Hemin Bharucha
Chief Representative of the Mayor of London in India
London and Partners
Hemin Bharucha represents the Mayor of London in India. He has over two decades of international trade experience working at senior levels with global companies. From providing strategic direction for investment projects to generating business development and marketing opportunities, he has successfully consulted and advised a wide spectrum of companies realise their unmet trade potential.
Abhishek Krishnan
Creative, Business & Growth Strategy Associate
Applause Entertainment
After having dabbled as an actor, writer, director, producer, winning an Audience Award at the Cannes Short FIlm Fest ’21, authoring the sci-fi fantasy novel ‘Manwaan’ and running his own creative agency, Abhishek Krishnan now works with Applause Entertainment at the intersection of creative, business and growth strategy. He’s a self-proclaimed punster and his mottos are ‘hakuna matata’ and ‘jayus’
Chaitanya Chinchlikar
Vice President, CTO and Emerging Media Head
Whistling Woods International
Chaitanya has had a multi-faceted 2-decade career in the Film, Media & Entertainment industry. He is currently the Vice President & Business Head of Whistling Woods International – India’s premier Film & Creative Arts institute. He also serves as the Chief Technology Officer for the institute and heads its Emerging Media initiatives.
After completing his BCom, he started his career with Arthur Andersen while pursuing his Chartered Accountancy. However, he soon gravitated towards the Media & Entertainment industry, first working in Event Management & Entertainment Consulting, and then moving on to Media & Entertainment education with Whistling Woods International. He was a part of the founding team of Whistling Woods International.
He currently serves on several public policy and innovation bodies like India’s Media & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC) and is currently serving on the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comics (AVGC) Task Force constituted in 2022 to draft India’s National AVGC Policy. He also serves on the Board of Governors of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE).
He has written several feature & opinion pieces in Indian & global media outlets and is an active speaker at global seminars & conferences on the M&E Industry with special focus on Education and Technology. He is also a strategic advisor to several startups in the M&E, Technology & Education verticals.
Raj Kapoor
Founder
India Blockchain Alliance
Raj is the Founder of India Blockchain Alliance, the largest Indian emerging technology tech think tank and an Advisory Board Member at over 50 blockchain companies including, Tata Elxsi, Spherium, Sarva Labs He is a global, Blockchain & Cryptocurrency & FinTech Educator, Certified Bitcoin Professional (CBP), Blockchain Solution Architect, and friend of disruptive ideas, protem Chairman for Organization of Blockchain Technology Users (OBTU). He is also the CEO of Growth Alley Inc, USA
Recently Raj spoke and recommended solutions at the G20 on compliance, regulations and standards to be adopted Governments to regulate crypto. Raj has also helped organize India’s biggest Blockchain and Cryptocurrency events across major cities .
Raj regularly speak in Tech events in India, UK, USA, Africa, Malaysia and Canada and is also a 3 time TedX speaker. Besides blockchain, Raj is skilled in AI, Robotics, Cyber Security. IoT, and Cloud Computing. He has spoken in over 200 international and national events.
Raj is also a regular contributor to several publications including Economic Times, Fortune, Moneycontrol, Mint, NDTV Profit, Daily Tribune, Business Standard and more. Raj also appears regularly on multiple television channels where he speaks on different aspects of the blockchain industry.
Raj has designed and worked on 4 Blockchains, 5 Cetralised Exchanges, 3 Swaps and 3 DEX’s. He is now working with his team on India’s own indigenous blockchain. Raj is also working on the world’s several sustainable and social impact blockchain projects which are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Raj has authored 20+ courses in blockchain, fintech, DeFi, NFT’s, Metaverse and more. These are implemented by NASSCOM, NSDC, CII, UnAcademy and multiple other edtech platforms in India and overseas.
Besides blockchain, Raj is skilled in AI, Robotics, Cyber Security. IoT, and Cloud Computing
Raj was also selected this year as a top cryptocurrency and blockchain influencer by Asian Market Cap and received the Though Leadership Award jointly with Microsoft in LA, USA.”
Gauri Karkhanis
Clinical and Social Psychologist
Gauri Karkhanis, a dedicated and accomplished professional, holds a Master’s degree in Social Psychology from Mumbai University. With a passion for making a positive impact on society, they embarked on a meaningful journey at Kripa Foundation, the largest NGO dedicated to substance abuse and HIV/AIDS support.
Driven by a thirst for knowledge and a desire to deepen their expertise, Gauri Karkhanis pursued a second Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in trauma from a prestigious institution in Chicago. During this time, they had the opportunity to work at Cook County Prison, gaining invaluable experience in the field.
Gauri Karkhanis is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Criminal Psychology, furthering their commitment to understanding and addressing the complexities of human behavior within the context of criminal justice.
With a published research paper to their credit, Gauri Karkhanis has demonstrated their dedication to advancing the field of psychology and contributing to the academic discourse.
With an unwavering passion for improving lives and making a difference, Gauri Karkhanis continues to strive for excellence in their academic pursuits and professional endeavors. Their multidisciplinary background and extensive experience equip them with a unique perspective in the realm of psychology.
Gauri Karkhanis is a true advocate for social change and remains committed to using their expertise to positively impact individuals, communities, and the field of psychology as a whole.
Kedar Gore
Director
The Corbett Foundation
Backed with a Master’s in Zoology and a Post Graduate Diploma in Management, Kedar Gore has been actively engaged since 1997 in wildlife conservation and environmental protection work with reputed NGOs such as WWF-India and TERI. Kedar has been working as the Director of The Corbett Foundation since July 2009 and heads of all its divisions. He has received the NUFFIC Fellowship of The Netherlands Government in 2009 and 2012, and is a Fellow of the International Visitor Leadership Program 2010 of the US Department of State. He has a Post Graduate Diploma in Conservation Biology from the Bombay Natural History Society, in addition to other professional courses from the Wildlife Institute of India, the Wageningen University, and the US Department of State. He is a Member of the IUCN Commissions – Commission on Education and Communication, Species Survival Commission (Bustard Specialist Group) and World Commission on Protected Areas. Kedar has been honoured with IUCN CEC Excellence Award, South & Southeast Asia in 2019, Excellence in Biodiversity Conservation and Environmental Awareness by Think Wildlife Awards in 2018 and 50 Most Impactful Social Innovators Award by World CSR Congress in 2018.
Kushboo Jain Tibrewala
Nutritionist & Diabetes Educator
The Health Pantry
Khushboo Jain Tibrewala is a Nutritionist & Diabetes Educator & Founder of The Health Pantry. She works on the prevention, management and reversal of lifestyle disorders like Type 2 Diabetes, PCOS, Obesity and more. She specialises in marrying modern health science with the wisdom our ancestors left behind. With an experience of over 13 years, she has worked with thousands of individuals bringing them closer to their healthiest, best version. She has also worked with several corporates including Marico, Century Rayon, Teleperformance, Edelman, Kotak Mahindra and more.
She has been covered by several publications including Outlook Poshan, Mumbai Mirror, Times of India, Zee Business News, The Hindu, GQ India, and more.
The one thing that she asks every single person to do, in order to live a healthy, disease-free and long life, is to “Unprocess Their Life”.
Hemantkumar Aiyer
Lead Scientist
Aditya Birla Science & Technology Centre
• Ph.D. (Materials Science) from IISc, Bangalore with 25 years of industrial R & D experience in diverse verticals of Advanced Materials.
• Executive MBA from United Business Institute, Belgium
• Hemanth has worked with six global organizations thus far.
• Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan Science & Technology Corporation, General Electric, Laird Technologies, Crompton Greaves, and Aditya Birla Group.
• Spearheaded multiple NPD projects pertaining to Ceramics, Metals, Polymers, Composites, Solar, Electronic, Oxide Sensors, Display, Magnetic, Nanophotonic, Microwave and Building Materials
• Published over 50 International Journal Papers, over 25 internal research publications within GE, Laird, CG, ABG R&D along with several patents & multiple technology development awards.
Mitesh Jain
Founder and Chief Travel Psychologist
Mandeha – Psychology for all
Mitesh Jain is the Founder & Chief Sports Psychologist at Mandeha, boasting a rich experience of over 6 years in the field. With a strong focus on applied work, Mitesh has successfully worked with more than 240 athletes, both at the national and international levels. His expertise is highly sought after by various sporting academies.
Having undergone training at the prestigious National Institute of Malaysia as a Sports Psychologist, Mitesh has earned multiple awards and recognition for his exceptional contributions to the field of sports and psychology. His dedication and passion for his work have been acknowledged through various accolades, including the Global Health and Pharma (GHP) Award for Best Mental Health Service Provider in Mumbai, as well as the Most Dedicated Award in both 2020 and 2022.
Mitesh’s achievements have also been recognized on an international scale. He was nominated for the Top 100 Healthcare Leaders Award by The International Forum on Advancement and Healthcare (IFAH) in 2019.
As a prominent sports psychologist, Mitesh has played a pivotal role as a stakeholder in the Indian Government Meity’s Esports Amendments Bill, highlighting his expertise in the field. Additionally, he has worked closely with renowned athletes, including Tenzing Norgay, an Arjuna Awardee and open water swimmer, providing invaluable support and guidance.
Mitesh serves as a dedicated Sports Psychologist at the Esports Federation of India (ESFI), where he works tirelessly to enhance the performance and well-being of Indian athletes participating in prestigious events such as the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games in Esports.
Dr. Santha Muller, Msc, PhD
Deputy Dean – Pre.Clinical & Research
upGrad Institute of Medical Sciences (UIMS)
Dr. Santha Muller, Msc, PhD, is a viral Immunologist who possesses vast experience in the field of medical education and administration. Her expertise lies in biomedical education, teaching, research, and administration. She has worked in various countries, including India, the United States, and Fiji. At the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Fiji National University (FNU), she held the position of Director of the Department of Pathology and Medical Research. She has also served as the Acting Deputy Dean for the School of Medicine at the University of Fiji, where she played a crucial role in establishing the Medical School as an inaugural faculty member at a senior level.
Dr. Muller’s research primarily focuses on HIV, Dengue, and Chlamydia. She has worked closely with medical scientists and researchers in Fiji and the United States, securing significant funding from external sources to support her research endeavors. Prior to her roles in Fiji, she worked as a research scientist in the School of Medicine at the University of California and the University of Wisconsin in the United States.
Ajay Ramasubramaniam
Founder & CEO
Startup Réseau
Ajay Ramasubramaniam is a seasoned executive with 19 years of experience in setting-up, operating, and growing businesses, across diverse geographies such as Africa, Canada, India and South East Asia. Currently, he is the Founder & CEO of Startup Réseau, Ajay has been active in the Indian startup ecosystem for the past 10 years, and has built India’s top meta startup accelerator – through which he has set up over 45 corporate accelerator and innovation programs.
Ajay has also built unique properties such as Fintegrate (India’s top Fin+Tech conclave over the past 3 years) – for which he has been recognized as a Top-30 FinTech Influencer in India by The Digital Fifth. In the past, Ajay has led the India business for a Canadian ed-tech startup, as well as represented Canadian Government in India for 5 years. He started his career in Tanzania, working on AfDB and World Bank projects; including a stint as an intrapreneur, building an agri-tech business. Ajay is an MBA in Marketing & Finance. He is passionate about cricket, and is a certified ICC Level-1 cricket coach.
Gazala Shaikh
Head- Group ESG
L&T Financial Services
Gazala is an astute CSR, Sustainability, and
Environmental Social Governance (ESG) professional with extensive international and multi-sectoral experience. With a strong focus on building a CSR culture within corporate entities through the mobilization of people and creating agents of social change, Gazala has made significant contributions in the development domain for the past 18 years.
Throughout her career, Gazala has worked in various capacities, including non-profit organizations, consulting firms, and CSR and Sustainability roles within socially responsible corporate organizations. Her expertise lies in designing and developing long-term CSR and Corporate Responsibility strategies and frameworks, ensuring compliance, budgeting processes, and implementing key initiatives such as Whistleblower processes and Prevention of Sexual Harassment at the workplace (POSH). She also possesses a strong background in CSR branding, communications, and advocacy.
Gazala’s comprehensive experience spans the entire spectrum of CSR implementation, from program and project identification and development, to monitoring, documentation, evaluation, impact assessment, and participatory stakeholder engagement. She excels in understanding the diverse needs of stakeholders, ensuring materiality, and aligning them with the organization’s business perspective and CSR regulations.
John Gloster
Head Physiotherapist, Medical Co-ordinator
Rajasthan Royals
Gloster graduated from the University of South Australia, and then worked with the Surrey County Cricket Club for three years, from 1998 to 2001. He was appointed the physiotherapist of the Bangladesh cricket team, and worked with them for four years before moving to India. Gloster resigned from his position as Indian team physio on 14 February 2008. The 2007/2008 tour of Australia was his last assignment with the Indian team.
He works for the Rajasthan Royals team in the Indian Premier League since the inception of the team in 2008. Currently, he is appointed as a physio for Lahore Qalandars franchise cricket team in Pakistan Super League.
Gopika Gajaria
Psychologist
Gopika is a passionate psychologist and seasoned assessment adept, working for 20th year of her experience, includes 5 years of special education across schools and NGOs with students and parents, and also 15 years with corporates and consultancies for Leadership Talent Assessments and Coaching!
She has worked for 80+ renowned companies, working with 3500+leaders across 25+ industries in varied domain. She is also an NLP as well REBT Therapist, while being double mastered counseling psychologist. Her specialization also lies in learning disabilities, as well as experience in school counseling.
Before the Covid Wave was hit, she has contributed in identifying required skills in 2030 for one of the largest organizations of India.
Her passion in psychology, interest in emotional intelligence, and love for assessments has helped her sustain with a niche in psychology with corporations
Abhishek Talwar
Co – Founder and Chief Creative Officer
Biplob World Pvt. Ltd.
A certified environmentalist and IEMA Associate member, Abhishek is the creator and author of Biplob the Bumblebee and the co – founder of Biplob World. He has the gift of narrating difficult concepts with simplicity and fun. An avid traveller, his popular blog (this can link to the travel blogs) chronicles Ritika’s and his road trips across India in an informative, irreverent and humorous style. His works include ‘Adventures of Biplob the Bumblebee’, ‘Col. Zoro Mysteries’ series,‘Chef Jerry’s Pizzeria’ (Under publishing presently) and ‘Purvyam.’
Yan Garin
Country Head & Director
École Intuit Lab Mumbai
Yan is a French citizen with a passion for education, creativity, and innovation. He began his journey in the world of education with his studies in Musicology at La Sorbonne, Paris, where he gained a solid foundation in the arts and humanities. His love for travel and documentary-making led him to explore the beauty and diversity of different cultures around the world. It was during one of his journeys that Yan discovered India, which became his home in 2006. In India, Yan found new opportunities to express his creativity and enhance his skills in the field of technology. His passion for sharing his knowledge and inspiring the next generation of creatives led him to start teaching at École Intuit Lab Mumbai in 2012.
Yan’s ability to simplify complex concepts and provide personalized feedback and guidance made him a popular and highly respected instructor. He quickly progressed through the ranks, and his innovative ideas and efficient problem-solving skills made him an asset to the school. As Director of Operations, He was responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the school’s operations, managing budgets, and overseeing the delivery of high-quality education to students. His dedication to innovation and creativity helped him successfully launch the New Delhi and Bengaluru campuses.
Yan’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of creatives has been instrumental in helping École Intuit Lab achieve its mission of providing world-class education to students across India. His passion for education, innovative ideas, and deep understanding of the Indian market make him an asset to the world of education.
Shantanu Bhattacharya
Principal Director Management Consulting
Accenture
Shantanu Bhattacharya is an accomplished L&D, HR, and OD professional with an impressive 24 years of experience in learning strategy and implementation, education consulting, people development, educational design, and content development across global organizations. His expertise lies in the areas of eLearning, learning management systems, and technology-based solutions.
Throughout his career, Shantanu has provided invaluable guidance and consulting to numerous global organizations, focusing on Leadership and Organizational development, L&D strategies, and implementation. He has successfully helped these organizations achieve greater efficiency, RoI, and alignment with their organizational goals.
In addition to his extensive professional background, Shantanu is a sought-after speaker at prominent L&D and learning tech conferences, including People Matters, CLO Summit, and L&DTech. He also contributes his insights as a writer to various Learning & HR-based online magazines. Recognized for his contributions to the field, Shantanu was honored as one of the Top HR Influencers by ETHRWorld for both 2021 and 2022.
Caran Arora
International Enrolment Management
Northeastern University
After completing his schooling in Mumbai, Caran completed his BA in Psychology from Bates College in the US where he captained the Varsity Squash team. He then worked in their Office of Admissions as an Admissions Counsellor and was responsible for recruiting students and evaluating applications from important markets such as Connecticut, Long Island, Westchester County, China and Pakistan. He returned to India and became part of The Red Pen team where he managed the undergraduate service line for two and half years and worked with over 300 students helping them navigate the global admissions process.
Caran went on to complete his Masters degree from the University of Toronto in Canada before starting in his current role with Northeastern University in 2022 where he oversees the recruitment and enrolment of students from India to the global campus network that Northeastern has.
Devashish Godbole
Commercial Disputes Lawyer
DG Chambers
After graduating from NLU Delhi, Devashish has pursued his LLM in International Economic and Business Laws from Georgetown University in Washington DC.
Devashish is practicing in the area of Commercial Dispute Resolution in Mumbai and deals with advising Corporates and Individuals on various aspects of Contract Negotiation, Drafting and Debt Recovery as well as Insolvency and Bankruptcy.
Through his work he has guided clients make business decisions as well as a formal way to restructure their debts and dues and has gained a good understanding of how to counterbalance business needs with legal compliances.
Shirin Popat
Senior Manager – Minds Matter
Mpower
Shirin is a Counselor & strong advocate of Mental Health, with over 18 years of professional experience. She is trained in several areas therapies including Neuro linguistic programming (NLP), the non-directive model of counseling (Dr. Robert Carkhuff), Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy (REBT), Metaphor Therapy, Transactional Analysis, Psychoanalysis, Marriage Counseling and Sex Education. Shirin is trained in Emotional Intelligence and is also a career counselor. She is also a certified POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) at the Workplace) trainer by the HRCI (Human Rights Council of India) & SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management).
Shirin enjoys facilitating L&D & employee engagement programs for the youth and middle-aged audiences and trains in the areas of Diversity & Inclusion, POSH, Emotional Intelligence, Mindfulness, Mental & Emotional Wellbeing, Developmental programs for women at the workplace, Parenting, Soft Skills, Grooming & Etiquette, Communication, Behavioural skills, Sex Education & Customer Service.
Shirin has successfully trained at large as well as mid-sized organizations including UBS, Qualcomm, Jones Lang La Salle, Owens Corning, DB Schenker, NielsenIQ, Thomson Reuters, Grey Worldwide, HPCL, Piramal Pharma, Alvarez & Marsal, Shriram Housing Finance, Global Data, Sula Wines, Raheja QBE General Insurance, Icertis, Logos Group, Alfahive, Teach for India, The Akanksha Foundation, Kotak Education Foundation, Welingkar Institute of Management & DFCCIL.
When not working, Shirin loves to travel, spend time with family & friends, try various cuisines, go for a nature walk or simply relax!
Narsee Monjee Bhavan 7, N S Road No. 7, JVPD Scheme, Vile Parle West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400049
Founded in 1971, Jamnabai Narsee School stands as a powerful edifice of academic excellence and outstanding contribution in the field of sports, art and concern for the community. Situated in the western suburbs of Mumbai, Jamnabai Narsee School provides child-centred teaching and learning processes from the pre-school years to the Indian School Certificate Examination (ISC). It continues to celebrate its motto, Vidya Param Balam.
Session | Time | Panel 1 Themes | Panel 2 Themes |
| 1 | 10.00am to 11.00am | Digital Transformation & Entrepreneurship | Advocacy In The Liberal Age |
| 2 | 11.15am to 12.15pm | My World. My Planet. | Mind Matters |
| 3 | 12.30pm to 1.30pm | Creative Media Metrics | For The Love Of science |
Digital transformation and entrepreneurship offer diverse career paths. From digital marketing to data analysis, UX design to software development, opportunities abound. Entrepreneurs can create their own ventures, while industries like finance and health increasingly rely on technology-driven solutions. Embrace the digital revolution and explore the exciting world of tech-driven careers.
Here are some of the key points of the discussion:
Ajay Ramasubramaniam
Founder & CEO
Startup Réseau
Raj Kapoor
Founder
India Blockchain Alliance
Shantanu Bhattacharya
Principal Director Management Consulting
Accenture
Green jobs are revolutionizing the world, and there are many opportunities for students who are passionate about making a positive impact on the planet. In this discussion, we will explore the different fields that you can pursue in green jobs, such as renewable energy, conservation, sustainable agriculture, and green technology. We will also discuss the study programs, required skills, and the potential for success and impact in these fields.
We will discuss how the adherence to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles has propelled the demand for environment and energy studies. We will also explore how green jobs can help to mitigate climate change and create a more sustainable future.
This discussion is perfect for school students who are passionate about making a difference in the world. If you are interested in a career in green jobs, then this discussion is for you. We will provide you with valuable information on how you can contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.
Here are some of the key points of the discussion:
Gazala Shaikh
Head- Group ESG
L&T Financial Services
Kedar Gore
Director
The Corbett Foundation
Abhishek Talwar
Chief Content Officer
Biplob World Pvt Ltd.
The convergence of arts, technology, and business is creating new opportunities for students who are passionate about these fields. In this discussion, we will explore the intersection of these three disciplines and discuss the study and career opportunities that arise from this convergence.
We will discuss how digital marketing, content creation, user experience design, virtual reality, and social media management are all fields that are thriving at the intersection of arts, technology, and business. We will also discuss the importance of media metrics and data-driven insights in creative industries.
This discussion is perfect for school students who are interested in exploring the possibilities in this dynamic field. Whether you aspire to be a digital marketer, content creator, game designer, film maker or social media strategist, this discussion will provide valuable insights for your educational and career paths.
Here are some of the key points of the discussion:
Yan Garin
Country Head & Director
École Intuit Lab Mumbai
Abhishek Krishnan
Creative, Business & Growth Strategy Associate
Applause Entertainment
Chaitanya Chinchlikar
Vice President
Whistling Woods International
The pure sciences offer a wide range of career opportunities beyond the field of medicine. If you are curious about the natural world, enjoy experiments and problem-solving, then this discussion is for you.
In this discussion, we will explore the different fields that you can pursue in the pure sciences, such as research and development, biochemistry, sports science, biotechnology, genetics, bioinformatics, and nutrition. We will also discuss the study programs, required skills, and the potential for success and impact in these fields.
Don’t limit your passion to one path – let this discussion open your mind to endless possibilities. The pure sciences are a dynamic field with a bright future, and there are many opportunities to make a difference in the world.
Here are some of the key points of the discussion:
Hemantkumar Aiyer
Lead Scientist
Aditya Birla Science & Technology Centre
Dr. Santha Muller, Msc, PhD
Deputy Dean – Pre.Clinical & Research
upGrad Institute of Medical Sciences (UIMS)
Khushboo Jain Tibrewala
Nutritionist & Diabetes Educator
The Health Pantry
John Gloster
Founding Partner at Triarchh Ventures
Psychology is a vast and complex field, with many different areas of specialization. In this discussion, we will explore the difference between pure psychology and applied psychology, and discuss the diverse opportunities that exist within each field.
We will discuss how pure psychology focuses on the theoretical understanding of the mind, while applied psychology focuses on the practical application of psychological knowledge to benefit individuals and society. We will also discuss the different types of applied psychology, such as clinical psychology, counseling psychology, organizational psychology, and educational psychology.
We will also address the accreditation processes that professionals in these fields require, and discuss how to navigate these processes and enhance your career prospects. Whether you are drawn to theory or practical application, this discussion will provide you with valuable insights into the field of psychology.
Here are some of the key points of the discussion:
Gopika Gajaria
Counseling Psychologist
Mitesh Jain
Founder and Chief Travel Psychologist
Mandeha Journeys
Gauri Karkhanis
Clinical and social psychologist
Shirin Popat
Senior Manager – Minds Matter
Mpower
Advocacy is a vital profession that allows individuals to make a tangible impact on society while pursuing fulfilling careers. This discussion is ideal for school students who are interested in social justice, policy reform, and making a difference in the world.
In this discussion, we will explore the diverse paths within advocacy, including government, corporate, and academic partnerships. We will discuss how these partnerships offer valuable opportunities to gain practical experience and develop crucial skills.
We will also discuss the different types of advocacy work, such as human rights advocacy, environmental advocacy, and public policy advocacy. We will discuss the skills and education necessary for these types of work, and the potential for career advancement.
Whether you aspire to be a human rights advocate, environmental lobbyist, public policy analyst, or serve in international relations and law, this discussion will provide valuable insights into the study and career opportunities available. Don’t miss this chance to explore how you can contribute to positive change and pursue a rewarding career in advocacy.
Here are some of the key points of the discussion:
Hemin Bharucha
Chief Representative of the Mayor of London in India
London and Partners
Devashish Godbole
Commercial Disputes Lawyer
DG Chambers
Caran Arora
International Enrolment Management
Northeastern University
Raj Kapoor
Founder
India Blockchain Alliance
Raj is the Founder of India Blockchain Alliance, the largest Indian emerging technology tech think tank and an Advisory Board Member at over 50 blockchain companies including, Tata Elxsi, Spherium, Sarva Labs He is a global, Blockchain & Cryptocurrency & FinTech Educator, Certified Bitcoin Professional (CBP), Blockchain Solution Architect, and friend of disruptive ideas, protem Chairman for Organization of Blockchain Technology Users (OBTU). He is also the CEO of Growth Alley Inc, USA
Recently Raj spoke and recommended solutions at the G20 on compliance, regulations and standards to be adopted Governments to regulate crypto. Raj has also helped organize India’s biggest Blockchain and Cryptocurrency events across major cities .
Raj regularly speak in Tech events in India, UK, USA, Africa, Malaysia and Canada and is also a 3 time TedX speaker. Besides blockchain, Raj is skilled in AI, Robotics, Cyber Security. IoT, and Cloud Computing. He has spoken in over 200 international and national events.
Raj is also a regular contributor to several publications including Economic Times, Fortune, Moneycontrol, Mint, NDTV Profit, Daily Tribune, Business Standard and more. Raj also appears regularly on multiple television channels where he speaks on different aspects of the blockchain industry.
Raj has designed and worked on 4 Blockchains, 5 Cetralised Exchanges, 3 Swaps and 3 DEX’s. He is now working with his team on India’s own indigenous blockchain. Raj is also working on the world’s several sustainable and social impact blockchain projects which are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Raj has authored 20+ courses in blockchain, fintech, DeFi, NFT’s, Metaverse and more. These are implemented by NASSCOM, NSDC, CII, UnAcademy and multiple other edtech platforms in India and overseas.
Besides blockchain, Raj is skilled in AI, Robotics, Cyber Security. IoT, and Cloud Computing
Raj was also selected this year as a top cryptocurrency and blockchain influencer by Asian Market Cap and received the Though Leadership Award jointly with Microsoft in LA, USA.”
Ajay Ramasubramaniam
Founder & CEO
Startup Réseau
Ajay Ramasubramaniam is a seasoned executive with 19 years of experience in setting-up, operating, and growing businesses, across diverse geographies such as Africa, Canada, India and South East Asia. Currently, he is the Founder & CEO of Startup Réseau, Ajay has been active in the Indian startup ecosystem for the past 10 years, and has built India’s top meta startup accelerator – through which he has set up over 45 corporate accelerator and innovation programs.
Ajay has also built unique properties such as Fintegrate (India’s top Fin+Tech conclave over the past 3 years) – for which he has been recognized as a Top-30 FinTech Influencer in India by The Digital Fifth. In the past, Ajay has led the India business for a Canadian ed-tech startup, as well as represented Canadian Government in India for 5 years. He started his career in Tanzania, working on AfDB and World Bank projects; including a stint as an intrapreneur, building an agri-tech business. Ajay is an MBA in Marketing & Finance. He is passionate about cricket, and is a certified ICC Level-1 cricket coach.
Shantanu Bhattacharya
Principal Director Management Consulting
Accenture
Shantanu Bhattacharya is an accomplished L&D, HR, and OD professional with an impressive 24 years of experience in learning strategy and implementation, education consulting, people development, educational design, and content development across global organizations. His expertise lies in the areas of eLearning, learning management systems, and technology-based solutions.
Throughout his career, Shantanu has provided invaluable guidance and consulting to numerous global organizations, focusing on Leadership and Organizational development, L&D strategies, and implementation. He has successfully helped these organizations achieve greater efficiency, RoI, and alignment with their organizational goals.
In addition to his extensive professional background, Shantanu is a sought-after speaker at prominent L&D and learning tech conferences, including People Matters, CLO Summit, and L&DTech. He also contributes his insights as a writer to various Learning & HR-based online magazines. Recognized for his contributions to the field, Shantanu was honored as one of the Top HR Influencers by ETHRWorld for both 2021 and 2022.
Gazala Shaikh
Head- Group ESG
L&T Financial Services
Gazala is an astute CSR, Sustainability, and
Environmental Social Governance (ESG) professional with extensive international and multi-sectoral experience. With a strong focus on building a CSR culture within corporate entities through the mobilization of people and creating agents of social change, Gazala has made significant contributions in the development domain for the past 18 years.
Throughout her career, Gazala has worked in various capacities, including non-profit organizations, consulting firms, and CSR and Sustainability roles within socially responsible corporate organizations. Her expertise lies in designing and developing long-term CSR and Corporate Responsibility strategies and frameworks, ensuring compliance, budgeting processes, and implementing key initiatives such as Whistleblower processes and Prevention of Sexual Harassment at the workplace (POSH). She also possesses a strong background in CSR branding, communications, and advocacy.
Gazala’s comprehensive experience spans the entire spectrum of CSR implementation, from program and project identification and development, to monitoring, documentation, evaluation, impact assessment, and participatory stakeholder engagement. She excels in understanding the diverse needs of stakeholders, ensuring materiality, and aligning them with the organization’s business perspective and CSR regulations.
Kedar Gore
Director
The Corbett Foundation
Backed with a Master’s in Zoology and a Post Graduate Diploma in Management, Kedar Gore has been actively engaged since 1997 in wildlife conservation and environmental protection work with reputed NGOs such as WWF-India and TERI. Kedar has been working as the Director of The Corbett Foundation since July 2009 and heads of all its divisions. He has received the NUFFIC Fellowship of The Netherlands Government in 2009 and 2012, and is a Fellow of the International Visitor Leadership Program 2010 of the US Department of State. He has a Post Graduate Diploma in Conservation Biology from the Bombay Natural History Society, in addition to other professional courses from the Wildlife Institute of India, the Wageningen University, and the US Department of State. He is a Member of the IUCN Commissions – Commission on Education and Communication, Species Survival Commission (Bustard Specialist Group) and World Commission on Protected Areas. Kedar has been honoured with IUCN CEC Excellence Award, South & Southeast Asia in 2019, Excellence in Biodiversity Conservation and Environmental Awareness by Think Wildlife Awards in 2018 and 50 Most Impactful Social Innovators Award by World CSR Congress in 2018.
Abhishek Talwar
Co – Founder and Chief Creative Officer
Biplob World Pvt. Ltd.
A certified environmentalist and IEMA Associate member, Abhishek is the creator and author of Biplob the Bumblebee and the co – founder of Biplob World. He has the gift of narrating difficult concepts with simplicity and fun. An avid traveller, his popular blog (this can link to the travel blogs) chronicles Ritika’s and his road trips across India in an informative, irreverent and humorous style. His works include ‘Adventures of Biplob the Bumblebee’, ‘Col. Zoro Mysteries’ series,‘Chef Jerry’s Pizzeria’ (Under publishing presently) and ‘Purvyam.’
Yan Garin
Country Head & Director
École Intuit Lab Mumbai
Yan is a French citizen with a passion for education, creativity, and innovation. He began his journey in the world of education with his studies in Musicology at La Sorbonne, Paris, where he gained a solid foundation in the arts and humanities. His love for travel and documentary-making led him to explore the beauty and diversity of different cultures around the world. It was during one of his journeys that Yan discovered India, which became his home in 2006. In India, Yan found new opportunities to express his creativity and enhance his skills in the field of technology. His passion for sharing his knowledge and inspiring the next generation of creatives led him to start teaching at École Intuit Lab Mumbai in 2012.
Yan’s ability to simplify complex concepts and provide personalized feedback and guidance made him a popular and highly respected instructor. He quickly progressed through the ranks, and his innovative ideas and efficient problem-solving skills made him an asset to the school. As Director of Operations, He was responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the school’s operations, managing budgets, and overseeing the delivery of high-quality education to students. His dedication to innovation and creativity helped him successfully launch the New Delhi and Bengaluru campuses.
Yan’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of creatives has been instrumental in helping École Intuit Lab achieve its mission of providing world-class education to students across India. His passion for education, innovative ideas, and deep understanding of the Indian market make him an asset to the world of education.
Abhishek Krishnan
Creative, Business & Growth Strategy Associate
Applause Entertainment
After having dabbled as an actor, writer, director, producer, winning an Audience Award at the Cannes Short FIlm Fest ’21, authoring the sci-fi fantasy novel ‘Manwaan’ and running his own creative agency, Abhishek Krishnan now works with Applause Entertainment at the intersection of creative, business and growth strategy. He’s a self-proclaimed punster and his mottos are ‘hakuna matata’ and ‘jayus’
Chaitanya Chinchlikar
Vice President, CTO and Emerging Media Head
Whistling Woods International
Chaitanya has had a multi-faceted 2-decade career in the Film, Media & Entertainment industry. He is currently the Vice President & Business Head of Whistling Woods International – India’s premier Film & Creative Arts institute. He also serves as the Chief Technology Officer for the institute and heads its Emerging Media initiatives.
After completing his BCom, he started his career with Arthur Andersen while pursuing his Chartered Accountancy. However, he soon gravitated towards the Media & Entertainment industry, first working in Event Management & Entertainment Consulting, and then moving on to Media & Entertainment education with Whistling Woods International. He was a part of the founding team of Whistling Woods International.
He currently serves on several public policy and innovation bodies like India’s Media & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC) and is currently serving on the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comics (AVGC) Task Force constituted in 2022 to draft India’s National AVGC Policy. He also serves on the Board of Governors of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE).
He has written several feature & opinion pieces in Indian & global media outlets and is an active speaker at global seminars & conferences on the M&E Industry with special focus on Education and Technology. He is also a strategic advisor to several startups in the M&E, Technology & Education verticals.
John Gloster
Head Physiotherapist, Medical Co-ordinator
Rajasthan Royals
Gloster graduated from the University of South Australia, and then worked with the Surrey County Cricket Club for three years, from 1998 to 2001. He was appointed the physiotherapist of the Bangladesh cricket team, and worked with them for four years before moving to India. Gloster resigned from his position as Indian team physio on 14 February 2008. The 2007/2008 tour of Australia was his last assignment with the Indian team.
He works for the Rajasthan Royals team in the Indian Premier League since the inception of the team in 2008. Currently, he is appointed as a physio for Lahore Qalandars franchise cricket team in Pakistan Super League.
Hemantkumar Aiyer
Lead Scientist
Aditya Birla Science & Technology Centre
• Ph.D. (Materials Science) from IISc, Bangalore with 25 years of industrial R & D experience in diverse verticals of Advanced Materials.
• Executive MBA from United Business Institute, Belgium
• Hemanth has worked with six global organizations thus far.
• Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan Science & Technology Corporation, General Electric, Laird Technologies, Crompton Greaves, and Aditya Birla Group.
• Spearheaded multiple NPD projects pertaining to Ceramics, Metals, Polymers, Composites, Solar, Electronic, Oxide Sensors, Display, Magnetic, Nanophotonic, Microwave and Building Materials
• Published over 50 International Journal Papers, over 25 internal research publications within GE, Laird, CG, ABG R&D along with several patents & multiple technology development awards.
Dr. Santha Muller, Msc, PhD
Deputy Dean – Pre.Clinical & Research
upGrad Institute of Medical Sciences (UIMS)
Dr. Santha Muller, Msc, PhD, is a viral Immunologist who possesses vast experience in the field of medical education and administration. Her expertise lies in biomedical education, teaching, research, and administration. She has worked in various countries, including India, the United States, and Fiji. At the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Fiji National University (FNU), she held the position of Director of the Department of Pathology and Medical Research. She has also served as the Acting Deputy Dean for the School of Medicine at the University of Fiji, where she played a crucial role in establishing the Medical School as an inaugural faculty member at a senior level.
Dr. Muller’s research primarily focuses on HIV, Dengue, and Chlamydia. She has worked closely with medical scientists and researchers in Fiji and the United States, securing significant funding from external sources to support her research endeavors. Prior to her roles in Fiji, she worked as a research scientist in the School of Medicine at the University of California and the University of Wisconsin in the United States.
Kushboo Jain Tibrewala
Nutritionist & Diabetes Educator
The Health Pantry
Khushboo Jain Tibrewala is a Nutritionist & Diabetes Educator & Founder of The Health Pantry. She works on the prevention, management and reversal of lifestyle disorders like Type 2 Diabetes, PCOS, Obesity and more. She specialises in marrying modern health science with the wisdom our ancestors left behind. With an experience of over 13 years, she has worked with thousands of individuals bringing them closer to their healthiest, best version. She has also worked with several corporates including Marico, Century Rayon, Teleperformance, Edelman, Kotak Mahindra and more.
She has been covered by several publications including Outlook Poshan, Mumbai Mirror, Times of India, Zee Business News, The Hindu, GQ India, and more.
The one thing that she asks every single person to do, in order to live a healthy, disease-free and long life, is to “Unprocess Their Life”.
Gopika Gajaria
Counseling Psychologist
Gopika is a passionate psychologist and seasoned assessment adept, working for 20th year of her experience, includes 5 years of special education across schools and NGOs with students and parents, and also 15 years with corporates and consultancies for Leadership Talent Assessments and Coaching!
She has worked for 80+ renowned companies, working with 3500+leaders across 25+ industries in varied domain. She is also an NLP as well REBT Therapist, while being double mastered counseling psychologist. Her specialization also lies in learning disabilities, as well as experience in school counseling.
Before the Covid Wave was hit, she has contributed in identifying required skills in 2030 for one of the largest organizations of India.
Her passion in psychology, interest in emotional intelligence, and love for assessments has helped her sustain with a niche in psychology with corporations
Mitesh Jain
Founder and Chief Travel Psychologist
Mandeha – Psychology for all
Mitesh Jain is the Founder & Chief Sports Psychologist at Mandeha, boasting a rich experience of over 6 years in the field. With a strong focus on applied work, Mitesh has successfully worked with more than 240 athletes, both at the national and international levels. His expertise is highly sought after by various sporting academies.
Having undergone training at the prestigious National Institute of Malaysia as a Sports Psychologist, Mitesh has earned multiple awards and recognition for his exceptional contributions to the field of sports and psychology. His dedication and passion for his work have been acknowledged through various accolades, including the Global Health and Pharma (GHP) Award for Best Mental Health Service Provider in Mumbai, as well as the Most Dedicated Award in both 2020 and 2022.
Mitesh’s achievements have also been recognized on an international scale. He was nominated for the Top 100 Healthcare Leaders Award by The International Forum on Advancement and Healthcare (IFAH) in 2019.
As a prominent sports psychologist, Mitesh has played a pivotal role as a stakeholder in the Indian Government Meity’s Esports Amendments Bill, highlighting his expertise in the field. Additionally, he has worked closely with renowned athletes, including Tenzing Norgay, an Arjuna Awardee and open water swimmer, providing invaluable support and guidance.
Mitesh serves as a dedicated Sports Psychologist at the Esports Federation of India (ESFI), where he works tirelessly to enhance the performance and well-being of Indian athletes participating in prestigious events such as the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games in Esports.
Gauri Karkhanis
Clinical and Social Psychologist
Gauri Karkhanis, a dedicated and accomplished professional, holds a Master’s degree in Social Psychology from Mumbai University. With a passion for making a positive impact on society, they embarked on a meaningful journey at Kripa Foundation, the largest NGO dedicated to substance abuse and HIV/AIDS support.
Driven by a thirst for knowledge and a desire to deepen their expertise, Gauri Karkhanis pursued a second Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in trauma from a prestigious institution in Chicago. During this time, they had the opportunity to work at Cook County Prison, gaining invaluable experience in the field.
Gauri Karkhanis is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Criminal Psychology, furthering their commitment to understanding and addressing the complexities of human behavior within the context of criminal justice.
With a published research paper to their credit, Gauri Karkhanis has demonstrated their dedication to advancing the field of psychology and contributing to the academic discourse.
With an unwavering passion for improving lives and making a difference, Gauri Karkhanis continues to strive for excellence in their academic pursuits and professional endeavors. Their multidisciplinary background and extensive experience equip them with a unique perspective in the realm of psychology.
Gauri Karkhanis is a true advocate for social change and remains committed to using their expertise to positively impact individuals, communities, and the field of psychology as a whole.
Shirin Popat
Senior Manager – Minds Matter
Mpower
Shirin is a Counselor & strong advocate of Mental Health, with over 18 years of professional experience. She is trained in several areas therapies including Neuro linguistic programming (NLP), the non-directive model of counseling (Dr. Robert Carkhuff), Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy (REBT), Metaphor Therapy, Transactional Analysis, Psychoanalysis, Marriage Counseling and Sex Education. Shirin is trained in Emotional Intelligence and is also a career counselor. She is also a certified POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) at the Workplace) trainer by the HRCI (Human Rights Council of India) & SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management).
Shirin enjoys facilitating L&D & employee engagement programs for the youth and middle-aged audiences and trains in the areas of Diversity & Inclusion, POSH, Emotional Intelligence, Mindfulness, Mental & Emotional Wellbeing, Developmental programs for women at the workplace, Parenting, Soft Skills, Grooming & Etiquette, Communication, Behavioural skills, Sex Education & Customer Service.
Shirin has successfully trained at large as well as mid-sized organizations including UBS, Qualcomm, Jones Lang La Salle, Owens Corning, DB Schenker, NielsenIQ, Thomson Reuters, Grey Worldwide, HPCL, Piramal Pharma, Alvarez & Marsal, Shriram Housing Finance, Global Data, Sula Wines, Raheja QBE General Insurance, Icertis, Logos Group, Alfahive, Teach for India, The Akanksha Foundation, Kotak Education Foundation, Welingkar Institute of Management & DFCCIL.
When not working, Shirin loves to travel, spend time with family & friends, try various cuisines, go for a nature walk or simply relax!
Hemin Bharucha
Chief Representative of the Mayor of London in India
London and Partners
Hemin Bharucha represents the Mayor of London in India. He has over two decades of international trade experience working at senior levels with global companies. From providing strategic direction for investment projects to generating business development and marketing opportunities, he has successfully consulted and advised a wide spectrum of companies realise their unmet trade potential.
Devashish Godbole
Commercial Disputes Lawyer
DG Chambers
After graduating from NLU Delhi, Devashish has pursued his LLM in International Economic and Business Laws from Georgetown University in Washington DC.
Devashish is practicing in the area of Commercial Dispute Resolution in Mumbai and deals with advising Corporates and Individuals on various aspects of Contract Negotiation, Drafting and Debt Recovery as well as Insolvency and Bankruptcy.
Through his work he has guided clients make business decisions as well as a formal way to restructure their debts and dues and has gained a good understanding of how to counterbalance business needs with legal compliances.
Caran Arora
International Enrolment Management
Northeastern University
After completing his schooling in Mumbai, Caran completed his BA in Psychology from Bates College in the US where he captained the Varsity Squash team. He then worked in their Office of Admissions as an Admissions Counsellor and was responsible for recruiting students and evaluating applications from important markets such as Connecticut, Long Island, Westchester County, China and Pakistan. He returned to India and became part of The Red Pen team where he managed the undergraduate service line for two and half years and worked with over 300 students helping them navigate the global admissions process.
Caran went on to complete his Masters degree from the University of Toronto in Canada before starting in his current role with Northeastern University in 2022 where he oversees the recruitment and enrolment of students from India to the global campus network that Northeastern has.
