Theme: UPAKRAMA - The Art of New Beginnings

The Sanskrit word Upakrama signifies "initiation" or "beginning," embodying the spirit of taking the first step towards meaningful change, innovation, and growth. This theme invites speakers to explore the power of new beginnings—whether it's a groundbreaking idea, a fresh perspective, or a life-altering journey.
From individuals reshaping their lives to communities sparking revolutions, Upakrama encourages stories that inspire action, highlight resilience, and celebrate the beauty of embarking on paths that redefine the future

Ramachandran International Institute of Management
Mantri Alpine Building
Above Crystal Honda Showroom, Bavdhan
Pune, Maharashtra, 411021
India

Aamir Sajid

Passionate Filmmaker and Digital Content Creator

A filmmaker and digital content creator with a passion for cinema. Inspired by his upbringing in a family of educators and movie lovers, he started making films at age 9. His YouTube channel, Aamir Sajid Movie Freak, features film analyses and creative projects. Aamir has directed acclaimed short films like The Repentance (Official Screening - Filmingo Short Film Festival, Mumbai), A Visitor (Best Film - International Kids' Film Festival) and Equilibrium (Winner of 3rd prize - IIT Mood Indigo Fest). His 50-minute film, Phir Milenge Chalte Chalte, was screened at the UPG Film Festival, Mumbai. Currently, he is in post-production of his full-length feature film Escape from Detention.

Ajinkya Firodia

Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Kinetic Engineering Limited

A veteran business leader with 20+ years of experience. A firm believer of the phrase Stay in the Game, he values resilience and self-affirmation. He believes that success can be achieved only by persevering against all obstacles, and finding ways to overcome problems rather than being overwhelmed by them. Hailing from Pune's renowned Firodia family, celebrated for their over-five-decade legacy in the Indian automobile industry, Mr. Ajinkya himself also exemplifies remarkable resilience and innovation. He guided his company through diverse and challenging landscapes and orchestrated the shift from two-wheeler manufacturing to auto components, showcasing his visionary leadership. Before assuming leadership at Kinetic Engineering, honed his financial acumen as a M & A analyst at JP Morgan in New York. His foundation for future endeavours was cemented by acquiring dual degrees in Engineering and Economics, with magna-cum-laude honours, from Brown University in 2001.

Anjali Byce

Group Chief Human Resources Officer at STL-Sterlite Technologies

Her experience in HR spans across manufacturing, insurance and R&D companies, as well as start-up, acquisition and turn-around companies. She has worked with Tata Motors, Allianz Bajaj Life Insurance Co, Cummins, Thermax and SKF. Her transformation programs led to STL receiving the renowned Brandon Hall Award for three years consecutively for their people Development and Employee experience initiatives. Anjali Byce was named as one of the 100 Most talented Global HR Leaders by CHRO Asia. Anjali in collaboration with SuccessBooks®, has joined an exceptional group of authors, including the esteemed Jack Canfield (co-author of the popular series – Chicken Soup for the Soul), to co-author the highly anticipated book, "Unlocking Success”. She has also contributed a number of articles in print and media and has been a speaker at multiple Conferences including being a panelist on ‘Women Leadership’ at Harvard Business School (Boston, USA). Anjali enjoys driving, photography and travelling.

Brajesh Kumar Mishra

IPS Officer

An IPS Officer of 2014 Batch in UP cadre. Formerly worked as Superintendent of Police (SP Traffic Lucknow, SP Crime Prayagraj). Also worked as Addl SP Maharajganj, Raebarli, Pratapgarh and Lalitpur. Initial posting as DySP in various districts have been in Kanpur, Azamgarh, Gorakhpur etc. A motivational speaker and spiritual thinker and writer who has delivered several talks on various platforms. He has been honored by Honorable Governor of Himachal Pradesh at NDMC Convention center at New Delhi in 2024.

Dr. Prabodh Chand Jain

Rotarian & Social Worker

Rotarian Dr Prabodh Chand Jain holds a Diploma in Naturopathy & Yogic Science and Master Diploma in Alternative Medicine. Post retirement as AGM, Punjab National Bank, his UPAKRAMA called the TIME BANK, a first of its kind concept in India, began. He is the Founder of Time Bank of India Trust where Time, not Money is deposited. He is also associated with an NGO to promote deceased Organ Donation. A trained Transplant Coordinator from NOTTO (National Organs and Tissues Transplant Organisation, a Govt of India, Ministry of Health division.

Manjiri Latey

A Passionate and Trained 'Telepathic Animal communicator’

Manjiri 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

Pallavi Murdeshwar is 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 born actor, Jha used to stage and act in street plays in his village in Saharsa, Bihar. An alumnus of the National School of Drama, he made his debut in Hindi films with Mira Nair’s Monsoon Wedding in 2001. His filmography includes Anurag Kashyap’s Black Friday and Gulaal, Sudhir Mishra’s Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, Chameli and Mumbai Cutting, Manish Jha’s Matrubhoomi: A Nation Without Women, Anwar and A Very Very Silent Film. Jha holds a BA in fine arts (Paintings) from the College of Arts & Crafts, Patna University. An accomplished painter, he has had many successful solo painting exhibitions to his credit. Jha’s stroke of creativity extends to poetry as well. He’s the author of the book “Agyat se Gyat ki or”

Shelly Sinha

Passionate Entrepreneur and Storyteller

Shelly Sinha is the Founder of BluEncore Studio, an indie board game studio dedicated to creating immersive gameplay experiences. An alumnus of MICA Ahmedabad and IIM-A, Shelly has over two decades of leadership experience in marketing, brand strategy, and creative innovation, having worked with top FMCG brands. A passionate entrepreneur and storyteller, Shelly combines her expertise with her love for board games to design products that bridge the gap between entertainment, culture, and education. Her board games highlight critical global issues like environmental conservation and cultural sensitivity, demonstrating the power of play in initiating change. The upcoming release of "Biomes of Nilgiris" marks the beginning of a series of games designed to educate and raise awareness about biodiversity and conservation across various ecosystems in India. A beautiful beginning, or "Upakrama," as we say, leveraging the power of storytelling in board games to spark meaningful conversations.

Shishir Joshipura

CEO and Managing Director of Praj Industries

Shishir Joshipura is 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.