Theme: Solstice: Where change begins.

'Solstice: Where change begins’, symbolizes moments of transformation. The word ‘solstice’ comes from the Latin 'solstitium', meaning 'Sun stands still' because the apparent movement of the Sun's path north or south stops before changing direction. Just as the Sun appears to pause at the solstices before shifting direction, humans also experience moments in life where we pause, reflect, and then embark on new paths. These transitions, marked by personal milestones, serve as opportunities for growth. The solstice symbolizes these crucial moments, reminding us that periods of stillness often precede significant personal development. Our journey is marked by a blend of highs and lows, where moments of triumph and happiness merge with times of struggle and hardship. The highs are like sun-lit peaks, filling us with pride, hope, and inspiration, while the lows challenge our strength. Each offers valuable lessons, providing a complete picture of human experience. By accepting both joy and pain, we honor our existence and celebrate the richness of life. ‘Solstice’ reflects on these moments of transition, reminding us that true change often begins in the darkest times, guiding us towards the light.

Rukhmini Auditorium
Jawaharlal Nehru Engineering College, MGM University
N-6 CIDCO
Aurangabad, Maharashtra, 431003
India

Amrut Bang

Director of NIRMAN Foundation/Public Health Expert and Youth Development Leader

Amrut Bang, Program Director at NIRMAN and Joint Director at SEARCH, focuses on youth development and public health. With a background in software and an M.S. in Nonprofit Management, he has received the Richard J. Estes Global Citizenship Award. He is also an RTI activist, NEP Implementation Steering Committee member, and has been honored with awards such as the Social Wealth Creator Award.

Bhagyashri Lekhami

Social Reformer

Bhagyashri Lekhami, a trained boxer and volleyball player, chose to forgo her athletic aspirations at the age of 21 to become a leader for her community. In 2019, she was unanimously elected as an independent candidate to serve as the first sarpanch in Gadchiroli district. Representing nine villages in the Bhamragarh tehsil, she has dedicated herself to advocating for the needs and interests of her tribal community.

Dr. Sagar Mundada

Psychiatrist and Mental Health Advocate(Corporate Mental Health Trainer)

Dr. Sagar Mundada, a psychiatrist and de-addiction specialist, holds an MBBS and MD from JJ Group of Hospitals, Mumbai. He has contributed over 600 articles and appeared in 300+ TV interviews promoting mental health awareness. He has conducted workshops on corporate mental health for companies like TCS and Shell and has led doctors as Maharashtra president of the IMA Youth Wing and MARD.

IAS Armstrong Pame

IAS officer and Infrastructure innovator

Armstrong Pame, an IAS officer from the 2009 batch of the Manipur cadre, is renowned for building the "People's Road," a 100 km route funded through crowdsourcing, which is now National Highway 137. A Physics graduate from St. Stephen's College and a Transformational Leadership alumnus from Oxford and Harvard, he has received numerous awards, including India's Most Eminent IAS Officer Award. Currently serving as Director at the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Pame is also a motivational speaker and founding curator of the Global Shapers Community, Imphal hub.

Natasha Sharma

Artist-Researcher and Social Advocate

Natasha Sharma is an artist-researcher specializing in urban practice and advocacy for youth and women's rights. She combines artistic expression with social research, focusing on public art and cultural programming that addresses social issues. Her work exemplifies how knowledge can drive societal change and inspire critical thinking about urban spaces and social justice.

Parul Pradhan

Sustainable Architect and Automotive Designer (Deputy GM, Mercedes-Benz R&D India)

She started her professional journey in bamboo architecture, focusing on sustainable and eco-friendly design. Later, she shifted her career path to the automotive industry, joining Mercedes-Benz R&D India, where she contributed to innovative automotive design. This transition highlights her shift from traditional, environmentally conscious construction to cutting-edge technology and design in the automotive sector.

Ranjeet Deshmukh

Founder of RoadBounce

Ranjeet Deshmukh is the founder of RoadBounce, a road quality monitoring system designed to enhance road safety and driving experiences. He holds a Bachelor of Technology from Savitribai Phule University, Pune, and an MBA from IIM Ahmedabad. His entrepreneurial journey gained momentum after securing an ₹80 lakh investment on Shark Tank India for 20% equity in RoadBounce. The system, recognized for its potential to improve road conditions, has won several awards, including the Maharashtra State Innovation Award and the FICCI Award for Innovation in Road Safety.

Ruchira Darda

Founder of WoW and Director MahaMarathon

Ruchira Darda is a renowned facilitator of personality analysis and relationship coaching. She is the Founder of Lokmat Maha Marathon and Director of the Lokmat Campus Club. She is the Founder of The Yellow Door - a space for children to learn, play and grow in a progressive and experience-led teaching space. Her work focuses on helping individuals and families build stronger relationships and make informed life and career choices through innovative programs and workshops. Her expertise in personality identification and relationship coaching offers valuable insights for personal growth and harmony.

Squadron Leader (Dr.) Toolika Rani

Ex-Indian Air Force Officer, Mountaineer (Everest Climber), Int. Motivational Speaker, Author, Assistant Professor

Appointed as the G-20 Brand Ambassador for Uttar Pradesh, she is a former Indian Air Force officer with ten years of service and a record of training India's first female fighter pilots. An accomplished mountaineer, she has summited Mt. Everest and numerous other peaks, and is the first Indian woman to climb Asia's highest volcano. She has received 18 awards for her achievements and is a prolific speaker and author, known for her motivational talks and published works.