Mr. Chiranjiv Singh, a 1969 IAS officer, retired in 2005 as Karnataka’s Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary. He oversaw culture, archaeology, museums, Kannada, tourism, and archives, organizing major cultural events. As India’s Ambassador to UNESCO (1997–2000), he promoted cultural diplomacy.
A visiting fellow at Oxford University, he has served on governing bodies like IISc and ISEC, Bangalore. Post-retirement, he engages with NGOs in rural development, arts, and culture. A
Rajyotsava Awardee (2005), he received the French Chevalier de l’Ordre national du Mérite (2015). His Kannada columns are widely appreciated, and he is associated with many cultural organizations.
South India’s first woman IPS officer and Karnataka’s first, served 35+ years in the police and public sectors, retiring as Director General of Police in 2011. A renowned artist and recipient of the Indira Priyadarshini National Award for Arts, she has exhibited her work globally, including in Washington and London, and contributed to the Amrita Sher-Gil Revisited project. A Harvard-trained leader, she revitalized organizations like Mysore Minerals and Jungle Lodges. Holding a Ph.D. and multiple honors, her work in governance, conflict resolution, and philanthropy is nationally recognized. She currently leads and advises multiple nonprofit initiatives.
Mrs. Indra Prem Menon is the Chairman and CEO of the Senapathy group of companies dealing in sophisticated products for high voltage electrical application with substantial exports to various countries around the globe. She is also an active Director on the Board of several companies. She has a penchant and flair for dress design, interior decoration and painting. And staying true to her passion for art and everything beautiful, she has recently got into floriculture and has built a large greenhouse on her farm. Her personal maxim has always been….“I rarely regret anything I have ever done, but I always regret the things that I have not done”.
She served the Government of India and Tamil Nadu in various capacities as an Indian Administrative Service officer, including as CMD of the India Trade Promotion Organisation and Union Secretary, Ministry of Tourism. She was the Founder Director of the National Institute of Fashion Technology and later served as Director General, Fashion Design Council of India, and Secretary General, WTTC India. Over two decades, she has contributed to development, health, education, skill development, arts, crafts, and heritage through NGOs like NIFT (Board Member), IGNCA (Trustee), Plan International India (Chair), Jaipur Virasat Foundation (Trustee), and Madras Craft Foundation (Life Trustee).
Rekha Hebbar, an internationally renowned artist, studied painting under her father, the late K.K. Hebbar. She has held solo exhibitions in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Los Angeles, Singapore, and Germany, showcasing her work in prestigious galleries. Rekha has participated in the Asian Biennale, Lalit Kala Academy, and the IV Triennial (1978), and won the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award (2006). She has served on state and national exhibition juries and participated in auctions by Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and Asprey. Her art is housed in institutions like NGMA Mumbai, Singapore National Museum, and Venkatappa Museum, and her publication *The Expediency of Color* was released in 2008.
An educator by profession and a dreamer by nature, Lakshmi Ishwar recently launched her debut book of poems named A butterfly on my garden bench. Lakshmi is a connoisseur of fine arts and poetry and has been involved in promoting art and artists for the past few decades. She is an engineer from IISC and MBA by qualification and was a lecturer in an engineering college and an entrepreneur. She is on the board of trustees of Art Mantram, was the past Chairperson of Ficci Ladies Organization, was on the regional board of YPO South Asia region.
She has twenty-four years of experience working in the not-for-profit sector. As founding trustee & currently Vice-President of Art Mantram Trust, she has led Arts Festivals & outreach programmes in the community, including the Roerich Centenary Celebrations 2004 & the Glass House Poetry Festival 2020. She worked with Cadbury Schweppes on Consumer Impact & Strategic Value at Stake projects between 2004-2008. And since 2010, has been India’s lead consultant on Ethical Business Practices Projects for worker welfare, anti-bribery, corporation & data security projects for GoodCorporation, a UK based leader in Business Ethics, Compliance & Governance.
He Served in the Indian Navy for over 35 years.During his service career, he has served in all major Naval Stations and was involved in various welfare activities undertaken by the Navy including disaster relief.Post retirement,he has settled down in Bangalore and has been involved with activities of Art Mantram for over 15 years
A Founder of Prayag Montessori & Airaa Academy, Amitha Prashanth is a dedicated educationist and Montessorian, committed to nurturing children’s holistic development. With over 25 years of experience, she established multiple Montessori centres and Airaa Academy, offering Montessori and CBSE education in Bangalore. A Masters graduate in Inclusive Education from Northampton University, UK, she champions inclusive learning, sustainable practices, and environmental awareness. A mentor for United Way’s Born Learning program, she has also contributed to Shikshana Foundation. Recognized nationally, she and her husband were honored by the President of India in 2023 for their philanthropy and educational contributions.
A seasoned professional with a career spanning corporate leadership, social impact, and entrepreneurship. After starting at Hewlett Packard in 1997, he rose to become the World-Wide Head of Technology Services BPSA, leading operations for a $10 billion group and earning accolades like HP’s Most Valuable Player. Post-retirement, he transitioned to the social sector, joining ISKCON and Akshayapatra, where he scaled farming initiatives and managed mid-day meal operations for over 1.1 million children daily. In 2014, he founded TruTrade Foundation, empowering 40,000+ farmers through sustainable agriculture and achieving 65% financial sustainability. An active investor, Naveen has raised $45 million for startups, creating over $350 million in value, and is currently involved in an eVTOL venture in California. With a Master’s in Computer Science and a law degree, he balances his professional pursuits with a passion for trekking and family life in Bangalore.
Ms. Cavita Mehra, Managing Director and founder of Mindskillz (est. 2008), has over 45 years of Learning and Development expertise. Under her leadership, Mindskillz operates in 33 cities with 180+ trainers, enhancing team and individual performance. A recipient of accolades like the Karnataka Innovation Leadership Award (2022) and Entrepreneur Leadership Award (2013), she has been featured in Silicon India and CEO Magazine for her institute’s growth. Cavita is a sought-after speaker at forums like Dun & Bradstreet. She supports causes like the Girl Child Project and women’s empowerment and volunteers as a Civil Defence Divisional Warden, balancing work with golf and reading.
Mr. Sudhakar Rao, a 1973-batch IAS officer, retired as Chief Secretary of Karnataka in 2009. Post-retirement, he served as a Member of the PESB, Chairman of BSE Ltd., and held key roles in Indian Oil, BFSI, and Manipal Group. He is currently an Independent Director on boards such as L&T-IDPL and Tata Elxsi. Passionate about arts and heritage, he has chaired the Advisory Committee of the NGMA Bengaluru and the Bangalore School of Music. A Harvard alumnus with a master’s from the Delhi School of Economics, he was awarded the Kannada Rajyotsava Award for Public Service in 2020.
Mr. Lakshminarayan M, Industry Leader, Philanthropist
Mr. Lakshminarayan, an IIT Bombay graduate with a Master’s in Technology, has over 35 years of leadership experience in Bosch and Tata Motors. At Bosch, he served as MD for India and led expansions and quality projects. In 2009, he launched Harman operations in India, growing it into a major employer. He is Chairman of ZF Commercial Vehicle Solutions (India) and TVS Automotive Solutions, and serves on the boards of TVS Electronics and Brose Automotive. A civic leader, he co-founded the Bangalore City Connect Foundation, which developed SURE standards. He has also led CII Southern Region and Bangalore Chamber of Commerce.
Nadoja Dr. MANU BALIGAR, Dr. Manu Baligar, former President of Kannada Sahitya Parishath, was born in Shigli, Karnataka, in 1953. A distinguished civil servant, he held key roles, including Commissioner of Kannada & Culture and CEO of the Roerich Estate Board. He has authored 30 works across genres, including short stories, poems, essays, and translations, many of which are academic references. Dr. Baligar has received prestigious honors, including the Nadoja Award (2019) and an honorary doctorate from Karnataka University (2011). During his tenure, KaSaPa built 31 Sahitya Bhavanas and hosted milestone literary conferences, including the first Mahila and Dalita Sahitya Sammelanas in 2019
Subir Hari Singh (b. 1953) a retired career civil servant with 38 years experience including significant tenures in industrial development, urban development, housing, tourism and culture. Since 2013, he has been associated with the Indian Heritage Cities Network, and currently serves as the Chairman. He is also Honorary President of Association of People with Disability – a 63 year-old NGO that deals with disabilities from infancy to middle-age. He currently resides in Bangalore with his wife.
Ms. Shama Pawar, a social innovator and conservationist, is the founder of The Kishkinda Trust and Convener of INTACH Anegundi Hampi Chapter. Since 1996, she has been driving rural development in Anegundi, Hampi, within a heritage setting. Known for her ground-level application of concepts, she has initiated multidisciplinary projects to conserve resources and generate livelihoods through rural tourism, culture, and crafts. An advocate of site-specific solutions, her work benefits both tourists and local communities. Notable projects under her leadership include AHVY Banana Fiber Cluster, UNDP Endogenous Tourism, Rural Tourism (GOI), and the Craft Tourism Village by the Ministry of Textiles.
Mr. N. Sivasailam, Administrative Member of the Karnataka State Administrative Tribunal, holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering (Delhi College of Engineering), MBA (FMS, Delhi), and a Master’s in Social Policy (LSE). A 1985-batch IAS officer, he retired in April 2020. He held key roles, including Special Secretary (Logistics, Commerce) and (Telecom, GOI), Additional Chief Secretary (Public Enterprises), Principal Secretary (Health, Forests), and MD of Bangalore Metro. He also served as Deputy Commissioner (Hassan) and Project Director
(Health). Passionate about sports, music, entrepreneurship, metro rail, telecom, and logistics, he assumed his current role on 17th June 2020.
He is a former member of Indian Forest service and was head of the forest force of Karnataka Forest Department as Principal chief Conservator of Forest in addition to chief wildlife warden.Presently I am chairman of ABS Karnataka Biodiversity Board. I am also chairman of Network for Certification and Conservation of Forests India..a non govt organization engaged in certification and sustainability aspects of natural resources. My area of focus is overall development of tribals by creating sustainable livelihood opportunities besides protecting their art and culture . Having been a professional forester I am well
aware of the challenges faced by tribals and am happy to contribute towards the vision of Drishyam.
ISC 1969, BSC (Maths) 1973, MBA (Cran) 1980, Worked for several years and in several countries with a shipping and trading company. 1975-1983. Ran own shipping and trading business (1983-2015) Was one of the promoters of Airtel 1991. Now retired but affiliated to the Boards of several companies.
Muralist for more than 30yrs Created & curated mix media interior
co-ordinates. Started the concept of Vastu Doors & Windows way back in late 1980’s. Aspiring Filmmaker from New York Film Academy.
Completed Executive Courses from Harvard & ISB. Trained into Pilates for 11 yrs. My Mantra..Stability Over Mobility! I am in pursuit of all forms of creativity to keep Reinventing myself. Taught creative positivity to differently abled & challenged. I am just ‘Me Trying to Empower Myself and many along with me. From Ordinary to Extraordinary. I am a Green Warrior too!!!!
Mr. Jeyakrishnan Sukumaran, a seasoned marketing professional, has 37 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, including as Director – Marketing and Board Member of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (2016–2019). Known for his intercultural competence, he represented India at global forums like the World Petroleum Council and World LPG Forum. He served as Chairman of Aavantika Gas Ltd and board member of multiple corporations. A member of the Expert Appraisal Committee (Ministry of Environment), he is an alumnus of Harvard Business School, Cambridge University, and IIM Kolkata. He specializes in leadership development and effective corporate governance.
V$ijay Tadimalla, Managing Partner of T. Sriram, Mehta & Tadimalla Chartered Accountants, has vast expertise in Corporate Advisory, Audit, and Assurance. Trained at Deloitte, Haskins & Sells, he co-founded the firm in 2003, leading its Audit & Assurance Division. A fellow member of ICAI, he specializes in Internal Audits, Risk Profiling, Forensic Audits, and Promoter Advisory, helping corporates adopt best practices and structured systems. He serves as an Advisor/Director on various boards and is active in Rotary International, holding leadership roles. Vijay mentors philanthropic organizations, advises sports and education projects, and is a Director at the Padukone Dravid Center for Sports Excellence.
After post-graduate Masters in Mass Communication, she joined the advertising industry, worked as a copywriter and creative head in several National agencies before starting her own Agency Livewires
advertising pvt Ltd in 1988. Building up business from scratch gave her tremendous experience in client services, media relations and production. Marketing being the essential core. The nature work involved an astute understanding of human behavior, social trends and different influencers in society and an effective manager of people. These skills are effective in the social sector. An active member of the Ekta Foundation, a non profit organization in the UK(2002). involved in Second Chance, an initiative that promotes recycling of used items.
Harshan is Founder Chairman of the award winning advertising agency, Stark Communications; well known for their global tourism marketing campaigns for Kerala, Karnataka, Telangana, India etc…
Across 40-year career in advertising and publishing, Harshan has been a Director of reputed companies, in India & overseas, like Pinnacle Advertising (Bahrain & UAE), Stark World Publishing, EMO Paris, The Great India Tour Company etc & has held senior positions at Mudra/DDB Needham, Lintas, Contract Advertising etc. He is considered an authority on tourism marketing & has been closely involved in the positioning and marketing of Kerala (as God’s Own Country). Harshan holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management (MBA) from XLRI Jamshedpur and a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from RPIMC (Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan) where he was a national gold medalist in writing and editing.
