A room of builders.
The leaders, founders, policymakers, and practitioners turning ideas into action
Deepak Bagla is the Mission Director of Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) at NITI Aayog, Government of India. He brings with him a distinguished career spanning multilateral institutions such as the World Bank, Citibank, and the private equity sector, with leadership roles across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. His journey uniquely combines private sector expertise with public sector experience, offering a blend of strategic insight and operational excellence to the role. In 2015 he was appointed the Managing Director and CEO to establish Invest India, as The National Investment Promotion Agency of the Government and during his eight year tenure (March 2023) the Agency has been acknowledged as the World’s most awarded IPA. Invest India is the point of reference for Investors and also assists several important initiatives of the Government including, Startup India, One District One Product, and the digitisation of the processes and approvals during the investor journey.
In March 2007, Deepak joined the UK based Private Equity firm, 3i plc, and raised India’s first Global Private Equity Fund dedicated to PPP projects in core infrastructure. With close to USD one billion in committed capital, the fund invested in roads, ports and power projects in India. From 1989, until March 2007, he worked with Citibank in the Global Corporate and Investment Bank and held several responsibilities across, Asia, Europe, Africa and Australia. He worked closely with the Corporates and Governments across these regions and was also associated with fund raising of entities.He has been a member of several High Level Government Committees including Committee on Financing infrastructure, Core Group on Corporate Governance for Independent Directors, Committees on Fintech, Innovation, Tourism, Healthcare, and a special invitee to the Hon'ble Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council.
He has also been a member and special invitee on the official bilateral CEO Forums with, USA, UK, Canada, Brazil, Australia, France, Japan, Russia, South Africa, Sweden, Spain, Thailand, Republic of Korea, Israel, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Qatar and UAE.Deepak was on the Investment Committee of the Government’s US$ 1.5 Billion ‘Fund of Funds’ for Startups and is on the Advisory Board of the Government’s US$ 7 billion ‘Fund of Funds’ for MSMEs.
He has a Bachelor’s degree with Honours in Economics from St Stephen’s College, Delhi University, and a dual Masters in International Diplomacy and International Trade and Finance, from the School of Foreign Service, Georgetown University, Washington DC.He was the elected President of the Geneva based, World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA). WAIPA is the world’s single largest Investment platform with a membership of over 105 countries.
Deepa Nagraj serves as the Senior Vice President and Global Head for ESG, Sparkle Innovation Ecosystem, and Communications at Mphasis. In this role, she leads a broad portfolio spanning innovation, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, public relations, public affairs, investor and legal communications, employee and community relations, and global corporate communications.
Deepa has built the innovation, ESG, and communications practices at Mphasis from the ground up, leading a global team of experts and collaborating with universities, government trade organizations, startups, PR agencies, and digital partners. Her expertise lies in developing integrated communication strategies that align with organizational goals and in executing high-impact campaigns across traditional and digital platforms—covering areas such as M&A, technology, regulatory issues, corporate citizenship, and macroeconomic developments.
She also drives government and industry relations, serving on advisory boards including the Canada-India Business Council (CIBC), India Canada Business Chamber (ICBC), AMCHAM, NASSCOM, and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Deepa is an active member of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and the CII Indian Women Network (IWN) Karnataka.
As the ESG Head, Deepa develops and oversees policies and initiatives focused on environmental stewardship, social impact, and corporate governance. She provides strategic guidance on sustainability risks and impact assessment and sits on the advisory boards of multiple non-profit organizations.
Having started as an individual contributor, Deepa has grown with Mphasis from a $400K business to a $2B global enterprise through multiple mergers and acquisitions. Reporting directly to the Managing Director & CEO, she works closely with the Board and senior leadership to position Mphasis as a leading technology services company, financially robust and an employer of choice.
Dhruvi Shah leads Axis Bank Foundation (ABF) as its Executive Trustee and CEO. She has been heading the Foundation since November 2020, and had earlier served as Head of Programs at ABF starting from 2016.
With over 24 years of experience spanning banking, microfinance, corporate citizenship, and rural development, Dhruvi drives ABF’s strategic initiatives for sustainable livelihoods among India’s vulnerable communities.
Before joining Axis Bank Foundation, she spent 18 years at ABN AMRO Bank N.V. (later rebranded as The Royal Bank of Scotland N.V.), where in 2008 she led the bank’s “Sustainable Development & Not-for-Profit Management” vertical and was instrumental in establishing the RBS Foundation India.
At Axis Bank Foundation, she is responsible for guiding programmes that aim to create sustainable income streams and diversify livelihoods for marginalized rural communities, partnering with NGOs, forging strategic communications, ensuring governance and impact evaluation.
Dhruvi is also the curator and author of The Book of Aspiration — a collection of inspirational stories of social leaders.
She is frequently engaged with youth and emerging social entrepreneurs, advising NGOs and participating in sector-level conversations around sustainable development, women’s empowerment, financial inclusion and natural resource management.
Divya Khemani Wadhera is seasoned commercial and technology leader with a proven track record of building transformative partnerships, accelerating business growth, and driving product innovation. In her current role at Meta, she leads strategic programs and high-impact partnerships with conglomerates and government bodies across Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. With a career spanning Vodafone, Microsoft, and Meta, Divya has consistently pioneered initiatives at the intersection of technology and business—from establishing Vodafone’s SMB vertical to incubating and scaling Vodafone’s IoT practice globally, to forging telecom partnerships at Microsoft that brought cutting-edge connectivity solutions to market. A passionate advocate for leveraging technology to drive social and economic progress, she also leads Meta’s CSR initiatives among other initiatives.
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Dolly Singh is a trail-blazing content creator, actor, and storyteller who has redefined digital comedy in India. Widely loved for her iconic characters, especially the unforgettable “South Delhi Girl”Dolly blends wit, relatability, and social commentary to create content that resonates with millions.
Currently the face of Colgate Visible White O2, Dolly has collaborated with leading brands such as Maybelline, Samsung, IKEA, Jockey, and TRESemmé, becoming a trusted name for both audiences and brands alike.
Her journey began with a Master’s in Fashion and the launch of her fashion blog Spill the Sass. She later joined iDiva as a writer and stylist, where she discovered her flair for acting by starring in viral videos that catapulted her into the spotlight. Since then, Dolly has expanded her presence across mediums from headlining branded digital video campaigns to starring in movies like Thank You For Coming and Bhaag Beanie Bhaag.
Breaking new ground in digital storytelling, Dolly is the first comedy creator in India to have launched a branded Instagram rom-com series, Best Worst Date, now in its third season.
Recently honoured as “Storyteller of the Year”, Dolly continues to push the boundaries of creativity by experimenting with new formats, original IPs, and immersive narratives proving that there’s much more to content than just followers and platforms.
Most notably, she became the first Indian creator to win the Instagram Rings Award (2025) a global recognition from Instagram (Meta), celebrating creators who take creative risks and shape culture in unique ways.
Dr. Jaijit Bhattacharya is a public policy expert and digital economy strategist specializing in technology policy, e-governance, and digital public infrastructure. As President of the Centre for Digital Economy Policy Research (CDEP), he leads policy advocacy and research initiatives focused on advancing India’s digital and economic transformation.
He currently serves as a Member of the ccNSO Council at the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), representing the Asia-Pacific region, and as a Governing Senate Member of IIIT Raipur. Previously, he headed the India Chapter of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution at the World Economic Forum.
Dr. Bhattacharya’s expertise spans digital governance, fintech, cybersecurity, and regulatory innovation. He works closely with both government and industry stakeholders, shaping thought leadership in India’s digital policy ecosystem.
Dr. K. P. Krishnan served in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) for 37 years, superannuating in December 2019. During his distinguished career, he held senior leadership roles in the Government of India including Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship; Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance; and Secretary, Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council. He also served in the Government of Karnataka in diverse departments such as agriculture, urban development, commercial taxes, and finance, besides key field assignments including District Collector of Mangalore.
Alongside his policy and administrative leadership, Dr. Krishnan has been an active academic and researcher. He has taught at IIM Bangalore, ISB, and Ashoka University, and was the Bok Visiting Professor of Regulation at the University of Pennsylvania Law School. He has served as the IEPF Chair Professor of Economics at NCAER and currently he is Distinguished Fellow at the Isaac Centre for Public Policy (ICPP), Ashoka University. Dr. Krishnan sits on the Boards of leading corporates including Shriram Capital and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories etc.
Dr. Maneesh Mishra is an accomplished leader in the field of skill development, known for his expertise in program management, research, and strategy formulation. He is Vice President and Head of Skilling @ Naveen Jindal Foundation, Jindal Steel and Power. He is currently working on skilling projects that are aimed at preparing youngsters for the workplace. He is also developing qualifications and programs for Future of Work in power, steel and allied sectors.
In past he worked with Piramal Foundation as Director and Core Team Member on skill embedded education and work integrated programs. Prior to that he served as the Executive Vice President of Strategy at the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), Dr. Mishra has made significant contributions to shaping India's skill landscape.
With a distinguished academic background, Dr. Mishra holds a Ph.D. in Management. His doctoral research delved into the role of innovation in shaping the competitive structure of industries, reflecting his insight into the dynamic forces that drive economic growth.
At NSDC, Dr. Mishra has held roles that amplify his impact on skill development. He led World Skills India, a key organization responsible for coordinating India's participation in the esteemed World Skills competition. Additionally, he served as India's technical delegate to World Skills.
Dr. Mishra's influence extends to high-level policy advisory as well. He has advised the Ministry of Labour on the employment track of the G20, where his guidance has contributed to significant discussions and initiatives. Notably, he spearheaded the conceptualization, planning, and execution of the Education track for G20's Future of Work discussions, along with a large-scale International Exhibition on the Future of Work in Bhubaneswar.
One of his remarkable achievements includes the establishment of the Skill India International Center at Varanasi, a pioneering initiative that facilitated the overseas employment of numerous skilled workers. This accomplishment aligns closely with the honorable Prime Minister's vision of positioning India as the Skill Capital of the World.
Dr. Mishra's leadership encompasses diverse sectors. He has led the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme and played pivotal roles in the governing councils of various Sector Skill Councils, including Green Energy, Automotive, Power, Rubber and Petrochemicals, and Hydrocarbon.
Furthermore, Dr. Mishra has embraced the transformative potential of education, especially through the NEP 2020. He leads the Skilling in Schools program, aiming to extend skill development to all school students by 2030.
Dr. Mishra has been a member of the UGC committees on the nomenclature of UG degree programs and PG Credit and Curriculum. He has also orchestrated significant projects, such as the World Bank's $500 million Skill India Mission Operation (SIMO) project and the Mahatma Gandhi National Fellowship in collaboration with 10 IIMs.
Dr. Mishra has been instrumental in establishing District Skill Committees across India, engaging over 500 districts in skill planning. This achievement has garnered widespread acclaim, even gaining mention from NITI Aayog.
Beyond his institutional roles, Dr. Mishra is an active contributor to research and discourse. He has authored articles in Yojana on the decentralization of skills and has provided consultancy to public and private sector entities on topics ranging from organizational design to performance management. He has led the capacity-building function at UIDAI and has created an online training system in which about half a million enrollment staff were trained and deployed.
A sought-after speaker, Dr. Mishra has been invited to address numerous forums and holds senior membership at the Global Institute of Food, Health, and Nutrition at the University of Cambridge. His contributions extend to academia, where he serves as a visiting faculty member at IIMs.
Dr. Nonita Gangwani is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiology at the University College of Medical Sciences (Delhi University), where she combines her expertise in human physiology with an evolving focus on medical education, behavioral neuroscience, and student well-being.
Her research and teaching intersect across various domains of physiology, alongside pioneering pedagogical innovations that integrate reflection, empathy, and professionalism into medical curricula. She has contributed to studies exploring issues such as needle phobia among medical students, reflective writing as a learning tool, and trigger films for doctor–patient communication training. She makes appealing digital paintings. She uses head mouse to access the smart devices as an assistive technology which helps her in accomplishing all these tasks. She is a wheelchair user and has multiple sclerosis but this does not limit her her potency.
A passionate educator, Dr. Gangwani is deeply committed to competency-based, humanistic medical education that strengthens both scientific rigour and compassionate practice.
Dr. Rajeev Sharma brings over 20 years of academic experience, including 9 years in thedevelopment sector focusing on industrial clusters and SMEs. He specializes in MSMEs, Cluster Development, Business Development Services (BDS), and Policy Advocacy.He has led several high-impact projects, notably the UNIDO capacity-building program for Cluster Development Agents in Tehran, Iran, and served as a consultant with the Cluster Competitiveness Group, Barcelona for its India operations. Dr. Sharma has coordinated major initiatives such as the DST-funded “Promoting Innovative Clusters” project (₹12.5 crore),fostering innovation across SME sectors like Textile Machinery, Medical Devices, andPharmaceuticals. An accomplished researcher, Dr. Sharma has published extensively in reputed journals and presented papers at national and international conferences, including Sapienza University, Rome, and Burkina Faso. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Economics, MA in Economics, and MBA in Operations, along with advanced training at IESE Business School, University of Navarra, Spain under a scholarship program on Cluster Competitiveness. He continues to contribute to policy advocacy, cluster development methodologies, and SME competitiveness through research, training, and international collaborations.
Dr. Rajneesh serves as the Additional Secretary and Development Commissioner (MSME) in the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Government of India. In this capacity, he plays a pivotal role in driving policies and initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s MSME ecosystem. His work focuses on promoting entrepreneurship, enhancing access to finance, and fostering innovation and competitiveness within the sector.
With extensive experience in public administration and policy implementation, Dr. Rajneesh has represented India at key international platforms and led several high-level initiatives to accelerate the growth and global integration of India’s MSMEs.
Dr. R. Balasubramaniam is a development scholar, public policy advocate, and leadership educator with over four decades of grassroots experience. He is the founder of the Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement (SVYM), a development organization working at the intersection of health, education, and community empowerment in India. A physician by training and a Harvard-educated public leader and former faculty at Cornell University, Dr. Balu brings a unique blend of experiential knowledge and academic insight. He is also the founder of GRAAM, a public policy think tank. His work spans advising governments on governance reforms, strengthening democratic institutions, and building state capacity. He is the author of several acclaimed books, including "I, the citizen", "Leadership Lessons for Daily Living" and "Power Within: The Leadership Legacy of Narendra Modi", reflecting his ability to bridge spiritual wisdom, public policy, and leadership practice. His current writing explores leadership lessons from the Bhagavad Gita, integrating Indian philosophical thought with contemporary leadership theory.
He is currently the Member-HR in the Capacity Building Commission of the Government of India. He is also the Chairperson of the Social Stock Exchange Advisory Committee of SEBI.
There’s a lot happening at charcha 2025
Exciting programming in play - marquee speakers, extensive CSR and CSO network participation, thought-provoking panels and workshops, curated networking, and more.