When Divaa Uthkarsha’s younger brother was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, she was only 13, and the impact of that moment would shape the course of her life. Divaa began to notice something even more frightening than the disease itself: a system where thousands of children lacked access to life-saving insulin, care, and awareness. What started as a personal heartbreak became a determined call to action.

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At just 13, Divaa founded Project Surya, named after her brother, to fight the healthcare inequity faced by children living with Type 1 Diabetes in underserved communities. Since then, the student-led initiative has grown into a global movement operating across five countries. Project Surya has impacted over 450,000 lives, supported 2,100 children, distributed 8,000 vials of insulin, and built a network of more than 120 youth volunteers. Through medical camps, digital awareness, research, and direct care efforts, the project challenges both social stigma and systemic neglect.

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Divaa’s journey from caregiver to changemaker has earned her both national and international acclaim. She is one of the Top 10 Global Finalists for the Chegg.org Global Student Prize, selected from over 11,000 applicants worldwide, and a recipient of the Diana Award, one of the highest honors for young people creating social impact. Her work has been featured by major media platforms such as CNN-News18, Femina, and The Times of India, and she has been invited to speak at global stages including the United Nations Headquarters in New York.Beyond the numbers and awards, Divaa is driven by a clear belief that empathy, when backed by action, can transform lives. She co-authored Asia’s first youth-led PubMed-indexed paper on community health worker interventions for childhood diabetes and continues to advocate for healthcare systems that center dignity, accessibility, and lived experience. Divaa is on a mission to make access to quality health care a human right once again and not just a privilege for the affluent.

Thaaragai Aarathana is a young environmental activist and scuba diver from Chennai, often called the Ocean's Little Girl" and also" Little Mermaid of Chennai's East coast" uses her platform to give talks at schools, colleges, and community events to educate people about the importance of marine life and the need to reduce plastic usage. she has been involved in ocean and beach cleanups since a very young age, she has used her skills to bring attention to her cause. She has completed several long distance swims to raise awareness about ocean pollution,  through her under water clean ups and under water events like under water dance, swim, chess, Vikram lander, ect .. and featured in various media outlets, bringing her message to a wider audience. she have collected over 5000 kg of plastic waste from bottom of the ocean. Thaagarai work is a powerful example of how young people can make a significant impact on global issues like environmental conservation.

Nandini is a young scientist with an important goal: to build a future where everyone has food on their table. She is best known for her independent research utilizing CRISPR gene editing in rice to improve crop yield in the face of climate change. At a time when food security and global warming are pressing concerns, her work stands out not only for its innovation but for its immediate applications.

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Driven by an urgency to act on climate issues, Nandini began studying advanced scientific disciplines in 9th grade. She enrolled in university-level courses in bioinformatics, scientific writing, and genetics, laying the groundwork for the research she would then pursue. What began as a personal interest evolved into an internationally acclaimed project that has earned world-wide recognition.

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She has presented her work at some of the world’s most prestigious science competitions, including the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) and the Taiwan International Science Fair (TISF), where she was one of two students chosen to represent the United States. At TISF, she earned first place in the Plant Sciences category, distinguishing herself among hundreds of global participants. Her research has also garnered media attention, with feature profiles in outlets such as Yahoo Tech, Microsoft Network, and Science News Magazine.

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In addition to her research, Nandini is deeply passionate about science education and outreach. She teaches courses on advanced topics in molecular biology to learners of all ages, breaking down complex scientific concepts into engaging, accessible conversations. She also speaks at schools and public events to promote student-led research, providing mentorship and support to young scientists as they begin their own journeys in research.

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Nandini is committed not only to scientific discovery but to scientific accessibility. She advocates for youth involvement in climate science and believes that young minds hold the key to the world’s most critical discoveries.

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As she continues her academic journey at Johns Hopkins University and expands her work in the life sciences, Nandini remains focused on solutions that bridge innovation and equity. She is dedicated to making science accessible and advancing sustainable solutions to secure a better future for new generations.

Sirish Subash is a young innovator who is passionate about using science to solve real-world problems. Ever since he was little, he was curious about how things worked. That curiosity led him to science, where he found both answers and more questions. As he learned more about the challenges people face—like climate change and food safety—he started to see how science could offer real solutions. This is what inspired him to start building and sharing tools that help people better understand and protect the world around them.

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In 2024, Sirish was named America’s Top Young Scientist after winning the 3M Young Scientist Challenge for his invention, PestiSCAND. PestiSCAND is a small, handheld device designed to detect pesticide residues on produce, helping people stay safe from harmful chemicals in their food. Pesticide residues are hard to remove with just water, and are linked to many health problems. With PestiSCAND, Sirish hopes to give people the power to make informed decisions about what they eat.

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Sirish also believes strongly in the power of science communication. He has written two books to help young people better understand science. His first book, Carbon Block Puzzle, is a beginner-friendly guide to climate change—explaining what it is, why it matters, and what we can do. His second book, Biochemistry the Fun Way, is a graphic novel that introduces biochemistry in a fun and simple way. Sirish hopes these books inspire kids to be curious and see science as something they can do, too.

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Alongside writing and inventing, Sirish has spent years participating in science fairs, speaking events, and other STEM programs. These experiences have helped him gain skills in research, building projects, and explaining scientific ideas to different kinds of audiences. He has also learned how to stay focused through long and difficult challenges, and how to turn ideas into real things that can help people.

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As he looks to the future, Sirish plans to keep working on science projects that make a difference. He is interested in exploring fields like biotech, physics, and math, and continuing to share science in ways that are clear, fun, and useful for everyone.

Kaila Mullady is a 2x World Beatbox Champion (2015 & 2018), 2014 American Vice Beatbox Champion, 3x Loop Station Champion, and 3x reigning Beatrhyme Champion. Known for fusing beatboxing, singing, rapping, and theater, she constantly pushes the limits of what the human voice can do.

Her groundbreaking artistry reached new heights when beatboxing hit one of America’s biggest theatrical stages—Broadway. As a cast member in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award–winning improv comedy show Freestyle Love Supreme, Kaila brought vocal percussion to a new audience, showing that beatboxing belongs alongside the highest levels of theatrical performance.

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Beyond the stage, one of the most fulfilling aspects of Kaila’s career has been sharing her craft through education. She has traveled the world leading workshops that promote self-expression, communication, and leadership through music. Her work using beatboxing as a tool for speech therapy led to a partnership with New York University, where she helped design a first-of-its-kind class for blind students based on her curriculum. Through her arts education organization, The Academy of Noise, she continues to merge artistry with education, empowering voices of all ages and abilities.

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Kaila is especially proud of her role in ensuring that the American Beatbox Championships remain a space that supports and uplifts young women in a traditionally male-dominated art form.

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From school assemblies in the U.S. to stages and classrooms across more than 30 countries—including Jordan, Liberia, Mexico, Belgium, and Sri Lanka—Kaila has used her voice to connect people across cultures. Whether performing for thousands, working with at-risk youth, or collaborating with international artists, she champions the belief that every voice has the power to inspire change, spark creativity, and unite communities around the world.

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Continue to follow along with her journey @kailamullady.

Marta Bernardino is a 19-year-old Portuguese inventor whose field of expertise is developing robots to scale nature conservation efforts.

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To date, Marta records a 10-year background in self-taught robotics, having built her first robot at the age of 9 using recycled plastic and motor fans. Growing up in the countryside, she experienced the drastic change of ecosystem destruction, from beach pollution to deforestation. So since then, she has used her robotic skills, combined with a passion for problem-solving, to develop solutions for her community. Today, she focuses her work on nature conservation and protection, and is the youngest nominated conservation roboticist explorer at *National Geographic*.

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Her portfolio in conservation robotics ranges from designing a surface water robot to combat offshore plastic pollution to co-developing a seaweed monitoring robotic system that tracks biomass growth and water quality. In a nutshell, her work focuses on developing robotic technology that restores or protects ecosystems—whether as proprietary work, consulting projects, or corporate collaborations—always with a focus on long-term environmental impact. Notably, her work includes **SONDA**, an autonomous buoy she co-developed that uses beam technology and noise-cancelling techniques to eliminate noise pollution in marine protected areas, enhancing fish fertility and conserving cetacean communication.

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She is also the co-founder of Trovador, a Portuguese startup developing autonomous reforestation robots for hazardous, remote, and degraded locations. As CEO of Trovador, she co-leads the mission of restoring her home country’s forests and reviving native canopies around the world. Trovador has been recognized by National Geographic and was nominated as a Leader in Sustainable Robotics by euRobotics.

Sebastião Mendonça is a 19-year-old tech innovator and social impact leader from Portugal, using robotics and space tech to reimagine how we protect and restore nature.

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He’s the co-founder and CTO of Trovador, a robotics-for-reforestation startup developing autonomous legged robots that plant trees in steep, fire-damaged terrain, restoring land once considered unrecoverable. The project’s impact quickly gained global attention, with its founding duo becoming the youngest ever recognized with the Leadership in Robotics for Sustainability award and invited to present Trovador in over 10 countries across 4 continents.

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Alongside the robot, Sebastião designed a satellite-guided tool that maps post-fire zones where reforestation will have the greatest ecological impact, helping land managers prioritize limited resources and make the most of every euro and every seed. The project also ranked in the top 1% of ~7,000 global participants in the Non-Trivial Research Fellowship. This dual approach – from microsite to macro-map – reflects Sebastião’s belief that restoring nature demands both precision and perspective.

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His journey into STEM and space began early, earning medals in Physics, Chemistry, Astronomy, and also Philosophy Olympiads. He went on to represent Portugal and Europe in international competitions, even leading a global team at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. At just 17, he became one of the few people to ever float in zero gravity, after winning a national astronaut-style selection program that culminated in a parabolic flight alongside astronauts from the European Space Agency (ESA).

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Since then, he’s worked on satellite-ground communication systems for a satellite monitoring Portugal’s coastal waters, and took part in a rocket launch campaign with ESA in the Arctic, launching a rocket to study flight dynamics and atmospheric conditions – reaffirming the power of space technology to solve problems here on Earth.

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But his work doesn’t stop at code or circuitry. For the past four years, Sebastião has been leading educational and social impact programs in Lisbon, focusing on young people from underserved backgrounds. Through a volunteer-run initiative, he organized monthly activities to spark curiosity and confidence, from telescope nights and robotics workshops to philosophy circles and tree-planting days… So far, these programs have reached hundreds of students, helping them explore new worlds, both outside and within.

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Behind every robot and satellite is one of those kids, the kind who got lost folding carefully crafted paper planes and exploring every hillside, tree, and trail their country had to offer. Sebastião’s work is his answer to that wonder – a way to ensure the world stays just as full of it.

Rives (born 1968) is an American poet, storyteller, and author. He appeared on Seasons 3-6 of HBO's Def Poetry Jam and was a member of Team Hollywood, which won the 2004 National Poetry Slam. His best-known poems include "Kite," about waking up alone in a new lover's apartment, and "Mockingbird," which he performs differently every time, incorporating the words of other poets and speakers in the program.

In 2008, Rives hosted the television special Ironic Iconic America with Tommy Hilfiger and Bar Refaeli, examining how pop culture has influenced American tastes and styles. In October of that year, he began appearing as the "first 2.0 poet" in a series of ads for telecom company Orange S.A.

Rives has made multiple appearances at the TED Conference and is the regular co-host of TEDYouth. His multimedia performances touch on themes of connectedness, wordplay, and romance. In 2013, Rives began curating the Museum of Four in the Morning, an online crowd-sourced collection of references to the time, 04:00 am, in art and popular culture.

Rives has written and paper engineered several pop-up books for children and adults. Early in his career, Rives worked at Intervisual Books, under the leadership of Waldo Hunt. Two pop-up books, with paper engineering by Rives, were finalists for the Movable Book Society Meggendorfer Prize for Best Paper Engineering: The Consummate Cigar Book in 2000 and If I Were a Polar Bear in 2002.

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Siyaa Poddar is a 17-year-old researcher and environmental advocate from Arizona. She created RADAR, a color-changing material that detects invisible pollutants like silica and uranium, which are linked to serious diseases that often take years to diagnose. Designed as a low-cost tool for vulnerable communities, her work earned her the Regeneron Young Scientist Award, the top honor at the International Science and Engineering Fair, as well as 1st place in the category of Materials Science, and was featured on BBC Tech Life. Beyond research, Siyaa served as a Youth Civic Impact Fellow; co-leads Water the Roots, a youth sustainability initiative that has engaged students across her state; and serves as president of her high school chapter of She’s the First, guiding more than 100 girls in supporting first-generation students.

Snehadeep Kumar, 21, founder and CEO of Nebula Space Organisation, is an innovator putting India’s space ambitions into the hands of students and common people. Sparked by seeing Cyclone Fani’s devastation in his teenage years, he realised that real-time satellite imagery wasn’t a privilege it should be a right. What followed was a journey of bold invention: cutting CubeSat costs by 98%, sourcing materials from neighbourhood shops, and using locally made components to challenge the billion-dollar status quo.

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What began as an online Discord-fueled brainstorming group in 2021 has matured into a student-led space startup. Snehadeep and his team are now building India’s first gamma-ray detection CubeSat, ambitiously dubbed SABHASAT. Their prototype is not only cost-effective but also green-conscious, with drag sails deorbiting to keep space debris minimal.Their work has already earned them invitations to the International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2024 in Milan), the National Astronomy Meeting in Cardiff, and ISRO’s National Space Science Symposium.Beyond space tech, Snehadeep is working to democratize science itself. In 2021, he launched Aurora Academic Journal, a youth-led, interdisciplinary platform offering students worldwide the chance to publish original research, without the gatekeeping of academia. He was elected in 2022 as one of India’s youngest Fellows of the Royal Astronomical Society (FRAS), honoured as a Kentucky Colonel, and selected as a Young Member of the New York Academy of Sciences, all before turning 19.

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He is building a constellation of 100 satellites and a “Twitter for the Earth,” where anyone, be it a farmer in Punjab, a relief worker in Odisha, or a curious kid, can access and tag real-time satellite images for a cup of coffee price. It’s not just a project; it’s a movement: science and space made accessible, sustainable, and unstoppable.

Her Himalayan odyssey started in 2015 with a high altitude trek to Chandrashila Peak (12000 ft) at the age of seven. In 2016, she graduated to more difficult and higher treks like Har-ki Dun (13500 ft), Kedarkantha Peak (13500 ft), and Roopkund Lake (16400 ft). In May 2017, Kaamya trekked to the Everest Base Camp in Nepal at 17600 ft to become the Second youngest girl in the world to accomplish the feat. Recently, in May 2019, she successfully trekked to the famous Brighu Lake (14100 ft) and crossed the Sar pass (13850 ft) in Himachal Pradesh. On 24 August 2019, Kaamya successfully summitted on Mt Mentok Kangri II (6262 m / 20544 ft) which is her second successful climb above 6000 m, proving her ability to repeatedly conquer such heights. Soon after completing the expedition, on 27 August 2019, she also cycled from Leh to Khardung La (5359 m), the highest memorable road in the world. This gave the confidence to attempt Mt. Aconcagua, the highest peak outside Asia, and the second-highest of the 7summits (behind Everest). Adding to the list of achievements, On Feb 20, Kaamya stood undeterred and overcame multiple hurdles, administrative, physical and mental, to become the youngest girl in the world to summit the mighty Mt. Aconcagua. With this, she hasn’t just caught the attention of the international climbing community, but has captured the imagination of millions of young Indians and inspired them to pursue their dreams. She even got the attention of the Honourable Prime Minister, who lauded her efforts in his Mann Ki Baat of February 20.

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Also, she treks regularly in the Sahyadris and even guides her friends and other trekking enthusiasts in experiencing the great outdoors.

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Adding to the long list of achievements, this young chap also planned for the next 3 years of her future where Kaamya wishes to ski to the South Pole and climb Mt. Vinson Massif, the highest mountain in Antarctica in Dec 2020. The other assignments are planned to be accomplished in a tightly knit schedule in 2021, finally culminating with Mt. Everest in May 2022. She is planning to undertake a cycling expedition from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, covering a distance of about 3800 km, symbolizing national integration and spreading awareness on the importance of physical fitness, especially amongst girl children.

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Kamya is a bright student and has been focused since childhood which can be established with her performance in her academics curriculum and her exemplary participation in co-curricular activities. She has also been indulging in fine arts by learning to play the Piano (passed Grade 5 from the Trinity school of music), Guitar (passed Grade 2 from the Trinity school of music), Western and Carnatic vocals, and Barathanatyam. She has been rendering Barathanatyam performances on stage for the past five years.

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Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts and Kaamya have left no stone unturned to keep the spirit of achievers alive in her. Kaamya has undertaken many climbs presumed impossible at her tender age, making many records in the journey and bringing laurels to the Nation. Her accomplishments have been widely covered in print and TV media. Her social media profiles cover many of her success stories which are shared widely, including publishing houses and major organizations like The Indian Navy. It has been seen that her story has percolated even to remote and backward areas and has been inspiring people at the grass-root level. She has also been delivering motivational lectures at various institutions/ forums. The message of achievements by such a young girl will motivate a multitude of children to pursue their dreams and also encourage the people of our country to lead an outdoor way of a healthy life.

Marcus Koh – World Yo-Yo Champion and Global Yo-Yo Ambassador

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Marcus Koh’s journey from a curious young boy spinning a yo-yo for fun to becoming a World Yo-Yo Champion is nothing short of inspiring. Born and raised in Singapore, Marcus discovered yo-yoing at the age of 10 and quickly developed a passion for the sport. What started as a simple hobby soon transformed into a full-fledged pursuit of excellence as he dedicated countless hours to mastering intricate tricks and innovative styles.

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At the age of 18, Marcus made history when he won the World Yo-Yo Contest, placing Singapore firmly on the map of competitive yo-yoing. His winning performance, celebrated for its precision, creativity, and stage presence, not only earned him the title of World Yo-Yo Champion but also solidified his reputation as one of the leading figures in the global yo-yo community.

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Since then, Marcus has become much more than a competitor. He has performed and conducted workshops around the world, inspiring young players and growing the sport’s popularity across Asia, Europe, and North America. His work as a mentor and innovator has helped elevate yo-yoing from a niche pastime into a respected art form and competitive discipline.

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Today, Marcus continues to push the boundaries of what can be achieved with a yo-yo. Through collaborations, public performances, and educational initiatives, he shares his belief that yo-yoing is more than just tricks — it’s about creativity, focus, and the courage to express oneself. Whether on the world stage or in community events, Marcus Koh remains dedicated to inspiring the next generation to dream big and chase their passions, one spin at a time.

Madhura Ghane, aka Mahi G, is a rapper and poet from the Sahyadri ranges in Ahilyanagar, Maharashtra. She uses her voice to spotlight raw, real, and often ignored issues, with her rap reflecting the pulse of the people - from environmental justice to tribal identity and gender inclusivity.

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Her debut track “Jungle Cha Raja” (produced by RFM Studios with music by Rapboss) became an anthem celebrating the spirit and struggles of Adivasi communities. The song resonated widely, earning recognition from artists like Badshah, Vishal Dadlani, Raftaar, Dia Mirza, and IncIndia. Rooted in themes of Jal, Jungle, Zameen, it refuses pity and instead celebrates resilience.

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Since then, Mahi G has written and performed on subjects ranging from the Hijra community and the Hasdeo jungle protest to rape culture and the destructive obsession with development. For her, rap is more than entertainment — it is activism, storytelling, and truth-telling.

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As she often says: “रैप तो एक जरिया है, हम बदलते विचार
प्रकृति से प्यार करो, यह करते है प्रचार।” Her mission is clear: to awaken youth, shift mindsets, and remind everyone that caring for the earth and each other is more powerful than any trend.

Dr. Jaimine Anita Vaishnav is a dynamic researcher, author of 6 books, and educator rooted in Mumbai, India, where he passionately explores the intersections of global politics, economics, and social sciences.

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With a Ph.D. in Social Sciences, his groundbreaking doctoral research on India-China border trade and informal exchanges through India’s North-East Region has sparked policy dialogues, earning endorsements from India's Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and Ministry of Commerce. This achievement highlights his knack for transforming complex geopolitical insights into actionable strategies that foster regional growth and international cooperation.

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As a faculty member at ATLAS SkillTech University, Dr. Vaishnav ignites curiosity in subjects like Geopolitics, World Trade, Street Entrepreneurship, and Media and Culture. His innovative teaching style blends theory with real-world adventures, including student field trips to bustling street markets, where learners uncover the secrets of grassroots innovation and ethical business practices.

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Previously affiliated with many other educational institutions in Mumbai, he champions critical thinking, leadership, and interdisciplinary wisdom to empower the next generation of thinkers and doers.

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A prolific researcher with citations across business management, economics, media studies, and liberal arts on Google Scholar, Dr. Vaishnav pens influential books that demystify management principles and organizational success. His articles grace prestigious platforms like Modern Diplomacy, The CSR Journal, Medium, etc., pressing topics from economic reforms and social equity to governance and cultural dynamics with clarity and foresight. Through these writings, he sparks meaningful conversations on global progress, individual freedoms, and sustainable development.

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Engaged in community initiatives with a few NGOs, Dr. Vaishnav extends his impact beyond classrooms, promoting social awareness and inclusive growth.

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Active on LinkedIn, he connects globally, sharing ideas that inspire change. Reach him at jaiminism@hotmail.co.in

Sukriti Y.J. (pen name: “Sukriti”) is an author, screenwriter, and researcher.

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Her company Unibrow Stories (@suki_unibrow) produces novels, comics, and videos on fun, real stories of India.

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Her novels include The Lehenga Games (a bridal fashion quest), Gold Digger: Treasure of Son Bhandar (action-adventure set in Bihar) and Beta Builder: Mumbai in the Metaverse (a sci-fi architecture novel).

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Sukriti is the writer and producer of the Webtoon comic Love on a Visa (YA campus rom-com), and the Instagram comic NINK (No Income, No Kids).

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Her writing has also appeared in Quartz, Bustle, New Statesman, The Hindu, The Times of India, and elsewhere. Her essay for Vox—"Donald Trump Could Save My Love Life”—went viral on publication.

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She is the researcher of The Power of Bad (2019), written by New York Times’ science columnist John Tierney. She is the researcher and co-author of Untapped (2018), a corporate publication by Womenkind in Manhattan.

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Sukriti has developed original and adapted screenplays for feature films and web-series, with Ashutosh Gowariker, Shonali Bose, Kunal Kohli, Prajakta Koli, and others. Her sci-fi feature Beta Builder, was awarded top awards at the Writers’ INK Lab 2023 by NYU and UCLA film faculty. Her sitcom DIL MIL was shortlisted at Netflix’s 2023 TakeTen contest. She is represented by Tulsea.

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Sukriti holds an M.F.A. in Creative Nonfiction from Columbia University, and is also an alum of the London School of Economics, and Dhirubhai Ambani International School.

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She lives in Mumbai. You can find her at @suki_unibrow on Instagram.

Gautam Vaishnav is a balance artist from Mumbai whose journey into the world of rock balancing began with a single spark of disbelief and curiosity. When he first saw pictures of stones stacked perfectly atop one another, he was convinced they were fake. That curiosity pushed him to explore the craft himself, diving deep into the process of learning, failing, and eventually mastering the delicate art of balance. Over time, rock balancing became more than an artistic pursuit it turned into a meditative practice and a way of connecting deeply with nature and stillness.

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Since those early explorations, Gautam has shared his art with more than 18,000 people across India through workshops and performances. His participants range from CEOs to schoolchildren, from specially abled individuals to children with Down syndrome, and even to lively groups of homemakers. Each session focuses not on perfection but on presence on experiencing stillness, mindfulness, and a reconnection with one’s inner calm. His work reminds people that balance is not found; it is created, one mindful moment at a time.

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An extrovert by nature, Gautam is also a passionate trekker and traveler, having scaled more than 500 mountains and journeyed across 27 states of India. His love for the outdoors deeply influences his art, as he draws inspiration from natural landscapes, rivers, and ridges where he often creates his temporary sculptures. Each rock he balances echoes his bond with the Earthan expression of patience and playfulness with gravity and form.

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Through his workshops, and public installations, Gautam continues to advocate a simple yet profound philosophy: to slow down, to listen deeply, and to find beauty in imperfection and instability.

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Whether he’s balancing stones, brands’ products, or capturing attention through live performances, Gautam Vaishnav’s art stands as a quiet rebellion against haste—an invitation to pause, breathe, and rediscover the harmony hidden in chaos.

Pallavi Verma is a writer, speaker, and founder of PenPal: a storytelling and branding collective built around the belief that connection is the soul of everything we do . She’s known for daydreaming, always carrying a tattered journal, turning conversations into ideas and locking her tea cabinet. Whether it’s leading large-scale wellness events across the UAE or crafting narratives that make people laugh, think, and care, her work lives at the intersection of creativity and community.

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Her journey didn’t start with a blueprint..more like a plot twist. Pallavi dropped out of college to go to film school, to her mother’s absolute joy (the “I told you so” kind). A few years, several drafts, and one existential crisis later, she found herself back in academia studying psychology and marketing, two fields that helped her understand why people do what they do, and how stories can move them. She went on to surprise her parents by earning a master’s degree which almost made up for the earlier panic.

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At nineteen, she landed in Dubai with a suitcase, a journal, and the kind of dreams that make airport security suspicious. She worked everywhere- call centres, cafés, admin desks, and that’s where her stories took shape. “There’s something so extraordinary in the ordinary, and so ordinary about the extraordinary,” she often says. It’s this philosophy that built PenPal: a creative agency that doubles as a modern pen-pal project: sending handwritten letters and curated packages from small businesses to subscribers. As she describes it, “It’s a hug in a box.

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”When she’s not writing, Pallavi can be found collecting mugs she doesn’t need, quoting Michael Scott like it’s gospel, and wearing enough rings to outdo Phoebe Buffay. She claims to entertain (or torment) her brother daily and proudly takes credit for her parents’ grey hairs.

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Professionally, she’s known for shaping campaigns like She Runs, #LeadHers and #LeanIn and other initiatives that amplify women’s voices. The rest..she’s mostly just figuring it out- one campaign, one poem, and one dad joke at a time.

Pearl William, also known as Manzil, is a Mumbai-based fire performer who has carved her space in the city’s vibrant art and entertainment scene. Known for her authenticity and versatility, she is among the very few Indian women actively performing this unique and powerful art form.

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Her journey into fire performance began as a form of self-discovery and expression, a way to explore her emotions and channel her individuality through the raw energy of flame. Over the years, Pearl has built a distinct identity within this art, bringing her own authenticity, style, and personality to every stage. She performs not only at events but also at Indian festivals, reflecting how fire has always been part of the country’s cultural roots.

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Blending traditional influences with contemporary expression, Pearl infuses her fire art with hip-hop, modern music and diverse genres, showcasing her ability to adapt and create something unique each time. She has been featured in reality shows, web series, music videos, performed in high-end events, concerts— bridging tradition and modern artistry through every performance.

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For Pearl, fire art is more than performance; it is a statement of courage and being versatile. Through her work, she continues to challenge perceptions of what fire performance can be, especially for women in India. Her journey is a reminder to be confident, real, and true to oneself.

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Today, Pearl represents a rare blend of artistry and purpose, a performer who uses fire not just to entertain but to connect, inspire, and remind audiences of the beauty in embracing one’s truth.

Yukta Kandhari is a global strategist and community architect helping people and ideas thrive across borders. With experience spanning 160+ nationalities and six continents, she has built and led initiatives with universities, creators, and institutions worldwide — from Harvard classrooms to global innovation programs. Through Founders Across Borders, her storytelling platform, she amplifies the voices of founders and changemakers shaping a more connected, collaborative world.

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