Theme: What's Next?

The future is an ever-evolving canvas, constantly being reshaped by the ideas, innovations, and actions of today. 'What is Next?' invites us to explore the frontiers of human endeavor, to contemplate the possibilities that lie ahead, and to imagine the ways in which we can shape the trajectory of our collective journey.
This theme is a call to embrace the unknown, to challenge conventional wisdom, and to push the boundaries of what we thought was possible. It encourages us to think boldly, to question assumptions, and to envision a future that transcends our current limitations.
'What is Next?' is a celebration of human ingenuity and curiosity, a recognition that the most profound transformations often arise from the most unexpected places. It is a reminder that the future is not a fixed destination but a constantly shifting landscape, and that our role is to chart the course, to navigate the uncharted waters, and to leave our mark on the ever-changing tapestry of human progress.
Whether it's in the realm of science, technology, art, or social innovation, this theme invites us to explore the boundless potential of human imagination and to embrace the possibilities that lie beyond the horizons of our current understanding.

IIM BodhGaya
IIM Bodhgaya, Uruvela, Prabandh Vihar, Bodhgaya, Bihar
Bodh Gaya, Bihar, 824234
India

Anil Swarup

Former Coal Secretary & Education Secretary, Government of India

Anil Swarup is a distinguished former civil servant, author, and thought leader, widely respected for his integrity-driven approach to public administration. As the Coal Secretary of India (2014-2016), he played a pivotal role in restoring transparency and efficiency in coal allocations, spearheading the implementation of a successful auction system that transformed the sector. His strategic reforms reshaped the coal industry, ensuring accountability and better resource management. Following his impactful tenure in the coal sector, he served as the Secretary of School Education and Literacy (2016-2018), where he introduced revolutionary changes in India's education system. His books, Not Just a Civil Servant, Encounters with a Politician, and Ethical Dilemmas of a Civil Servant, provide deep reflections on public service and policy-making, offering valuable lessons for professionals and aspiring leaders.

Anuva Kakkar

Founder

Anuva Kakkar is a passionate entrepreneur who turned her love for hot chocolate into a thriving business, redefining India’s hot chocolate experience. Her journey began with a humble setup near a bustling metro station in Gurgaon, where she served each cup to customers. Recognizing the demand for high-quality, indulgent chocolate beverages, she founded Tiggle, a brand committed to delivering rich and authentic hot chocolate. Tiggle sources premium cocoa from Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, ensuring a superior taste that has won over chocolate lovers across the country. Since 2021, the brand has successfully delivered nearly 200,000 cups across 20,000+ pin codes in India. Anuva’s entrepreneurial vision and dedication to quality earned Tiggle a feature on Shark Tank India Season 3, further solidifying its place in the market. Through Tiggle, Anuva continues to bring warmth and joy to every cup, making hot chocolate an unforgettable experience.

Feroze Azeez

Deputy CEO, Anand Rathi Wealth Ltd.

Feeroze Azeez is a highly accomplished wealth management professional with a deep passion for finance and mathematics. As the Deputy CEO of Anand Rathi Wealth Ltd., he brings extensive expertise in financial strategy, seamlessly integrating treasury management concepts into wealth advisory services. Throughout his career, he has played a crucial role in leading financial institutions. Before joining Anand Rathi Wealth Ltd., he headed Product Development and Strategy at Religare Macquarie Pvt. Wealth and served as Head of Investment Services at ABN AMRO BANK N.V. His leadership and strategic insights have significantly shaped investment services and product innovation in the financial sector. A vocal thought leader and mentor, Feeroze is committed to shaping the next generation of finance professionals. He frequently engages with bright minds, fostering discussions on transformative financial strategies and industry advancements.

Jadav Payeng

Environmentalist

Jadav Payeng is an extraordinary environmentalist celebrated for his unwavering commitment to ecological conservation. Popularly known as "The Forest Man of India," he is renowned for single-handedly creating Molai Forest, a 1,360-acre lush green ecosystem on Majuli Island, Assam. His journey began in 1979, when, at just 16 years old, he took it upon himself to combat soil erosion and protect wildlife by planting trees on barren, flood-prone land. Over the decades, his relentless dedication transformed the landscape into a thriving habitat for elephants, tigers, rhinos, and over 100 species of birds. In recognition of his remarkable efforts, he was honored with the Padma Shri in 2015. Featured in multiple documentaries, Jadav Payeng stands as a powerful symbol of individual action for environmental restoration, inspiring generations to come.

Jaya Chaahar

Founder & CEO, Trade Fantasy Game (TFG)

Jaya Chaahar is a trailblazing entrepreneur recognized for her contributions to the tech and gaming industries. As the Founder & CEO of Trade Fantasy Game (TFG), she has pioneered a unique, skill-based sports gaming platform that merges trading dynamics with fantasy sports. Launched in 2022, TFG offers an innovative 6-player fantasy format, incorporating digital collectibles and wild cards to enhance user engagement. With over nine years of corporate experience, Jaya has held key positions at Airtel, Star TV Network, Universal Music Group, and BBC, driving business development, product strategy, and monetization. Her strategic acumen has played a vital role in scaling these organizations. Her achievements have been widely recognized, earning her the title of ET Inspiring Woman Leader 2023. Through TFG, Jaya continues to push the boundaries of gaming innovation, reshaping the fantasy sports landscape.

Kamalika Deka

General Manager HR, UNIQLO

Kamalika Deka is a pioneering leader in the HR industry, known for her expertise in developing people strategies, talent acquisition, and employer branding. With a passion for transforming workplace culture, she has led innovative HR initiatives that have redefined employee experience and organizational growth. Throughout her career, she has played pivotal roles in some of the most prominent organizations, shaping their HR frameworks and talent strategies. She has served as the Human Resource Director at Hisense and Vision Spring, the HR Head at Nicobar Design Pvt. Ltd., and the Regional Head at Domino’s. Her diverse experience across industries has enabled her to implement progressive HR policies and cultivate impactful leadership within organizations. Her contributions to the industry have been recognized with prestigious accolades, including the T.A. Pai Young HR Leader Award in 2022 and the LeadHerShip Award in 2024.

Sudarshan Gangrade

Founder, Lo! Foods

Sudarshan Gangrade is a visionary entrepreneur dedicated to revolutionizing healthy eating in India. As the Founder of Lo! Foods, an FMCG startup specializing in low-carb and keto-friendly packaged foods, is redefining traditional snacks and staples with health-focused alternatives that don’t compromise on taste. Established in 2019, Lo! Foods has quickly become a game-changer in the Indian FMCG space, driven by innovation and a commitment to tackling lifestyle diseases through smarter food choices. The company secured $1 million in a pre-Series A funding round, led by the Chona Family Office, further strengthening its vision of making nutritious eating the new norm. Before founding Lo! Foods, Sudarshan played a key role as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at OLA Cabs and also co-founded LeanScience, further showcasing his expertise in business growth and consumer engagement.

Uttsah Sharma

Co-founder & CEO, QniVerse

Uttsah Sharma is a visionary leader in quality assurance, known for her innovative and disruptive approach to redefining QA standards. As the Co-founder & CEO of QniVerse, she is spearheading a paradigm shift in the industry by delivering seamless, high-performing, and reliable quality assurance solutions. Under her leadership, QniVerse has emerged as a trusted service provider, setting new benchmarks in QA strategies and enabling organizations to revolutionize their approach to quality. Her contributions to the field have earned her prestigious recognition, including the BW 30 Under 30 honor. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Uttsah Sharma continues to shape the future of quality assurance, driving innovation and impact across industries.