Speakers Who Inspire

Madan Mohanka, Chairman of MM Group of Industries, is a visionary leader who has revolutionized multiple sectors with cutting-edge technologies. A Civil Engineering graduate from BIT Ranchi and an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad, he has led Tega Industries to global success, with exports to 73 countries and manufacturing plants across three continents. Beyond business, he is a passionate philanthropist, cultural patron, and author of two insightful books. At TEDxBistupur, he shared his insights on “Startups Then & Now,” offering a thought-provoking perspective on the evolution of entrepreneurship. Drawing from his vast experience, he discussed how the startup ecosystem has transformed over the years, the challenges faced by early entrepreneurs, and the opportunities that define the present landscape. His talk serves as a guide for aspiring innovators navigating the ever-changing business world.

Dilith Castleton is a visionary leader in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) with over four decades of experience in driving impactful social change. Her work spans livelihood enhancement, watershed management, environmental conservation, and rural development, all aimed at creating sustainable ecosystems for marginalized communities. A staunch advocate for tribal and rural empowerment, she has dedicated her career to uplifting underprivileged groups, fostering self-sufficiency, and building resilient communities. At TEDxBistupur, she spoke on “Empowering the Tribal and Rural Communities,” shedding light on the challenges faced by these populations and the transformative solutions that can drive lasting change. Through real-world insights and inspiring success stories, she emphasized the power of collective action, sustainable interventions, and the role of businesses in shaping inclusive growth. Her passion and commitment continue to inspire individuals and organizations striving for a more equitable world.

Surajit Deb is a multifaceted professional with expertise in engineering, entrepreneurship, consultancy, training, and language interpretation. A Mechanical Engineering graduate from Jadavpur University, he started his career at Larsen & Toubro Ltd before taking the helm of his family’s manufacturing business, driving it to new heights in "Make in India" initiatives. His deep engagement with Japanese industrial methodologies, including TPM, TQM, TPS, and 5-S, has enabled him to transform businesses and train over 5,000 individuals in process excellence. At TEDxBistupur, he spoke on “Learnings from Industrial Business Excellence Tools to Apply in Personal and Professional Life,” offering invaluable insights into how structured improvement methodologies can enhance efficiency, decision-making, and personal effectiveness. By drawing parallels between industrial best practices and everyday life, he demonstrated how principles of quality, discipline, and continuous improvement can lead to success in both professional and personal domains.

Mr. Rishi’s journey is a testament to self-mastery, discipline, and holistic well-being. After retiring from business in 1997, he founded Aayushyamaan Bhav (Live Long), a unique trust dedicated to promoting a healthier and more fulfilling life. What makes him truly remarkable is his unwavering commitment to simplicity—having abstained from everyday items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, tea, and coffee, he has lived medicine-free since 1979. At TEDxBistupur, he spoke on “Better Art of Living,” sharing profound insights on self-management and lifestyle transformation. With wisdom gained from conducting over 2,700 workshops worldwide, he emphasized the power of mindful living, conscious choices, and holistic wellness. His extraordinary journey continues to inspire individuals to embrace a life of simplicity, balance, and true well-being.

Marwan Abubaker is a passionate advocate for sustainability, environmentalism, and community-driven change. With over 15 years of experience spanning agriculture, fish farming, and developmental initiatives, he found his true calling in waste management and urban sustainability. As a key force behind Stray Pals and Waste Management Initiatives, he has pioneered decentralized waste solutions and played a crucial role in setting up Bangalore’s first Dry Waste Collection Center in 2011. At TEDxBistupur, he spoke on “Building a Waste-Free World with Inclusive Circularity,” emphasizing the role of informal waste workers, sustainable urban planning, and community participation in tackling waste challenges. Through his extensive work across Indian cities—from Bangalore to Jamshedpur to Port Blair—he continues to shape impactful, circular solutions for a cleaner, greener future.

With over 23 years of expertise in sustainable sanitation, project management, and strategic business development, Arun Kumar Rayavellore Suryakumar is a visionary entrepreneur and environmental engineer dedicated to reshaping the future of water and sanitation. His extensive work spans India, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, where he has implemented impactful field projects and training programs. Currently pursuing a PhD at the University of KwaZulu-Natal's WASH R&D Centre, he continues to drive innovation in sanitation and water management. At TEDxBistupur, he spoke on "Innovative Solutions for Water and Sanitation Challenges," sharing his insights on water conservation, decentralized sanitation models, and the role of technology in sustainable waste management. With a pragmatic and visionary approach, Arun is bridging the gaps in sanitation infrastructure, ensuring enduring solutions for global water challenges.

An acclaimed Economist and Business Leader, Dr. Poornima Dore has made remarkable contributions to digital transformation, corporate finance, and development finance, with a keen focus on equity-driven growth. With a PhD in Economics from IIT Bombay and a distinguished career spanning Tata Trusts, Elevar Equity, and Tata Capital, she has been instrumental in shaping policies, fostering partnerships, and advocating for data-driven governance. At TEDxBistupur, Dr. Dore spoke on "The Myth of Growth Without Equity," challenging conventional economic narratives and emphasizing the need for inclusive development models. Drawing from her expertise as a faculty member at XLRI and her acclaimed book, Regional Economic Diversity, she provided deep insights into how economic systems must balance growth with fairness. Beyond finance and policy, Dr. Dore is also a trained Carnatic vocalist and former drummer, showcasing her multifaceted passion for culture and creativity. Her journey continues to inspire innovation, leadership, and meaningful change in both economic and social landscapes.

Shubham Khanna is a true embodiment of versatility, excelling as an educator, corporate leader, entrepreneur, and athlete. From topping Jharkhand in XAT to becoming a national-level basketball champion, his journey proves that every experience contributes to success when the dots are connected. In his TEDx talk, "Every Experience Counts! You Just Need to Connect the Dots," Shubham shares how diverse experiences—from academics and sports to corporate leadership and entrepreneurship—have shaped his journey. He emphasizes the importance of leveraging every opportunity, embracing change, and finding connections between seemingly unrelated experiences to achieve success. After earning his MBA from XLRI, Shubham thrived in the corporate world as a brand manager at CIPLA and AstraZeneca before realizing his true passion for mentoring MBA aspirants. As the Director of T.I.M.E Jamshedpur, he has guided over 5000 students to top B-schools, producing 142+ 99 percentilers, 8 state toppers, and 14 city toppers. His compassionate and patient approach, combined with deep subject expertise, has earned him prestigious recognitions from T.I.M.E. for his outstanding results in CAT 2021 and 2022. Beyond education, Shubham is a passionate entrepreneur, founding Humming Woods, a sustainable holiday home and café in Himachal Pradesh, blending his love for nature, travel, and business.

Anirban Chatterjee is a seasoned management consultant with expertise in Operational Excellence, Business Transformation, and Change Management across 23 industries. Having led over 75 consulting assignments, he currently serves as a Fractional Chief Transformation Officer, offering strategic insights to drive impactful change in organizations. In his TEDx talk, "Types of People, Resistances & Change Management," Anirban delves into the human response to change, identifying different types of people, the resistances they pose, and effective strategies to manage transformation. He unpacks how organizations and individuals can navigate disruption, overcome inertia, and embrace adaptability. Beyond his corporate expertise, Anirban is a wildlife photographer and nature enthusiast, drawing powerful parallels between survival in the wild and transformation in the business world. His electrifying storytelling challenges conventional notions of change, reframing it as an opportunity for growth rather than a disruption. Through his engaging and thought-provoking insights, Anirban inspires audiences to embrace change with curiosity, courage, and resilience—equipping them with the tools to thrive in an era of uncertainty.

Vaibhav B is a passionate wellness advocate, dedicated to holistic well-being from a young age. His expertise in Pranic Healing and Yoga has enabled him to guide countless individuals towards physical, mental, and emotional harmony. In his TEDx talk, "Connecting Dots for a Healthier, Happier, and Wealthier Life," Vaibhav explores the interconnection between health, wealth, and happiness, offering insights on how to align energy, manage stress, and cultivate a fulfilling life. Drawing from his extensive travels across India, Israel, and Africa, he shares real-life experiences and techniques that empower individuals to take charge of their well-being. Through interactive workshops on Pranic Healing and Stress Management, Vaibhav has transformed lives, demonstrating how small yet impactful changes can enhance overall life quality. His approach is rooted in ancient wisdom while being practical and applicable to modern lifestyles. With a mission to uplift and inspire, Vaibhav continues to guide people towards a balanced and prosperous life through his teachings.

Shiv Arora is a motivational speaker and corporate trainer with 17 years of experience in sales and training. Having mentored over 70 corporations and brands, his insights have positively impacted 1.5 million individuals worldwide. In his TEDx talk, "How an Introvert Turned into a Public Speaker," Shiv takes us through his transformative journey—from working at his family’s shop to becoming a renowned speaker. His story is one of perseverance, self-discovery, and stepping out of comfort zones. Shiv strongly believes in the power of purpose, emphasizing how identifying one's true calling can amplify success and impact. Through his talk, he will share how he overcame fear, self-doubt, and societal expectations to embrace public speaking and inspire countless individuals. Join him as he unravels the unexpected path of personal growth, proving that even the most introverted individuals can find their voice, inspire change, and create a lasting impact.

Nitu Dubey is a self-taught hyperrealistic portrait artist who brings human faces to life with remarkable precision. Her ability to sketch a live portrait in just five minutes has made her a sought-after artist across India and beyond. In her TEDx talk, "Beyond the Frame: The Unexpected Power of Art," Nitu delves into the transformative impact of art—not just as a form of self-expression but as a tool for storytelling, connection, and inspiration. She shares her journey of building Hue Wing, her personal art brand, which she started as a teenager and has been successfully running for the past eight years. With over 1,500 paintings and 4,000 sketches in homes worldwide—from Australia and the USA to Canada and the UK—Nitu’s artistry has reached global recognition. Her talent has also been appreciated by celebrated personalities like Akshay Kumar, Lalu Yadav, and cricketer Ishan Kishan. Beyond her artwork, she is invited to perform LIVE sketches at prestigious events for brands like Dainik Bhaskar, Birla Cement, Tata Motors, and Tata Steel. She is also a passionate teacher, offering online hyperrealistic art classes to students aged 5 to 50. Recently, she expanded her artistic ventures with Designer Art Notebooks, a new product line that has gained worldwide appreciation and increasing sales. Through her talk, Nitu inspires people to see art not just as a visual delight but as a powerful medium to break barriers, evoke emotions, and create lasting impact.

Kunal Sarangi is a politician, educationist, and social leader, dedicated to fostering youth engagement in politics. With a diverse academic and leadership background, he seamlessly bridges the gap between education, governance, and social impact. His TEDx talk, "Politics as a Profession for Youngsters," will shed light on why and how young minds should actively participate in politics. Drawing from his experiences, Kunal will discuss the challenges, opportunities, and responsibilities that come with choosing politics as a career path. An NIT Jamshedpur alumnus, Kunal expanded his global perspective with an MBA from Lancaster University (UK) and further honed his leadership skills at Harvard University. His selection as one of 12 young Indian political leaders for a study tour of Great Britain by the British High Commission in 2016 highlights his commitment to progressive governance and youth involvement. With his deep-rooted understanding of policymaking and leadership, Kunal is set to inspire and empower the next generation to view politics not just as a duty, but as a dynamic and impactful career choice. Get ready for an insightful conversation on shaping the future through young leadership in politics!

With four Ph.Ds and expertise spanning over 20 disciplines, Dr. Kishore Oza is a distinguished educationist and psychologist whose insights have guided thousands. As a seasoned counselor, he has analyzed over 1500 cases using unique methodologies like Grapho Psycho Physiognomy Analysis and Footwear & Walk Analysis. Beyond academia, he is a musician, author, and mentor, contributing significantly to both psychology and community welfare. At TEDxBistupur, Dr. Oza delivered a thought-provoking talk on "The Predicament of Unborn Children," shedding light on the ethical, psychological, and societal implications surrounding the lives yet to be born. His compelling perspective urged the audience to reflect on the silent struggles of the unborn and the responsibilities of society toward them.

With over two decades of academic excellence, Himanshu Sheth has shaped minds at institutions like XLRI, XITE, and NSU, making a profound impact on education and research. Beyond academia, he is a visionary innovator, holding two patents for groundbreaking green technologies tailored for industrial applications. His contributions to sustainability have earned him recognition from national and international organizations, solidifying his reputation as a leader in environmental innovation. At TEDxBistupur, Himanshu shared his insights on "Green Solutions for Industrial Applications," exploring how industries can integrate sustainable technologies to reduce their environmental footprint. His talk provided a compelling perspective on the future of industrial sustainability, urging businesses to embrace eco-friendly advancements for a greener tomorrow.