Next-Gen Visionaries 2026 celebrates bold entrepreneurs shaping innovation, driving impact, and building the future of business, leadership, and global transformation.
1. Anaisha Vijayvergia
Anaisha Vijayvergia is a multi-talented 9-year-old prodigy from Mumbai who has won over 100 national and international awards for dance, storytelling, and speech. She has received recognition from the India Book of Records, World Book of Records (London), International Book of Records, and Global Child Prodigy Awards. Recently, she was honored with the prestigious Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Bharat Puraskar and named “Youngest Icon of India” by Times Applaud Group. A Maharashtra Government awardee, Anaisha is a Kathak aspirant passionate about spreading Indian dance globally and creating moral-based stories for future publication.
2. Dr. Dinesh Gupta – President of the Sekawati Group of Companies
Dr. Dinesh Gupta, President of the Sekawati Group of Companies, is widely known as the “Bagman of India,” a title awarded by Forbes magazine and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his environmental contributions. For over 30 years, he has championed sustainable cotton bags as alternatives to single-use plastic. Using 100% organic cotton, his biodegradable and durable bags promote long-term reuse. Dr. Gupta has produced over 200 million eco-friendly bags, potentially a world record, preventing trillions of plastic bags from polluting the planet. He actively supports social initiatives, distributes free cotton bags, spreads awareness, empowers women through home-based employment, nationwide impact.
3. Mr Jitender Chawla – CEO – SMEBIZZ
Jitender Chawla, CEO of SMEBIZZ, is a seasoned expert in lead generation, branding, sales, and business growth strategies. Passionate about brand building and marketing, he empowers entrepreneurs to achieve measurable growth. His vision focuses on scaling businesses through effective branding, PR, and marketing initiatives. Jitender believes strong brands inspire trust, drive sales, and create lasting impact. He is committed to helping individuals and organizations build powerful identities and sustainable success through focused strategy, innovation, clarity, consistency, execution, leadership, insight globally.
4. Krishna P Khetle, Director, Chef KK Hospitality Pvt. Ltd.
Krishna P Khetle, Director of Chef KK Hospitality Pvt. Ltd., popularly known as Chef KK, is a visionary chef, entrepreneur, media personality, and brand architect in the F&B industry. With over 23 years of experience, he has launched 75+ successful restaurants across India and globally. Beginning his journey in 2001 as a Commis III, he founded KK Hospitality in 2017 and shaped brands like Spice Laundry, 1 BHK, Luuma House, Nama Goa, Groove House by Hitchki (Dubai), and Mazza Budapest. His ventures span India, Dubai, Qatar, Singapore, Thailand, and Budapest. Awarded Chef Entrepreneur of the Year, Times Icon, Celebrity Chef of the Year 2025, and Best Italian Cuisine multiple times, Chef KK blends culinary excellence with brand innovation while mentoring future talent.
5. Prof/Dr. K.S. Rana – Vice Chancellor – University of Technology, Jaipur, India
Prof. Dr. K.S. Rana is a renowned educationist who has served as Vice-Chancellor in six state universities, driving transformative reforms in higher education. He earned India’s first D.Sc. in Environmental Science and awarded honorary LL.D. (UK) and D.Litt. (New York) HC. A distinguished author of 26 books with 332 research & popular papers, he has received 42 national and 32 international awards and advised three former Prime Ministers, shaping environmental governance, society uplifting and policy making.
6. Mr. Mangal Shing Rathod – Founder of Sevajal
Mr. Mangal Shing Rathod, the young and dynamic founder of Sevajal, is redefining the premium bottled water segment with a brand rooted in purity, purpose, and patriotism. Sevajal delivers crisp, clean, and refreshing hydration through stringent quality standards and modern purification processes. Inspired by the purity of pristine mountain springs, as reflected in its mountain-peak logo, Sevajal focuses on delivering water that is as natural as it is invigorating. What truly sets the brand apart is its strong social commitment—10% of the profits from Sevajal’s sales are dedicated to supporting the families of India’s armed forces. Through Sevajal, Mr. Rathod seamlessly blends entrepreneurship with nation-building, proving that meaningful impact and business excellence can go hand in hand.
7. Dr. Rohit Seth
A perfumer a mentor a leader Dr. Rohit Seth, represents a 77 year old brand Schimmer Fragrances owned by Seth Brothers (Perfumers) Pvt Ltd. He is an expert for creating exclusive fragrance formulations and transforming fragrance companies to be a brand in fragrance industry.
Dr. Seth has held key leadership positions including President of Sugandh Vyapaar Sangh, and former President of Fragrances & Flavours Association of India.
His accolades include the Young Entrepreneur Award, National Business Icon (2022), and Mentor of the Year (2023) at the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Inspiration Awards.
8. Dr. Sujata Singhi
Dr. Sujata Singhi is an ISO-certified professional and renowned researcher in Sound Medicine with 25 years of experience. A Corporate Wellness Expert, TEDx and international keynote speaker, bestselling author, and awardee, she has published research in international medical journals and spoken at forums including the International Cardiology Conference, Dubai, and the International Oncology Conference, Singapore. Through Sound Medicine and Spiritual Sciences, she has transformed 500,000 lives. Dr. Singhi has received 500 awards, holds two World Records and nine Indian Records, and has been conferred five Doctorates and two D.Litt. degrees. Her book Power of Sound was praised by India’s President.
9. Yajat Kumar – Executive member of the Labour Laws Institute
Yajat Kumar is an Executive member of the Labour Laws Institute. He has wide knowledge of Indian Labour Codes and Employment Laws. He has written many articles/blogs relating to various labour laws in reputed online/offline Journals. Following the legacy of his late grandfather Sh H L Kumar, he has been a speaker at seminars on Labour Laws/Labour Codes and POSH Act etc. held by Labour Law Reporter/Labour Laws Institute, and many other MNCs.
10. Biswanath Gouda – DNB Surgery, FALS (Paris) FIHPBA (Paris), MPH (USA)
Consultant in Gastro-Intestinal, HPB and Bariatric Surgery. Laparoscopic expertise in performing Gastrointestinal surgeries for digestive disorders (stomach, intestine, colon cancers) and liver, gall bladder, and pancreas surgery.
Ardent in performing surgery for weight loss and bariatric procedures for obese people with metabolic / uncontrolled diabetic patients.
He has multiple paper publications at various National & International scientific forums. Healthcare Startup Founder-Director for Lakeview Healthcare (Bandra & Shivaji Park) providing affordable ICU care for needy people.
Attachment: Lilavati Hospital, Holy Family Hospital Bandra, Gleneagles Hospital Parel, St Elizabeth’s Hospital.
