India has become the world’s third-largest startup
ecosystem, with over 1.6 lakh DPIIT-registered startups driving innovation,
creating jobs, and transforming industries. These startups are not just
businesses—they're shaping the country’s future by solving real-world problems
and supporting initiatives like Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India. Sectors
like fintech, health tech, deep tech, and sustainability are seeing
breakthroughs, making India a key player in the global startup space.
HT Media
Crafting Bharat Awards 2025: Recognizing Real Impact
The HT Media Crafting Bharat Awards 2025, an
initiative by NewsReach (Vyomeen Media Pvt Ltd) and curated by Fever
Network, was all about celebrating people and organizations driving change.
What started as the Crafting Bharat Podcast, a platform to share startup
journeys, has grown into a space that not only tells these stories but also
acknowledges the work behind them.
Held on 21st February 2025 at the ITC
Grand Central, Mumbai, the event brought together entrepreneurs,
innovators, and industry leaders for a night of recognition, meaningful
conversations, and insights. It wasn’t just another startup awards event—it
went beyond traditional categories to celebrate those shaping Bharat in
different ways. From founders and technocrats to artists, scientists, and social
impact leaders, the awards highlighted individuals making a real difference in
India’s growth story. With leaders from diverse sectors in the room, the event
became more than just a ceremony—it reflected how far India’s startup ecosystem
has come and where it’s headed next.
A big shoutout to our gifting partners for adding
thoughtful touches to the event. Sylvi, founded by Krushna Ghevariya
and Ishan Kukadia, gifted watches combining style and functionality. Magical
Blends, led by Uttara, treated awardees to premium skincare kits,
making the experience even more special.
The awards were presented in three categories:
- 30 Under 30 –
Recognizing young trailblazers
- 40 Under 40 – Honoring mid-career achievers
- Bharat Innovators – Celebrating change-makers across industries
It was a night of stories, connections, and
acknowledging those who are shaping the future of Bharat.
Here’s a glimpse into the Changemakers who made it
to the winners’ list
Sangram Singh – A Champion of Strength, Resilience,
and Inspiration
A
celebrated professional wrestler, motivational speaker, and youth icon, Sangram
Singh was honored by Bharat Innovators for his extraordinary journey of
perseverance and determination. Overcoming immense challenges, he has not only
excelled in wrestling but also inspired millions with his motivational talks
and philanthropic efforts. His story is a testament to the power of resilience,
making him a true role model for the youth of Bharat.
Dia Mirza – Social Impact Leader - Leading with
Purpose, Beyond the Spotlight’ award
A
celebrated actress, producer, and UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador, Dia Mirza
was honored under the Bharat Innovators category for her relentless advocacy
for sustainability, wildlife conservation, and climate action. While she is
celebrated for her versatility in Indian cinema, her contributions go far
beyond the screen.
A strong
advocate for sustainability, environmental conservation, and social causes, Dia
has consistently used her platform to drive awareness and action. Whether
championing climate initiatives or supporting underprivileged communities, she
has shown what it means to lead with purpose.
Avinash Tiwary – A Changemaker in Cinema who is
redefining storytelling through his performances.
A
powerhouse of talent and versatility, Avinash Tiwary was recognized under
Bharat Innovators for his transformative impact on Indian cinema. From playing
a passionate lover in Laila Majnu to an enigmatic charmer in Bulbul, Avinash
has consistently impressed audiences with his versatility. His dedication to
meaningful cinema has not only elevated the industry but also inspired emerging
talent. With each project, he continues to challenge norms, reshape narratives,
and contribute to the evolution of Bollywood storytelling. As he takes on new
roles and explores fresh narratives, Avinash Tiwary remains a true innovator in
Indian cinema.
Swastika Mukherjee – Breaking Barriers in
Entertainment
An
acclaimed actress known for her fearless and unconventional roles, Swastika
Mukherjee was honored under Bharat Innovators for challenging norms and
bringing powerful, nuanced performances to Indian cinema. She took center
stage—not just as a celebrated actress but as a true trailblazer in Indian and
Bengali cinema. Known for her bold and powerful performances, she has
captivated audiences with her talent and authenticity, redefining storytelling
with every role she takes on.
Beyond
cinema, Swastika has been a passionate advocate for animal rights, using her
platform to raise awareness and give a voice to the voiceless. Whether through
her artistry or activism, she continues to stand for what truly matters,
proving that being a star is not just about being in the spotlight—it’s about
using that platform for meaningful change.
The
Crafting Bharat Awards celebrated trailblazing innovators and leaders reshaping
industries with groundbreaking contributions. Among them, Shalil Gupta of
Ozonetel redefined customer experiences, while Sitla Thakur of FundBezzie set
new benchmarks in digital investment platforms. Harddik K Patel of Quali5Care
revolutionized healthcare, and Viswaprasad S Nair of Bindwel spearheaded
technological transformation.
Social
impact was at the heart of the awards, with Arhan Bagati of KYARI leading
change, Dr. Meenakshi Shanbhag of Makoons championing early childhood
development, and Sanjay Khimesera (President Asifa India) advocating for media
excellence. The event also highlighted startup ecosystem builders like Sravanth
Gajula & Sandeep Bommireddi of AdOnMo and Shikhar Neogi of Neoble Corp.
Tech and
digital innovation were celebrated with Praanesh Bhuvaneswar of Qoruz excelling
in influencer marketing, Sidharth Ghosh of ITW Playworx redefining
entertainment tech, and Dhaval Patel of S.D. HUB shaping e-commerce and
fintech. Anuj Tiwari, founder of Innovit Technologies, pushed AI advancements,
while Samkit Shah of Jitendra EV pioneered electric mobility solutions.
In the
business and media landscape, Shrikant Pandey of Indiamanthan Publications
reinforced business journalism, and Bhumish Sheth of Zimble Marketing elevated
digital marketing standards. Jithin Sethumadhavan of Qoruz was recognized for
agency leadership, and Deepanshu Shukla and Sujith Gopinath advanced tech and
healthcare communications.
Industry
transformation was a key theme, with Unni Bhaskar revolutionizing airport
infrastructure, Premjith Edassery of Bloom Hotel leading tech-driven
hospitality, and Vinitt Dessai innovating hair systems. Dr. Chinuu Kwatra was
honored for his environmental sustainability efforts, and Suyash Singh of
GalaxEye for deep-tech advancements.
The awards
also recognized financial and compliance excellence, with Mohit Agarwal of
Wockhardt leading pharma innovation, Suraj Nangia excelling in tax and audit
solutions, and Dr. Nishant S. Mehta shaping fintech auditing. Jitendra Somani
of Pocket HRMS and Mayuresh Darne contributed to fintech and startup
ecosystems, respectively.
Leaders in
entertainment and creative industries, such as SIMA RAAJ of Golden Hue
Productions and Shripal of Enjoy, were celebrated for their artistic
contributions. Meanwhile, Nazneen of Aminsofttech led the future of tech solutions,
and Aalok Kumar of NEC India was recognized for empowering citizens.
From
engineering innovations by Viraj of Unitech Power Solutions to fintech
excellence by Vishesh Rajaram of Speciale Invest, these visionaries continue to
drive Bharat forward. Their dedication and achievements illuminate the path
toward a more innovative, sustainable, and inclusive future.
The
Crafting Bharat Awards honored pioneers, disruptors, and visionaries across
industries, recognizing their outstanding contributions to business,
technology, healthcare, education, and social impact.
From Dr.
Aravindan Selvaraj, who revolutionized multi-specialty healthcare at Kauvery
Hospitals, to Poornima Garg, who led impactful social initiatives at Room to
Read India, each awardee exemplified excellence. Naga Srirama Narasimha
Raviteja Malladi and Akshatha Madapura Anantharamu transformed the tech and
e-commerce landscapes, while Sanjeev Jain redefined the automobile industry.
Zeeshan Mansoori spearheaded organic growth in digital platforms, and Aakash
Jugraj shaped AI and blockchain media.
The awards
also recognized Harshvardhan Chauhan, who innovated in the FMCG sector, and
Pankaj Kumar Choudhary, who set trends in luxury fashion. Devarshi Malviya
bridged investors and F&B brands, while Dr. Mickey Keki Mehta advanced
holistic health. Jagadish Nangineni led luxury real estate, and Rohan Paul
transformed the lens manufacturing industry. In the financial sector, Manish
Lalwani and Harsh Jha drove innovations in wealth management and financial distress
resolution.
Trailblazers
in content, education, and entrepreneurship included Prof. Dr. Parin Somani,
who reshaped global education, and Mithun Chakravarthy, who played a key role
in the media and creator economy. Thomson R. Andrews was recognized as a
visionary in music and media, and Sonia Kotak made a significant impact on
social media. Shivam Mehta excelled in digital marketing, and Jobo Kuruvilla
redefined disruptive marketing.
A
constellation of trailblazers was honored for their groundbreaking
contributions across diverse industries. Sanjeev Pasricha was celebrated as a
Creative Disruptor in Museum Curation, redefining cultural experiences, while
Dr. Prakhyat was recognized as a Healthcare Pioneer, advancing medical
solutions. Anmol Srivastava (TickYourList) revolutionized the travel industry
with his innovative approach to tourism, and Shubhreet Kaur transformed media
strategies as a Game Changer in Communications. Amit Mahadik and Poonam
Mahadik, the visionary founders of Siddhivinayak Advertising, were applauded
for their remarkable impact on the Outdoor Media Industry. Ms. Binda Dey’s
creative brilliance was acknowledged for her invaluable contributions to the
industry. Anshul Ajmera’s entrepreneurial excellence earned him the prestigious
Bharat Innovators Award, while Manish Khurana was lauded for leading the Best
Venture Studio for Startup Growth & Investment, fostering a thriving
entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Ankit
Agarwal redefined cricket retail by creating the Best Emerging Cric-eCommerce Platform,
and Pranav Rajeev reshaped urban landscapes as a Leading Innovator in
Infrastructure Development. Amit Mahendragiri Goswami’s expertise in
Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing, AI, and Machine Learning safeguarded digital
assets, and Anirudh Sridharan played a pivotal role in shaping the Creator
Economy, enabling digital influencers. Pratibha Walia and Neeraj Walia were
recognized for their exceptional contributions, while Vijay Agarwal and Vaibhav
Agarwal’s groundbreaking innovation in early education earned them the title of
the Most Innovative Preschool Brand in India 2025.
Pravin
Patel was honored for Excellence in Real Estate Development &
Infrastructure, shaping modern cities with his visionary projects. Meanwhile,
Subhash Ramdin Prajapati was celebrated for redefining beauty, innovation, and
social change with his transformative initiatives. Each of these distinguished
individuals continues to push boundaries, inspire innovation, and redefine
excellence in their respective fields. Dipu Bose is a visionary
transformational leader in medical technology, driving innovation and
advancements that shape the future of healthcare.
Leaders in
financial inclusion, such as Ankita Mitra, Chandan Khaitan, and Kunal
Jhunjhunwala, ensured greater accessibility to secured lending, while Wilson K
and Gaurav Thaker revolutionized luxury branding and beauty tech. Amitabh Shah
drove social impact, Rakkesh R. Uddiyar led in fitness.These awardees
demonstrated innovation, leadership, and a commitment to excellence, shaping
India's future across diverse industries.
A Celebration That Goes Beyond Awards
Vyomeen Media Private Limited led News Reach and the HT Media Crafting Bharat Awards 2025
wasn’t just about recognizing achievements—it was about bringing together
people who are shaping the future. It showcased stories of resilience,
innovation, and purpose, inspiring others to push boundaries and create lasting
change.
As the
event came to a close, it left behind more than just accolades. It sparked
conversations, strengthened connections, and reinforced the vision of a self-reliant,
forward-thinking Bharat. Every awardee’s journey served as a reminder that
progress isn’t just about big ideas—it’s about the people who dare to make them
happen.
This
wasn’t just an awards night. It was a movement. And the journey of Crafting
Bharat is far from over.