Blog

  • Mr. DAR Barot, International Celebrity Hair Designer | Fashion Stylist

    Mr. DAR Barot, International Celebrity Hair Designer | Fashion Stylist

    Dar Barot is a world-renowned hair designer and fashion stylist whose career spans over 50 years, redefining beauty for Hollywood stars, Bollywood icons, rock legends, and royalty. Trained in 1973 under the legendary Vidal Sassoon in London, he mastered precision cutting—sculpting hair to enhance facial structure with timeless elegance.

    Encouraged by his childhood friend Gillian, Dar transitioned into editorial and fashion styling, pioneering photo-shoot hairstyling and pushing creative boundaries. His artistry has graced icons including Aishwarya Rai, Jacqueline Fernandez, Goldie Hawn, Nicole Scherzinger, Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Fiona Fullerton (crafting her iconic “Bond girl” look in A View to a Kill), and Samantha Fox.

    Renowned for innovation, Dar introduced the “V-cut” technique, allowing long hair to retain length while adding movement and face-framing layers—a perfect union of functionality and artistry. Today, he operates from Hair by Dar in the courtyard of St. James’ Court, a Taj Hotel beside Buckingham Palace, blending Eastern finesse with Western sophistication for a global clientele.

    Clients praise Dar not only for technical brilliance but also for his uplifting energy. One admirer notes, “Dar rescued my fine hair with a sharp bob that barely needs blow-drying—you leave his salon glowing with positive energy.”

    Dar Barot’s legacy transcends hair—it’s about transformation, confidence, and enduring style. A creative visionary and trendsetter, he continues to inspire the fashion and beauty industry, proving that true artistry is timeless.

  • Mr. Harsha Bhogle, Indian Cricket Commentator | Journalist

    Mr. Harsha Bhogle, Indian Cricket Commentator | Journalist

    Harsha Bhogle is widely regarded as the “voice of Indian cricket.” With a background in chemical engineering and management, he brought analytical clarity and eloquence to cricket commentary, setting a new benchmark in sports journalism.

    For over three decades, Harsha has offered fans thoughtful insights, compelling storytelling, and unmatched passion from commentary boxes around the world. His work transcends boundaries—be it writing, hosting, or broadcasting.

    A true ambassador of the game, Harsha Bhogle’s credibility, neutrality, and love for cricket have made him one of the most respected and beloved figures in global sports media.

  • 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.