https://blog.blueribbonaward.com

Category: Awardees

  • Dr. Abbas Waziri, Group Chairman of Resident Cement Company Limited

    Dr. Abbas Waziri, Group Chairman of Resident Cement Company Limited

    Dr. Abbas Waziri is a visionary leader and serial entrepreneur whose impact spans pharmaceuticals, fintech, cement, agriculture, energy, and social enterprise. A Harvard-trained Ph.D. in Pharmacy, Dr. Waziri is the Group Chairman of TradoMed Pharmaceuticals, Nigeria’s first research-based indigenous herbal medicine company.

    He also chairs Resident Cement Company Ltd., Resident Fintech Ltd., and Resident Microfinance Bank, leading transformations in financial inclusion, sustainability, and healthcare access. As Executive Director of Petro-Ex Canada Inc., he continues to drive innovation in the energy sector. Dr. Waziri’s leadership is marked by strategic expansion and social responsibility, championing community health and economic empowerment.

    His philanthropic efforts—focusing on education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship—have touched thousands of lives. A man of integrity, vision, and action, Dr. Abbas Waziri exemplifies how one leader can bridge multiple sectors while delivering profound, lasting impact across industries and nations.

  • Ms. Meenakshi Dixit, Actress and Performer

    Ms. Meenakshi Dixit, Actress and Performer

    Meenakshi Dixit is a dynamic Indian actress and model known for her work across five major Indian film industries—Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada. Hailing from Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, Meenakshi holds a B.Sc. in Botany, Zoology, and Chemistry, and is also trained in Kathak and Western dance. Her artistic journey began in 2008 when she appeared on the dance reality show Nachle Ve with Saroj Khan, which launched her into the film world.

    She made her cinematic debut with the Telugu film Lifestyle and quickly gained recognition through glamorous dance numbers in blockbuster hits like Dookudu and Bodyguard. Her performance in Billa II further cemented her as a screen presence to watch. Meenakshi has also appeared in major ad campaigns for brands like Microsoft, Joyalukkas, Lee Cooper, and Aquaguard, becoming a familiar face in Indian fashion and advertising.

    In 2014, she stepped into lead roles, playing a princess in the Tamil historical comedy Tenaliraman and an action-oriented sharpshooter in the Telugu thriller Adavi Kachina Vennela. Her Bollywood debut came under the direction of National Award-winner Kundan Shah in P Se PM Tak, where she played a bold and satirical role of a sex worker turned political leader. She followed it up with a compelling performance in Laal Rang alongside Randeep Hooda, and later appeared in Maharshi (2019), starring Mahesh Babu.

    With elegance, versatility, and bold choices, Meenakshi Dixit continues to captivate audiences and evolve as a powerful presence in Indian cinema.

  • Dr. V. Ponraj, Scientist | Policy Strategist

    Dr. V. Ponraj, Scientist | Policy Strategist

    Dr. V. Ponraj is a prominent Indian scientist and former Scientific Advisor to Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, India’s 11th President. A senior scientist at the Ministry of Defence’s Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Dr. Ponraj co-authored several national initiatives including India Vision 2020, PURA (Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas), and Aerospace Vision 2050.

    He is the key architect of the Pan-African e-Network project, which digitally connected India with 53 African nations—earning the Hermes Prize for Innovation in 2010. Today, as Chairman of IonTach Academy’s Advisory Committee, he champions experiential and tech-driven rural education. His work with the Abdul Kalam Vision India Movement continues to inspire young minds toward innovation, entrepreneurship, and national service.

    A mentor, speaker, and nation-builder, Dr. V. Ponraj is a torchbearer of inclusive development and futuristic thinking rooted in grassroots transformation.

  • Lt. Cdr.John Livingstone, Veteran | Founder, Livingstone Institute

    Lt. Cdr.John Livingstone, Veteran | Founder, Livingstone Institute

    Lt. Cdr. John Livingstone is a distinguished naval veteran, drone technology pioneer, and visionary entrepreneur. A former UAV pilot and executive officer in the Indian Navy, he went on to establish Johnnette Technologies and the Livingstone Institute of Future Technologies—platforms that are shaping the future of defence, aerospace, and emerging tech in India.

    His work bridges military precision with entrepreneurial innovation, enabling deep-tech startups, empowering investors, and accelerating India’s space and drone ecosystem. A mentor, author, and global leadership expert, John guides individuals and businesses through transformational journeys—helping them scale globally with purpose and impact.

    His thought leadership extends beyond boardrooms to stages across the world, where he speaks on technology, leadership, and future readiness. With a career rooted in service, innovation, and education, Lt. Cdr. John Livingstone exemplifies the spirit of modern Indian leadership—bold, future-facing, and committed to nation-building.

  • Dr. Angelina Tiah, Scientist, Founder | Group CEO, 23 Century

    Dr. Angelina Tiah, Scientist, Founder | Group CEO, 23 Century

    Dr. Angelina Tiah is a pioneering biotech scientist and the Founder & Group CEO of 23 Century International Life Science Centre, Southeast Asia’s largest GMP-certified human cell manufacturing facility. A medical graduate from the University of Malaya with dual majors in Chemistry and Biology from Campbell University, USA, Dr. Tiah has redefined regenerative medicine in Asia.

    She led the region’s first clinical stem cell study on retinitis pigmentosa, a rare genetic cause of blindness. Her cutting-edge work in developing cell-free secretome therapy—a novel, scalable, and safer alternative to traditional stem cell treatments—has transformed care for conditions like stroke, autism, autoimmune disorders, and chronic wounds. Thousands of patients have benefited from her vision, with published clinical results earning international recognition.

    Dr. Tiah’s innovations are reshaping the future of personalized medicine, making her a global thought leader in cellular therapy.

  • Dr. Dnyandeo Yashwantrao Patil, Educationist | Philanthropist

    Dr. Dnyandeo Yashwantrao Patil, Educationist | Philanthropist

    Dr. Dnyandeo Yashwantrao Patil is a visionary educationist and social reformer who has transformed India’s academic landscape. A former Governor of Bihar, West Bengal, and Tripura, and recipient of the Padma Shri in 1991, Dr. Patil has spent decades advancing both governance and grassroots education.

    From early political roles in Maharashtra to founding some of India’s most reputed educational institutions—including D.Y. Patil University, D.Y. Patil Medical Colleges, and international schools—his focus has always been accessibility and excellence. With institutions across India and even in Belgium, his contributions span engineering, medicine, sports, and biotechnology.

    A firm believer in education as a vehicle of national transformation, Dr. Patil’s legacy is built on empowering thousands of students through world-class learning environments. His leadership has left an indelible mark on higher education, combining academic innovation with ethical values.

  • Mr. Ashok Chauhan, Educationist, Founder Amity University

    Mr. Ashok Chauhan, Educationist, Founder Amity University

    Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan is a distinguished industrialist and the visionary Founder of the Amity Education Group, one of India’s largest private education networks. Starting his career in Germany after a scholarship in chemical engineering and later establishing the AKC Group of Companies, Dr. Chauhan built a billion-dollar empire spanning petrochemicals, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing.

    Driven by his passion for empowering youth, he launched Ritnand Balved Education Foundation in 1986, which grew into Amity—a network of 11 universities, 150+ institutions, and 17 global campuses, educating over 175,000 students. His leadership blends academic excellence with technological innovation, global collaboration, and values-based education.

    With thousands of patents, research projects, and successful graduates, Dr. Chauhan’s life work is a testament to his belief in education as a tool for nation-building and global impact. He remains a guiding force in shaping India’s next generation of leaders.

  • Mr. Papu Butani, Founder | CEO, Butani Jewellery

    Mr. Papu Butani, Founder | CEO, Butani Jewellery

    Papu Butani is a celebrated jewellery designer and entrepreneur, revered for his exquisite craftsmanship and the global success of Butani Jewellery. Arriving in Hong Kong from Mumbai in 1969, he began with a modest gem trading business before launching his exclusive atelier in 1977. Known for his intricate designs and exceptional gemstones, his brand quickly attracted elite clientele and international recognition.

    Alongside his wife Lachmi, Papu infused the brand with a unique blend of heritage, elegance, and innovation. In 1999, their twin sons, Manoj and Mukesh, joined the business, carrying forward the family’s legacy with fresh creativity.

    Today, Butani Jewellery is a globally respected name in haute joaillerie, admired for both its artistic finesse and integrity. Papu Butani’s journey reflects resilience, vision, and mastery—transforming a dream into a legacy of luxury that continues to inspire in the world of fine jewellery.

  • Mr. Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director, Bharat Forge Limited

    Mr. Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director, Bharat Forge Limited

    Babasaheb Neelkanth Kalyani is one of India’s most impactful industrial leaders and the driving force behind Bharat Forge, the world’s second-largest forging company after Germany’s ThyssenKrupp. Trained at BITS Pilani and MIT, he transformed Bharat Forge from a regional auto-parts manufacturer into a global engineering behemoth with a presence across automotive, aerospace, defence, energy, and infrastructure.

    Under his leadership, the Kalyani Group pioneered innovation with strategic global partnerships—including alliances with Israel’s Rafael, Sweden’s Saab, and Alstom for power systems—while expanding into clean energy through Kenersys (wind turbines) and collaborations on solar and hybrid technology successstory.com.

    A visionary in defence manufacturing, he spearheaded the creation of Kalyani Strategic Systems (KSSL), delivering cutting-edge AI-enabled weaponry—ranging from ATAGS to ultra-light howitzers—and significantly boosting India’s defence exports with over 100 artillery guns sold in 2024.

    His contributions extend beyond industry: he founded the Pratham Pune Education Foundation, transforming primary education for underprivileged children in Pune, and leads Bharat Forge’s CSR and sustainability efforts.

    A recipient of the Padma Bhushan, his excellence has been recognized internationally: through honors like Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun, Germany’s Cross of the Order of Merit, Sweden’s Polar Star, and France’s Legion of Honour.

    Babasaheb N. Kalyani’s legacy is built on innovation, globalization, and social responsibility; making him a true architect of India’s industrial renaissance and a revered figure in modern business leadership.

  • Mr. Nanda S. Bhagi, Director, SRAM & MRAM

    Mr. Nanda S. Bhagi, Director, SRAM & MRAM

    Nanda S. Bhagi is a versatile business leader and CFO with a track record of excellence across industries in the U.S. and India. Currently, he serves as the Director of SRAM & MRAM. He has held senior level positions in multiple companies in the course of highly successful career in the US.

    With more than 25 years of technology and business expertise, Nanda has spearheaded Fortune 500 client engagements valued at over USD 555 million—leading global teams, securing multi-year contracts, and delivering digital and enterprise solutions across sectors . As Managing Partner at Triton Solar USA, he brought technological leadership to the nano lithium polymer battery industry .

    In addition, Mr. Bhagi holds strategic director roles across a diverse portfolio of companies in agri-tech, fintech, mobility, and beyond—reflecting both his breadth and depth as a corporate leader.

    Nanda’s influence extends beyond business. His appointment as Global Director for Business Development and Strategy Marketing at Cricket Council USA underscores his commitment to sport entrepreneurship and community outreach.

    Combining athletic achievement with corporate acumen, Nanda S. Bhagi’s career stands as a testament to versatility, leadership, and transformative impact—on the field, in boardrooms, and across global growth platforms..