Ideas For India conference

Bio

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Bio

Arvind Chari is the CIO for Q India UK (an affiliate of QAS India), has 21 years of experience in investment management in Indian capital markets. He began his career in 2002 gaining experience in macro, credit and fixed-income portfolio management. In 2010, he set up amongst India’s first bond funds for European Investors. He has a multi-asset exposure by helping launch the Gold ETF, Equity Fund of Funds and the Multi-asset funds at Quantum. As a Chief Investment officer (CIO), Arvind guides global investors on their India asset allocation. Arvind was born in 1979.

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Catherine Moss is a Partner at Shakespeare Martineau. As a corporate lawyer, Catherine supports her clients by ensuring that their legal and commercial needs are met with timely practical and creative solutions.

Catherine works with companies and entrepreneurs to meet their business and corporate finance needs. With specialist knowledge across the life sciences, technology, mining and financial services sectors, Catherine’s wide-ranging expertise involves listing companies on stock exchanges, public and private takeovers, restructurings and resolving corporate governance and investment issues. Catherine is recognised by Chambers UK as a ‘Leader in their field’ within ‘Corporate/M&A: Mid-Market’.

Catherine is a member of the QCA Legal Committee and the City of London Law Society’s Training Committee.

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Sushma is a renewable energy specialist having advised on numerous renewable energy projects and on heat networks.

She advises project sponsors, corporations, financial institutions, governments and regulatory bodies on regulatory and market structures, services arrangements (including concession agreements, supply contracts, O&M contracts and asset optimisation agreements), as well as power purchase arrangements and other route to market agreements.

Her experience includes a nine-month secondment to the Northern Ireland electricity regulator, OFREG; a three-month secondment to British Energy and a seven month secondment to Smartest Energy.

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Sneha Nainwal is a Commercial Litigation Partner and Head of India Desk at Shakespeare Martineau. Sneha is dual-qualified to practise law in India and England & Wales. Her practice has a strong focus on cross-border commercial disputes and financial services litigation, with wide experience in acting for clients, both businesses and private individuals, in complex litigation before Indian and English Courts, as well as international arbitration and mediation. Her clients include sovereign states, state owned entities, multinational companies, financial services providers and global entrepreneurs based in the UK, India and abroad. With strong personal and professional roots in India and a vast network of global contacts, Sneha is ideally placed to provide strategic solutions to international clients. She holds a Masters in Law (BCL) with merit from the University of Oxford and a double bachelors’ degree in business and law (B.B.A.LL.B) with distinction from India.

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Mark Taylor serves as a Partner at Shakespeare Martineau, where he leads the education team, specializing in advising on education collaborations and governance. Mark has dedicated his entire legal career to the education sector, earning recognition from Legal 500 for his deep expertise in this field.

Mark’s extensive experience includes advising on over fifty college mergers within the further and higher education sectors. He is skilled in redrafting constitutions for universities and colleges, such as Instrument and Articles, Royal Charters, and Articles of Association. Mark is known for structuring and setting up education joint ventures, including significant involvement with Institutes of Technology across the country.

In addition to his mergers and governance work, Mark provides crucial advice to UK-based institutions on international collaborations. This includes advising on validation and consultancy arrangements, establishing overseas campuses, and negotiating double degree agreements. His contributions extend to drafting sections of the Universities UK legal guide on international collaborations, demonstrating his authority in this specialized area of law.

Mark is committed to promoting access to legal expertise, co-leading an award-winning advice clinic for fifteen years and chairing the Birmingham Law Society’s pro bono committee. A frequent speaker at sector conferences and client training events, Mark shares his insights on commercial, corporate, and governance issues within the education sector, reinforcing his reputation as a leader in his field.

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Jazz Kaur Sohal, Brand Builder and Awareness Accelerator in the Beauty Industry. With an illustrious background in PR & Integrated Marketing Communications for global beauty brands, including pivotal roles at LVMH & starting her career at L’Oreal, Jazz stands as a beacon for diversity and inclusion. Her recent unwavering commitment to championing South Asian Beauty & Diversity has reshaped the industry landscape. Jazz’s influence extends beyond traditional boundaries, as she tirelessly advocates for representation and empowerment.

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Mira Kaushik OBE is a strategic consultant and cross-arts producer with over 30 years of experience. She transformed a small dance academy into an internationally renowned and award-winning production house, placing South Asian dance on the global stage. Mira has been instrumental in bringing dance and performance to unconventional spaces such as Furness Abbey, the British Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, and the Indian President’s House.

A passionate advocate for the arts, Mira has mentored and influenced numerous cross-arts careers in the UK and abroad. Her fundraising efforts have secured tens of millions from diverse sources, including the arts sector, trust foundations, corporations, the Indian Government, the European Union, the British Army, and individual donors. Mira’s accolades include an Order of the British Empire (2007), a Herald Angel Award, a BBC Asia Award, a Lustrum Award, and a Southbank Centre Women of the World (WOW) award.

Mira’s core artistic background encompasses literature, theatre, and cinema, with extensive experience in people management and arts innovation across classical, contemporary, commercial, and community art sectors. She provides strategic direction to various organisations and has served on boards including ISAN, Pan Cultural Arts Network, and the committee associated with the Department of Culture, Media, and Sport.

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Jeevanandham Rajagopal is a legal professional with over 18 years of experience, advising on foreign investment in India, joint ventures, debt and equity funding, mergers and acquisitions, and promoter/founder/investee representation. He specializes in structuring overseas direct investments by Indian entities and intellectual property laws, focusing on IP strategies and technology transfers.

He holds a B.A. (Law) and B.L. from the University of Madras and attended the Global Leadership Program at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, USA.

Jeevanandham has been recognized for his contributions to the legal field, including being named among the Top 100 Lawyers in India by Forbes India. He has also been acknowledged by various legal directories and publications for his expertise in corporate and M&A law. He played a key role in helping his firm win an award for its corporate and commercial practice by the Indian Business Law Journal.

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Aarti is a multifaceted beauty professional renowned for her expertise in South-Asian Beauty. She has left an indelible mark on the industry with roles spanning from beauty educator to brand consultant and beyond.

A frequent feature in publications including Marie Claire, The Guardian, Who What Wear and Grazia, Aarti’s insights resonate widely.

Recognized as one of the UK’s Best Hair & Makeup Artists by Harper’s Bazaar UK, Aarti has also been acclaimed as an inspiring industry leader by The British Beauty Council. Her dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusivity is exemplified by her role on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity (DEI) committee.

As the founder of the South Asian Beauty Collective, Aarti continues to redefine beauty standards and empower individuals through her transformative work.

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Aashika Balaji is a dynamic finance professional based in London. As Chief of Staff at Aptia Group, a leading pension industry startup, and with a background in Citibank’s wealth management, she excels in strategic business development, transformation and investment. Recognized as a go-to expert on consumer trends, she advises leading startups in India. She co-chairs Women on the Wharf, one of largest network of female professionals from major banks and consulting firms in London, passionately championing diversity and inclusion.

Aashika’s academic credentials are top tier: an MBA from Cornell University, a Master’s from the London School of Economics, and a B.Com Honours from Shri Ram College of Commerce. She co-runs an NGO with her mother, focused on women’s empowerment through education and awareness. A trained classical dancer mentored by world-renowned artists, Aashika collaborates with prominent personalities, inspiring Gen Z with her commitment to learning, creativity, and excellence.

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Sakshi is the Founder and CEO of FoodHak, a revolutionary new food subscription delivery start-up where the emphasis is on healthy, delicious yet medicinal vegan meals for longevity and sustainability.

The mother-of-two comes with a biotech background, having earned a Biotechnology degree from the University of Birmingham and an MBA from Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. She began her career with a four year sting at Pfizer – moving from clinical trials and regulatory affairs to manufacturing.

Following that, she relocated to India where she saw a gap in the market for a domestic brand of textiles targeted towards the emerging middle class. She subsequently launched a domestic textiles unit for her father’s export business. The business runs profitably today.

After turning to investment, she was poached by SoftBank in California to help manage their early stage funds in Asia and focus on healthcare growth equity investments. Sakshi led the $1billion equity investment into Roivant Sciences and has served on its board for the last five years.

After suffering from an illness during her first pregnancy, she transformed her diet and turned flexi vegan with positive health results. She then conceived the idea to create clinically-backed meals delivered via subscription to those who wish to similarly improve their health and for longevity. In 2021, she founded FoodHak which is seeing strong early growth, paving the way for the future of food, helping people with their health and the planet.

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Aashni Shah is the founder of Aashni + Co, a pioneering concept store in London’s Notting Hill established in the autumn 2012. Specializing in Indian high fashion, the store offers a curated range of haute couture, ready-to-wear, jewelry, and accessories by esteemed South Asian designers including Anamika Khanna, Sabyasachi, and Tarun Tahiliani. Aashni + Co has quickly become a prominent destination in London, known for its luxury offerings and attracting a diverse clientele from fashion enthusiasts to celebrities. Aashni Shah also serves as the Founder and Creative Director of Revivify HQ. She studied Directing and Theatrical Production at the National Film and Television School, and Directing and Editing at The MET Film School – Ealing Studios.

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London-born Sujata Assomull is a Dubai-based journalist and author of 100 Iconic Bollywood Costumes. A mindful fashion and pro-age advocate, she was the launch Editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar India and previously worked with Khaleej Times as their Group Fashion Editor. An international chronicler of fashion trends, she is a go-to resource in the industry for commentary on India and the Middle East’s evolving and dynamic markets. Today she is a contributing editor for Vogue Business. A columnist with India’s leading business daily, Mint, she looks at fashion through a cultural and economic lens. Her bylines have appeared in Vogue India, Vogue Arabia, Business of Fashion, South China Morning Post, Khaleej Times and Arab News. A moderator at events such as Emirates Literature Festival, Retail Leader Circle, Cop 28 Dubai and other events.

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Pratik Dattani is Advisor to Bridge India and the Managing Director for boutique economic consulting firm EPG, specialising in economic analysis, strategic communications and market entry assistance with India, with offices in London, Bangalore and East Africa.

He was additionally, until August 2017, UK Director for the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the premier and largest industry body in India. He is also the co-founder of a tech start-up in the CSR space. Previously he worked in Economic Consulting at FTI Consulting and Deloitte in London and Abu Dhabi, with a focus on public policy and arbitration. He was Chairman for a not-for-profit membership organisation with several thousand members for three years.

He studied Economics at Warwick University, where he was awarded the Prize for Excellence, and LMU University of Munich. His dissertation won a prize at an international economics conference at Georgetown University, Washington DC. He has published academic research on behavioural economics and social impact and is a regular commentator on public policy and India across print, TV and online media, featured on BBC News, CBC, CNBC, CNN, NDTV, South China Morning Post and Huffington Post.

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Christophe Jaffrelot is a Professor of Indian Politics and Sociology at the King’s India Institute with a specialization in South Asian studies, particularly focused on India and Pakistan. He holds multiple prestigious positions, including Professor of Indian Politics and Sociology at the King’s India Institute, London, and Research Director at the Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS). Additionally, he serves as a professor at the Centre d’études et de recherches internationales (CERI) at Sciences Po, Paris, where he has also held the role of Director.

Educationally, Jaffrelot is a graduate of Sciences Po, Paris-I Panthéon-Sorbonne, and the Institut national des langues et civilisations orientales (INALCO). He earned his doctorate in political science from Sciences Po in 1991 and subsequently received a post-doctoral Habilitation degree, demonstrating his academic rigor and expertise.

Throughout his career, Jaffrelot has made significant contributions to the study of South Asian politics and society. His research spans a wide array of topics including Indian nationalism, Hindu nationalism, caste dynamics in politics, ethnic conflicts, as well as Pakistani nationalism, Islamic fundamentalism, and geopolitical issues concerning Pakistan. His extensive body of work includes numerous publications, editorships of scholarly journals, and advisory roles for institutions such as the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and CNRS.

Beyond academia, Jaffrelot is an influential figure in policy circles and media, contributing regularly to publications like The Indian Express and The Caravan. He has received several accolades for his scholarship, including the CNRS Bronze Medal and the Ramnath Goenka Award for Excellence in Journalism. His deep interest in South Asia was sparked early in his life and has been a driving force behind his impactful career in understanding and analyzing the region’s complex socio-political dynamics.

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Devender Yadav serves as the President of the Delhi Congress Committee, Incharge of the Punjab Congress Committee, and is a member of the Congress Working Committee. His multifaceted role involves overseeing party operations and strategies in both Delhi and Punjab, ensuring effective coordination and management of election campaigns, and strengthening the party’s grassroots presence.

Yadav’s leadership focuses on addressing urban issues in Delhi, advocating for policies that benefit the diverse population of the capital. In Punjab, he works closely with regional leaders to tackle state-specific challenges and enhance the party’s influence. His approach emphasizes unity and effective communication within the party ranks, fostering collaboration and cohesion.

As a member of the Congress Working Committee, Yadav contributes to the formulation of national policies and party strategies. His experience and insights play a crucial role in shaping the Congress party’s stance on key issues, ensuring alignment with its core values and goals. His efforts are pivotal in driving the party’s mission forward on both regional and national levels.

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Tony Matharu is a renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, known for founding numerous successful start-up organizations and businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector. He is the founder and Chairman of Integrity International Group, and has recently established London’s independent hotel chain, Blue Orchid Hospitality. Tony has been recognized with multiple awards, including “Best Small Hotel Company” and “Hotelier of the Year”. He holds an Honorary Doctorate of Letters and is an ESCP Europe Business School Fellow. Additionally, he serves as an adviser and commentator on entrepreneurship, hospitality, and philanthropy.

In his various leadership roles, Tony contributes significantly to London’s business and community sectors. He is a Board Member of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chairman of the Asian Business Association, and Director of the Central District Alliance and Central London Alliance. Tony’s accolades include a Special Recognition Award for contributing to London’s success and a Technology and Innovation Award. He has also founded and sold the specialist sports brand Ayrtek® and established Global Hospitality Services, an international hospitality consultancy known for innovative technology solutions and award-winning spa and guest amenity brands.

Tony’s passion for philanthropy and community engagement is evident through his involvement with numerous charitable and cultural organizations. He is the London City Chairman of the Lord’s Taverners, a charity focused on youth cricket and disability sports, and Vice President and Patron of the Oracle Cancer Trust. He founded Integrity International Trust, a charity aimed at supporting vulnerable individuals. Tony is also a patron of various arts and cultural events and actively participates in sports at various levels. As a true Londoner, he credits the city for his success and remains dedicated to giving back to the community.

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Shaunaka Rishi Das serves as the Director of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies (OCHS) since its inception in 1997. A dedicated educator and advocate for interfaith dialogue, Das’s expertise spans education, comparative theology, communication, and leadership. He holds the distinction of being the first Hindu Chaplain at Oxford University, a role he assumed in 2006, marking a historic milestone in the institution’s 800-year history.

In his capacity as Director, Das has been instrumental in fostering partnerships with academic institutions globally, including formal relationships with universities in the US, Europe, India, and China. Under his leadership, the OCHS received formal recognition from Oxford University in 2006, solidifying its position as a leading institution for the study of Hinduism. Additionally, Das has facilitated publishing partnerships with prestigious entities such as Oxford University Press and the Journal of Hindu Studies.

Beyond academia, Das is a prominent voice in media and broadcasting, notably contributing to BBC Radio 4’s ‘Prayer for the Day’ since 2007. He has also lent his expertise to various documentaries on Hindu culture and traditions, alongside serving as a consultant for projects aimed at exploring and understanding Hinduism. Through his multifaceted contributions, Das continues to enrich scholarly discourse and promote a deeper understanding of Hinduism on a global scale.

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Pankaj M. Munjal is an Indian businessman who serves as the chairman and managing director of Hero Cycles Limited, a company based in Punjab, India. He inherited the leadership of the company from his father, Om Prakash Munjal, the founder of Hero Cycles, in 2015. Munjal’s upbringing in the Munjal family, known for their deep-rooted legacy in the automotive industry, sparked his passion for automobiles from an early age.

Munjal’s education includes early schooling at The Lawrence School, Sanawar, followed by a degree in Science and training in Automotive Manufacturing at Kettering University, USA. He further honed his business acumen by attending executive programs in Strategic Marketing Management at both the London Business School and Harvard University. This diverse educational background equipped him with the skills necessary to lead and expand the family’s business empire.

Beginning his career at Hero Cycles in 1988, Munjal played a crucial role in the company’s growth and diversification. He became Co-chairman and managing director in 2011 and officially took over the executive responsibilities in 2010 following the Munjal family’s business realignment. In addition to his role at Hero Cycles, Munjal has served as a non-executive director at Munjal Showa Limited since 1985 and has been the chairman of Hero Motors Limited since 2015. His leadership continues to drive the company forward, maintaining its legacy in the global automotive industry.

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R Ramanan has served as the First Mission Director, of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) Additional Secretary at NITI Aayog ( National Institution for Transforming India) between June 2017 – May 2021 – a flagship national Innovation and entrepreneurship initiative launched by the PMO Govt of India.

As the Mission Director of AIM, Ramanan has been instrumental in the launch and execution of several nationwide innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives resulting in:

-10000+ Atal Tinkering Labs being established in schools nationwide with 7200+ currently operational in 650+ districts and 4 million+ students having access to innovative technologies like 3D printers, Robotics, IOT, electronics do it yourself kits.

– 75+ Atal Incubation Centers selected with 68+ Operational in Univ / industry with 2050+ Startups , 640+ women led Startups.

– 20 Atal Community Innovation Centers being established in Tier2, Tier-3 cities, Rural India.

– 56 Atal New India ARISE (applied Research and Innovation for small enterprises) challenge winners selected creating Make in India product / service innovations with Ministries of India.

– one of the largest Mentors of Change networks with over 5000+ mentors nationwide to mentor school students and Startups.

– 40+ Corporate, NGO, Public Sector and International Innovation Partnerships of AIM.

R Ramanan was previously Managing Director & CEO of CMC Ltd, a subsidiary of the globally acclaimed Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). Under his leadership CMC share price grew over 2100% between October 2001 to 2014, its operating profits over 1338%, leading to its successful amalgamation into TCS in 2015.

Ramanan joined TCS in 1981 graduating from IIT Mumbai in Electrical Engg and played an instrumental role in the growth of TCS. He is a Harvard Business School Alumni (HBS AMP187) , accredited in Sustainability Leadership by Cambridge University and has an Hon Doctorate awarded by Gujarat Law Society. Ramanan was awarded the 2019 National Digitalist of the year by SAP-MINT, the 2020 Outstanding National Public Service Award by Confederation of MSME. He received most “Valueable CEO awards” from Businessworld India twice in a row, Asia Outstanding CEO award from CMO Asia, Singapore, Rajiv Gandhi Shiromani and Indira Gandhi Sadhbhavana awards.

Ramanan is Lifetime Chair of HBS AMP187, Board member of Israel India Innovation forum, eSamshiksa, Unnati GOI initiatives, Chair of New Zealand Trade Enterprises Beachheads, Board Member of Indo US Technology Trade forum ( IUSTTF), Indo US AI Committee, & Fmr Member of Tata Group Innovation Forum.

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Howard was appointed Deputy Mayor for Business and Chair of London and Partners in December 2023. Before joining the Mayor’s team, Howard worked in business for thirty years, spending 17 years as Managing Director for Strategy of the Canary Wharf Group. At Canary Wharf, Howard was involved in the development of the Elizabeth Line and supporting the 2012 Olympic Bid and Olympic Legacy as well as commercial inward investment projects in tech, health and life sciences, and financial services.

He has been an active member of business organisations including Business LDN, London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, TheCityUK and the London Property Alliance.

He is a trustee of “The Line” art walk along the River Lea. Formerly Chair of the East End Community Foundation (2013-2022) he is now a patron of the charity, and a patron and former Vice-President of UK Youth.

Howard was Chair of the Business Advisory Board for the University of East London School of Business and Law and has been a visiting lecturer at the School.

Howard was a Parliamentary Candidate for the Labour Party and is the Chair of Labour Friends of Bangladesh and Labour Friends of USA.

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