Champions of Progress: Recognising Remarkable Journeys of Leadership and Innovation

Major Sonia Sangwan, Mrs. India World 2020, is a decorated Army veteran, corporate leader, and certified leadership and image coach. With 20+ years of experience, she embodies confidence, resilience, and empowerment. A President Award recipient, mountaineer, and ultra-runner, she champions women’s empowerment and inclusive leadership. Founder of an NGO supporting rural women and transgenders, she inspires many to lead fearlessly.

Dr. Sagar Kumar Sahu, Ayurvedic Panchakarma Therapist and former Senior Marketing Manager at GE, blends traditional healing with corporate expertise. A GE Human Champion Award recipient, he now channels his leadership, project management, and communication skills into promoting Ayurveda globally – bridging corporate excellence and ancient healing for a balanced, health-driven future.

Prof. (Dr.) Tapas Kumar Sar, a distinguished scientist with multiple honorary doctorates, is known for pioneering research in pharmacology, toxicology, and environmental science. His studies, featured in Nature India and leading international journals, have significantly advanced scientific understanding. With patents in Germany and India, editorial roles in top journals, and mentorship of many PhD scholars, he drives global research excellence through innovation and leadership.

Maj. Gen. B. D. Wadhwa (Retd.), AVSM, Pro-Chancellor (Emeritus) of IILM University, Greater Noida, is a distinguished leader with 38 years in the Indian Army and a recipient of the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal by the President of India. A scholar with three master’s degrees, he has advanced IILM’s academic excellence since 2007, through visionary leadership and global expertise.

Dr. Renu Saxena, an award-winning educationist, counselling psychologist, and motivational speaker, has 33 years of service in an international school in Delhi. Honoured with a doctorate from American Management University and multiple awards, including the Rashtriya Ratan Puruskar and World Woman Achiever Award, she is the author of An Inspirational Journey of Strength, Sacrifice and Triumph and empowers students, parents, and women through her transformative guidance.

Pramod Kumar Patel, Deputy Commissioner, Government of Chhattisgarh, exemplifies transformative leadership. Rising from humble beginnings to hospital CEO, he built strong teams and mentored future administrators. Now in government service, he drives impactful initiatives with humility, discipline, and a focus on people development, inspiring change across sectors.

Mr. Sailesh Mathur, veteran hospitality leader and IHM Mumbai alumnus, has 40+ years of experience in hotel and resort management. As Group General Manager at Shree Venkateshwara Group Hotels & Resorts, his visionary leadership drives growth and guest excellence. He is honoured with Indian Icon Hospitality Leader of the Year 2024–25 and Bharat Vibhushan Puraskar 2024.