Catalysts

Banu Mushtaq is a distinguished Indian writer, lawyer, and activist whose evocative storytelling has been a catalyst for social awareness and literary progress.

Progress Catalyst Aadit Palicha envisions Zepto as a global leader in quick commerce, aiming to expand its footprint beyond India.

Kulwant Roy's lens not only preserved pivotal moments but also acted as a catalyst for shaping public memory and media ethics in modern India. Rediscovered decades after his death, Roy’s archival work continues to inspire historians, journalists, and artists alike as a testimony to photography’s power in narrating progress.

Raghav Chandra, a progress catalyst in India’s digital transformation journey, is the co-founder and Chief Product and Technology Officer of Urban Company, Asia’s largest home services marketplace. His work has played a pivotal role in modernising the largely unorganised home services sector—bringing transparency, reliability, and scalability through technology.

Gaurav Munjal’s leadership has positioned Unacademy as a progress catalyst within India's education sector—disrupting conventional coaching models, empowering millions of students with affordable and flexible learning, and integrating technology to democratise education.

Phanindra Sama is an Indian tech entrepreneur celebrated for co-founding RedBus, the world’s largest online bus ticketing platform. As a progress catalyst in India’s digital transportation sector, Phanindra Sama's work has streamlined travel and pioneered transparent, technology-driven travel marketplaces.

As the creative mind behind Balaji Telefilms and the digital platform ALTBalaji, Ekta Kapoor has consistently served as a catalyst for genre innovation and the elevation of women-centric narratives in Indian media. Starting her career at just 17, Ekta Kapoor has driven the progress of the television and OTT industry by fusing traditional themes with bold, contemporary formats.

Priyanka Gill is an entrepreneur and investor whose career has been a catalyst for innovation across digital media, influencer marketing, and now sustainable luxury. From founding POPxo—a pioneering content platform for Indian women—to co-founding the Good Glamm Group and launching the lab-grown diamond venture Coluxe, Priyanka Gill has consistently driven progress by merging content, commerce, and conscious consumerism.

Dr. B. Ramana Rao is a renowned Indian physician and cardiologist, best known for running India's longest-serving free village clinic. Based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, he has devoted over five decades to providing free medical care to underserved rural populations, earning national recognition for his contributions to public health. As a catalyst for rural healthcare progress, Dr. B. Ramana Rao has become a symbol of compassionate service and grassroots impact in Indian medicin

As captain, wicketkeeper, and batter, MS Dhoni served as a catalyst in transforming Indian cricket from a scattered side into a structured powerhouse, guiding the team to unprecedented heights with major ICC trophies across formats. MS Dhoni’s sharp instincts, unconventional decisions, and calm leadership style not only accelerated India’s cricketing progress but also reshaped how the game is played and perceived across the nation and beyond.

Venkatraman "Venki" Ramakrishnan is a British-American structural biologist whose pioneering work on the atomic structure of the ribosome has been a catalyst for scientific progress in molecular biology.

Kavya Maran's educational background, with a B.Com from Stella Maris College and an MBA from Warwick Business School, has been instrumental in her professional journey. Her role as Executive Director of Sun TV Network Limited further underscores her multifaceted capabilities. Recognised among Fortune India's "Most Powerful Women in Business" in 2025, she continues to be a catalyst for progress in the media and sports industries.

Rohit Sharma has been a catalyst for progress in Indian cricket. His emphasis on fitness and discipline has set new benchmarks for aspiring cricketers. Sharma's advocacy for animal welfare and his role as WWF-India's Rhino Ambassador highlight his commitment to social causes, further cementing his status as a role model. His multifaceted contributions have propelled Indian cricket forward, both on and off the field.

Colonel Sofia Qureshi is a distinguished officer in the Indian Army, renowned for her pioneering contributions to military communications and cyber warfare. Her leadership during critical operations and her role in modernising the Army's technological capabilities have made her a catalyst for progress within the armed forces.

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh is a distinguished helicopter pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF), renowned for her pivotal role in Operation Sindoor—a precision military strike targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in May 2025. Vyomika Singh As a first-generation military officer, Vyomika Singh has exemplified courage and leadership, becoming a catalyst for progress in the Indian armed forces.

Gunjan Saxena's courage and determination have made her a symbol of progress and a catalyst for change in the Indian military landscape.

Renowned for his strategic acumen in both stock market investments and retail operations, Radhakishan Damani has played a pivotal role as a progress catalyst in India's consumer sector.

A progress catalyst in India's strategic defence sector, Dr Tessy Thomas has significantly advanced indigenous missile technology, inspiring a generation of scientists and engineers.

Known for his agility, precision, and extraordinary volleying skills, Leander Paes has been a consistent catalyst for progress in Indian tennis, inspiring generations of players.

As the founder of UTV Group and a catalyst for progress in Indian cinema, Ronnie Screwvala played a pivotal role in introducing organised, corporatised practices into Bollywood.