Honoring India’s Independence Day by celebrating visionary founders, brands, and leaders driving innovation, growth, and change in the nation’s economy.
Independence Day
On the occasion of Independence day we dedicate this story to Founders and leaders to celebrate the extraordinary growth and their contributions to the Indian economy. Today we also celebrate the remarkable achievements of brands, founders, and entrepreneurs who have not only thrived in an ever-evolving market but have also driven meaningful change, recognising the innovation, creativity, and resilience of leaders driving India’s future. Let's look at the change-makers of India who are redefining success.
1. Jitin Bhatia - Founder & CEO Explurger
Amid the noise of fleeting likes and passing followers, Jitin Bhatia created Explurger - a platform where every mile counts and every adventure is honored & celebrated. Jitin Bhatia’s Explurger is Rewriting the Rules of Travel, the app’s rise has been phenomenal - in just three years, Explurger has expanded to 76 countries, united over 16 million travelers, partnered with hundreds of global brands, and earned a coveted spot in Google’s elite startup acceleration programs. In doing so, Jitin Bhatia has emerged as a leader of India’s new wave of tech entrepreneurs-visionaries whose innovations are putting the nation on the global digital map.
2. Deepika Sharma, Co-Founder, Hempstrol Pharma
Hempstrol, based in Jaipur and led by Ms. Deepika Sharma, stands out as the only Indian company recognized in Mordor Intelligence’s global Cannabidiol CBD Oil market report. It shares the spotlight alongside global leaders such as Aurora Cannabis and Canopy Growth . With a vision blending Ayurveda and modern medicine, Hempstrol fuels India’s growth through job creation, good manufacturing practices & strengthening India’s presence on the global stage. Hempstrol is bolstering India’s economic growth and establishing the nation as a serious contender in the global medical cannabis market.
3. Shruti Shah, founder and CEO of House of Shrusha
Shruti Shah, founder and CEO of House of Shrusha, transitioned from finance to fashion with a vision to blend Indian heritage and contemporary style. Her designs champion inclusivity, comfort, and empowerment, redefining how women see themselves. House of Shrusha, born from resilience, offers breathable fabrics, versatile silhouettes, and thoughtful craftsmanship. Formerly House of Surkh, the brand has grown to 25+ stores across India and leading platforms like Ajio, Nykaa Fashion, and Myntra. Rooted in strength, elegance, and cultural identity, it stands as a purpose-driven space for real women, inspiring confidence from everyday wear to special occasions.
4. Aksha Kamboj, Vice President of India Bullion & Jewellers Association (IBJA) and Executive Chairperson of Aspect Global Ventures
Aksha Kamboj has driven the conglomerate to remarkable heights since its founding in 2005. Under her visionary leadership, the group has expanded globally across the UK, Singapore, Dubai, and the USA, with a diverse portfolio in hospitality, bullion, sports, and infrastructure. Initiatives like Aspect Sports have fostered grassroots talent, while acquisitions of premier Mumbai restaurants strengthened Aspect Hospitality. Diversification into project management consultancy and logistics reflects her forward-thinking strategy. Her empathetic, creative, and inclusive leadership champions social responsibility, women empowerment, and mindful childcare.
5. Chandra Bhushan, Country Head, Enigmatic Smile
Mr. Chandra Bhushan led to transform the shopping experience for both customers and retailers in India with the cutting-edge rewards technology Single.id, created by Enigmatic Smile. The technology was created with the single goal to facilitate loyal consumers for brands in a highly competitive landscape, empowering businesses with smarter rewards, cashbacks, and customer retention tools in a seamless, safe and interactive manner. He played an instrumental role in launching the exclusive DHONI app in collaboration with the cricket legend MS Dhoni that brought fans into the diverse rewards ecosystem Enigmatic Smile built in India. Launched in India in 2023, Single.id India today has millions of users while the DHONI app subscribers multiplying organically by each passing day.
6. Sachin Kapoor, CEO, Eazotel Technologies | Managing Partner, Fielmente
Sachin Kapoor is redefining India’s hospitality industry by bridging the gap between marketing and technology. Through Eazotel, he empowers hotels and resorts with AI-driven booking engines, OTA optimization, and revenue-boosting automation tools. At Fielmente, his marketing expertise helps hospitality brands scale globally. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a vision for a tech-empowered tourism sector, Sachin is contributing to India’s economic growth by enabling businesses to attract more guests, increase revenues, and compete on a global stage. His journey reflects the spirit of innovation and leadership that powers a self-reliant India.
7. Dhruv M. Bagla -Founder, Rackonnect
Dhruv M. Bagla, a Business & Management graduate from the University of London and a lifelong sports enthusiast, is transforming India’s racket sports scene. As the founder of Rackonnect, he has built 15 premium badminton academies across North India, introduced Sukoi shuttles to the country, and created a tech-driven platform for seamless court bookings, tournaments, and coaching. Passionate about emerging racket sports, Dhruv recently launched REPPP, India’s largest Padel Pickle Park, ushering in a new era of accessible, world-class sporting experiences. With plans to establish REPPP experiential centers in cities across India, Dhruv aims to build a thriving, inclusive sports community nationwide.
8. Manauti Walecha, Founder of Communication Casa
Manauti Walecha is the Founder of Communication Casa, a PR consultancy that’s doing impactful work across industries such as Finance, Entertainment, Technology, Automobiles, Esports, F&B, Aerospace, Energy, Social Sector, etc. She kick-started her entrepreneurial journey with a focus on Delhi NCR. Now her list of clients transcends national boundaries. With over 19 years of rich industry experience on her side and a deep understanding of media dynamics, she doesn’t just want to tell brand stories, she wants to create legacies. What makes Manauti truly stand out is her commitment towards her clients. Her leadership has built a strong team-driven culture, where young professionals are mentored and enabled to lead with confidence.
9. Rajat Kapoor, Director of Gola Sizzlers
Rajat Kapoor, Director of Gola Sizzlers, is steering one of India’s fastest-growing casual dining chains. In less than four years, he has led its expansion from a single family-run outlet to over 30 restaurants nationwide-a testament to his strategic acumen and market foresight. As second-generation leadership, Rajat blends inherited passion with modern vision, identifying high-potential markets and building a scalable model rooted in quality and consistency. Working alongside his brother, Manik Kapoor, he drives data-led, innovative decisions that redefine hospitality growth in India. For Rajat, it’s not just about food-it’s about creating experiences and shaping a lasting culinary legacy.
10. Manik Kapoor, Director of Gola Sizzlers,
Manik Kapoor, Director of Gola Sizzlers, is the strategic mind ensuring the brand’s rapid expansion remains both profitable and sustainable. A gold medallist MBA graduate, he blends academic brilliance with hands-on business acumen, focusing on financial strategy, operational control, and long-term growth. Known for his calm, calculated approach, Manik transforms complex financial insights into actionable plans that drive efficiency and market expansion. Beyond the numbers, he champions guest experience and brand consistency across all outlets. With 30 locations nationwide, his disciplined leadership and commitment to quality continue to position Gola Sizzlers as one of India’s most trusted and dynamic dining brands.
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