrying creativity to business.

25. Piya Singh, Founder, Mestizo

A graduate of the University of Warwick, Piya Singh is the visionary founder of Mestizo, India's first modern Latin American bar and restaurant. Launched in 2025, Mestizo introduced Delhi to the vibrant flavours, culture, and energy of contemporary Latin America, setting a new benchmark for experiential dining. Guided by a customer-first philosophy, Singh combines innovation with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring every guest experience is memorable. Deeply involved in every aspect of the brand, from menu curation to service excellence, she believes hospitality is ultimately about human connection. Through Mestizo, Piya Singh continues to redefine modern hospitality and purposeful entrepreneurship in India.

26.  Dr. Husain Harianawala, Implantologist & Co-Founder, The Dental Bond, Mumbai

Few Indian dentists carry the distinction Dr. Husain Harianawala does. Trained in Mumbai before pursuing advanced Implantology at the University of Zurich, he was inducted into the International Team for Implantology (ITI) and later awarded its prestigious Scholarship, placing him among a rare global fraternity of implant specialists. Since founding The Dental Bond Clinic in 2017, he has scaled to a multi-chair digitally advanced practice combining CEREC restorations, 3D imaging,intraoral scanning and a team of specialists. An author and co-author of over 20 international publications on Dental Implants,Zirconia and CEREC, Dr. Harianawala continues to mentor dentists across the globe, championing a philosophy simple in words, profound in impact: "Global gold standard dentistry, can not only be achieved but can be affordable too.”

27. Dr. Anshul Gupta, Founder, The Corporate Spirituality | TEDx Speaker | Author & Executive Coach

Dr. Anshul Gupta, a Doctorate in Human Resources from Christ University, Bangalore, is a renowned thought leader in workplace spirituality and employee wellbeing. A TEDx speaker, bestselling author of The Spiritual Indian Corporate and The Corporate Spirituality, and founder of The Corporate Spirituality, she has dedicated her career to promoting purpose-driven leadership and meaningful work cultures. With expertise spanning HR, workplace wellbeing, and executive coaching, Dr. Gupta continues to influence professionals and organizations through her research, consulting, and public speaking, establishing herself as a prominent voice in corporate transformation and human-centered leadership.

28. Santhosh Vishnu Parameswaran | Founder, Alcor Studio & Producer, THE SHE.E.O EFFECT

Santhosh Vishnu Parameswaran, Founder of Alcor Studio, is scaling a revolution of empathy. A Silicon Valley engineer who built operations for Chargebee and Zee, Santhosh refused to ignore a silent corporate reality: the mid-career exit of brilliant women leaders. Rather than building software, he engineered THE SHE.E.O EFFECT - a raw, digital sanctuary designed to turn untold executive battles into life-saving virtual mentorship. Fusing operational precision with soulful storytelling, Santhosh isn't just producing content; he is actively architecting the supportive community needed to ensure India's next generation of women leaders never have to walk alone.

29. Ayush Sharma – Co-Founder at UpROI & AdmissionDIY

Ayush Sharma is transforming traditional marketing and student admission systems through AI-driven innovation. As the Co-Founder of UpROI and AdmissionDIY, he is building smart digital solutions that help businesses grow faster and students find the right educational opportunities more efficiently. Through UpROI, Ayush leverages AI-powered SEO, automation, lead generation, and performance marketing strategies to deliver measurable business growth for brands across industries. With AdmissionDIY, he is simplifying the college discovery process using AI-based recommendations, digital counseling, and automated student engagement, helping students make informed career decisions with transparency and ease. By combining technology, data, and innovation, Ayush Sharma is contributing towards a smarter digital future while redefining old-school marketing and traditional education search systems in India.

30. Hardik Kotak Founder of Falcon Cargo

India's highways have transformed, but logistics hasn't kept pace — many "express" shipments still take 2-3 days on routes modern infrastructure covers in hours. "The bottleneck isn't infrastructure anymore; it's mindset," says Hardik Kotak, Falcon Cargo. While most players rely on franchisees and multiple handling points, Hardik Kotak's Hub-and-Spoke model runs on full operational control — company-owned branches, trucks, and drivers, zero outsourcing. Under Hardik Kotak's leadership, the result: Mumbai–Ahmedabad in ~16 hours, Mumbai–Pune in 6, with coverage across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, MP, and Karnataka. By December 2026, last-mile delivery goes live. As Hardik Kotak puts it: "Infrastructure creates opportunity. Innovation converts it into speed .”

31. Zubair Mullaji, Engineer of Wellbeing

At a time when productivity, health, and resilience are increasingly interconnected, Zubair Mullaji is pioneering 'Engineered Wellness', a framework that treats human wellbeing as a design challenge. His portfolio spans Fire Safety compliance through FORBID FIRE®️, breathing comfort solutions through breathEN™️ by O2nergy Wellness®️, and contemplative training for leaders facing burnout, disconnection, and decision fatigue. Rather than addressing symptoms in isolation, Mullaji advocates holistic interventions that improve both human performance and organizational outcomes. His mission is to make wellbeing practical, measurable, and economically sensible for individuals, workplaces, and communities alike.

32. Arifa Shah, Founder, Umbrashield

Arifa Shah is the founder of Umbrashield, a premium wearable sun protection brand redefining preventive skincare in India. Recognising that sunscreen alone is often inconsistently applied and difficult to reapply, she launched Umbrashield to bridge the gap between skincare science and everyday UV protection. Built around the philosophy of "wearing your skincare," the brand offers UPF 50+ protective solutions that seamlessly integrate into modern lifestyles. Under Arifa's leadership, Umbrashield is driving a shift from corrective skincare to prevention-first routines.  By combining dermatological awareness, functional design, and wearable innovation, she is establishing a category-defining brand that is reshaping how India approaches daily sun protection.

33. Adit Agarwal, Director, Royale Impex Pvt. Ltd.

Adit Agarwal is driving the next phase of growth at Royale Impex, one of India's leading imported marble brands. With an MSc in Finance and Accounting from Warwick Business School, UK, he combines global perspective with deep industry expertise. Having worked across every department of the business, Adit now leads nationwide sales operations while contributing to strategic sourcing and business development. Under his leadership, Royale Impex has expanded its presence across India, strengthened relationships with architects and developers, and introduced exclusive natural stone collections. His vision is to transform the company into a process-driven, professionally managed organization while bringing the world's finest marble to India.

34. Kush Bhardwaj, Vice President – Marketing at Explurger

Kush Bhardwaj, Vice President – Marketing at Explurger, is redefining India's marketing landscape by fusing digital innovation with AI at a deeper, value-driven level. With over 16 years of experience, he believes marketing must move beyond visibility to deliver measurable impact through intelligent automation, data, and human-centric storytelling. Under his leadership, Explurger has scaled into a 21M+ user AI-powered platform, pioneering community-led growth in India's travel ecosystem. Through initiatives like ASK AI — NIVU, he is extending this innovation into smart tourism. Kush embodies purposeful leadership: building ecosystems that create real value, inspire communities, and shape a digitally empowered India's future.

35. Avinash Challa, CEO & Managing Director of Lifts Trade Pvt Ltd

Avinash Challa, 39, is the CEO & Managing Director of Lifts Trade Pvt Ltd (Cube Elevators), a Hyderabad-based elevator manufacturer supplying 500+ OEMs across India, Africa and the UAE. The company manufactured 830 elevators in FY 2025-26, with capacity to scale to 12,000+ annually. Starting in 2007 with just five to ten lift installations a month, Avinash built Cube Elevators from the ground up while working part-time through college. He is President of the Telangana Elevator Association, where he leads the push for lift safety regulation in Telangana and India. His goal: build India's largest listed elevator company by 2029.

36. Mr. Krutik Trevadia, Executive Director, Juliet Apparels Pvt. Ltd.

As Juliet Apparels marks its Golden Jubilee in 2026, Krutik Trevadia represents the second generation of leadership steering the brand into its next era. Since joining as Executive Director in 2022, he has led Juliet’s shift toward a D2C-first model, driving its omnichannel presence across e-commerce, its own website, and a growing network of exclusive brand outlets while staying rooted in the manufacturing scale that has always defined Juliet: over 2,50,000 sq. ft. across facilities in Mumbai and Bhiwandi. For Krutik, the challenge of this next chapter isn’t reinventing Juliet, but translating five decades of manufacturing trust into a brand that speaks to today’s consumer without losing what built it in the first place.

37. Founders | Argos Watches

A group of founders looked at India’s watch industry and saw what many had missed: a generation seeking its first serious mechanical watch, caught between disposable fashion pieces and inaccessible luxury. Founded in Surat in 2022, Argos emerged from their belief that automatic watches should be valued for craftsmanship, design, and engineering rather than branding alone. Together, the founders shape the company’s product strategy, brand direction, operations, and growth, while remaining closely involved in the development of each collection. For Olympus II, they led the team to Japan to engage more deeply with Japanese watchmaking standards and raise the benchmarks for movement selection, finishing, and overall execution.

38. Vivek Surve, Founder and Director of Oreo One Digital

Vivek Surve is an Indian political strategist, entrepreneur, columnist and cultural storyteller. He is the Founder and Director of Oreo One Digital, a strategic communications firm established in 2017 with offices in Mumbai, the USA and Canada, specialising in election strategy, media planning, public relations and digital brand building. A weekly columnist for the Indian Express Group, he writes on public policy, transport, and culture. He has also titled books including Bai, Alagatti Galagatti, and Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar: An Eternal Flame.

39. Kartika Sharma, Founder, Unfilter Story

Kartika Sharma is a storyteller at heart, an author, and a media professional driven by the belief that every journey deserves to be told with honesty and purpose. Over the years, Kartika has authored three books focusing on agriculture and startups, capturing the journeys of entrepreneurs, innovators, and changemakers. Through these experiences, she realized that many inspiring stories remain untold or are often presented through a filtered lens. This realization gave birth to Unfiltered Story—a platform dedicated to authentic storytelling. Unfiltered Story celebrates real experiences, genuine struggles, meaningful successes, and the people behind them.

40. Yashi Malviya:  Co-founder, Probox Media

As the Co-Founder of ProBox Media, Yashi Malviya is helping entrepreneurs, startups, authors, and businesses build credibility through impactful public relations and strategic brand storytelling. With over eight years of experience spanning journalism, media, and corporate communications, she has led campaigns that strengthen brand visibility and public trust across industries. Founded in 2018, ProBox Media has emerged as a growing PR and communications agency specialising in media relations, digital branding, content strategy, and reputation management.