Bharat Gaurav Mr. Madhav Agasti - Dress Designer
Madhav Agasti, a legendary men’s dress designer based in Mumbai, has spent more than five decades tailoring not just clothes, but the very image of power and charisma in Indian public life. At 76, Agasti’s legacy is stitched into the fabric of both Bollywood and Indian politics, where his bespoke creations have adorned some of the most influential personalities in the country.
Agasti’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. With no formal training in tailoring or fashion design, he entered the world of costume-making driven purely by passion and perseverance. His story is a testament to the power of self-belief and the value of hands-on learning. What began as humble beginnings in the city of dreams, Mumbai, blossomed into a remarkable career that saw him design costumes for over 350 Hindi films. Over the years, his clientele expanded to include Indian Prime Ministers, Deputy Prime Ministers, Presidents, Governors, Chief Ministers from various states, senior leaders across political parties, and notable international figures.
One of the defining chapters of Agasti’s illustrious career began in the heart of Bollywood. Though he designed costumes across genres, he became especially known for his work with villains—crafting looks that were as memorable as the characters themselves. Among his most iconic works is the costume of Mogambo, the infamous antagonist from the 1987 blockbuster Mr. India, portrayed by the late Amrish Puri. The costume, with its military flair and menacing style, became an iconic symbol of villainy in Indian cinema.
While Agasti made his name in the world of cinema, his work soon caught the attention of political leaders. His transition from Bollywood to politics was seamless, and his understanding of personality and presence made him a favorite among politicians who wanted their attire to reflect authority and identity. His most celebrated political client was Shiv Sena founder late Balasaheb Thackeray. Agasti designed Thackeray’s signature white shirt-style kurta and the elegant Kashmiri shawl that became synonymous with the leader’s public persona. The attire was not just clothing; it was a carefully constructed image that embodied simplicity, strength, and cultural pride.
Agasti’s designs were never about following fashion trends. Instead, they were about understanding the essence of a person and creating garments that highlighted their individuality. He approached each project like a storyteller, using fabric and form to express a narrative. Whether it was a commanding politician or a formidable film villain, Agasti had a unique ability to translate character into clothing. Behind the glamour and acclaim, however, was a journey of grit and resilience. Agasti started with little more than a dream and an unwavering belief in his craft. He worked tirelessly to establish his business, facing many challenges that come with working in a highly competitive industry. But with every stitch, he refined his skill and built a reputation as a meticulous and insightful designer. His dedication to quality and his ability to adapt to changing times have been key to his long-standing success.
Agasti believes that the key to a fulfilling life is to follow one's passion with perseverance. In his own words, “When passion is paired with perseverance, it can transform dreams into reality.” His story is not just about fashion—it’s about human connection, adaptability, and the power of purpose. Throughout his career, Madhav Agasti has remained grounded and grateful. He often speaks of the people who supported him along the way—clients, colleagues, and friends who believed in him and gave him opportunities to grow. He sees his journey as a collaborative one, shaped by countless interactions and shared experiences.
His upcoming memoir delves into the personal and professional milestones that have defined his career, offering readers an intimate look into the world of Indian tailoring and design. It’s more than a recounting of achievements—it’s a heartfelt narrative of struggle, growth, and the timeless art of dressing men with dignity and distinction. Madhav Agasti’s legacy lies not just in the clothes he has crafted, but in the impact he has had on Indian visual culture. From the silver screen to the corridors of power, his designs have helped shape how India’s most iconic figures are seen and remembered. Through skill, intuition, and an unshakable love for his craft, he has earned his place as one of India’s most revered and influential designers.
Bharat Gaurav Mr. Ashish Mittal - Businessman
Ashish Mittal is a Promoter and Whole-time Director of Innovatiview India Limited (“Innovatiview”). An alumnus of the University of Delhi, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electronics and Communication). He is responsible for the business activities of the Innovatiview, including pre-sales and post-sales activities, and business development, including managing the business to the Government clientele of the Innovatiview. He has over 14 years of experience.
From the outset, Ashish demonstrated an eye for opportunities and the determination to act on them. He has played a significant role in developing Innovatiview’s offerings and executing its growth strategies. His industry expertise enables Innovatiview to navigate market trends, expand its operations, and build client relationships, all while responding to technological updates.
Innovatiview is led by experienced Promoters and a management team with a track record of performance. Ashish Mittal, Ankit Agarwal, Vishal Mittal, and Abhishek Agarwal has developed a work culture where every member in the organization contributes towards the growth of Innovatiview.
It is a technology-driven and surveillance solutions provider, for examinations, elections, and large-scale events across India. Its security solutions comprise closed circuit television surveillance, biometric control, physical security systems like frisking, voice over internet protocol communication systems, global positioning system tracking as well as dedicated examination infrastructure. In addition, Innovatiview provides information technology (“IT”) equipment rental services. The portfolio of services includes end-to-end system integration solutions across diverse business verticals, with a significant focus on building security, surveillance and information systems.
Bharat Gaurav Ms. Gulabo Sapera - Folk Artist
A legendry folk artist, Gulabo not only got the flamboyant dance style "Kalbeliya", conceptualized and choreographed by herself, identified across the globe but got her community, a nomadic one, a never imagined recognition. Battling all the odds that life thrust upon her she proceeded with courage and perseverance for the honour of the nation, her community and her family. The dance form, she introduced, is today one of the major features the state of Rajasthan is identified with on culture and tourism map.
Born in kalbeliya tribe in Ajmer as dhanvanti, her parents buried her on pressure from the community despite their unwillingness due to her being 4th girl child but she was lucky to be exhumed alive after almost six hours on the insistence of her mother's sister. Her father started taking her along in a very tender age for the snake show on the roads, their staple profession and growing up with the snakes, she started dancing like the snakes. A style, which was quite a unique and unprecedented one.
Given her rather maniacal passion for the dance, she continued practicing surreptitiously in the isolated places despite the objections of her community.
Once she was taken to the holy shrine of khwaza moinuddin chishti, where the shrine blessed her with a rose flower and here she got the new name "GULABO".
The turning point of her life came when she was dancing with her community women in a fair at Pushkar at the age of seven yrs in 1981. There she was noticed by some representatives of tourism department, who were quite enthralled by the gyrations and suppleness of her dance. There she was offered to dance before a group of foreigners, which she did after a rigorous convincing and won enormous appreciation. This public performance further enraged her community and this time the infuriated community panchayat slapped her family with social boycott. Unable to beat this resistance, she finally shifted to Jaipur with the help of her family and her promoters.
In 1985, she got an offer to join a culture crew for the USA, which again was opposed heavily, but overcoming this opposition, she finally left for the USA with her father passing away just a day ahead of her departure to the USA. But for the realization of the dreams of her father and her family and for the recognition of her community and art, she flew to the USA and remained in washington for two months performing continuously.
Impressed by the dance form, she had an offer to live there permanently and teach the dance but she refused. The intervention of the then prime minister, Rajiv gandhi, on whose wrist she tied a symbolic rakhi, could not budge her and he had to give in to her patriotic sentiments and interest in teaching the art in her own country.
Since then, she tied the holy thread on his wrist every raksha bandhan until he passes away. With this her relation with the Gandhi family became eternal.
This overseas performance in the US established her as an ambassador of the folk heritage of Rajasthan. President of the all India kalbeliya community, today she is treated as an institution, a hallmark of the state with a plethora of national and international awards. A visiting faculty at institutions in countries like Denmark (Copenhagen), France (Paris).
She has visited 153 countries. She wishes to set up a dance school in Pushkar, amidst the people of her own community. She has also taken up the course of educating the girls and boys of her community and working tirelessly for the image makeover of the community through the GULABI SAPERA SANGEET SANSTHAN, set up by her.
In 2011, GULABO featured in reality television show BIGG BOSS 5 as contestant No. 12. She spoke openly about the truth in 2016.
She got Padma Shri award from President of India.
Bharat Gaurav Mr. Rajendra Kumar Setia MD & CEO - SK Finance Limited
Born and brought up in the small town of Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, Mr. Rajendra Kumar Setia was raised in a family of grain merchants. From an early age, he developed a deep understanding of the needs and challenges faced by rural communities in India—a perspective that would later shape his professional journey and leadership style.
Mr. Setia currently serves as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SK Finance Limited. With a remarkable career spanning nearly three decades in the financial services sector, he has emerged as a paragon of entrepreneurial excellence and visionary leadership. Under his guidance, SK Finance Limited has experienced unprecedented growth, expanding its presence across 12 states and union territories through over 579 branches, primarily in rural and semi-urban regions. His mission has always been clear: to bridge the financial gap for the unbanked and underbanked, ensuring access to opportunities for those who need it most.
An alumnus of the University of Rajasthan, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Science, Mr. Setia combines academic grounding with real-world insights. His leadership is defined by a hands-on approach, strategic foresight, and a deep commitment to social upliftment. He has successfully fostered a strong institutional culture rooted in values, purpose, and service, empowering his team to deliver excellence while staying true to the company’s broader mission.
Through his tireless efforts, Mr. Setia has made a significant and lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals. His work has championed financial inclusion and contributed to the socio-economic progress of underserved communities across India. His legacy reflects the powerful potential of purposeful leadership to drive meaningful change in the financial sector and beyond.
Recognized as one of the "ET Business Leaders of Rajasthan 2019" by the Times Group, Mr. Setia has earned wide acclaim for his contributions to business and society. Deeply committed to giving back, he believes it is his responsibility to serve the community that has enabled his success. He actively supports various CSR initiatives focused on healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability, and often extends personal support to those in need.
Mr. Rajendra Kumar Setia’s journey is one of purpose, passion, and perseverance—a journey that continues to inspire and elevate lives across the nation.
Bharat Gaurav Mr. Sunil Khetpalia - Social Worker
Mr. Sunil Khetpalia hailing from Beawar, Rajasthan is a renowned educator, entrepreneur, and philanthropist dedicated in empowering individuals and communities majorly in Rajasthan and Tamilnadu.
As the President of various esteemed institutions, he continues to inspire and drive growth across various fields.
His philanthropic activities hails across major socio-economic sectors by his contributions to various Educational Institutions especially for the girls/women empowerment.
He has been generously contributing to the hospitals for both human welfare and also with a utilitarian attitude towards the well-being of non-human welfare (animal husbandry).
He is an enthusiastic creeper who extends assistance to both Bhojanshala and Gaushalas supporting every living creature in the earth for their sustenance.
Mr. Sunil Khetpalia despite being a renowned personality in the society wants himself to be identified as a simple and devout humble Jain participating with the less & under privileged people from all the masses with their enrichment not only by materialistic subjects but also with an inherent value for the mankind as taught in our revered Jain ethical dharma by extending our values to eternal life.
Bharat Gaurav Ms. Sanjana Karnani - Social Worker
Rooted in a proud heritage of duty and philanthropy, Sanjana Karnani embodies modern, values-driven leadership. Based in North West London, she hails from a traditional Indian business family, inspired by the enduring legacy of her great-grandfather, Seth Chaturbhujdasji Karnani—a visionary philanthropist who supported the Bikaneri community across Mumbai and Bikaner.
Sanjana's impact spans public service, community engagement, and educational leadership. A 2024 Parliamentary Candidate for Walthamstow and former Kingsbury Ward council candidate, she has significantly strengthened local Conservative support through strategic, grassroots campaigning. As co-founder and Vice-Chair of the Conservative Friends of Small Business her work reflects a deep commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and amplifying business voices with policy.
She holds governance roles at two London primary schools and contributes actively to the Neasden Temple, where she leads major cultural events and humanitarian initiatives. Her dedication has earned her several accolades, including the Bikaner Gaurav Award, the Public Service Award from the LodhaFoundation, the Remarkable Entrepreneur Award from Inspiring Indian Women UK, and recognition from the Women Economic Forum.
Through her diverse roles and unwavering commitment, Sanjana carries forward a cherished family legacy-uplifting communities, inspiring change, and championing service above self.
Bharat Gaurav Mr. Harbir Nat - Tech Entrepreneur
Harbir Singh Nat was born in Deolali, Maharashtra in 1966 where his father, Maj. Gen Harbans Singh, was, then, an instructor in the School of Artillery of the Indian Army. Harbir lived the life of an army child moving almost every three years as his family travelled with his father’s army postings. Harbir’sschooling was done across Ambala, Jabalpur, Pune and Delhi where he completed his 12th Standard.
Harbir was selected as a National Talent Scholar in 1982 and passed out of Army Public School, Dhaula Kuan in 1984 as the valedictorian of his year. He joined St. Stephens College to study Physics Honours but after a year moved to Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, after achieving an All India Rank of 177 in the Joint Entrance Examination, to study B.Tech in Electrical Engineering. He completed his B. Tech in 1989 and was selected to join Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta (IIMC), where he completed in Post Graduate Diploma in Management in 1991 specialising in Finance.
After IIMC, Harbir joined India’s then leading investment bank SBI Capital Markets Ltd. in Mumbai. He then moved to ABN AMRO Bank, a leading European bank, to set up its Telecom Financing business in India.
He had a long career with ABN AMRO Bank which posted him to Singapore, then Amsterdam and then London in its Telecoms, Media and Technology (TMT) team. In his 16-year career with ABN AMRO Bank, Harbir completed nearly $20 billion of telecom financing deals as a lead manager, including landmark deals for Maxis in Malaysia, Hutchison Whampoa in Hong Kong, Smart Telecom in Philippines, Turk Telecom and Avea Telecom in Turkey, Casema in the Netherlands.
Harbir left ABN AMRO in 2009 to become CEO of a mobile operator in Portugal. In 2012 he joined the International Finance Corporation, a division of the World Bank as its Principal Investment Officer for Telecoms in Africa. He was posted to Washington DC and Nairobi and invested in leading African telecom and technology companies such as Teraco Data Centres and Helios Towers. He was on the Board of Directors of Helios Towers.
Harbir left IFC / World Bank in 2016 and in 2017, he co-founded PAIX Data Centres (“PAIX”), which he led as Deputy CEO and CFO from a concept to a 50-person, multi-national company. PAIX secured an investment of $40 million for Africa50, a leading multi-national development investor in 2022. Harbirexited from PAIX as a part of that fund raise and has then started two technology companies Tekk.ai Ltd and Connqt.ai Ltd.
Tekk.ai Ltd is building a portfolio of SaaS products and has launched two brands already. Connqt.ai develops software tools for small businesses to use WhatsApp in their business. Both Tekk.ai and Connqt.ai are developing AI products for businesses in their portfolio.
Harbir is married to Anindita Singh Nat. They met in IIMC where they were in the same MBA class in 1989. They have two sons Karanvir Singh Nat and Adityavir Singh Nat. Karanvir is a software engineer and Adityavir is a marketing manager for a healthcare company.
Harbir’s hobbies are writing, walking and cooking.
Bharat Gaurav Mr. Varun Sheth - CEO Ketto.org
Varun Sheth, Co-founder and CEO of Ketto.org, was formerly a finance analyst. Hailing from Mumbai, he pursued his education at Jamnabai Narsee School and Narsee Monjee College.
Fueled by his passion for finance, he obtained credentials as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and in Financial Risk Management (FRM).
In 2011, he took a bold step by quitting his finance career to establish Ketto, a crowdfunding platform dedicated to social causes, underscoring Varun's unwavering commitment to making a meaningful difference in the world of philanthropy.
Additionally, he was selected for the 2017 Forbes ‘30 Under 30 List’, the 2018 Fortune magazine ‘40 Under 40 List’, and the 2019 Economic Times ‘40 Under 40 List’. He has also been invited as a speaker at several prestigious events, including those hosted by Harvard Business School, TEDx, IAS University, IITs, and TISS.
Bharat Gaurav Major Munish Chauhan - British Army
Major Munish Chauhan MBBS, MRCS, DMCC, PGDip, RAMS is an award-winning General Surgery Registrar in the British Army, the only Indian-born surgeon currently serving in the UK Armed Forces. He is also a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Army Leadership and an Executive Coach committed to nurturing self-aware, resilient leaders who lead with purpose and compassion.
His leadership and service have earned widespread recognition. Munish is a recipient of the CGS Commendation in the British Army’s 2025 New Year’s Honours, the Dr B.R. Ambedkar Achievement Award, the Leadership BeyondBorders Award presented by a Government Minister of India, the Extra Ordinary Achievers Charity Award, and the Clinical Excellence Award from the NHS. He holds a rare Fellowship in Leadership from the British Army—a distinction awarded to only a few. But behind every award lies a story of struggle, strength, and service.
Born into poverty in a small Indian village, Munish’s childhood was marked by financial hardship. He worked as a child labourer, often barefoot and without a school uniform, yet he never lost sight of a better future. At just 17, he moved to the UK alone, with little more than a dream and a student loan. He endured homelessness, hunger, and deep self-doubt. At one point, he was told by a senior officer that he wasn’t “academically robust enough” to become even a nurse in the Army. He proved every doubter wrong.
Today, Munish blends surgical precision with leadership grounded in emotional intelligence and psychological safety. At the Centre for Army Leadership, he presents his work on resilience, self-leadership, and metacognition—research shaped as much by life experience as by academic rigour. His coaching approach is deeply reflective, focused on unlocking the potential in others through self-awareness and mental agility.
A passionate advocate for remembrance, Munish led a 100km team march—3.5 million steps—to honour Commonwealth soldiers. Currently, he is taking on a 1,000km challenge: 50 half-marathons while carrying a 15kg bergen, raising awareness of the British Indian Army’s contributions in the world wars. For him, these are not just endurance feats—they are acts of service and storytelling, ensuring forgotten voices are heard.
His community work speaks volumes of his character. Every Christmas, Munishand his friends serve over 200 homeless people on the streets of London, giving not just food, but dignity and warmth. For him, leadership means stepping up—when it’s tough, when no one’s watching, and always with heart.
Munish Chauhan’s journey is not simply one of achievement—it is a living example of courage, compassion, and commitment. From rural India to the halls of the House of Lords, from a park bench to the operating theatre, he continues to rise—lifting others with him.
He is not just a surgeon or a soldier. He is a servant-leader, proving that greatness begins with grit, and true honour lies in humble service.
Bharat Gaurav Mr. Ajeeth Narayan - Businessman
Ajeeth Narayan is a member of the Group Executive Team of Investec Bank plc. Ajeeth Manages 2 businesses for Investec group – the global aircraft leasing business and Investec’s India business.
The global aircraft leasing business of Investec was set up by Investec in 2002 and Ajeeth was one of the founding members of this business. Investec provides flexible capital to airlines, lessors to assist with aircraft acquisition of new, middle aged or end of life aircraft. Further Investec managed funds also owns and lease aircraft to airlines all over the world. Investec aircraft leasing team is able to underwrite and distribute various risks associated with aircraft leasing including credit risk, metal risk, part out risk etc. Investec is one of the few capital providers who can provide solution across the capital stack to finance acquisition of aircraft.
Ajeeth was also responsible for setting up Investec’s India business in 2011. This business was set up with the purpose of providing access to growth capital to Indian corporates. Investec India helps companies with accessing capital from Series A stage to IPO and post IPO public fund raising. Investec India has dedicated India sales resources in key foreign locations like Singapore, NYC and London to distribute Indian paper amongst foreign investors. In addition through its credit funds, Investec India also provides debt to help Indian companies grow. State Bank of India group has a 20% strategic stake in the Investec India business. In the financial year 2024/25, Investec India closed more than 57 deals across both debt and equity, public and private markets. Investec India also writes high quality research on approx. 270 Indian companies which is followed by investors across the globe.
In his spare time, Ajeeth loves cooking and sport specially skiing and tennis. Ajeeth has an undergraduate degree in engineering from IIT Kanpur and a post graduate diploma in management from IIM Kolkata.