New Delhi [India] November 15:In a year marked by innovation, resilience, and excellence, India has seen remarkable individuals rise to prominence across diverse fields. From trailblazing entrepreneurs and visionary artists to social reformers and tech pioneers, these 12 personalities are shaping the future and inspiring millions. Each has made a lasting impact through their dedication, creativity, and leadership. As we look ahead, these influential figures embody the spirit of modern India, driving change, challenging conventions, and setting new benchmarks for success. Here’s a closer look at the stories of these exceptional individuals who are making waves in 2024.
1 – .Mr. Aravind Arasavilli, chairman of Exxeella Education Group
In 2024, Aravind Arasavilli, the Chairman of Exxeella Education Group, stands out as a remarkable figure in India’s educational landscape. Known for his visionary leadership, Aravind has transformed Exxeella into a hub of innovation and excellence, offering diverse educational programs that cater to contemporary needs.
His commitment to quality education and holistic development has garnered recognition across the nation. Under his guidance, Exxeella has implemented cutting-edge technology in classrooms, enhancing the learning experience for students. Beyond academics, his initiatives in community outreach and skill development have made a significant impact on local communities. Aravind Arasavilli’s relentless pursuit of excellence continues to inspire students and educators alike, solidifying his place among India’s noteworthy personalities of 2024.
2. D.C. Sekhar, Managing Director, AlphaMERS Ltd and Beta Tank Robotics Pvt Ltd
D.C. Sekhar started his career on the Premium Training ship Rajendra, and later served as a merchant navy captain of large oil tankers, before pivoting to pursue his passion of new technology development. After studying finance management in Singapore and general management at IIM Bengaluru, he founded two companies AlphaMERS and Beta Tank Robotics and developed new technologies around his domain of experience. Today he has a few patents and another few in the pipeline, earning his revenues from his own patented solutions. His technologies are in the field of cleaning river plastics, robotics for petroleum industry and harnessing ocean energy.
3.Nevil Darukhanawala, Founder of Impact-Driven Kids Clothing Brand “Sooper Dooper Kids”
Nevil Darukhanawala is the visionary founder behind Sooper Dooper Kids, a children’s clothing brand that blends fashion with social impact. The brand’s innovative “One Purchased, One Donated” promise was recently supported by funding from Her Highness Arwa Al Qassimi of UAE. Through this initiative, every purchase helps donate a t-shirt to children in need.
Nevil’s journey began in 1998 with a web development company, WebWork India Pvt Ltd, at the dawn of India’s internet revolution. His company quickly expanded, securing venture capital from Edelweiss Capital. Later, he co-founded India Port Dot Pvt Ltd, a platform for online shipping logistics.Now, with Sooper Dooper KidsNevil is creating a brand that teaches children values of kindness, inclusivity, and environmental responsibility. With eco-friendly, biodegradable packaging.
4.Gaurav Dubey, Founder and CEO of Home of Marketing
With over nine years of experience, Gaurav is a highly skilled company strategist and marketer. He is a TEDx Speaker and has received several honours and recognitions for his outstanding work. In addition to founding Pawsometails, he has made it his mission to educate impoverished children in the Indian town of Nashik. He is the creator of Home of Marketing, a well-known barter company committed to supporting the expansion and prosperity of Indian companies via sustainability. They have grown to 100 Cr ARR in just 14 months since the new business model was introduced, and they have been profitable from the start.
5. Sidhavelayutham Mohan, CEO & Founder of Alice Blue
Sidhavelayutham Mohan is a passionate leader and the founder of Alice Blue, one of India’s leading discount brokerage firms. He began this company with a team of five people and has since grown Alice Blue to over 1,000 employees across 21 major cities, serving more than 700,000 clients. His active interest in leveraging technology to meet the needs of modern investors has helped Alice Blue earn the title of Leading Client Participant Member – ADT by MCX in 2024. Looking ahead, he and his team aim to expand Alice Blue’s reach and establish it as one of India’s top brokerage firms.
6.Ms. Astha Puri- AI Specialist and Healthcare Innovator
Astha Puri is an AI specialist and healthcare innovator dedicated to revolutionizing patient care through artificial intelligence. With a strong foundation in engineering and behavioral science, she has seamlessly combined her tech expertise with a passion for healthcare. Astha’s career spans from data analysis at big tech companies to leading AI projects that drive business and healthcare advancements. She holds a patented AI solution for IVF patient care and has won several awards for her contributions to AI in healthcare. Astha emphasizes ethical AI practices and serves as an advocate for responsible AI, regularly speaking at conferences and contributing to influential research publications.
7.Santhosh Jetty, Founder & CEO of Akartha
Akartha, founded by Santhosh Jetty, has become a creative powerhouse in advertising, known for its bold ideas and innovative approach. The agency’s dynamic culture fosters an environment where creativity meets purpose, attracting top talent across the industry. “We see our work as a creative piece designed to impact viewers and achieve client objectives effectively,” says Santhosh.
At Akartha, creativity is celebrated from day one, with every team member empowered to contribute to groundbreaking campaigns. The agency goes beyond recruitment, focusing on long-term growth through mentorship, workshops, and hands-on opportunities. With leaders like Ipsita Mishra guiding the creative strategy, Akartha offers meaningful, purpose-driven work that makes a real-world impact, including socially driven and agricultural campaigns. Diversity, inclusion, and recognition are core values, ensuring Akartha remains a top destination for creative professionals.
8.Shashi Jaligama, Managing Director, GUS Education India
With a mission to inspire, innovate, and make a meaningful impact, Shashi have lived by a simple mantra throughout his professional and personal journey: “Every Person Matters.” This philosophy has shaped his approach as a hands-on leader and trusted strategic adviser, fostering an environment where empathy, respect, and collective growthare prioritized. As the Managing Director of GUS Education India (GEI), Shashi has led with high energy, tackling challenges head-on and driving strategic planning and transformational agendas. With over 20 years of global experience, Shashi honed his skills in digital marketing and strategic leadership, always focusing on increasing transparency and delivering measurable improvements.
9.Anuradha Gupta, Managing Director of ARMEIS Inc.
Anuradha Gupta is a trailblazing entrepreneur and the Managing Director of ARMEIS Inc., a company with diverse ventures that reflect her innovative spirit. Among her initiatives, Vows for Eternity—a global, highly personalised matchmaking service founded a decade ago—stands out as her true passion. Anuradha’s approach to matchmaking is deeply rooted in empathy and cultural insight, going beyond surface-level algorithms to create bespoke, confidential searches that honour the complexity of human connections. Anuradha is redefining modern matchmaking with a mission rooted in authenticity, insight, and heart. With Vows for Eternity, she envisions an industry built on purposeful, transformative relationships.
10. Dr.Manoj Sharma Entrepreneur & CEO of BORT Technology OPC Pvt Ltd
Dr. Manoj Sharma is a leading force in social media management and company formation. With extensive hands-on experience, he helps businesses navigate the complexities of online presence, turning startups into thriving enterprises. As CEO of Bort Technology, Dr. Sharma has pioneered innovative strategies in social media content creation and press release dissemination, using cutting-edge tools to maximize online engagement and visibility.Bort Technology’s expertise ensures optimal outcomes for clients, with a keen understanding of the ever-evolving digital landscape. Through their strategic approach, Dr. Sharma has positioned Bort Technology as an industry leader, consistently delivering impactful results.
In today’s fast-paced business world, Dr. Sharma’s expertise in social media, press releases, and company formation makes him the perfect partner for businesses looking to scale and succeed.
11.Anupama Dalmia, Founder & Chief Mentor of Beyond the Box
Anupama Dalmia is a distinguished blogger, author, digital content creator, serial entrepreneur, and writing mentor who has received multiple awards for her contributions. As the Founder and Chief Mentor of Beyond the Box, she has revolutionized children’s education through an innovative approach that prioritizes creativity and personal expression. This initiative transcends a mere literary project; it represents a movement that empowers young learners to embrace and articulate their own thoughts and ideas. Dalmia’s enterprise has become a notable disruptor in both the literary and educational sectors, garnering her prestigious honors such as the Sheroes Champion title and recognition as one of the leading writing mentors globally.
12. Nitin Jain: CEO – India PR Distribution – India’s Leading Press Release Service Provider
Nitin Jain, CEO of India PR Distribution, is a pioneering leader in press release distribution, offering impactful and affordable PR solutions. As one of the first to provide organic press release services at competitive prices, his company has made media outreach accessible to businesses of all sizes in India and beyond. “Our goal is to make press release publishing affordable without compromising quality,” says Nitin.
With over 20 years of experience , Nitin has transformed PR services for startups, small businesses, and large corporations. His focus on integrating advanced digital tools ensures clients stay competitive in the digital landscape. Under his leadership, India PR Distribution delivers personalized PR solutions with rapid turnaround, providing clients with top-tier media coverage and exceptional visibility.
