Voices Shaping the Future of Inner Development in Education

Gauranga Das Prabhu is a spiritual leader, author, and Governing Body Commissioner of ISKCON.

He serves as Director of ISKCON Govardhan Ecovillage, a globally recognized model for sustainable living, and is a Faith for Earth Counsellor with the United Nations Environment Programme. He is also the Administrative Director of the Bhaktivedanta Research Centre and a founding board member of Rishihood University.

An alumnus of IIT Bombay, he brings together spiritual wisdom, ecological consciousness, and leadership. Through his teachings and initiatives, he works to integrate devotion, sustainability, and values into contemporary life, inspiring individuals and institutions across the world.

Shri Pundrik Goswami Ji Maharaj is a Gaudiya Vaishnava Acharya and spiritual leader rooted in the lineage of the Six Goswamis of Vrindavan.

A revered speaker and teacher, he has delivered discourses on the Bhagavad Gita, Shrimad Bhagavatam, and other sacred texts across institutions, organisations, and global platforms. As the 38th Acharya in his parampara, his work carries forward a living tradition of devotion and wisdom.

Through youth-focused initiatives, social service, and spiritual teachings, he inspires individuals to harmonise material life with inner growth, bringing the depth of India’s devotional heritage into contemporary relevance and everyday life.

Swamini Pramananda (Ammaji) is a Vedānta teacher, Sanskrit scholar, and the spiritual leader of Purna Vidya Foundation, based in Coimbatore.

For over four decades, she has shared the vision of Oneness and harmony through the teachings of the Vedas. Trained in the gurukula tradition under Swami Dayananda Saraswati, she combines scriptural scholarship with lived experience. She is the creator of the Purna Vidya curriculum, a widely adopted series on India’s spiritual heritage.

Through her work in education, environmental awareness, and global forums, she continues to bring the wisdom of Vedānta into contemporary life and learning.

Dr. R. Balasubramaniam is Member (HR) Capacity Building Commission, Government of India, and a development scholar, public policy leader, and author.

With over four decades of grassroots experience, he is the founder of Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement and GRAAM. A physician and Harvard-educated leader, he has advised governments on governance reform, state capacity, and institutional development.

His work bridges public policy, leadership, and Indian philosophical thought, including writings on the Bhagavad Gita. Through his contributions, he brings a deeply grounded perspective on nation-building, leadership, and the role of inner development in shaping society.

Himanshu Gupta is an IAS officer and currently serves as Secretary of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).

An alumnus of IIT Delhi, he has held key leadership roles across governance and education, including Director of Education, Government of NCT of Delhi. His work has focused on reimagining school systems through initiatives that promote student agency, experiential learning, and holistic development.  

With a strong foundation in public policy and implementation, he brings a systems-level perspective to education reform, contributing to the evolution of learning environments that are more inclusive, participatory, and aligned with the needs of today’s learners.

Veditha Reddy is an IAS officer and currently serves as Director (Education), Government of NCT of Delhi.

In her role, she works at the forefront of shaping school education in one of India’s largest public education systems, focusing on improving learning outcomes, strengthening institutional frameworks, and enabling student-centered initiatives. Her work reflects a commitment to building inclusive, responsive, and future-ready education environments.

Bringing a governance and implementation perspective, she offers valuable insights into how policy, administration, and on-ground execution can come together to support holistic and meaningful transformation in education systems.

Acharya Giriratna Mishra is a Gṛhastha Sādhaka and scholar of Tantra rooted in the Guru–Śiṣya paramparā.

Trained in Electronics and Communications Engineering, he transitioned from the IT sector to pursue deeper spiritual inquiry under revered masters of the Avadhūta tradition. His work is dedicated to preserving and transmitting authentic Śākta and Trika knowledge systems.

He is the author and editor of several important texts, including multiple volumes of Śrī Tantrāloka and works on mantra, tantra, and sādhana. Through discourses, publications, and academic engagements, he contributes to the revival and deeper understanding of India’s spiritual sciences.

Srimati Renuka Goswami is the founder of Nimai Pathshala, a global spiritual learning platform dedicated to sharing Vedic wisdom in contemporary life.

Guided by Shri Pundrik Goswami Ji Maharaj, her work focuses on making teachings such as the Bhagavad Gita, Sutras, and Shastras accessible to a wide and diverse audience. Through daily sessions and community initiatives, she has built a global learning ecosystem reaching thousands of seekers.

Her initiatives extend to seva, education, and environmental efforts, integrating devotion with action. Through her teachings and outreach, she inspires individuals to lead lives rooted in bhakti, purpose, and conscious living.

Capt. Praveen Chaturvedi is a former Marine officer and filmmaker rooted in Bharatiya culture and knowledge traditions.

Guided by his Guru, he explored India’s philosophical and scientific heritage, shaping a distinct creative vision. After formal training at USC and UCLA, he worked with leading Hollywood studios including Universal, Paramount, and 20th Century Fox.

Returning to India in 2012, he founded Moonlight Pictures and later Prachyam, a studio dedicated to Bharatiya narratives. Through over 450 films and series, his work revives cultural memory and civilizational wisdom, reaching audiences across India and the global diaspora.

Rahul Dewan is the founder of Sangam Talks and Sarayu Trust, platforms dedicated to reviving and rearticulating India’s civilizational knowledge traditions.

Through curated conversations, storytelling, and large-scale public engagement, he has created influential spaces for exploring Indic wisdom in contemporary contexts. His work brings together scholars, practitioners, and seekers, making complex philosophical ideas accessible and relevant to modern audiences.

Focused on cultural continuity and intellectual rediscovery, he contributes to shaping a renewed discourse around India’s knowledge systems, identity, and future, inspiring deeper inquiry into the role of tradition, narrative, and consciousness in today’s evolving world.

Shantanu Prakash is a pioneering education entrepreneur and founder of Educomp and The Millennium Schools, known for transforming India’s learning landscape.

He led one of the country’s earliest large-scale education technology movements, integrating digital learning and pedagogy across thousands of schools, impacting over 22 million students. Through the Adi Vidya Foundation, he is now advancing a vision that integrates academic excellence with Indian knowledge systems, values, and inner development.

A thought leader in education reform, he actively contributes to national discourse on the future of learning, shaping frameworks that nurture self-aware, balanced, and future-ready individuals for a rapidly evolving world.

Padma Shri Dr. Bharat Gupt is a distinguished scholar of Indian aesthetics, theatre, and classical traditions.

A former professor and leading voice in cultural studies, his work explores the depth of Nāṭyaśāstra, performance traditions, and Indian knowledge systems. He brings a civilizational perspective on art, culture, and education, emphasizing their role in shaping human consciousness and refined sensibilities.

Prof. Ganti S. Murthy is the National Coordinator for the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) Division at the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

A former Professor at IIT Indore, his work focuses on integrating India’s knowledge traditions into contemporary education. Through policy, research, and institutional initiatives, he contributes to bringing IKS into curricula and advancing a civilizational approach to learning.

Shanti Krishnamurthy is Director of Academics at Central Chinmaya Mission Trust and a senior education leader with over 47 years of experience.

She has led institutions, designed value-based education frameworks, and guided large school networks across India and abroad. Her work focuses on integrating academic excellence with spiritual and ethical foundations, contributing to holistic and culturally rooted education systems.

Dr. B.G. Pitre is a distinguished educationist with over six decades of contribution to school education and value-based learning. 

A former Founder-Principal of leading institutions and currently Director at the Institute of Sathya Sai Education, his work has shaped generations of educators. He brings a deep commitment to integrating academic excellence with character and values in education.

Brij Mohan (Bade Bhaiya)

 is Co-Founder of Vidyamandir Classes and a senior educator with over three decades of experience in teaching and mentoring.

An IIT Delhi alumnus, he is known for his clarity-driven approach to learning and strong focus on conceptual understanding. His work has shaped thousands of students, contributing to a culture of disciplined thinking, academic excellence, and meaningful engagement with education.

Dr. Rinkoo Wadhera is an educationist, researcher, and Director of the Centre for Culture Studies at Sarayu Foundation Trust, New Delhi.

Her work bridges literature, Indian philosophy, and Indigenous Knowledge Systems through extensive field research across India. With experience in curriculum development and cultural documentation, she contributes to integrating traditional knowledge and lived practices into contemporary educational frameworks.

Sharad Agarwal is an entrepreneur and institution builder working at the intersection of leadership and social impact.

An alumnus of IIT Kanpur and IIM Ahmedabad, he has led large-scale initiatives across industry and education. As a co-founder of  the Indian School of Development Management, his work focuses on building leaders and institutions that drive sustainable, equitable, and purpose-driven development.

Ms. Uttara Singh is Director of The Shriram Millennium Schools and a seasoned education leader with over two decades of experience.

She has led the establishment and growth of multiple campuses, shaping institutions known for academic excellence and holistic learning. Her work focuses on creating student-centered environments that integrate values, global perspectives, and future-ready skills in education.

Dr. Mahesh Prasad is an education leader and former school head with over four decades of experience in institution building.

A National Awardee and former CBSE Governing Board member, his work integrates academic excellence with inner development. With a background in psychology, he brings a reflective perspective on learning, leadership, and the role of awareness in shaping balanced and future-ready individuals.

Prof. Ram Nath Jha is a scholar of Sanskrit and Indian philosophy and a professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University.

With deep engagement in Indian Knowledge Systems, his work explores classical texts, philosophical traditions, and their contemporary relevance. He brings a rigorous and rooted perspective on India’s intellectual heritage and its role in shaping meaningful and holistic education.

Sanjeev Newar is a data scientist, entrepreneur, and founder of Sewa Nyaya Utthan Foundation.

An alumnus of IIT Guwahati and IIM Calcutta, his work bridges Vedic knowledge with modern science and education. Through initiatives like Veda Vigyan Vishwaguru, he focuses on making high-quality learning accessible while nurturing intellectual and cultural depth in learners.

Sunil Raina is an independent researcher of Kashmir Shaivism and Editor-in-Chief of Naad Journal.

With a professional background as a supply chain leader in the renewable energy sector, he brings a unique integration of contemporary industry experience and Indic philosophical inquiry. His work explores the relevance of Kashmir Shaivism and consciousness studies in modern life and understanding.

Anand Krishnaswamy is Chief Education Officer of Zista Education, an educator, curriculum innovator, and leadership coach with over two decades of experience across schools and EdTech.

A former Dean and teacher trainer, he has worked extensively on curriculum design, pedagogy, and school transformation. His work integrates Indian Knowledge Systems with contemporary education, contributing to progressive and future-ready learning ecosystems.

Raghava Krishna is the founder of Brhat culture creative llp, a cultural-intellectual platform advancing India’s civilizational knowledge systems.

With over two decades of experience across technology, public policy, and education, including leadership at Electronic Arts and Rashtram School of Public Leadership, his work focuses on cultural storytelling, IKS-based education, and leadership development rooted in an Indian worldview.

Shri Hari Vittal is the founder of Vyuha Learning Labs, an education initiative integrating Vedānta, Bhakti, and contemporary learning.

An alumnus of the London School of Economics, he brings grassroots experience across India in curriculum design, teacher training, and large-scale education programs. His work focuses on embedding Bharatiya wisdom into meaningful, context-driven learning environments.

Bodhi Paras is the founder of Zorba the Buddha, a space inspired by Osho’s vision of integrating meditation and celebration.

Drawing from traditions such as Zen, Sufism, and Tantra, he guides seekers through experiential practices rooted in awareness and inner transformation. His work focuses on creating spaces where meditation becomes a joyful, lived exploration of consciousness.

Prof. Vibha Sharma is Head of Clinical Psychology at IHBAS, Delhi, and a senior clinical psychologist with over 28 years of experience.

Her work spans research, clinical practice, and training, with special focus on positive and spiritual psychology. She contributes to understanding mental health through both scientific and integrative frameworks, particularly in the context of adolescents and evolving societal challenges.

Dr. B.K. Waraich is a senior psychiatrist at Fortis Mohali with extensive experience in clinical mental health and community awareness.

Her work integrates psychiatry with mindfulness-based approaches, including stress reduction and emotional well-being. Through clinical practice, public engagement, and advocacy, she contributes to creating more inclusive and holistic approaches to mental health in contemporary society.

Dr. Roma Kumar is a senior consultant psychologist with over four decades of experience in mental health.

She serves at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and Max Hospital, Gurgaon, and is the founder of Saksham Mental Health. Her work spans clinical practice, child and adolescent care, and institutional development, including setting up special schools. She contributes actively to advancing mental well-being in educational and social spaces.

Mrs. Vibha Khosla is Principal of Modern School, Vasant Vihar, and a seasoned education leader with over 25 years of experience.

She has led pedagogical innovation, teacher training, and institutional development across schools, including serving as a CBSE City Coordinator. Her work focuses on advancing holistic education through progressive teaching practices and leadership in academic excellence.

Ms. Atika Dhandia is a transformational executive coach and Director Training at the Art of Living Foundation.

With extensive experience in leadership development and wellness, she works with individuals and organizations to integrate mindset, well-being, and performance. Her approach combines inner development with practical tools, helping individuals cultivate balance, clarity, and effective leadership in personal and professional life.

Nagina Bains is a career coach, psychologist, and founder of Testler, working at the intersection of education, guidance, and personal development.

With a background from Cornell University, she mentors students from school to doctoral levels. Her work focuses on enabling informed career choices and holistic growth, integrating psychological insight with educational pathways and creative expression.

Apoorva Gupta Jalan is a yoga therapist, coach, and founder of In.Breath, working at the intersection of yoga, healing, and inner transformation.

Trained in the Krishnamacharya tradition, her work integrates breathwork, philosophy, and therapeutic practices to support personal growth. She brings ancient wisdom into contemporary contexts, helping individuals navigate life with greater awareness, balance, and clarity.

Kabir Sambhav is a student leader at The Shriram Millennium School, Noida, currently serving as Vice President of the Student Council.

An active participant in sports, music, and theatre, he brings a dynamic perspective on student life and growth. His experiences reflect the importance of creativity, discipline, and self-expression in shaping well-rounded individuals within school environments.