<a href="https://timesapplaud.com/next-gen-visionaries-2026-entrepreneurs-building-the-future/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Next-Gen Visionaries 2026&nbsp;</a>celebrates bold entrepreneurs shaping innovation, driving impact, and building the future of business, leadership, and global transformation.
<h3 style="text-align: left;">1. Anaisha Vijayvergia</h3>
Anaisha Vijayvergia is a multi-talented 9-year-old prodigy from Mumbai who has won over 100 national and international awards for dance, storytelling, and speech. She has been recognised by the India Book of Records, World Book of Records (London), International Book of Records, and Global Child Prodigy Awards.
Recently, she received the prestigious Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Bharat Puraskar and was named &ldquo;Youngest Icon of India&rdquo; by Times Applaud Group. A Maharashtra Government awardee, Anaisha, is a Kathak aspirant passionate about spreading Indian dance globally and creating moral-based stories for future publication.
<h3 style="text-align: left;">2. Dr Dinesh Gupta &ndash; President, Sekawati Group of Companies</h3>
Dr Dinesh Gupta, President of the Sekawati Group of Companies, is widely known as the &ldquo;Bagman of India&rdquo;, a title awarded by Forbes magazine and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his environmental contributions.
For over 30 years, he has championed sustainable cotton bags as alternatives to single-use plastic. Using 100&#37 organic cotton, his biodegradable and durable bags promote long-term reuse. He has produced over 200 million eco-friendly bags, potentially a world record, preventing trillions of plastic bags from polluting the planet. His initiatives also empower women through home-based employment and create a nationwide environmental impact.
<h3 style="text-align: left;">3. Mr Jitender Chawla &ndash; CEO, SMEBIZZ</h3>
Jitender Chawla, CEO of SMEBIZZ, is a seasoned expert in lead generation, branding, sales, and business growth strategies. Passionate about brand building and marketing, he empowers entrepreneurs to achieve measurable growth.
His vision focuses on scaling businesses through branding, PR, and marketing initiatives, believing that strong brands inspire trust, drive sales, and create lasting impact. He is committed to helping individuals and organisations build powerful identities and sustainable success through strategy, innovation, clarity, consistency, execution, and leadership.
<h3 style="text-align: left;">4. Krishna P. Khetle &ndash; Director, Chef KK Hospitality Pvt. Ltd.</h3>
Krishna P. Khetle, popularly known as Chef KK, is a visionary chef, entrepreneur, media personality, and brand architect in the F&amp;B industry. With 23+ years of experience, he has launched 75+ successful restaurants across India and globally.
Starting his journey in 2001 as a Commis III, he founded KK Hospitality in 2017 and built brands like Spice Laundry, 1 BHK, Luuma House, Nama Goa, Groove House by Hitchki (Dubai), and Mazza Budapest. His ventures span India, Dubai, Qatar, Singapore, Thailand, and Budapest. A recipient of Chef Entrepreneur of the Year, Times Icon, and Celebrity Chef of the Year 2025, he blends culinary excellence with brand innovation while mentoring future talent.
<h3 style="text-align: left;">5. Prof. Dr K.S. Rana &ndash; Vice Chancellor, University of Technology, Jaipur</h3>
Prof. Dr K.S. Rana is a renowned educationist who has served as Vice-Chancellor in six state universities, driving transformative reforms in higher education. He earned India&rsquo;s first D.Sc. in Environmental Science and holds honorary LL.D. (UK) and D.Litt. (New York).
An author of 26 books with 332 research and popular papers, he has received 42 national and 32 international awards. He has also advised three former Prime Ministers, shaping environmental governance, policy-making, and societal upliftment.
<h3 style="text-align: left;">6. Mr. Mangal Shing Rathod &ndash; Founder, Sevajal</h3>
Mr. Mangal Shing Rathod, founder of Sevajal, is redefining the premium bottled water segment with a brand rooted in purity, purpose, and patriotism. Sevajal delivers crisp, clean hydration through stringent quality standards and modern purification processes.
Inspired by pristine mountain springs, reflected in its mountain-peak logo, Sevajal focuses on natural, refreshing water. What sets the brand apart is its strong social commitment-10&#37 of profits are dedicated to supporting families of India&rsquo;s armed forces, blending entrepreneurship with nation-building.
<h3 style="text-align: left;">7. Dr. Rohit Seth</h3>
A perfumer, mentor, and leader, Dr. Rohit Seth represents the 77-year-old legacy brand Schimmer Fragrances, owned by Seth Brothers (Perfumers) Pvt. Ltd.
He is an expert in creating exclusive fragrance formulations and transforming fragrance companies into established brands. He has served as President of Sugandh Vyapaar Sangh and former President of the Fragrances &amp; Flavours Association of India.
His accolades include the Young Entrepreneur Award, National Business Icon (2022), and Mentor of the Year (2023) at the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Inspiration Awards.
<h3 style="text-align: left;">8. Dr. Sujata Singhi</h3>
Dr. Sujata Singhi is an ISO-certified professional and renowned researcher in Sound Medicine with 25 years of experience. A Corporate Wellness Expert, TEDx and international keynote speaker, bestselling author, and awardee, she has published research in international medical journals.
She has spoken at forums including the International Cardiology Conference, Dubai, and the International Oncology Conference, Singapore. Through Sound Medicine and Spiritual Sciences, she has transformed 500,000 lives, received 500 awards, holds two World Records and nine Indian Records, and has been conferred five Doctorates and two D.Litt. degrees. Her book,&nbsp;Power of Sound,&nbsp;was praised by&nbsp;India&rsquo;s President.
<h3 style="text-align: left;">9. Yajat Kumar &ndash; Executive Member, Labour Laws Institute</h3>
Yajat Kumar is an Executive Member of the Labour Laws Institute with a wide knowledge of Indian Labour Codes and Employment Laws. He has written numerous articles and&nbsp;blog posts for reputable&nbsp;online and offline journals.
Following the legacy of his late grandfather, Sh. H. L. Kumar&nbsp;has been a speaker at seminars on Labour Laws, Labour Codes, and the POSH Act, conducted by Labour Law Reporter, Labour Laws Institute, and leading MNCs.
<h3 style="text-align: left;">10. Biswanath Gouda &ndash; DNB Surgery, FALS (Paris), FIHPBA (Paris), MPH (USA)</h3>
Biswanath Gouda is a Consultant in Gastro-Intestinal, HPB, and Bariatric Surgery, with laparoscopic expertise in gastrointestinal&nbsp;surgery for&nbsp;digestive disorders, including&nbsp;stomach, intestine, and colon cancers, as well as&nbsp;liver, gallbladder, and pancreas surgeries.
He is ardent in performing weight-loss and bariatric procedures for obese patients with metabolic or uncontrolled diabetes. He has multiple&nbsp;publications&nbsp;in national and international scientific forums and is the&nbsp;Founder-Director of Lakeview Healthcare (Bandra &amp; Shivaji Park), providing&nbsp;affordable ICU care to&nbsp;the needy.
Hospital Attachments: Lilavati Hospital | Holy Family Hospital, Bandra | Gleneagles Hospital, Parel | St. Elizabeth&rsquo;s Hospital

Next-Gen Visionaries 2026 highlights inspiring leaders and entrepreneurs driving innovation, impact, and transformation across sectors.

Next-Gen Visionaries 2026: Entrepreneurs Building the Future

1. Anaisha Vijayvergia

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Next-Gen Visionaries 2026: Entrepreneurs Building the Future

1. Anaisha Vijayvergia

Other Articles

Mid-Day Fast