Speakers Detail – Imagine

Vipul Mudgal

Director and Chief Executive – Common Cause

Vipul Mudgal, a prominent speaker at the Imagine Photojournalism Seminar in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019, is the Director of the Publics and Policies Programme at the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS), Delhi. He also leads the Inclusive Media for Change project, funded by the Ford Foundation, which aims to connect mainstream media with rural India’s challenges.

With senior editorial experience at Hindustan Times, India Today, BBC World Service, and Asia Times, he has a deep understanding of political and social violence, democracy, and sustainable development. His research focuses on marginalized communities and India’s agrarian crises.

He holds a doctorate in Media Sociology from Leicester University, U.K., and has been honored with the Nehru Centenary British Fellowship and the US Government’s Jefferson Fellowship. He regularly delivers lectures on democratic responses to terrorism and development alternatives, and has spoken at renowned institutions such as Oxford, Cambridge, and the National Police Academy.

Siddharth Varadarajan

Founding Editor of The Wire

Siddharth Varadarajan is a Founding Editor of The Wire. He was earlier the Editor of The Hindu and is a recipient of the Ramnath Goenka Award for Journalist of the Year 2010. Varadarajan (born 1965) is an Indian American journalist, editor, and academic.He has taught Economics at New York University and Journalism at the University of California, Berkeley, besides working at the Times of India and the Centre for Public Affairs and Critical Theory, Shiv Nadar University.

Siddharth Varadarajan is a journalist and senior fellow at the Centre for Public Affairs and Critical Theory, New Delhi. He was until October 2013 the Editor of The Hindu. An economist by training, he studied at the London School of Economics and Columbia University and taught at New York University before returning to India to work as a journalist. He has been a visiting lecturer at the journalism school at the University of California, Berkeley and a Poynter Fellow at Yale University.He has reported on the NATO war againstYugoslavia, the destruction of the Bamyan Buddhas by the Taliban regime inAfghanistan, the war in Iraq and the crisis in Kashmir.Varadarajan has edited a book titled Gujarat:The Making of a Tragedy which is about the 2002 Gujarat riots.

After studying economics at the London School of Economics and Columbia University, Varadarajan taught at New York University for several years before joining The Times of India as an editorial writer in 1995. In 2004, he joined The Hindu, as deputy editor. He worked as the Hindu’s Chief of National Bureau, succeeding Harish Khare, who was named as then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s media adviser, in June 2009. In May 2011, the shareholders of Kasturi and Sons Ltd. held an extraordinary general meeting and voted to appoint Varadarajan as The Hindu’s editor on the recommendation of the company’s board, thus making Varadarajan the first professional editor of the newspaper in its 150 year history. Prior to his appointment, The Hindu’s editors were drawn from the family of the company’s owners. On Oct 21, 2013, Varadarajan publicly announced via Twitter, his resignation from The Hindu, citing a change in policy by the owners of the newspaper to go back to being a family run and edited newspaper.

Bandeep Singh

India photo editor of Fortune Magazine

Born in Chandigarh in 1971, Bandeep Singh is a self-taught photographer and currently serves as the India photo editor for Fortune Magazine. His work has been featured in renowned publications like India Today, Time, The New York Times, Business Week, and many others.

His photography spans various genres, including documentary, landscape, portraiture, and more conceptual work. Deeply influenced by his interest in mysticism, Sufi poetry, and music, he has held several solo exhibitions, including ‘Beloved Pangi’ in Shimla and ‘Sa: The Feminine’ in London. His works have also been part of major group shows across the world.

He was honored with the Charles Wallace India Trust award in 2004 and has served on the jury for the India Habitat Centre photography grant since 2005. His photographs are part of prestigious collections like the Essl Museum in Vienna and the Luxembourg Embassy in New Delhi.

Bandeep Singh has been a prominent speaker at the Imagine Photojournalist Seminar in 2015, 2016, and 2017. He lives and works in New Delhi, where he continues to contribute to the world of photography.

Rohit Parihar

Assistant Editor of India Today

Rohit Parihar is the Deputy Editor of India Today with over 23 years of experience in journalism. He holds a degree in Physics (Honours) and pursued Mass Communications at Panjab University, Chandigarh. Since joining India Today in 1996, he has covered major regions like Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Chandigarh, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir. Based in Jaipur since 1997, he has also participated in prestigious international programs like the Chevening Fellowship (UK) in 2000 and the International Visitors Leadership Programme (US) in 2006. Throughout his career, he has earned several awards, including the Sawai Madho Singh Award for Investigative Journalism in 2006.

Arijit Banerjee

Principle OSD to Chief Minister, Rajasthan

Mr. Arijit Banerjee is the Principal Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Chief Minister of Rajasthan and a member of the Indian Forest Service, with Rajasthan as his cadre. He holds a degree in Botany and is trained as a Forester. His passion for photography, especially wildlife photography, goes beyond his professional training. Birdwatching is a personal hobby that blends perfectly with his love for nature.

Originally from Kolkata, Mr. Banerjee is known for sharing stunning wildlife and nature photographs on social media. From skinks and crocodiles to butterflies and birds, and even beautiful close-up shots of flowers, his images reflect his deep connection with his work and the natural world around him.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Banerjee was a prominent speaker at the Imagine Photojournalist Seminar in 2015 and 2016, where he shared his expertise and passion for photography. His unique perspective as a forester and photographer continues to inspire many.

Satish Pednekar

Journalist

Satish has been a journalist for the past 35 years, with extensive experience in print, web, and electronic media. He spent more than 25 years at Jansatta, a Hindi daily from the Indian Express Group, where he held various roles including Chief Sub Editor, News Editor, and Deputy Bureau Chief. Satish began his journalism career with Panchjanya and Dainik Bhaskar, which provided him the foundation to grow in the field. After Jansatta, he became the Editor of Azadi.me, a website run by the Centre for Civil Society, and later worked as the Editor (National Bureau) at News Express, where he also taught journalism at Sai Prasad Media Academy.

Other Work:

– Edited the book New Media: Chunoutiyan aur Sambhavanayein.

– Translated six booklets for Bharat Gyan Vigyan Samiti.

– Translated Hamara Kasoor Kya Hai from Marathi to Hindi, published by the National Book Trust.

– Translated Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s speeches from Marathi to Hindi for the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation.

– Co-authored and edited Chin Ki Chunnauti for the India Policy Foundation.

Prashant Panjiar

Co-founder of Nazar Foundation

Prashant Panjiar is an independent photographer from New Delhi. He is a co-founder of the Nazar Foundation and the Delhi Photo Festival. Panjiar is represented by Livewire Images and is one of India’s most respected senior photojournalists and picture editors. He is dedicated to mentoring young photographers and is part of the National Foundation of India’s fellowship program, where he helps select and guide emerging documentary photographers.

Over the years, Panjiar has served as a jury member for prestigious competitions, including the World Press Photo Awards in Amsterdam (2002), the China International Press Photo Competition (2005), and the Indian Express Press Photo Awards. In 1995, he joined the Outlook Group as Associate Editor in charge of photography and played a key role in launching Outlook magazine. He later became the magazine’s Deputy Editor, overseeing its visual content and photography.

In 2001, Panjiar left Outlook to focus on full-time independent photography. Today, he specializes in editorial and documentary photography, continuing his work from New Delhi.

Narendra Bisht

Photojournalist

Narendra Bisht is a seasoned photojournalist and currently serves as the Photo Editor at Outlook Magazine. He specializes in editorial, reportage, and documentary photography.

Following in the footsteps of his father, who was a photography instructor, Bisht picked up his first camera at the age of nine. Despite his parents’ concerns, he began his photography career at 18. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and has worked with renowned publications such as India Today, The Times of India, The Economic Times, Dainik Jagran, and several international journals.

Bisht has received the prestigious Red Ink Award for ‘Excellence in Journalism’ for his impactful coverage of the Muzaffarnagar riot victims in 2014. In 1998, he was honored by the Vice President of India for his work on literacy, and in 1991, he won the Instant Photography Award from the Delhi Government’s Education Department. Throughout his career, he has covered significant events like the Iraq war, the Kashmir conflict, illegal diamond mining in Chhattisgarh, and various human interest stories across India and Sri Lanka, such as the post-tsunami scenario in the region

Dinesh MN

IPS Officer

Shri Dinesh MN was born in Karnataka on September 6, 1971. He currently serves as the Inspector General of Police for the Special Operations Group (S.O.G.) in Jaipur. He holds a degree in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering. IPS Dinesh is known as one of the bravest and most fearless officers in the police force.

As an honest officer, IPS Dinesh has taken strong action against corruption, exposing many cases of bribery and extortion. His dedication has helped promote transparency and good practices in the Indian economy. Despite facing personal challenges, he has shown remarkable resilience, rising above difficulties like a phoenix from the ashes.

Before his current role, IPS Dinesh served in the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and worked as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Gandhi Nagar, Jaipur, from March 1999 to May 2000. He has held various positions in locations such as Udaipur, Alwar, Sawai Madhopur, and Karauli. In 2014, he was appointed as the Managing Director of the Rajasthan Small Industries Corporation (RAJSICO) in Jaipur

Ms. Dharmendar Kanwar

Travel Writer

Dharmendar Kanwar is an award-winning travel writer who started her professional writing career shortly after graduating. She has written scripts for television documentaries and contributed stories and photographs to almost all major magazines and newspapers in India.

For Dharmendar, writing is a full-time job, and she is also deeply involved in heritage conservation. She has worked extensively with Rajasthan Tourism, producing several awardwinning brochures and books. Over her impressive 25-year career, her work promoting Rajasthan’s art and architectural heritage earned her the Maharaja Vishan Singh Award for her contributions to Travel and Tourism in 2012. In 1993-94, she was recognized as the Best Travel Writer (English) by the Government of Rajasthan.

Dharmendar has a close connection with Rajmata Gayatri Devi. She has published two biographies of the famous Rajmata: Enduring Grace and The Last Queen of Jaipur. Additionally, she is the Managing Trustee of the Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh Benevolent Trust, a charitable organization established by the late Rajmata. Dharmendar is also the Convenor of the Jaipur Chapter of INTACH. Since 2012, she has been the author of the *Times of India Jaipur Food Guide*, and her reviews can be found on [Times City](http://timescity.com/critic-Dharmendar.Kanwar).

Among her many popular publications are titles like Rajasthan Simply Colourful, Welcome to Rajasthan, The Jewel of Rajasthan, Delhi-Agra-Jaipur, Colourful Rajasthan, Jaipur: 10 Easy Walks, Temples of Jaipur, Palace on Wheels, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, Hadauti: The Unexplored Rajasthan, and Chittorgarh: The Braveheart of Rajputana, along with Rambagh Palace, and many more.

In addition to her writing, Dharmendar has designed several brochures, cards, booklets, souvenirs, t-shirts, posters, and annual reports. She was also a prominent speaker at the Imagine Photojournalism Seminar in 2016, 2017, and 2018, sharing her insights and experiences with attendees.

Umesh Gogna

Photographer

Umesh Gogna comes from a business family. While writing his thesis and selecting photographs he had taken, he discovered his passion for photography. He soon decided to pursue it as a fulltime career. Umesh primarily focuses on handicrafts, jewelry, and the hospitality industry.

As a traveler at heart, Umesh enjoys capturing nature through his camera lens. Over the years, he has dedicated significant time to documenting the cultural, architectural, and natural heritage of Rajasthan and the Himalayas. The wilderness and open spaces of the desert and mountains inspire and attract him. His work has been featured in several books on these topics.

To support young and aspiring photographers, Umesh conducts workshops on various subjects, including portrait photography, photographing jewelry, fashion photography, digital photography, and digital post-production. He has led workshops for Canon India Ltd., Allahabad University, BITS Pilani Photography Club, Women’s Polytechnic College in Jaipur, Camarena (multi-brand stores in India), and Central University of Bihar in Patna. Umesh is also a member of DPA (India’s largest stock photo agency), Dinodia Picture Agency in Mumbai.

In March 2015, he became a Sony Alpha Mentor and Brand Ambassador and has conducted over 150 photography workshops across India. Umesh has also been a prominent speaker at the Imagine Photojournalism Seminar in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019, sharing his knowledge and passion for photography with others.

Tashi Tobgyal

Photographer at Indianexpress

Mr. Tashi Tobgyal is a photojournalist with the Indian Express newspaper. He has worked at this well-respected daily for over ten years, covering a wide range of topics. In addition to daily news and political reports, he focuses on rural India, education, the environment, wildlife, health, development, and social issues.

Throughout his career, Mr. Tobgyal has reported on significant events, including the Uttarakhand tragedy, the floods in Kashmir, and the rat-hole coal mining in Meghalaya. His work on the latter earned him the prestigious Media Foundation of India (MFI) award for photojournalism. He also covered the recent Nepal earthquake.

Mr. Tobgyal graduated with degrees in Commerce and Social Work from Aligarh Muslim University. He is also a passionate writer and runs his own photojournalism blog, The Shutter Speed Journal. Currently, he is working on video documentaries and multimedia visual storytelling.

In 2008, he was nominated for the National Geographic All Roads photography award. In 2015, he received both the National Award and the Ramnath Goenka journalism award for his coverage of the Kedarnath tragedy and the Kashmir floods.

B V Rao

Journalist

B V Rao is a journalist, editor, commentator, and news professional, currently serving as the Editor of Firstpost, India’s first and largest digital-only newspaper.

Rao began his professional career in June 1984 at Newstoday, an afternoon newspaper in Chennai. Over his 55 years in the industry, he has spent more than 32 years in various newsrooms, both big and small. He has held senior positions in print, broadcast, and digital newsrooms. He has experience with monthlies, weeklies, dailies, and tabloids. Rao has worked and edited national newspapers in many cities, including Chennai, Bangalore, Bombay, Ahmedabad, Baroda, and Delhi. Throughout his career, he has improved content and boosted circulation for many publications and channels, including News Today, Electronics For You, Mid-Day, Sunday Observer, Delhi Mid-Day, The Indian Express, Free Press Journal, Times of India, Today, DNA, Star News, Zee News, Governance Now, Samay Network, and currently, Firstpost.

Aditya Arya

Commercial and Travel Photographer

Aditya Arya is a well-known commercial and travel photographer. He started his professional photography career in 1980 after graduating with a degree in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University. He briefly worked in the Mumbai Film Industry, where he took stills for several leading directors before returning to Delhi. Aditya has a diverse portfolio that includes commercial and travel photography, and his work has been published in numerous books and travel magazines worldwide. He specializes in advertising and corporate photography, focusing on products, interiors, and food.

In recent years, Aditya has dedicated himself to photographic conservation. He has developed his skills in preservation, restoration, and archiving, particularly through documenting historic photographs from the Kulwant Roy Collection, which covers the pre- and post-independence era. He has been instrumental in establishing the India Photo Archive Foundation and the Neel Dongre Awards/Grants for Excellence in Photography.

Currently, while actively working on advertising and commercial projects, Aditya spends time managing his photography archive and Museo Camera, the only Photography and Camera Museum in India. This museum features over 1,000 rare and iconic cameras and equipment, showcasing the history of photography from the 1870s to the Digital Era.

In today’s fast-paced world of megapixels, Aditya is exploring the slower analog processes and also mentoring many digital photographers and artists to slow down their work.

He has served on the jury for the National Art Exhibition 2014 organized by Lalit Kala Akademi and has participated in various national shows. Aditya has curated several exhibitions of archival and contemporary visual works, both in India and internationally, including at the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi and several galleries and museums in Canada, London, France, and Spain. He was also a prominent speaker at the Imagine Photojournalist Seminar in 2017 and 2018.

Pramod Pushkarna

Group Photo Editor at National Herald

Pramod Pushkarna is the Group Photo Editor at National Herald and sister publications since January 2017. He is well-known as a war photographer.

Before this, he held various professional positions at different media houses over the years. From October 2007 to December 2015, he was the Group Photo Editor at The Sunday Guardian, Aaj Samaj, and other publications of Good Morning Media. He worked as a Photo Editor for The Sunday Indian from April 2005 to October 2007 and was the Deputy Chief Photographer at India Today from 1978 to April 2003. He began his career as a Staff Photographer at National Herald from 1973 to 1978 and worked as a Photo Officer at the National Museum from 1970 to 1973. He also took part-time photography work with the daily “Adhikar” from 1967 to 1970 while he was a student.

His specialization is in hard news. He has covered significant events along the Indian borders, including conflicts in the North East, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir, as well as the Sri Lankan conflict. His work includes notable incidents such as the Nellie massacre in Assam, Operation Blue Star, the Hazrat Bal siege, and the Kargil conflict. He was the first Indian photographer to enter Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and document life at the Siachen glacier. His portfolio also features human-interest stories, environmental issues, sports events, and the changing social, political, and cultural landscape of India over the past three decades. Additionally, he has completed commercial shoots for products and has worked in the hospitality and tourism sectors. He occasionally serves as a visiting faculty member for photography at Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi, and has experience in video shoots and documentaries.

Hiamnshu Joshi

Editor & Publisher of Magazine Terrascap

Himanshu Joshi is a journalist with nearly 25 years of experience in various newspapers and magazines. He has worked for The Hindustan Times, The Times of India, Outlook, Sahara, and Observer groups, among others. He loves to travel and has a strong interest in anthropology. Currently, he is the Editor and Publisher of a monthly travel and culture magazine called Terrascape, which is published from New Delhi. Himanshu has also written a coffee table book titled “Unknown Himalayas,” published by Roli in 2008, and the Thomas Cook City Spots guidebook on Delhi, released in July 2009. He is passionate about photography, and his photos have been featured in several publications, in addition to the books mentioned above.

Sakhamitra Ashwini

Creative Head of Studio ABCD

Sakhamitra Ashwini is the Creative Head of Studio ABCD, an advertising and PR agency located in Mumbai. The agency specializes in brand building, products, films, and events, with a focus on concept development and design both in India and abroad.

Sakhamitra is known for his creative expression through photography, which conveys powerful messages without words. He played a key role in designing the concept for the successful Vibrant Gujarat 2009 event, which was endorsed by Shri Narendra Modi, who is now the Prime Minister of India. Sakhamitra and his team at Studio ABCD aim to support Modi’s dreams of “Make in India” and “Digital India.”

With extensive experience, Studio ABCD has worked on various projects for companies, MNCs, state governments, private firms, and NGOs. Notable projects include:

– A film for MineCorp India about the mining potential of Madhya Pradesh, which received praise from Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

– A book titled “Awakening Thoughts,” which includes Hindi poems on women’s empowerment inspired by the Nirbhaya case. Sakhamitra wrote around 20 poems, and the book was inaugurated by Smt. Mamta Sharma, Chief of the Women Commission, in 2013.

– A short film called “Path of Ahimsa,” highlighting the friendship between Acharya Shri Mahapragya and former President of India, Shri APJ Abdul Kalam. The film was inaugurated in New Jersey, USA, by Mayor Mr. John McCormick in 2011.

Shailesh Raval

Photojournalist at India Today

He completed his Master’s in Journalism and Mass Communication from North Gujarat University. He is a well-known photojournalist in India, working with INDIA TODAY Group as a Principal Photographer for the last 25 years. He began his career with Gujarati newspapers SANDESH and GUJARAT SAMACHAR as a photojournalist. With 28 years of experience, he has also served as an honorary lecturer in various Gujarati educational institutions and has authored six books in Gujarati. He is based in Ahmedabad but has worked across India and abroad.

Throughout his 28 years, he has documented significant events in Gujarat, including earthquakes, riots, floods, and political movements. His research-based journalism includes impactful stories and photos, such as “Other Jalian Wala Bagh,” which have appeared in TIME and The Independent. He has photographed prominent figures and celebrities, including Narendra Modi, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Mother Teresa, Sonia Gandhi, and Mohan Bhagwat, many of which have graced the cover pages of INDIA TODAY.

Over the past three decades, he has received numerous national and international awards, honors, and prizes, and he has participated in various photo exhibitions. He is also interested in establishing a photography college or national-level photography institute in Gujarat.

One of his best articles was first published in INDIA TODAY and is now included in the fifthstandard English textbook of the CBSE Board as a lesson titled “Equal Footing” in the NEW BROADWAY multi-skill course.

M.K Venu

Founding Editor of The Wire

M.K. Venu is the Founding Editor of The Wire. He is an active writer on economic and political issues and has held leadership roles in major newspapers like The Economic Times, The Financial Express, and The Hindu. For over 25 years, he has written about economic policy since India opened its economy in 1991. He has contributed regular columns on political economy in The Economic Times, Financial Express, and Indian Express for the past 20 years. Venu hosts a discussion called ‘State of the Economy’ on the national public broadcast channel RSTV and has shared his views on public policy matters with Parliamentary Committees.

Ms. Paroma Mukherjee

Photographer

Paroma Mukherjee was born in Bombay and studied at the University of Mumbai and in London. She has worked as a photographer for well-known publications such as National Geographic Traveller, BBC Good Food, OPEN, Tehelka, Marie Claire, Outlook Traveller, Rolling Stone, Man’s World, and Time Out International. She has also written articles about photography for Mint Lounge, Hindustan Times, The Indian Express, Scroll.in, The Wire, Blouin ArtInfo, Vogue, and more.

Paroma served as the photo editor for Blouin ArtInfo Monthly Editions and Time Out, Delhi. Before that, she was a senior staff photojournalist at the Indian Express, where she started her career in 2005. In 2013, she created the first Instagram column in print for Mumbai Mirror, which ran for nearly three years. Her photographs are part of the permanent collection at the Kyosoto Museum of Photographic Arts in Japan. She exhibited her work at the Angkor Photography Festival in 2006 and at the Indian Express/World Press Photo exhibition in 2005.

In September 2016, she received a grant from the European Union Delegation to India to travel across Europe for a photography project on the Indian diaspora. The resulting exhibition was held at the India Habitat Center in New Delhi and the National Center for Performing Arts in Mumbai in late 2016. Paroma believes that photographs capture unique experiences. She sees her photography and life experiences as closely linked, though they differ when examined. Her current focus is on the social and visual landscape of today, which does not always require a camera. She is currently the Head of the National Photography Desk at Hindustan Times in New Delhi.

Ajay Chopra

Owner of Crayons Advertising Ltd

Ajay Chopra was born in 1957 in Gangashahar, Bikaner. He is currently the owner of Crayons Advertising Ltd. and a member of the Jaipur Stock Exchange. Throughout his career, he has managed various businesses, including tea, transport, marble, jute, marine, cold storage, oil mill, and cotton ginning and pressing. He has also served as Chief Editor of Smriti Granth and as Editor of Anuvrat.

He has a strong interest in culture and has organized over 250 cultural and social events across India. He has traveled to Europe, South Africa, Japan, the Middle East, and various places in India for his cultural pursuits. He was also a prominent speaker at the Imagine Photojournalist Seminar in 2019 and 2022.

A. P Gaur

Head of CSR at Cairn Oil and Gas

Ayodhya Prasad is general manager corporation communication at cairn oil and gas, theater artist, passionate traveler, established writer, and motivational speaker. His writing journey began during his Master’s degree at JNV University, leading him to work with regional and national newspapers like Hindustan Times. His first book, a biographical novel about the last queen of Marwar, is recognized as the first of its kind in Hindi literature. His second book, ‘Durg Gaatha,’ was adapted into a mega light and sound show on Veer Durgadas Rathore. ‘Chautha Dhandha,’ his third book, reveals the dark side of journalism in India, while his fourth book, ‘The Vulture’s Feast,’ co- authored, shares his experiences as a journalist.

He is also a founding member of the Press Club in Jodhpur and the Rajasthan Heritage and Nature Society (RAJHANS). He currently resides in Jodhpur.

Purushottam Diwakar

International Photojournalist & Documentary Photographer

Mr. Purushottam Diwakar is an accomplished international photojournalist and documentary photographer with 27 years of experience since 1998, known for his profound work capturing the diversity and complexity of Indian and African society. His photographs have frequently featured in India Today and on its covers. His international projects include uplifting cocoa farmers in Ghana, promoting tourism in Thailand, and research journalism in Congo and Dubai.

Mr. Diwakar’s portfolio includes significant collaborations with NGOs and organizations like UNICEF, Care India, VSO and Cairn Oil and Gas. He has covered critical events such as the Rajasthan drought, Gujarat earthquake, Jaipur oil tank fire, Jaipur serial bomb blast, and the Godhara Massacre. Through his lens, he addresses social issues including women’s health, education, and Rajasthan’s water crisis.

In 2012, he founded the Imagine Photojournalist Society, a program with a unique focus on empowering female photojournalists, known as “Camera Commandos.” This initiative provides rigorous training for women in journalism, enabling them to report effectively in crises like famine, conflict, and disaster. Mr. Diwakar’s dedication has not only advanced the field of photojournalism but also inspired the next generation to pursue meaningful, impactful work.

Prof. (Dr.) Nico Carpentier

Extraordinary Professor at Charles University in Prague

Dr. Nico Carpentier is an Extraordinary Professor at Charles University in Prague; he also holds part-time positions at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB – Free University of Brussels), as Associate Professor, and at Uppsala University, as Senior Researcher. He is currently also president of IAMCR, the International Association of Media and Communication Research (IAMCR). Some of his latest books are the monograph The Discursive-Material Knot: Cyprus in Conflict and Community Media Participation (2017, Peter Lang, New York) and the edited volume Communication and Discourse Theory (2019, co-edited with Leen Van Brussel and Benjamin De Cleen). His new monograph, “ICONOCLASTIC CONTROVERSIES: A photographic inquiry into antagonistic nationalism”, is expected to be published mid-2021.

Ms. Lise Olsen

Investigative Reporter

Ms. Lise Olsen is an investigative reporter based in Texas who specializes in narrative and data journalism. Her work has freed unjustly detained prisoners, prompted reforms and federal prosecutions. She is currently a Senior Reporter and Editor at the Texas Observer Magazine and her outstanding work has recently appeared on NBC News, Inside Climate News and The Houston Chronicle along with highlighted in other publications also. Her investigations also have been featured in two documentaries, “The Eleven” on A & E Network and “The Wrong Man” on CNN’s Death Row Stories. She has organized and taught workshops and conferences in a dozen countries for many journalism organizations including a 2020 Massive Open Online Course for the Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas that had more than 3,000 participants. She is currently writing a book about a ‘Federal Judge imprisoned for abusing his employees’.

Mr. Tracey Eaton

Writer & Photojournalist

Mr. Tracey Eaton is an award-winning writer, investigative journalist, and photojournalist. He has worked extensively across Latin America and was a Fulbright scholar in Ecuador. Eaton has reported on various investigative stories for publications such as The Fort Myers News-Press, The Miami Herald, and The Tampa Tribune. He also contributed to the Cuba page of The New York Times and served as Metropolitan Editor and Mexico/Border Editor at the Houston Chronicle. He headed bureaus for the Dallas Morning News in Mexico and Cuba and worked as a field producer for NBC News in Havana.

Tracey created the documentary “Grietas de Muerte” (“Cracks of Death”) for CiberCuba and produced a series on the murders of transgender women for Insider, which has 97 million monthly visitors. He also made a documentary titled “Las Damas de Blanco and their fight for the streets of Cuba.” After 9/11, he traveled to Afghanistan to cover the U.S. invasion and the battles between the Northern Alliance and the Taliban.

Tracey was invited by UNESCO in Paris to showcase photos and videos from Cuba and Ecuador at the Mosaic of Change, celebrating the agency’s 70th anniversary. He has received multiple grants from the Pulitzer Center for projects like “Death Traps” and “Cuban Youth: The Battle for Hearts and Minds,” and he also received a Fulbright grant. He published a book called “Cuban Thunder: Harley-Davidson in Cuba” and contributed a chapter to “Memorable Characters of Cuba” in a Contemporary Cuba Reader: The Revolution Under Raúl Castro (Rowman-Littlefield, 2014). He currently works as a freelance journalist and teaches journalism at Flagler College in Florida.

Mr. Alexander Belenky

Photographer

Mr. Alexander Belenky started his career as an engineer but switched to photography at the age of 28. He worked as a Staff Photographer for various daily newspapers, including “Smena,” which has a daily circulation of 300,000. He was also associated with Izhorets and the business newspaper “Kommersant-daily.” In addition to his newspaper work, Alexander freelanced for magazines in Russia such as “Ogonyek,” “Newsweek,” “Pulse,” and “Moscow Times.” He served as a staff photographer for “The St. Petersburg Times,” an English-language newspaper. His work has been featured in major publications like the Sunday Times, Boston Globe, Guardian, and several times in the New York Times.

He collaborated with colleagues from Finland and Sweden to publish photos in various newspapers and reputable magazines in those countries. His photographs have also appeared in several books and guidebooks published in Cyprus and Rome. His books, published by Peter Publishing House, include titles like “School of Skill,” “Digital Photography,” “Photography in Difficult Situations,” and “Digital Photography: School of Excellence.” Mr. Belenky was also the still photographer for the acclaimed film “Russian Ark,” directed by the award-winning Alexander Sokurov.

Dr. Rajesh Kumar Vyas

Additional Director, Government of Rajasthan

Dr. Rajesh Kumar Vyas ( presently, joint director to the Hon’ble Governor, Rajasthan) is an Eminent Art critic, poet columnist and travelogue writer. He has been awarded several prestigious awards like the ‘Rajasthani Bhasha Sahitya akademi award’, the ‘Manak Alankaran’, the ‘Rahul Sanskrityayan award’ by the tourism ministry of india, and the National “Sahitya Akademi Award” . Currently he is also a board of study memeber of the Haridev Joshi journalism and mass communication University of Rajasthan.A household name in the fields of tourism, art and culture, he has so far written 23 books in different streams of literature. He is well known for his creative writing in hindi as well as Rajasthani language. He was instrumental in giving shape to nearly two dozens of itinerary Documentaries for Doordarshan including the series “Desert Calling”, fifty one episodes of which have been telecasted on various national and local channels.

Lt. Col. Amitabh Sharma

Indian Army Officer

Lt Col Amitabh Sharma is a graduate of the Officers Training Academy, 1996 Batch. He was commissioned into the Armoured Corps and is part of the esteemed Armoured Regiment, Hodson’s Horse.

His educational qualifications include a BA Honours in History from St Stephen’s College, Delhi (1994) and a Master’s in Journalism and Mass Communication from Amity University, Lucknow (2016). Additionally, he has completed courses in Human Rights from IGNOU and Social Media and PR Media from IIMC.

In his service background, Lt Col Sharma has worked in all operational commands of the Indian Army and has also served with the Assam Rifles. He has held various staff and operational positions, including serving as the Public Relations Officer in Nagaland with the Assam Rifles from 2016 to 2018.

Anshuman Shastri

Director, Centre for Artificial Intelligence, Banasthali Vidyapith

Anshuman Shastri is affiliated with Banasthali Vidyapith. His current research interests include additive manufacturing, frequency reconfigurable antennas, energy harvesting, microwave antennas, frequency selective surfaces, millimetre wave and Terahertz technologies. He has worked with a number of additive manufacturing techniques to fabricate designs for various applications. He received the International Young Scientist Award in Oct 2020 and International Young Researcher Award in Feb 2021.

Sanjay Awasthi

Head of Office at IOM

Sanjay Awasthi, the All-India Head of Office for the International Organization for Migration (IOM), boasts a distinguished career in the social development sector spanning many years. Currently spearheading IOM initiatives in India, he collaborates closely with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. His primary focus lies in facilitating the secure, organized, and regular migration of Indian skilled professionals and students to international destinations, reflecting his unwavering commitment to humane migration practices.

Purushottam Sharma

RAS Officer

Purushottam Sharma is a senior officer in the Rajasthan Administrative Service and currently serves as the Director of the Information and Public Relations Department (DIPR) at the Government Secretariat. Before this role, he was the Joint Governance Secretary in the Urban Development and Housing Department. With his vast experience in administration and a strong service record, he is well-equipped to enhance communication and public engagement for the government of Rajasthan.

Hemjit Maloo

Managing Director of Veena Music

Hemjit Maloo is the Managing Director of Veena Music, a company known for bringing back the popularity of Rajasthani Folk Music. In the past four years, Veena Music has released around 50 popular albums. What makes Veena Music special is its commitment to keeping Rajasthani Folk Music authentic, without the commercial influences often seen in modern popular music. His dedication has celebrated the rich musical heritage of Rajasthan, making Veena Music a favorite among fans of real folk melodi

Manoj Mathur

Editor at Zee Media Corporation Ltd.

Manoj Mathur is an experienced media professional with over 25 years in print and electronic media. He is currently the Editor at Zee Media Corporation Ltd. His media career includes important roles like Principal Correspondent at India News, Senior Correspondent at E TV Rajasthan, and Feature Writer and Copy Editor at Hindustan Times in Jaipur.

Under his leadership at Zee Rajasthan News, the channel’s market share increased from 11% to an impressive 75%. Manoj is known for his strategic skills and has played a key role in creating content for special programs. He also manages and engages with online and social media platforms, enhancing his influence in the media industry.

Dr. Manoj Lodha

Associate Professor

Dr. Manoj Lodha is a leading figure in journalism and is known for his groundbreaking doctoral thesis, “Incredible Change in Newspaper World.” With nearly 20 years of teaching experience, he has made significant contributions to the field. Dr. Lodha has worked for over a decade in various state and national news agencies, playing a key role in shaping the media landscape. He also serves on the Board of Studies in journalism at several prestigious institutions, including the University of Rajasthan, Amity University Jaipur, and Kushabhau Thakre University in Chhattisgarh. His diverse expertise highlights his important contributions to journalism and education.

Dr. Satish Poonia

Indian Politician (BJP)

Dr. Satish Poonia is an Indian politician. Currently, He is Prominent BJP leader in India and member of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly representing Amber Vidhan Sabha since 2018. He is the former president of Bharatiya Janata Party in Rajasthan. He always stands for the nation, as well as brings positive changes in the society. Dr. Poonia’s early education was completed in Rajgarh, after which he completed his further studies from Churu. He graduated from Maharaja College in the year 1989. After this he did L.L.B from Rajasthan University. He holds a Diploma in Labor Law, Criminology and Indian History and Culture from Law College. In 1994, he finished M.Sc. in Geography and after that did PhD in geography from Rajasthan University.

Ajay Umat

Group Editor at NavGujarat Samay & Ahmedabad Mirror

Ajay Umat, a seasoned journalist with over three decades of experience, currently serves as the Group Editor for Ahmedabad Mirror and Navgujarat Samay. His illustrious career includes contributions to newspapers and media houses such as Gujarat Samachar, Sandesh, India Today (Gujarati), Jansatta-Loksatta, Dainik Bhaskar, and Times of India. Renowned for his unbiased writing and thought-provoking views, Mr. Umat has earned recognition, including the Harindra Dave Smurti Paritoshik, Tushar Bhatt Award for Excellence in Journalism, DD Girnar Award, Chitralekha Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from The Indian Journalists Union (IJU). His expertise extends to mentoring journalists and sharing insights on political, developmental, and global issues through public debates, forums, conferences, and news channels. Ajay Umat’s international engagements include participation in summits and leadership programs, shaping a comprehensive worldview on globally significant subjects.

Gautam Kumawat

Professional Hacker | Entrepreneur

Gautam Kumawat has been working with various prestigious law enforcement agencies worldwide since he was just 16 years old. His work involves training officials and solving complex cybercrimes, as well as consulting for Fortune 500 companies. He holds a Master’s Degree in Digital Forensics and Information Security.

His expertise in the cybersecurity industry goes beyond the typical security assessments, audits, compliance, governance, incident response, and forensic projects he handles for major companies. Gautam has gained attention in global media and has been featured in well-known publications such as Thriveglobal, Hindustan Times, India Today, The Hindu, Indian Express, Times of India, Economic Times, and many others.

Ina Shastri

Vice Chancellor Banasthali Vidyapith

Professor Ina Shastri is the Vice-Chancellor of Banasthali Vidyapith, where she serves as both an executive and academic leader. She completed her M.A. in Music and M.Ed. from Banasthali Vidyapith, followed by a Ph.D., and has since built a career deeply rooted in music education, psychology, and interdisciplinary research. Her scholarly contributions include over 50 national and international research papers and more than 20 books. Professor Shastri’s research ranges from the aesthetics of music to therapeutic uses of music for stress relief, even reviving traditional folk instruments. She has also supervised 50 Ph.D. scholars, showcasing her dedication to guiding new academic talent.

Professor Shastri’s impact is further recognized through numerous awards, such as the Best Citizen of India Gold Medal, the Bharat Jyoti Award, and the Mahatma Gandhi Lifetime Achievement Award. Committed to women’s empowerment and rural development, she has launched several initiatives, including khadi production units and community radio stations, which provide vocational skills to women in nearby villages. Her efforts have enriched Banasthali Vidyapith, fostering both cultural engagement and social progress within the university and its surrounding community.

Neeru Yadav

Sarpanch, Lambi Ahir Village

Neeru Yadav, an extraordinary force driving social progress, has become a symbol of transformation in rural India.

She has earned the endearing title of “Hockey Wali Sarpanch” due to her exceptional endeavors. Neeru’s unwavering commitment to her community has defied conventional norms, inspiring others to join her in forging a path towards a better future.

Neeru Yadav, known as the “Hockey Wali Sarpanch,” is a passionate advocate for social change and women’s empowerment in Lambi Ahir, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan. From an educated family in Narnaul, Haryana, Neeru surpassed her parents’ aspirations by becoming the first young Sarpanch of her village. She formed a women’s hockey team, funding playgrounds, equipment, and coaching from her salary, and organized inter-city and inter-state competitions, inspiring local women to break social constraints.

Dharam Kularia

Managing Partner and CEO Padams Group

Dharam Kularia is the Managing Director of Padams Group, a prominent organization known for its contributions across diverse industries. As a visionary leader, Dharam has played a key role in guiding the company’s growth and expansion, making strategic decisions that have strengthened its presence and influence in the market. With a deep understanding of business management and industry trends, he has steered Padams Group towards achieving remarkable milestones and maintaining high standards of excellence.

Ravi Yadav

Actor, Hindi Poet, Writer and Producer

Ravi Yadav is an accomplished actor, poet, and filmmaker originally from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, now based in Mumbai. Through his production company, Ravi Pictures, he has produced over 100 television commercials, serials, and films. His literary work includes several published books of poetry, short stories, and haikus.

Ravi is also a well-known poet, having performed his poetry on platforms like Doordarshan, All India Radio, and various live stages, with his writings frequently featured in notable magazines and journals. His film *Bhukh* is available on MX Player and has won multiple awards, while his recent film *Happen Song Wala* was screened at the Cannes Film Festival this year, receiving both national and international accolades.

As a lyricist, Ravi has worked with many renowned singers, including Kumar Sanu, Udit Narayan, Kailash Kher, Sukhwinder Singh, Shaan, Vinod Rathod, Sadhana Sargam, Anup Jalota, and Mahalaxmi Iyer, creating songs that resonate across audiences.