Shalini Agarwal, IAS

Managing Director
Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd.

Ms. Shalini Agarwal, IAS, currently serves as the Managing Director of Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL), where she leads Gujarat's power and energy sector. A senior IAS officer of the 2005 Gujarat cadre, she brings over two decades of distinguished experience across urban governance, finance, taxation, climate action, water management, technology-driven innovation, and public administration. An Electrical Engineering graduate from Rajasthan Technical University, Ms. Agarwal has been at the forefront of several transformative governance initiatives. Under her leadership, the cities she has served have received numerous national accolades, including the Cleanest City of India, Best City at the National Water Awards 2023, Rank 1 under Swachh Vayu Survekshan 2024, and the National Smart City Award for the second best-performing city under the India Smart Cities Awards Contest (ISAC) 2022. She has also led initiatives that earned four Guinness World Records, spanning public health, social welfare, and community participation. Beyond administration, Ms. Agarwal has contributed to public policy through her books, "All About Municipal Bonds: A Global Case Study", circulated by NITI Aayog to all States and Union Territories, and "Shaping Tomorrow's Cities: From Climate Risks to Green Opportunities", a practical toolkit for climate-resilient urban planning and financing.

Ruchir Agrawal

Director (Finance)
Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd.
Ministry of Defence, Government of India

Mr. Ruchir Agrawal serves as the Director (Finance) of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), one of India’s premier Defence Public Sector Undertakings. His appointment approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) stands as a testament to his exceptional professional credibility and the Government of India’s confidence in his financial leadership. He also functions as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Information & Security Officer (CISO) of the company, shaping MDL’s strategic direction through his active role in several Board-level committees, including the CSR, Stakeholder relationship and the Risk Management Committee. A Fellow Member of both the Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India (ICWAI) and the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, London, Mr. Agrawal brings a rare blend of financial expertise, maritime knowledge, and strategic foresight. With over three decades of diverse experience across the Oil & Gas and Defence sectors, he has built a distinguished career spanning International Trade, Treasury, Business Development, R&D, Corporate Audit, Shipping, Gas Operations, Corporate Finance, and Exploration & Production. His comprehensive exposure has equipped him with deep insight into complex commercial operations, risk management, regulatory frameworks, internal controls, and financial governance.

Avantika Singh, IAS

Managing Director
Gujarat Energy Limited

Ms. Avantika Singh Aulakh, IAS, currently serves as the Managing Director of Gujarat Energy Limited and Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Limited, reflecting her leadership across Gujarat's energy and industrial sectors. She is an IAS officer of the 2003 Gujarat cadre, and brings over two decades of distinguished experience in public administration, infrastructure development, energy governance, and strategic policy implementation. Prior to her present assignment, she served as Additional Principal Secretary to the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Gujarat. An engineering graduate in Instrumentation and Control Engineering from Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology, Delhi, she also holds a Master's in Public Administration from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. Throughout her career, Ms. Singh Aulakh has held several key administrative positions, including District Collector of Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Bharuch, and Anand; District Development Officer; Deputy Secretary, Energy and Petrochemicals Department; Director of Petroleum; Vice Chairman & CEO of Gujarat Maritime Board; CEO of Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board; Managing Director of Gujarat Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited; and Director of Technical Education. She has received the National Award for Best Electoral Practices (2012 and 2017), the National Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Award (2018), and the Best District Collector Award for Vadodara and Bharuch.

Prof. (Dr.) Rajul K. Gajjar

Vice Chancellor
Gujarat Technological University (GTU)

Prof. Dr. Rajul K. Gajjar currently serves as the Hon'ble Vice Chancellor of Gujarat Technological University (GTU). A distinguished academic leader with over four decades of experience in engineering education, research, and institutional governance, she has made significant contributions to advancing technical education, innovation, and industry-academia collaboration in India. Dr. Gajjar holds a Doctorate in Structural Disasters from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda and completed her undergraduate and postgraduate studies at L.D. College of Engineering. An accomplished researcher, she has authored over 66 national and international research publications, four books, and holds three granted patents. She has supervised numerous postgraduate and doctoral scholars while leading high-impact initiatives in research, accreditation, international collaborations, and academic excellence. Prior to assuming the office of Vice Chancellor, Dr. Gajjar served as Principal of L.D. College of Engineering and other Government Engineering Colleges in Gujarat, Additional Commissioner in the Education Department, Government of Gujarat, and Officiating Vice Chancellor of the Teacher's University. Her outstanding contributions have earned her numerous honours, including the ISTE Fellowship, the Eminent Civil Engineer Award, the Leadership Award by NASSCOM, and nomination to the prestigious G100 Global Advisory Council, recognising her as one of the world's leading women leaders in education and innovation.

D. D. Jadeja, IAS

Mission Director
Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission (GSBTM)

Mr. Digvijaysinh D. Jadeja currently serves as the Mission Director, Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission (GSBTM) under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Gujarat. Since assuming the role in May 2025, he has been spearheading initiatives to strengthen Gujarat's biotechnology ecosystem by promoting research, innovation, industry collaboration, and skill development across the state. In his current capacity, he is actively driving the implementation of the State's Biotechnology Policy, facilitating industry growth, fostering partnerships with academic and research institutions, and supporting capacity-building initiatives to advance biotechnology-led innovation. His efforts are focused on creating a robust and sustainable biotechnology ecosystem that contributes to Gujarat's scientific, industrial, and economic development. Prior to his present assignment, Mr. Jadeja served as Collector and District Magistrate, Gir Somnath, where he led district administration and development initiatives. He also served as District Development Officer, Morbi, playing a key role in strengthening local governance and implementing rural development programmes. With extensive experience in public administration and development management, he brings a strategic and collaborative approach to driving innovation-led growth and strengthening Gujarat's biotechnology sector.

Dr. Anil Prakash Joshi

Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organization, Padma Shree and Padma Bhushan Awardee

Dr. Anil Prakash Joshi is an eminent environmentalist, ecologist, and founder of the Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organization (HESCO). Widely known as the "Mountain Man of India," he has dedicated over four decades to promoting ecology-inclusive rural development, sustainable livelihoods, and natural resource conservation across the Himalayan region. An Ashoka Fellow, he holds a Master's degree in Botany and a Doctorate in Ecology, and founded HESCO in 1997 to advance need-based science and technology for mountain communities. A distinguished researcher and author, Dr. Joshi has published over 150 research papers, authored 15 books, and supervised 23 doctoral scholars. His pioneering initiatives include the revival of traditional watermills (Gharats), restoration of springs and rivers, promotion of indigenous crops, women's entrepreneurship through the WISE initiative, and the introduction of the globally recognised Gross Environmental Product (GEP) framework. Guided by his philosophy of "Local Need Meet Locally," he has inspired sustainable development models across rural India. His exceptional contributions have earned him numerous honours, including the Padma Bhushan (2020), Padma Shri (2006), the Jamnalal Bajaj Award, and the Mother Teresa Memorial Award.

Hon’ble Mrs. Justice Sunita Agarwal

Chief Justice, High Court of Gujarat

Hon’ble Mrs Justice Sunita Agarwal is the Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court, Ahmedabad. She enrolled as an Advocate with the U.P. Bar Association and practised for over two decades at the Allahabad High Court, primarily in Civil, Writ, Original, and Commercial jurisdictions.

In recognition of her distinguished practice, Justice Agarwal was elevated as an Additional Judge of the Allahabad High Court in 2011 and took oath as a Permanent Judge in 2013. She is a trained and certified Mediator and was part of the very first batch of Allahabad High Court judges trained in Mediation and Conciliation.

Justice Agarwal has presided over Single and Division Benches across a wide spectrum of jurisdictions, including Civil and Criminal Appeals, Service matters, Land Acquisition, Intra-Court Appeals, and Constitutional cases. She was also a member of the Seven-Judge Bench constituted to address issues relating to subordinate courts and judicial infrastructure.

As the senior-most Judge of the Allahabad High Court, she served as the Executive Chairperson of the State Legal Services Authority, Uttar Pradesh. From 2016 onwards, she played a significant role in judicial administration, serving on several key committees. These included the Internal Complaints Committee under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, the Family Courts Committee, the Rules Committee, the Jail Reforms Committee, and committees focused on reducing case pendency, judicial appointments, court infrastructure, and administrative reforms.

Justice Agarwal also chaired multiple committees overseeing criminal case monitoring, law clerk engagement, judicial magistrate appointments, PIL matters, recruitment and promotions within the judiciary, and designation of Senior Advocates contributing substantially to institutional efficiency and judicial governance.

Dr. Jayanti S. Ravi, IAS

Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue Department, Govt. of Gujarat

Dr. Jayanti S. Ravi, IAS, currently serves as the Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue Department, Government of Gujarat. A senior IAS officer of the 1991 Gujarat cadre, she is widely respected for her distinguished career in public administration, policy formulation, and governance, spanning over three decades of exemplary service. Dr. Ravi holds a B.Sc. in Physics and an M.Sc. in Nuclear Physics from the University of Madras, along with a Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) from Harvard University. Her strong academic foundation, combined with extensive administrative experience, has enabled her to lead key government initiatives across diverse sectors, contributing significantly to Gujarat's development and institutional excellence. Known for her strategic leadership and commitment to public service, Dr. Ravi has played a pivotal role in strengthening governance frameworks and driving policy implementation with a focus on efficiency, innovation, and citizen-centric administration. Fluent in English, French, Gujarati, Hindi, and Tamil, she brings a global perspective and multicultural understanding to public administration. Her distinguished career reflects a steadfast commitment to excellence in governance, sustainable development, and institutional transformation.

Piyush Kothari

Executive Director & CEO - Shivalik Investment Fund Pvt. Ltd.

Mr. Piyush Kothari serves as the Executive Director and CEO of Shivalik Investment Fund Pvt. Ltd. He is an alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad (AGMP), holds an MBA in Finance & Insurance. With 20 years of experience, he has excelled in fundraising, business strategy, investments, and deal structuring in the real estate sector. His expertise includes managing the entire lifecycle of real estate private equity funds. Throughout his career, Mr. Kothari has successfully led fundraising efforts with high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and institutional investors. He has a proven track record in investment strategy development, deal sourcing and execution, and portfolio management. His leadership style emphasizes governance, performance tracking, and sustainable growth making him instrumental in shaping the fund’s long-term vision and value creation strategy.

Raj Kumar, IAS (Retd.)

former Chief Secretary - Govt. of Gujarat

Mr. Raj Kumar, IAS (Retd.), former Chief Secretary, Government of Gujarat, is a distinguished civil servant with over 37 years of exemplary service in the Indian Administrative Service (Gujarat Cadre: 1987). During his illustrious career, he held several of the highest leadership positions in both the Government of India and the Government of Gujarat, playing a pivotal role in shaping public policy, governance, and institutional reforms. As Chief Secretary, he led the preparation of the 'Viksit Gujarat@2047' Vision Document and guided the State's roadmap for energy transition through policies promoting renewable energy, electric mobility, green hydrogen, and pumped hydro storage. Earlier, as Secretary, Defence Production, Government of India, he spearheaded landmark reforms to strengthen India's defence manufacturing ecosystem and advance the 'Make in India' initiative. He also served as Director General of ESIC and Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, where he represented India on the Boards of leading multilateral financial institutions, including AIIB, NDB, and IFAD. An Electrical Engineering graduate from IIT Kanpur and a Master of Public Policy from the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, Tokyo, Mr. Raj Kumar is widely respected for his strategic leadership, policy expertise, and contributions to public administration, sustainable development, and institutional governance.

Arun Mahesh Babu M.S. , IAS

Municipal Commissioner - Vadodara Municipal Corporation, Govt. of Gujarat

Mr. Arun Mahesh Babu M. S., IAS, currently serves as the Municipal Commissioner, Vadodara Municipal Corporation, where he is leading a transformative agenda focused on sustainable urban development, climate resilience, and citizen-centric governance. Under his leadership, Vadodara has accelerated key initiatives in integrated water supply, modern drainage systems, ecological restoration of the Vishwamitri River, clean air and heat action planning, solar city development, electric vehicle infrastructure, and digital municipal services, positioning the city as a model for future-ready urban governance. An accomplished administrator with over 16 years of public service, Shri Arun Mahesh Babu has previously served as Managing Director of Gujarat Power Corporation Limited (GPCL), where he spearheaded landmark renewable energy initiatives, including the development of the world's largest hybrid renewable energy park at Khavda and contributed to Gujarat's Green Hydrogen Policy. As Managing Director of UGVCL, he modernised power distribution through smart grid technologies and resilient infrastructure. He has also served as CEO, Rajkot Smart City, Collector, Rajkot, and District Development Officer, Ahmedabad, leading several award-winning governance and infrastructure initiatives. He is widely recognised for his contributions to renewable energy, smart cities, and public administration, earning multiple honours from the Government of India, the Government of Gujarat, and international institutions.

Dr. Srikant Nagulapalli, IAS

Director General - Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Govt. of India

Dr. Srikant Nagulapalli, IAS, is currently serving as Director General of the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), where he oversees and promotes upstream oil and gas exploration and production in India. He also provides technical and policy advice to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas on matters related to the upstream hydrocarbon sector, contributing to efforts aimed at enhancing domestic hydrocarbon production and strengthening India’s energy security. Earlier, he served as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Power. A Ph.D. in Economics, Dr. Nagulapalli has led several transformative initiatives, including the planning of 30 GW of pumped storage projects and efforts toward the financial revitalization of the power sector. His areas of expertise include greenfield city planning, energy efficiency, and the implementation of large-scale health insurance schemes.

Lt. Gen. Surinder Nath, PVSM AVSM (Retd.)

President - Institute of Directors
former Chairman, UPSC
former Vice Chief of Army Staff

Born on 26th June 1937, Commissioned into the Regiment of Artillery in June 1957. Took active part in 1971 Indo-Pak war in Jammu- Samba sector. On promotion as Lieutenant General in 1991. Commanded all troops in Kashmir and Ladakh Sector. Appointed as Vice Chief of the Army Staff on 1st July 1993. Here he was deeply involved in strategic planning, procurement of equipment and armament, and transfer of technology. For his outstanding professional competence, able leadership and exceptional devotion to duty, was awarded Param Vishist Sewa Medal (Highest award for distinguished service and extreme devotion to duty) and Ati Vishist Sewa Medal by the President of India in 1993 and 1991 respectively. After rendering 38 years of Army service retired on 30th June 1995. Was appointed as Member, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on 20th September 1995. Served as Chairman UPSC from December 1998 to June 2002. Served as Vice Chairman of the Institute of Directors, New Delhi from March 2011 to November 2022. He had compiled two handbooks for IOD i.e. Handbook for Independent Directors and a Handbook on Corporate Leadership. He took over as the President of Institute of Directors with effect from 02 December, 2022.

Shailesh Nigam

Chief Operating Officer - EEMEA, SAARC & CIS, AAF International

Mr. Shailesh Nigam, a distinguished HVAC professional and the Chief Operating Officer at AAF International, a 105-year-old pioneer in clean air solutions and part of the Daikin group. AAF is a leader in the air filtration industry, specializing in advanced technology for air filters, purifiers, and IAQ products that set the standard for air quality excellence. Mr. Nigam is responsible for overseeing the company's operations across India, the Middle East, Africa, and the CIS regions, spearheading a campaign to promote air filtration as a vital health and wellness solution. He also serves as a Director at AAF India and is a board member for AAF LLC Dubai, AAF JAFZA Dubai, AAF Saudi Arabia, and AAF Turkey.

With 34 years of expertise, Mr. Nigam excels in regional and global operations management, profitability enhancement, business expansion, strategic client relationships, HVAC systems, project management, and stakeholder management. Known as a visionary leader, he has a proven track record of building motivated teams and driving processes that deliver superior results. Over the years, he has held key leadership roles at prominent organizations such as Fedders Lloyd, Blue Star, McQuay, Trane, and Daikin.

He is widely recognized as a ‘change agent’ for his ability to challenge the status quo and drive transformative improvements, leading to successful turnarounds in every company he has led.

Dr. Ajay Ranka

Chairman & MD - Zydex Group

Dr. Ajay Ranka, a pioneer in nanotechnology, holds a Ph.D. in Polymer Science and Engineering from Lehigh University, USA. After starting his career with PPG Industries, he founded Zydex Industries in 1997, transforming it into a global leader in sustainable solutions across textiles, roads, agriculture, waterproofing, and paints. Zydex, under his leadership, has over 1,200 employees and operates in more than 40 countries with 200+ innovative products. Dr. Ranka has received numerous accolades, including awards from the International Roads Federation and the Confederation of Indian Industry. He serves on the IRF board and has been a member of the Technology Development Board of the Government of India. Beyond business, he is the founder-director of ‘Shashvat Vikas Prabodhan Parishad,' an NGO improving chemical-free farming, education, and animal husbandry in Gujarat. His 'Prakalp Sanjivani' program aids farmers in adopting sustainable agricultural practices. Dr. Ranka also contributes to academia as a board member of several universities. Dr . Ranka’s dedication to innovation and sustainability has made Zydex a global success and solidified his legacy as an industry visionary.

Ranil Salgado

Sr. Resident Representative for India, Bhutan & Maldives, International Monetary Fund (IMF)

Mr. Ranil Salgado, a dual national of the U.S. and Sri Lanka, became the IMF Resident Representative based in Delhi in March 2024. He has been in the IMF for over 27 years and is an Assistant Director in the IMF’s Asia and Pacific Department (APD). Prior to his appointment on India and Bhutan, he was most recently the IMF’s mission chief to Japan and supervised work on Timor-Leste and Tonga. He co-edited the book “South Asia’s Path to Resilient Growth” that was published in 2023. Among his previous roles in APD, he served as the mission chief to India (2017-2020), the Marshall Islands, Myanmar, and Nepal, as well as chief of the Regional Studies Division and the IMF Resident Representative in Singapore (2005-2008). He also supervised work on Bhutan, the Maldives, and Micronesia. His time at the IMF includes work in the Western Hemisphere; Research; and Strategy, Policy, and Review Departments. Prior to joining the IMF, he worked in a strategy management consulting firm and as teaching and research assistants at the University of Pennsylvania, Johns Hopkins University, and the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. He attended the University of Pennsylvania (masters & PhD in economics), along with Harvard University (undergraduate in chemistry) and Cambridge University (masters in biochemistry).

Kartikeya Sarabhai

Founder Director - Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Padma Shri Awardee

Mr. Kartikeya V. Sarabhai is an eminent environmental educator and the Founder Director of the Centre for Environment Education (CEE), India. Mr. Sarabhai holds a Tripos in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge, UK, and a postgraduate qualification in Development Communications from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA. His pioneering contributions have earned him numerous national and international honours, including the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, the Brandwein Medal, and the Tree of Learning Award. He has served on several prestigious global and national bodies, including UNESCO's Reference Group for the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development and as Co-Chair of the Global Action Programme on ESD. He currently serves as Chairperson of the Sabarmati Ashram Preservation and Memorial Trust and has chaired the Governing Council of Earth Charter International. Mr. Sarabhai has also led pioneering initiatives in climate education, including the Handprint concept for positive environmental action, while actively contributing to the UNFCCC's Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) agenda and shaping environmental education as Chairperson of NCERT's Curricular Area Group for Environmental Education.

Roopwant Singh, IAS

Managing Director - Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation (GMDC)

Mr. Roopwant Singh is a senior officer of the Indian Administrative Service, 2003 batch, Gujarat cadre, with over two decades of distinguished service spanning revenue administration, public finance, geology and mining, industrial development, and district administration. He holds a B.A. (Hons.) in Political Science, History and Economics, and an M.A. in Political Science from Punjab University. Over the course of his career, he has served in substantive roles across Gujarat's administrative spectrum - as District Collector of Ahmedabad, Valsad, and Bharuch; Secretary (Expenditure), Finance Department, Government of Gujarat; Commissioner, Geology and Mining; and Managing Director of iNDEXTb and Gujarat Informatics Limited, among other senior assignments. In his additional charge as Managing Director of GMDC, he is guiding the organisation's strategic direction toward critical minerals development, clean energy transition, and sustainable resource governance - aligned with national priorities under Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Amit Raj Sinha

Managing Director & CEO - Sigachi Industries Limited

Mr. Amit Raj Sinha is the Managing Director & CEO of Sigachi Industries Limited, bringing nearly three decades of leadership experience spanning the Indian Navy and the pharmaceutical, food, nutrition, and healthcare sectors. A purpose-driven business leader, he is widely recognised for transforming Sigachi Industries from a small enterprise into a globally respected organisation with operations in over 65 countries, driven by innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. Under his leadership, Sigachi has successfully diversified its business, expanded globally through strategic subsidiaries in the United States and the UAE, and delivered one of India's most successful IPOs. An innovation champion, he is the author of eight patents-six Indian and two U.S.-reflecting his strong commitment to research, technology, and intellectual property. Prior to joining Sigachi, he served in the Indian Navy, including as Deputy Director at the Integrated Headquarters, Ministry of Defence. Mr. Sinha is an alumnus of Harvard Business School, the Indian School of Business, IIM Ahmedabad, and holds a Master's Degree in Marine Engineering. Passionate about leadership, mentorship, and ethical business practices, he continues to champion innovation, sustainability, and value-driven growth in the global pharmaceutical industry.

Prof. (Dr.) Sameer Sood

Director - National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Gandhinagar

Prof. Dr. Sameer Sood currently serves as the Director of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Gandhinagar. A distinguished academic, researcher, and thought leader, he brings over two decades of experience spanning the fashion industry and higher education, with expertise in fashion technology, apparel exports, merchandising, product development, and sustainability. Dr. Sood holds a Ph.D. in Social Compliance Procedures for Apparel Export in India, an MBA in Public Policy and Management from MDI Gurgaon, and a Postgraduate Degree in Fashion Technology from NIFT. Throughout his career, he has contributed extensively to research, publishing in leading journals and presenting at international conferences, while mentoring the next generation of design and fashion professionals. He has led several strategic initiatives under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, including serving as Project Director for the NIFT–ETIDI Twinning Arrangement, aimed at strengthening Ethiopia's textile and apparel sector. Dr. Sood also serves on the Boards of the Gujarat State Handloom & Handicraft Corporation Ltd. and the Gujarat Rajya Khadi Gramodyog Board, and is a member of the CII National Committee on Design Innovation and the National Working Group for Circular Transition Guidelines in the Textile Industry.

D. Thara, IAS

Additional Secretary - Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs, Govt. of India

Ms. D. Thara, IAS, currently serves as the Additional Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India. A senior IAS officer of the 1995 batch, she brings nearly three decades of distinguished experience in urban development, infrastructure planning, municipal governance, and public administration. Having served extensively in Gujarat, she has held several key leadership positions across district administration, urban local bodies, and state government institutions. During her tenure in Gujarat, she played a pivotal role in transformative urban initiatives, including the pioneering Ahmedabad BRTS Project, the preparation of the Ahmedabad Development Plan 2021, and the implementation of the Ahmedabad Smart City Mission, with a strong focus on water security, sanitation, and sustainable urban planning. She also served as Vice Chairman & Managing Director of the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) before joining the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in 2019. As Additional Secretary, she serves as the National Mission Director of AMRUT 2.0 and Chairperson of the Town and Country Planning Organisation (TCPO). Her portfolio also encompasses urban planning, urban finance, the Finance Commission, Ease of Doing Business, and major national urban development initiatives, reflecting her enduring contribution to shaping India's sustainable and resilient urban future.

Pradeep K. Kheruka

Chairman - Borosil Renewables

Mr. Pradeep Kheruka is a veteran industrialist, visionary entrepreneur, and Executive Chairman of Borosil Renewables Ltd., Chairman of Borosil Ltd., and Promoter Director of Borosil Scientific Limited. With over six decades of leadership in the glass industry, he has played a pioneering role in establishing India's leadership in specialty glass manufacturing across the scientific, consumer, industrial, construction, and solar sectors. Recognising the strategic importance of self-reliance in solar glass manufacturing, Mr. Kheruka established Borosil Renewables Ltd., India's first solar glass manufacturer. Under his leadership, the company expanded its capacity from 180 tonnes per day in 2010 to 1,000 tonnes per day by 2023, becoming the world's largest producer of solar glass outside China. He has led several industry-first innovations, including the world's first fully tempered 2.0 mm solar glass, the world's only antimony-free textured solar glass, and some of the world's lowest-carbon solar glass manufacturing processes. A strong advocate of 'Make in India', Mr. Kheruka has been instrumental in strengthening India's solar manufacturing ecosystem through sustained policy advocacy and industry leadership. Beyond business, he actively champions environmental sustainability, rural development, afforestation, and low-carbon manufacturing. Through his vision and commitment, he continues to position India as a global leader in solar glass technology and clean energy manufacturing.

Harsh Sanghavi

Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat

Shri Harsh Rameshbhai Sanghavi was born on 8 January, 1985, in Surat, Gujarat. He entered public life as a social worker at the age of 15, working with Yuva Morcha, travelling to some of the remotest parts of India and dedicating himself to serving the underprivileged and the working middle class.

In 2012, Shri Sanghavi became the youngest Member of the Gujarat Legislative Assembly when he was elected from the Majura constituency in Surat. Among his first acts in office was arranging full financial aid for a constituent's heart operation. He has since been re-elected from Majura in 2017 and again in 2022, winning the 2022 contest by a margin of over 116,000 votes.

His social work has included medical initiatives to combat sickle cell anemia in the tribal regions of Songarh, Uchchal, Vyara, and Tapi districts. His commitment to inclusive welfare is reflected in sustained outreach for persons with disabilities, through the "Vadil Vandana" programme, he worked to encourage specially-abled children and provide support to the elderly, and has regularly visited institutions such as the Disable Welfare Trust of India to engage directly with differently-abled individuals.

As Sports Minister, Shri Sanghavi played a central role in Gujarat hosting the 36th National Games in 2022, the first time the state hosted this prestigious event, across six cities, with approximately 7,000 athletes participating. An accompanying outreach programme engaged more than 50 lakh students, teachers, and community members from 33,000 schools and 2,500 colleges across the state.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Majura Mitra Mandal led by Shri Sanghavi ensured that medicines and food reached the most remote and underprivileged communities in the city.

Since September 2021, Shri Sanghavi has held ministerial portfolios spanning Sports, Youth Affairs, Cultural Activities, Transport, Border Security, Prisons, and Excise & Prohibition. He assumed office as Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat on 17 October 2025.

Prem Kumar Taneja, IAS (Retd.)

President, GSFC University
former ACS - Industries, Home and Forest & Environment, Govt. of Gujarat

Mr. Prem Kumar Taneja IAS (Retd.) has more than four (4) decades of rich and varied experience in the field of Governance, Administration and Business Management. He was Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Industries & Mines Department, Home Department, Forest & Environment Department and at several other senior administrative positions with Govt. of Gujarat and also Director with Govt. of India. He is currently the President of GSFC University, Vadodara and has also served as Director General, Gujarat Institute of Disaster Management (GIDM), Gandhinagar – an apex institute of Govt. of Gujarat for Disaster Risk Management (DRM). During his tenure, GIDM has been conferred the prestigious Subhash Chandra Bose Aapada Prabandhan Purashkar (Institutional Category) 2022 by Government of India. He has also led many Govt. of Gujarat promoted companies as a Chairman/Managing Director/ Director for more than a decade. Some of them are – GSFC, GACL, GSECL, GIPCL, GNFC, GUVNL and erstwhile BECL. As a Chairman/Managing Director/ Director, he has gained rich experience in all facets of Business Management. He was instrumental in turning around GACL and the erstwhile GEB, which was unbundled into seven State owned corporations. He was also awarded “Outstanding Manager of the Year Award” by Ahmedabad Management Association (AMA) in 2005 as MD, GACL.

Dr. Narayan Gaonkar

Chief OIC - UNICEF Gujarat

Dr. Narayan Gaonkar currently serves as the Officer In Charge, UNICEF Gujarat Office, where he leads UNICEF's support to maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health, immunization, HIV, childhood non-communicable diseases, road safety, and environmental health. A public health expert with extensive national and international experience, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening health systems and advancing child health initiatives across South Asia. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Gaonkar coordinated UNICEF India's multisectoral response as the focal point for Child Health and Emergencies at the UNICEF India Country Office, New Delhi. He has also served as Health Manager – Health Systems Strengthening at the UNICEF Bangladesh Country Office, contributing to health system reforms and programme implementation. He has undergone advanced training in health programme management at The University of Melbourne, Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC), Bangkok, and Harvard Business School. His contributions have been recognised through several honours, including the Rotary Youth Leadership Award, the IAPSM Young Expert Presidential Appreciation Award, the Community Champion Award, and the UNICEF Long Service Award. He has also authored numerous technical publications in reputed national and international journals.

Shwetal Shah

Climate Change Advisor - RECAP4NDC project, GIZ India

Mr. Shwetal Shah is a Climate Change Advisor and currently heads the Indo-German bilateral project RECAP4NDC in Gujarat. With over 18 years of experience in climate change, sustainability, forestry, and environmental management, he has played a pivotal role in advancing climate action and decarbonization initiatives in Gujarat. He previously served as Technical Advisor – Climate Change, Government of Gujarat from 2014 to 2023. An alumnus of the Forest Research Institute (FRI), Dehradun, Mr. Shah holds an M.Tech. in Energy Management and an M.Sc. in Environment Management. He was also a Chief Minister's Fellow during 2010–11, contributing to key initiatives on resource conservation, renewable energy, waste management, and green buildings. His areas of expertise include climate policy, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), climate finance, adaptation, and mitigation. He has been instrumental in shaping Gujarat's renewable energy policies, State Action Plan on Climate Change, electric vehicle promotion, and international climate collaborations. A visiting faculty at leading institutions, he has delivered over 100 lectures at national and international forums, including the UN Climate Change Conferences (COPs), and is widely recognised for his contributions to climate policy and sustainable development.

Banchhanidhi Pani, IAS

Municipal Commissioner Ahmedabad
Municipal Corporation ,Govt. of Gujarat

Mr. Banchhanidhi Pani, IAS, is a visionary administrator and transformative urban leader, currently serving as the Municipal Commissioner of Ahmedabad since February 2025. He is widely recognised for his decisive crisis leadership, having spearheaded the largest-ever multi-agency rescue operation during the Ahmedabad flight crash, coordinating the NDRF, SDRF, Indian Army, police, and airport authorities with exemplary precision. With over 20 years of distinguished public service, Mr. Pani has driven impactful reforms across urban governance, district administration, infrastructure development, technical education, sustainability, and public finance. Prior to joining the Indian Administrative Service, he served as an officer of the Indian Police Service (2004 batch), bringing a strong grounding in security, discipline, and public order to his administrative leadership. As Municipal Commissioner of Surat and Rajkot, he elevated both cities to national and international prominence under the Swachh Bharat Mission and Smart Cities programme. Surat received the India Smart Cities Award 2020 (“The City Award”) and the UNESCO Netexplo Smart Cities Award for resilience, alongside recognition for exemplary COVID-19 management. Earlier, as Collector of Sabarkantha, he led the Guinness World Record-winning “Clean Sabarkantha” campaign and received the Gujarat Government’s Best District Collector Award. An M.Phil. In International Politics, Mr. Pani champions inclusive, data-driven, and climate-resilient urban transformation, integrating technology, citizen participation, and governance excellence to build future-ready cities.

Lokesh Kumar Jeengar

Head Business Development and Strategy
Adani Green Energy Ltd.

Mr. Lokesh Kumar Jeengar (IIM Calcutta, NIT Jaipir) has over 18 years of professional experience across business development, commercial strategy and strategic planning, within the Indian renewables, power and transmission sectors. He brings strong domain expertise and a deep understanding of commercial, regulatory and policy frameworks, governing Indian power and renewable energy landscape.

Ashish Khanna

Chief Executive Officer - Adani Green Energy Ltd. (AGEL)

Mr. Ashish Khanna is the Chief Executive Officer of Adani Green Energy Ltd (AGEL), India's largest renewable power producer, a role he has held since April 2025, based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Prior to this, he served as CEO of the International Energy Business at Adani Power. Mr. Khanna brings over three decades of experience across power generation, renewable energy, and infrastructure. Before joining the Adani Group, he held several senior leadership positions at Tata Power, including President Generation, where he oversaw more than 10,000 MW of thermal and hydro generating assets and led initiatives in hydrogen and small nuclear reactor technologies. He also served as CEO of Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd, and earlier as President-Renewables and CEO & Managing Director of Tata Power Solar Systems, where he played a key role in turning around and scaling the solar business. He held board positions at Tata Power Renewables, Tata Power Solar, and was Chairman of WREL and AGL (Georgia). Earlier in his career, Mr. Khanna worked on contracts, procurement, and project execution for Tata Power's Mundra UMPP project, as well as at Bechtel, Engineers India Limited, Punj Lloyd, and Bharat Petroleum.

Balaji Nagabhushan

Group Chief Administrative Officer
Tristar Group, UAE

Mr. Balaji Nagabhushan is an accomplished leader and adviser, with vast experience directing compliance, control, excellence, governance and Corporate Social Responsibility. He is a goal- oriented professional across the banking and finance as well as logistics fields of business. He is a Certified not only as an Independent Director but also as a Fraud Examiner and an Anti-Money Laundering Specialist. He is a qualified EFQM assessor and a Distinguished Toastmaster. Not only a good communicator but an excellent public speaking personality. He devotes his free time to rendering service to the community, reading and spending quality time with his family and pets.