What if the answer isn't the first one we see? What if the greatest opportunities lie just beyond our assumptions, our routines, and our comfort zones?
Our theme, Beyond the Obvious, is an invitation to look deeper—to challenge conventional thinking, uncover hidden possibilities, and discover perspectives that transform the way we live, lead, create, and connect.
Over the course of talks on 11th July 2026, at Symbiosis college Auditorium, Viman Nagar, you'll hear stories that challenge accepted wisdom, ideas that inspire new ways of thinking, and experiences that remind us that the most meaningful discoveries often lie just beyond what seems obvious.
Introducing our eminent speakers:
Anisa Padaria
Certified Psychologist, Counselor, Relationship Expert, Blogger and an Author.
An Award winning certified psychologist, counselor, relationship expert, public speaker, blogger and an author. Inspiring, empowering, respectful, and empathetic, Anisa’s personality has transformed many. Right from the school children (@ Bombay Scottish), to their parents, youngsters, professionals, entrepreneurs, young and elderly couples, Anisa has been able to enrich lives. She specializes in working as a relationship coach to young adults, a soothing friend to distressed couples, a mentor to young professionals and a beacon of hope to those in despair. Over the last few years, as a relationship expert, Anisa has been working with young adults in pre and post marriage counselling, compatibility assessments, conflict resolutions, framing relationship goals, discovering strengths and weaknesses, bonding towards building a blissful life together. Her commitment to building a Happy society is the driving force for everyone at Zengage.
Archana Amlapure
Yoga and wellness expert founder and CEo of ojas yoga and wellness, Singapore.
Author - health happiness and harmony
Archana Amlapure is a transformational Yoga and Wellness trainer, keynote speaker, and author who empowers professionals, women, and communities to find balance, energy, and clarity in modern life. After a 12-year corporate career with global companies, she followed her passion for holistic wellbeing and founded Ojas Yoga & Wellness in Singapore. With a B. Tech, an Executive MBA from IIMC, and certifications in Yoga Teaching and Therapy from SVYASA, Singapore. She bridges corporate insight with yogic wisdom to create sustainable wellbeing solutions. Under her leadership, Ojas Yoga has grown into a multi-studio wellness brand that integrates traditional yoga with modern approaches to movement, mindfulness, and lifestyle transformation. Her book Health, Happiness, Harmony and her philosophy “Pause. Breathe. Move.” reflect her belief that wellbeing is a way of life. Recognized across Singapore’s wellness community, she continues to inspire thousands thru her talks, workshops, and programs.
Arihant Chhajer
Founder Digmancy Pvt Ltd-Digital, Algoura AI, Pinnara AI and Author
Some people follow the obvious path. Arihant Chhajer built his own. A quiet kid from Bikaner with a Delhi University seat he couldn’t take and an IAS dream he chased through two grueling UPSC attempts — Arihant’s life refused to go as planned. So he taught himself a skill, picked up clients across the world, and got knocked down again and again. Banned three times on the platform that paid his bills. He rebuilt every single time. Today, at 24, he’s the founder of Digmancy, a registered performance-marketing agency serving global clients and helping businesses scale through SEO and performance marketing. A top-rated freelancer on Fiverr, he has worked with clients across the world and built a reputation for turning setbacks into opportunities. A published author of Between Thought and Feeling, a collection of poetic reflections on self-love, emotional intelligence, and personal growth, a poet, and a passionate sportsperson. Recognized among ABP’s Top 10 Leading Business Owners of 2025.
Captain Saurabh Saraswat
founder of VerifyU, Beaufort Marine Services Mission- Creating the value of LIFE for every indian
Captain Saurabh Saraswat is the founder of VerifyU, a facial-recognition-based identity and emergency safety app. Born and raised in Lucknow, he joined the Shipping Corporation of India at 18 and spent sixteen years sailing across the world. During this time he rose from cadet to captain, developing a conviction that life comes before all else. In 2017 he started Beaufort Marine Services and later, prompted by a conversation with his wife in 2024 about missing dementia patients, launched Beaufort IT Solutions and conceived VerifyU. The app stores critical information—blood group, medical history and emergency contacts—and uses facial recognition to make it instantly accessible. Users can scan a face to identify unconscious accident victims and send SOS alerts. Saraswat envisions every Indian registering so that lifesaving information is available when it matters most.
Charmaine Ann Lazarus
Advocate, Bharatnatyam Artist and Founder of Nupra Bharatnatyam Academy
Charmaine represents a rare convergence of law, art, and leadership. A practicing advocate for 22 years, she holds Master’s degrees in Commerce, Law, and Performing Arts. She served as a jury member at the National Moot Court Competition consecutively for 5 years and is Joint Secretary - Pune Family Court Advocates Association. A devoted Bharatanatyam artist since the age of four, she founded Nupra Bharatanatyam Dance Academy in 1987, mentoring students who have performed internationally winning Global Cultural Olympiad in Singapore, Dubai and Thailand. She has performed across churches in Germany, uniquely fusing Bharatanatyam with Biblical parables, a presentation telecasted on German national television. She has also performed in Singapore before the Prime Minister and Malaysian delegates and has been featured on BBC World News. A recipient of the Nari Shakti Award, member of UNESCO’s International Dance Council, she continues to inspire through tradition, expression and purpose.
Deepika Pratap Chalke
Founder of Asan Yoga Center, Senior Yoga Specialist
In a world chasing speed, she invites us to rediscover balance. Deepika Pratap Chalke is a Senior Yoga Teacher (SYT) registered with Yoga Alliance Professionals (UK) and the Indian Yoga Association, and founder of Asan Yoga in Mumbai and Pune. With 15+ years of experience, she has trained 500+ students through 100+ Teacher Training Programs and guided 1,000+ practitioners across traditional and modern styles like Hatha, Ashtanga, and Iyengar. Originally from a stock market background, Deepika transitioned into yoga for holistic growth. She has received several prestigious accolades for entrepreneurship, actively contributes to communities, and shares insights via podcasts. Asan Yoga won at the Parle Bazaar "Bizz Masters" (2023) in Strategy & Branding and was honored at the Ashtanayika Sanman Ceremony. The studio has been recognized by Vile Parle Police Station (2024), Bharat Vikas Parishad Mumbai Prant with the LEAD Award (2024), and The Tate Group (2025) for dedicated service.
Dr. Abdussalam Omar
Business Leadership Mentor and Social Architect Entrepreneur
Dr. Abdussalam Omar is a leadership Mentor, entrepreneur, transformational Coach, and social impact leader dedicated to helping individuals, entrepreneurs, and organizations unlock their highest potential. A former faculty member at King Saud University, Saudi Arabia, and part of the pioneering team behind India's 108 Emergency Response Services, he has built a career at the intersection of leadership, psychology, entrepreneurship, and human transformation. He is the founder of Human Excellence Academy, OATHMEN- Startup Coaching Club, Business Coaching Club (BCC), Business Immersion, DEEP IMMERSION, Brandmount the identity expert, and TravelNGrow Tourism LLC, Dubai. Having coached over 10,000 individuals and mentored more than 1,000 entrepreneurs, Dr. Omar believes that sustainable success begins with inner transformation. His mission is to develop purpose-driven leaders who create stronger families, ethical businesses, and lasting social impact.
Dr. Arjita Mukherjee
Psychologist & Hypnotherapist, Founder of Healing Hub (Psycological consulting services Bengaluru)
Dr. Arjita Mukherjee holds a B.Com, M.A, MBA, and over 18 certifications and diplomas in psychological consulting. A Bengaluru-based psychologist, she is the Director of Swadeshi Samarthak Magazine and founder of two psychological consulting centers. She has authored two books and numerous articles on women’s empowerment and mental health, while serving as a speaker at awareness programs. Recipient of more than 80 prestigious awards, she is also recognized in the India Book of Records, Bharat Book of Records, and Karnataka Book of Records. Her journey extends beyond psychology into modeling, where she has walked for diamond and apparel brands and appeared on Zee Telugu. A registered organ donor, she sponsors children’s education and provides free counseling to over 300 clients. Her message to women: embrace responsibility, rise with strength, and contribute independently to society and the nation.
Dr. Dawood Vaid
Director, global sparrow education alternative education advocate NIOS. Micro Schools. Online Learning
An innovative education strategist transforming classrooms into spaces of curiosity, creativity, and real-world learning. Meet our next speaker Dr. Dawood Vaid. Director, Golden Sparrow Education. Dr. Dawood Vaid is an award-winning educator, mindset Mentor, and Director of Golden Sparrow Education, a pioneering initiative offering a holistic K-12 curriculum that blends formal subjects with life skills and business studies. Recognized as the Most Innovative Indian Educator 2023 and a recipient of the Swami Vivekananda National Award 2024, he is a trailblazer in curriculum innovation and leadership. The author of 'The Education Riddle', his articles on LinkedIn has a popular fanbase, he also loves quizzing and travelling besides being a Game of Thrones fan and a 25,000 connect on Linkedin, his preferred Social Media.
Dr. Deepak Toshniwal
Founder of SNOW global business community, Global Business Strategist, Social Activist and Author
Dr. Deepak Toshniwal is a rare combination of entrepreneur, author, innovator, philanthropist, and community leader. He is a pharmaceutical professional with nearly three decades of industry experience, Founder of SNOW Global, an international business networking community, and a passionate advocate for entrepreneurship, leadership, and social transformation. Beyond business, he has dedicated his life to serving society through initiatives in healthcare, education, environmental sustainability, women’s empowerment and community development. An accomplished author, he wrote Chocolate Civilisation, a fascinating exploration of the 4,000-year journey of chocolate across cultures and civilizations. A Guinness book record holder, as “Rakthdata”, having donated blood 81 times. His has earned him several prestigious recognitions, including the Research Excellence Award, International Business Leadership Award and Social Impact Leadership Award, honoured twice by the Governor of Maharashtra.
Dr. Nidhi Pandey
Associate Professor, Personality Development Trainer and Mentor
What if personality is not something you impress people with… but something people feel around you? Meet Dr. Nidhi Pandey, our next speaker. Her professional journey reflects over two decades of consistent impact across academia, corporate training, and human development. Holding a Ph.D., UGC-NET qualifications, and an MBA in HRD, she has built a career defined by transformation. Conferred the BHARAT VIBHUSHAN award (Best Corporate Trainer) at Delhi Vidhan Sabha in 2024, she is also featured among Forbes Influential Leaders. Dr. Pandey has served in key roles at Sri Balaji University, NDIM Delhi, and RGPV Bhopal as a Professor, Ph.D. examiner, and Scopus reviewer. With a deep focus on employability and communication, she has mentored highly diverse individuals. A prolific researcher, she has published over 25 papers, authored international books, and developed case studies for the Case Study Centre, UK, presented at premier platforms like IIM Calcutta, IIM Indore, and MDI Gurgaon.
Dr. Prashant Khankhoje
Managing director at A2Z Adcon LLP Life & Business Transformation catalyst
Dr Prashant Khankhoje is a beacon of Guidance and Empowerment for those who seek to excel in their endeavours, personally & professionally. Dr Prashant Khankhoje is a seeker of truth, Energy Mentor, and transformation catalyst devoted to harmonizing ancient wisdom with modern life. Guided by the timeless teachings from Indian knowledge system like Vedas and the Bhagavad Gita, he inspires individuals to awaken their inner power, discover balance between outer success and inner peace and explore purpose and awareness with conscious living practices. With more than 38 years of corporate leadership experience, Dr. Khankhoje’s journey has evolved from managing Energies in industries to channeling the Human energies of the mind, body, and soul. A certified Life and Business Transformation Coach (PCC–ICF,USA) and TEDx Speaker, Recipient of multiple national and international awards, Dr. Khankhoje blends knowledge, compassion and energy to create transformative impact and sustainable progress.
Dt. Shiva Bhanot
M. Sc (Food and Nutrition); B.Ed Consultant Nutritionist and Dietician - Rotary Ambala, Cancer and General Hospital Ambala; A Philanthropist by Choice
Dt. Shiva Bhanot serves as a Consultant Nutritionist and Dietician at Rotary Ambala Cancer and General Hospital, where she has spent more than a decade helping individuals improve their health and well-being. But her impact extends far beyond nutrition. Over the years, she has dedicated herself to social causes that uplift vulnerable communities and restore dignity where it is needed most. Through educational and charitable initiatives, she has contributed to the education of more than 200 orphaned and fatherless children, supported the dignified marriages of 151 fatherless girls, and helped hundreds of families facing hardship. Navigating early marriage and young motherhood while continuing her education, she transformed personal challenges into a lifelong commitment to empowering others thru courage and determination. A philanthropist and a humanitarian, she believes that true nourishment is not limited to food—it includes hope, opportunity, compassion, and human connection.
Indranil Das
Business leader - Founder and CEO of Leaderion
A pioneer challenging the obvious to unlock the extraordinary. Indranil Das is a renowned business leader with 30 years of experience in driving growth, strategy, and operations within the IT and telecom sectors. He has managed multicultural global teams across the US, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia for esteemed companies such as PwC, IBM, and Ericsson. Currently, he leverages his extensive expertise to empower future leaders. As the Founder and CEO of Leaderion Academy, he helps professionals unlock their potential and foster a ripple effect of leadership. A respected thought leader, Indranil writes the popular LinkedIn newsletter “Leaderion,” which offers strategic insights to over 11,000 followers. His work uniquely combines decades of corporate experience with a strong commitment to human-centric leadership.
Jimmie Panditaa
Academic Strategist, Author, and Maharashtra Ratna Awardee
A 25-Year Legacy of Academic Strategy and Leadership Jimmie Panditaa is a distinguished Academic Strategist, Author, and Maharashtra Ratna Awardee with over a quarter-century of experience in transforming high-potential students into global achievers. While many focus solely on rote learning, Jimmie’s methodology is rooted in Academic Architecture—a specialized approach that aligns cognitive mastery with competitive strategy. As a premier IIT-JEE and NEET mentor, he has spent 25 years decoding the complexities of the Indian and global education landscapes. His guidance has been the cornerstone for students achieving top-tier success, most notably mentoring candidates to All India Ranks 87 and 331.
John Pradeep JL
Founder of Story influence Academy, Author and Community service
Why do we stay silent when our inner voice is asking us to speak? John Pradeep JL, Founder of Story Influence Academy is an author, storyteller, and speaker dedicated to shaping young leaders through public speaking, book authoring, and community service. With a strong foundation in theatre and storytelling, he empowers children and adults to express themselves with confidence and purpose on impactful platforms. He has created two world records in the fields of speaking and storytelling, showcasing his commitment to excellence and innovation. Beyond the stage, John believes in learning through action. Along with his students, he has led the creation of three man-made forests, combining leadership development with real-world environmental impact. Through his work, John continues to inspire individuals to find their voice, share their stories, and create meaningful change in their communities. He believes in children BEING the change and not waiting until they grow up.
Kanan Anand Patel
Founder – Kreative Change an initiative by Altruvera Social Foundation Social Transformer
Kanan Anand Patel is a passionate changemaker, author, and motivator dedicated to creating meaningful impact through selfless service and community-driven initiatives. With a Master’s Degree in Marketing, she blends strategic thinking with compassion to design initiatives that truly transform lives. As the Founder of Kreative Change, she has been in driving impactful programs that bridge gaps in education, wellness, and social responsibility for youth and underprivileged communities. Kanan inspires individuals to cultivate discipline, inner strength, and a purpose-driven life. Her work reflects a deep commitment to nation-building, with a special focus on fostering meaningful connections between civilians and the defense community while promoting holistic well-being. She has received Service Excellence Award for outstanding contribution towards society by Federation of Industries of India, appreciation from Sketchpaintxprs, Sainik Takli Rotary Pune and Indian Armed Forces.
Krishna Dushyant Rana
Chairman & Managing Director of Platinum Industries LTD.
Krishna Dushyant Rana is the Chairman & Managing Director of Platinum Industries Ltd., a globally trusted leading manufacturer of specialty chemicals listed on the NSE and BSE. Often described as a “Bankrupt Millionaire,” his journey reflects not just inherited legacy, but resilience shaped by rebuilding, reinvention and risk. Carrying forward his father’s vision, he transformed Platinum into a growing, innovation-led enterprise with ambitions to become the world’s largest, expanding its global footprint with a state-of-the-art facility in Egypt. Recognized among India's Top 10 Youngest Business Leaders on the Barclays Hurun India Most Valuable Family Businesses List (2025), ET Now Machinist NextGen Leader of the Year (2025), BusinessWorld Disrupt 40 Under 40 (2024), Entrepreneurs Today's 40 under 40 (2023) and Best Inspirational Story at Global Startup Summit India (2023). A passionate mentor to young entrepreneurs, he champions a mindset where setbacks become foundations for scale.
Mithilesh Chandekar
Global Sales and marketing Leader, Industrial Solutions, Author and MMA fighter. Presidential Member, NSLS
Mithilesh Chandekar grew up sleeping on a floor in a small city. Today, he leads a billion-dollar business portfolio across North America, having built markets and led growth initiatives across nine countries. His journey spans boardrooms, global leadership roles, entrepreneurship, and personal transformation. He is the author of two thought-provoking books, The Perspective of Discipline and No One Is Coming, the latter described by The Blunt Times as a powerful wake-up call for a generation. His philosophy is simple yet challenging: stop waiting for rescue and start taking ownership. He has been recognized with multiple honors, including the Sales Warrior Award, Sales Excellence Award, Super Champion SPOT Award, Behaviour Champ Award, and Best Performer recognitions across APAC, North America, and Europe. He is also a Presidential Member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, USA, and an alumnus of the prestigious Korn Ferry Leadership Development Program.
Nikhil Yadav
Group Head - Media Puretech Digital, IIM Vishakhapatnam
He leads cross-functional media teams and drives digital growth for brands across India, North America, and other global markets. Managing more than ₹150 crore in annual advertising investments, with projected spends of ₹200+ crore for 2026, his work spans retail, finance, healthcare, FMCG, education, SaaS, and e-commerce, with a portfolio that includes multiple National and International Brands and 40+ international businesses across the US, Canada, and the UK. Recognized among Entrepreneurs Today's 30 Under 30 in Advertising, Marketing & Media. His work has been featured through multiple partner-published case studies with organizations such as Vodafone Idea (VI), Glance, mCanvas, and others. With a deep interest in AI, smart devices, augmented reality, privacy, and the future of consumer experiences, Nikhil explores how emerging technologies will redefine the relationship between brands and people in the next decade of digital transformation.
Pijush Ranjan Ghosh
Corporate Leader, Author and AI visionary
A distinguished Global IT Transformation Leader and Computer Science Engineer with over 25 yrs of experience spearheading complex international projects. As the founder of AI Champ India (AICI), he is at the forefront of democratizing artificial intelligence, notably architecting the "Think in Agentic Way" framework and leading high-impact AI literacy programs for diverse groups, from university cohorts to senior citizens. A prolific author of seven books, including Project Manager Mindset and 51 Universal Subconscious Rules, he bridges the gap between technical excellence and human behavior. He is the innovator behind Mindstrology, a proprietary methodology focused on subconscious coaching, shared through 90 television episodes and global platforms. He is deeply committed to community building in Newtown, Kolkata. His career is marked by prestigious recognitions, including being named "Best Motivational Author" (London, 2025) and receiving the "Best People Manager Award."
Reena Beri
Founder of Triksha Edutech & Nutriveda Wellness Center
Ms. Reena Beri the Founder of Nutriveda Wellness and Triksha Edutech, she brings 21+ years of experience in corporate capability building - impacting over 100,000 professionals globally - alongside 5+ years in holistic health, transforming 7,000+ lives worldwide. Her career includes senior leadership roles, notably as AVP at Barclays, where she led large-scale learning interventions. Partnering with corporates, B-schools, and academic institutions, driving transformation. In wellness, she is a qualified Nutritionist and Diabetes Educator, specializing in PCOS, weight management, and root-cause healing through sustainable lifestyle solutions. In the corporate space, she specializes in leadership, communication, personality development, and behavioral transformation, with certifications in Situational Leadership II, Dale Carnegie, Emotional Intelligence, and Facilitation—blending science, mindset, and practical application, guided by her philosophy: Impact over Instruction.
Shweta Undre
Founder of Smiles World - Curating Women only Journeys. Innovation in Tourism
Shweta Undre, an engineering graduate with an MBA in Tourism, is the founder of Smiles World and an advocate for transformative travel experiences that go beyond tourism. Having explored over 45 countries and curated 100 women-only journeys, she has empowered thousands of travellers through experiences that foster confidence, connection, and self-discovery. What began as a love for travel evolved into a deeper journey of storytelling and human understanding. Through immersive experiences, local cultures, and meaningful conversations, she discovered travel’s unique ability to expand perspectives, build empathy, and inspire personal growth. She has served 5,000 travellers, helping create not just itineraries but lasting memories. Recognised with the Innovation Award from the Indian Tourism Society, the Nari Shakti Award, and the Best Women Entrepreneur Award by Lokmat Sakhi. Through Smiles World, she continues to redefine travel as a pathway to connection and transformation.
Subhash Kartik
India’s first Personal Integrity Coach, IDQ Value Adder
Subhash Kartik is a communication strategist, Josh talk speaker 2 times, and founder of IDQ Value Adder. For over a decade, he has helped thousands of professionals, entrepreneurs, and students find their voice through communication, public speaking, and neuroscience-based learning. Known for his work on personal integrity and authentic expression, Subhash believes that many people do not fail because they lack talent, but because they stay silent when their voice matters most. In this talk, he explores how integrity is not merely about honesty, but about the alignment between what we think, feel, and choose to express.
Swapna Bhavesh Shetty
Author, Researcher in Generational Patterns & Its effects, Personal Developmental Mentor
Swapna is an author and researcher whose work focuses on understanding how ancestral and generational influences shape human behaviour, decision-making, and identity. She has observed that many recurring patterns in life - whether related to money, relationships, or self-worth are often rooted in inheritance of beliefs and conditioning. Her work explores personal experiences and generational imprints, bringing attention to the powerful ways family histories continue to influence present-day lives. She helps individuals uncover these patterns and understand the origins of their thoughts, reactions, and decisions. She encourages a shift from unconscious repetition to conscious awareness. She invites individuals to step into a more self-aware, empowered way of living—where inherited patterns are acknowledged, but they no longer influence actively because the moment we can see the difference between self choices and inherited patterns, we gain the power to decide what we carry forward.
Yusuf Poonawala
Amazon Best Selling Author, Business Mentor, Chief Experiences officer LuxVoyages
A thinker who challenges what we accept—and reveals what we overlook. Meet our first speaker Speaker Mr. Yusuf Poonawala. What if the most radical act of leadership isn't working harder — but sitting down at a table with the people you've been too busy to see? Yusuf Poonawala has spent three decades answering that question — and changing lives while doing it. A multiple TEDx speaker, Amazon bestselling author, and recipient of the Governor's Award for Leadership, Yusuf has coached entrepreneurs across continents from burnout to balance, from chaos to clarity, and from chasing success to building significance. Featured in TIME and Forbes, he is the author of the bestselling The Balanced Leader series and the literary fiction debut The Spanish Table. His keynote at the Bharat Shining Conclave 2026 in New Delhi left a room of national leaders with one line nobody could shake: "Algorithms build infrastructure. Only humans build the trust that makes a nation."
Whether you leave inspired to innovate, lead with greater purpose, or simply see the world through a different lens, the true value of the experience lies in what happens next. After all, every extraordinary journey begins when we choose to look beyond the obvious.
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