Mr. P. K. Pattnaik (IAS)
P.K. Pattanaik, IAS (Retd.), is a distinguished civil servant with over three decades of experience in public administration, governance and policy formulation at both state and national levels. During his illustrious career in the Indian Administrative Service, he held several key leadership positions, including Principal Secretary to the Government of Bihar, Advisor to the Bihar State Planning Board and Joint Secretary to the Government of India. His extensive administrative experience spans district governance, development administration, public policy and strategic planning, with significant contributions to both state and central government initiatives. He holds an MBA from the prestigious Strathclyde Graduate Business School, University of Strathclyde, UK and a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Delhi.
Lt Gen Abhay Krishna (Retd.)
Lt Gen Abhay Krishna (Retd.) is a highly decorated former Army Commander with over four decades of distinguished military service, including the rare distinction of leading the Eastern, South Western and Central Commands of the Indian Army. He possesses extensive expertise in national security, border management, counter-insurgency operations, military diplomacy and strategic leadership across India’s western, northern and northeastern frontiers. During his career, he played a pivotal role in managing complex operational challenges, humanitarian missions and civil-military coordination, including during the Doklam standoff and major disaster relief operations. Post-retirement, he has continued to contribute to public service, governance and institutional leadership through senior oversight, advisory and vigilance roles, while remaining actively engaged in veterans’ welfare and strategic affairs.
Dr. C. Laxma Reddy
Dr. C. Laxma Reddy is a highly accomplished geoscientist and energy industry leader with over 35 years of experience in oil and gas exploration, field development and hydrocarbon resource management. He has held several senior leadership positions, including Executive Director at ONGC and Additional Director General (Exploration) at the Directorate General of Hydrocarbons, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India. Throughout his career, he has played a pivotal role in shaping exploration strategies, evaluating major energy projects and advancing India's upstream oil and gas sector. A Ph.D. in Applied Geology from IIT Bombay, Dr. Reddy combines deep technical expertise with extensive policy, regulatory and international business experience.
Lt Gen Arun Kumar Sahni
Lt Gen Arun Kumar Sahni is a decorated, scholar – soldier, with 40 years of commissioned service in the Indian Army. In his last assignment, tenanting the second highest rank of the army, he was the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of one of the six operational commands of the Indian Army.In addition to his Command assignments of leading military formations, his important staff appointments include ‘Chief Operations Officer’ of an Infantry Brigade in Sri Lanka as part of Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF), Colonel General Staff responsible for operations of a Counter Insurgency Force in Jammu & Kashmir, ‘Principal Staff officer’ at Army Headquarters, Delhi,and ‘Director General Information Technology.
Rakesh Mathur
Rakesh Mathur is an accomplished business leader and international trade expert with over 30 years of experience across the private sector, public sector enterprises and the Government of India. He served as First Secretary at the Indian Embassy in Moscow, where he played a key role in expanding India’s trade and investment footprint across Russia and the CIS region. Leveraging a vast global network spanning the Middle East, Africa, CIS countries and India, he has successfully facilitated strategic partnerships, joint ventures and large-scale infrastructure, energy and commodity projects. As a trusted advisor to leading corporations, government entities and international organizations, he brings deep expertise in business development, cross-border collaborations and global market expansion.
Monish Bhalla
Monish Bhalla is an entrepreneur and strategic advisor with extensive experience in unlocking value from undervalued, stressed and untapped assets across diverse industries. Since beginning his entrepreneurial journey in 2012, he has developed strong expertise in investment, real estate, renewable energy, mining, media, defence and technology innovation. He specializes in delivering customized advisory and transaction solutions that help businesses optimize performance, mitigate risks and maximize revenue potential. Backed by a strong network of investors and industry stakeholders, he has successfully supported opportunities across infrastructure, energy, mining, oil & gas and emerging technology sectors in global markets.
Dr. Manu Singh
Dr. Manu Singh is an environmental thought leader, eco-spiritual intellectual and Founder of Sarva Dharma Samvaad, dedicated to advancing environmental justice and sustainable living. Through extensive writing, public engagement and policy advocacy, he has been a prominent voice on critical issues such as air pollution, water conservation and river restoration. His work uniquely integrates scientific understanding with ethical and spiritual perspectives, promoting a holistic approach to environmental stewardship. Recognized for his sustained contributions to ecological awareness, Dr. Singh continues to inspire collective responsibility for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.
Mr. Ibrahim Mustafa Al-Beshtawi
Mr. Ibrahim Mustafa Al-Beshtawi is a senior Palestinian diplomat with more than two decades of experience in diplomacy, international relations and economic affairs. Since 2016, he has served as Counsellor at the Embassy of the State of Palestine in India and was appointed to the Embassy of the State of Palestine in Serbia, where he assumed duties as Counsellor in 2026. Over the course of his distinguished career, he has represented Palestine in key diplomatic postings, including assignments in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while also contributing to international economic cooperation through his service with the Ministry of Economy. He holds a Master’s Degree in Financial Management and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, combining strong academic credentials with extensive expertise in diplomacy and economic policy.
Professor (Dr.) Chandra Shekhar Dubey
Professor (Dr.) Chandra Shekhar Dubey is a distinguished Earth and Environmental Scientist with over 42 years of leadership in higher education, research and environmental governance. He has served as Vice Chancellor of leading universities, Dean of Science and Head of Geology at the University of Delhi and currently serves as Executive Director of the National Odour Research Management Institute (NORMI). An accomplished researcher, he has authored more than 75 publications, mentored doctoral scholars and contributed extensively to environmental policy and sustainable development initiatives. Dr. Dubey is widely recognized for his expertise in geohazards, environmental management, innovation and academic transformation, earning numerous national and international accolades.
Mike Pandey
Mike Pandey is one of India’s most celebrated wildlife filmmakers and conservationists, renowned for using the power of cinema to drive environmental awareness and policy change. A three-time winner of the prestigious Wildscreen Panda Award (the “Green Oscar”), he has produced over 600 films and earned more than 300 national and international honours for his contributions to biodiversity conservation. His landmark documentaries, including Shores of Silence and The Last Migration, have directly influenced wildlife protection measures and inspired conservation action across India and beyond. Through his pioneering storytelling and advocacy, Mike Pandey has established a global legacy at the intersection of filmmaking, environmental stewardship and public engagement.
Professor Manoj Pant
Professor Manoj Pant is a distinguished economist, public policy expert and academic leader who has made significant contributions to higher education, economic research, and governance in India. A former Professor and Dean at the School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), he has also served as Vice-Chancellor of Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, where he strengthened the institution’s global engagement and research profile. His academic work spans international trade, development economics and public policy and he has advised government bodies and international organizations on economic and trade-related issues. Recognized for his scholarship and leadership, Professor Pant continues to play a pivotal role in shaping policy discourse and advancing excellence in higher education and international economic studies.
Rajpal Singh Pawar
Professor Rajpal Singh Pawar is a distinguished geologist and academician associated with the Department of Geology, University of Delhi, where he has contributed extensively to teaching, research and academic leadership. Over his illustrious career, he has served in several key roles, including Head of the Department of Geology, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Proctor of the University of Delhi, playing a vital role in strengthening academic governance and research excellence. His research contributions span geology, environmental studies and natural resource management, earning him recognition within India’s scientific and higher education communities. Widely respected as an educator, administrator and mentor, Professor Pawar has significantly influenced generations of students and researchers while advancing the growth of the University of Delhi.
