The Art of New Beginnings
“Upakrama,” meaning “initiation” or “beginning” in Sanskrit, celebrates the transformative power of new starts, be it groundbreaking ideas, fresh perspectives, or life-changing journeys. This theme invites speakers to explore the power of new beginnings. It invites stories of resilience and action, showcasing how individuals and communities redefine the future through innovation and growth.
Our Speakers
Aamir Sajid
Passionate Filmmaker and Digital Content Creator
A filmmaker and digital content creator known for his love for cinema and storytelling. Starting his journey at age 9, he has written, directed, and edited multiple acclaimed short films, including The Repentance (Flamingo International Film Festival selection), A Visitor (Best Film at International Kids Film Festival), and Equilibrium (3rd place at IIT Bombay’s Mood Indigo). His 50-minute film, Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte, was screened at the UPG Film Festival 2023, and he is now working on his debut feature film, Escape From Detention. Aamir also shares cinematic insights on his YouTube channel, Aamir Sajid Movie Freak, and contributes to Chalchitra Talks.
Ajinkya Firodia
Vice Chairman and MD of Kinetic Engineering Ltd.
A scion of the industrialist Firodia family from Pune, which has been one the front runners of the Indian Automobile Industry since the past 50 years. His achievements include launching various scooters & motorcycles under international collaborations as well as revamping the Kinetic brand identity & dealership network. Mr Firodia ultimately made his way to the top and is now leading this flagship company with efficiency, tenacity, zeal & enthusiasm while converting a two-wheeler manufacturing company into a leading auto-component manufacturer with a strong focus on transmission assemblies for global markets.
Anjali Byce
Group Chief Human Resources Officer at STL-Sterlite Technologies Ltd.
With extensive experience across manufacturing, insurance, and R&D sectors, she specializes in business transformation, talent strategy, diversity initiatives, and leadership development. Recognized as CHRO of the Year 2020 by BW-Business World and one of the 100 Most Talented Global HR Leaders by CHRO Asia, she has led STL to multiple accolades, including the Brandon Hall Awards. A certified coach and thought leader, Anjali holds advanced qualifications from prestigious institutions like MIT and IMD. Beyond work, she mentors aspiring professionals, contributes to HR thought leadership, and enjoys driving, photography, and cultural travel.
Manjiri Latey
A Passionate and Trained 'Telepathic Animal communicator
She has been an avid trekker and wildlife enthusiast for over 30 years and has travelled extensively to offbeat places in pursuit of exploring the destinations & her own potentials. With a 'Masters in Outdoor Education' from University of Wales (UK), she is a 'Certified Master Trainer in NLP with NFNLP - USA and a 'Certified Practitioner & International Coach in New Code NLP' having learnt with Dr. John Grinder (Co-founder of NLP). She has been practicing as a 'Facilitator in Outdoor Education and Experiential Learning' workshops for the last 15 years; using the tremendous potential of the outdoors for a spectrum of behavioural issues, from leadership and self-esteem, to niche issues like multiple intelligence theory, overcoming fears, phobias & unwanted behavioural patterns, to de-addiction. She is also a passionate and trained 'Telepathic Animal communicator' having learnt with telepathic communicators like Maia Kincaid, Carol Gurney and Kim Pickett.
Pallavi Murdeshwar
Artist & Trainer
A Chartered Accountant and MBA from IIM Indore, with 23 years of work experience in industry and academia. A self-taught artist with a passion for learning, she is also an avid traveler and classical dance enthusiast. After spending more than two decades with corporates like CRISIL, CARE Ratings and Standard Chartered Bank; and training thousands of students in the areas of finance and employability skills, Pallavi is now stepping into the world of Art to explore a new avenue for expression and communication. With a deep belief in the transformative power of Art as a unique medium for dialogue and connection, she aims to bridge the gap between creative expression, and personal development. This journey into the artistic realm marks an exciting evolution of her career, combining knowledge, creativity, and purpose.
Pankaj Jha
Actor by profession, Painter by passion, Poet by default, and Photographer by choice
A National School of Drama alumnus from Bihar, is a celebrated actor, writer, director, and painter. Known for impactful roles in films like Monsoon Wedding, Black Friday, and Gulaal, he has also shone in regional cinema and web series like Panchayat 2. A versatile artist, Jha’s creativity extends to painting and poetry, enriching his two-decade career with depth and artistry.
Rtn Dr. Prabodh Chand Jain
Rotarian & Social Worker
A retired AGM of Punjab National Bank, A Rotary leader and social innovator He served as President of Rotary Club Jaipur Royal (2019-20), Assistant Governor (2021-22), and Editor GML (2022-23). Founder of India’s first Time Bank (India Book of Records), he is a champion of organ donation through MFJCF and a founder of Shri Sthanakvasi Shwetambar Jain Sanstha, Jaipur.
Shelly Sinha
Passionate Entrepreneur and Storyteller
Founder of BluEncore, is an alumnus of MICA Ahmedabad and IIM-A with over 20 years of leadership in marketing and brand strategy. Combining her passion for storytelling and board games, she creates immersive experiences that blend entertainment, culture, and education. Her latest game, Biomes of Nilgiris, is the first in a series spotlighting biodiversity and conservation in India, showcasing how storytelling through play can inspire meaningful change—an inspiring "Upakrama" for a better tomorrow.
Shishir Joshipura
CEO and Managing Director of Praj Industries
The CEO and Managing Director of Praj Industries, India’s leading industrial biotechnology company, offering sustainable solutions for Energy Transition and Climate Action. A Mechanical Engineer from BITS Pilani with an Advanced Management Program (AMP) from Harvard Business School, Shishir joined Praj Industries in 2018 after serving as CEO of SKF India and contributing over two decades to Thermax. Recognized among India’s ‘Most Valuable CEOs’ and ‘Top 100 CEOs’ in 2013, Shishir has chaired industry councils, spoken at global forums like Harvard Business School India Forum, and serves on several advisory boards. A founding director of the Alliance for Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE), he actively contributes to bioenergy and sustainability advocacy through roles in CII and ISMA.
