In a world rapidly shaped by innovation, resilience, and purpose, a new wave of changemakers is rising—entrepreneurs who aren’t just building businesses but transforming industries and impacting lives. From redefining education and real estate to revolutionizing financial literacy and defense, these dynamic individuals are leading India’s growth story with bold ideas and a vision for inclusive success. As we step into 2025, here’s a look at some of the top entrepreneurs to watch—each one setting new benchmarks with ingenuity, passion, and a commitment to social change.
Ajay Gupta
Ajay Gupta, a visionary edupreneur, is the force behind two of India’s largest education franchises—Bachpan Play School (1200+ branches) and Academic Heights Public School (120+ branches). A pioneer of the FOFO model, he’s earned numerous accolades, including the Jagran Josh Education Award 2024 and the Helen Keller Award 2023.
Co-founder of Rishihood University, India’s first social-impact university designed for inclusivity, Ajay empowers students of all abilities through education and entrepreneurship.
Starting his journey with just a typewriter, Ajay built a ₹100 crore empire over four decades—all while living with an 80% locomotor disability. A TEDx speaker and founder of “Hum Honge Kamyab” and “Saksham Yatra,” he continues to inspire students, entrepreneurs, and PwDs nationwide.
Dr. Satish Kumar Seena
Dr. Satish Kumar Seena, CEO of Relcko US LLC, is a dynamic leader redefining real estate with blockchain technology. With over five years of industry expertise, he’s recognized for his visionary leadership by top media and institutions.
Under his guidance, Relcko integrated blockchain into property transactions, enhancing transparency, security, and efficiency. His blockchain-based platforms have slashed transaction times by 40% and boosted transparency across real estate operations.
Dr. Seena’s strategic leadership led to a 200% revenue growth within a year and expanded operations across India. He also fostered major partnerships with real estate and tech players, positioning Relcko at the forefront of innovation.
Honored with the Economic Times’ Best Visionary Award in Real Estate and recognized by the Governor of Himachal Pradesh, he’s been featured in Forbes India, India Today, Business Today, and more. Dr. Seena is a driving force shaping the future of real estate in India.
Abhinab Das
Abhinab Das, a Bhubaneswar-based entrepreneur and digital marketer, is revolutionizing financial education in India with his platform, Chalo Seekho. Launched in 2017, Chalo Seekho offers free, accessible financial knowledge across social media platforms, aiming to empower individuals with practical financial skills. The platform covers a wide range of topics, including savings, insurance, loans, mutual funds, and online income opportunities, simplifying complex financial concepts into actionable steps.
With nearly 100,000 subscribers on YouTube and over 330,000 followers on Instagram, Chalo Seekho’s reach underscores the growing demand for financial literacy in India. The platform’s commitment to education, without engaging in trading or investment services, ensures that users receive unbiased, research-based information. Abhinab’s vision is to make financial education accessible to all, fostering informed decision-making and financial independence across the nation.
Pushkal Vijay Dwivedi
Wing Commander Pushkal Vijay Dwivedi is a trusted name in India’s defence sector, spearheading innovation in tactical operations, AI-driven military systems, and strategic security infrastructure. As Director of Dhruv Energy Pvt Ltd and Chief Operational Consultant of Garud Tactical, he has revolutionized command automation and the application of unconventional energy in defence and aerospace.
Armed with distinguished academic credentials from premier institutions such as the Indian School of Business (ISB), IIM Ahmedabad, MICA, IIT Mumbai and the University of London, Dwivedi merges strategic foresight with operational mastery. He is the principal innovator behind Vijay Code, a symbolic cipher system redefining secure communication; PRISM, a pioneering psychological assessment tool rooted in military behavioural science; and most notably, the creator of the world’s first institutionalized academic subject — Self-Defence Science — now introduced in mainstream school education from Class I to Class XII, setting a global precedent in safety education.
Within a year, he transformed Kalki Sena into India’s largest combatant volunteer force, prepared for special operations under national directives. His visionary leadership continues to redefine India’s defence ecosystem, driving the future of warfare and education through relentless innovation, patriotic purpose, and transformative action.
Punam Gupta
Punam Gupta is a visionary entrepreneur, social activist, and author, known for her transformative work in food safety, social welfare, and youth empowerment. As the Founder of the Together We Can Foundation, she leads impactful initiatives on organ donation, environmental sustainability, and employment generation. She also heads Immuno Life Pvt. Ltd., Octa Life Sciences, and Quality Services & Training Pvt. Ltd., contributing to the health, wellness, and quality assurance sectors.
An advocate for herbal remedies, she authored Dream Build Grow and Spiritual Ayurveda, inspiring job creation and holistic health. Her efforts have earned prestigious accolades like the Best Healthcare Startup Award, the Mother Teresa Nari Samman Award, and recognition from public figures including Sonakshi Sinha and Governor Bandaru Dattatreya.
Punam’s mission continues to inspire a new generation to embrace innovation and social responsibility, reinforcing her legacy as a leading force for inclusive, sustainable change in India.
Burrah
Say hello to BURRAH—the bold, flavorful crafted beverage shaking up your taste buds . BURRAH delivers a burst of swad with a side of desi attitude. BURRAH is not just a drink – it’s an experience.
Born from the passionate founding team and brewed to perfection along with team of industry experts, BURRAH is already winning hearts across northern India. The feedback? “Addictive taste,” “pure ingredients,” and “finally, a drink that gets us!”
Crafted using natural & natural-identical flavours and colours with zero artificial flavours, no artificial sweeteners, and no artificial preservatives – it’s everything your body vibes with. Bottled in eco-conscious material.
But here’s the twist: BURRAH isn’t just a beverage—’It’s a lifestyle. A celebration of desi roots with modern swag. A vibe you carry.
So next time you’re thirsty, don’t just sip.
‘Say it loud—BURRAH!’ Swad ka dhamaka,
every drop bursting with flavour and fun.
Aneesh Sarkar IPS
Aneesh Sarkar, IPS, currently serving as Deputy Commissioner of Police, Bidhannagar Zone, has built a career defined by bravery and impact. His journey began in Lalgarh, Paschim Medinipur, a Maoist-affected zone, where he was deeply involved in anti-Maoist operations. His relentless efforts continued in Bidhannagar as ACP (Airport), where he dismantled the infamous Babai gang.
As ACP of the Anti-Terrorist Squad, he led the arrest of the JMB chief linked to the Bardhaman blast. His tenure in CID saw key breakthroughs, including the Ranaghat rape case and cyber infiltration into ISIS networks after a major arrest. From managing riots and disaster response in Murshidabad to disrupting drug cartels in Malda and freezing assets of cross-border smugglers, Sarkar’s service is marked by fearless enforcement and strategic insight.
Now venturing into literature, his debut novel, based on the Lalgarh insurgency, promises yet another impactful chapter in his remarkable journey.
Atin Kumar Agrawal
Hooked on computers at age 11, this young innovator’s passion led to a B.Tech in Computer Science and an early role at Greysprings, where he helped build tech and gaming teams from the ground up. Though the startup didn’t scale as planned, it lit the spark for something greater.
Driven by a strong interest in investing and the rising need for financial awareness, he launched Abundance Financial Services—a firm rooted in the belief of “Abundance for All.” With over 900 clients and a strong regional presence, the company uses a tech-first approach to offer personalized, accessible financial solutions.
Abundance Financial Services aims to empower over 1 lakh individuals by 2047, bridging the gap in financial literacy and simplifying wealth creation. For him, finance isn’t just numbers—it’s about guiding people through uncertainty, encouraging smarter decisions, and creating long-term social and economic impact.
Sumit Kharbanda
Sumit Kharbanda, a Delhi-based performer, is a powerhouse of talent in the world of magic and mentalism. With over 18 years of experience, he has mastered the art of illusions, close-up magic, and mind reading using everything from playing cards and borrowed objects to cutting-edge gadgets like iPads and smartphones.
Recognized as one of India’s leading illusionists, Sumit’s unique style blends traditional magic with modern technology, creating an unforgettable entertainment experience. His remarkable achievements include entries in 8 Guinness World Records, the World Record of India, and the Bharat Talent Association.
A globe-trotting magician and frequent TV performer, Sumit has showcased Indian magic across various countries. Whether it’s walk-around magic, family-friendly shows, or sophisticated solo stage acts, Sumit Kharbanda brings unmatched energy and innovation to every performance—making him a perfect fit for events that seek to amaze and engage diverse audiences.
Shayar Preet Simar
Shayar Preet Simar is making waves in the world of Punjabi poetry and music as the first Punjabi artist to achieve a world record in poetry. A talented Shayar, singer, songwriter, and author, Simar blends traditional Punjabi emotion with modern storytelling, creating a powerful connection with his audience. His popular book Safar Te Han has resonated deeply with readers, showcasing his depth as a writer.
Simar made history by earning a spot in the International Book of Records for composing five live poems in just two minutes, an extraordinary feat that highlights his creativity, speed, and mastery of language. His accomplishment is not only a personal milestone but also a moment of pride for Punjabi literature and culture.
Inspiring a new generation of poets and musicians, Shayar Preet Simar proves that with talent and dedication, the voice of Punjab can echo across the globe.
Archisman Ray
Archisman Ray is a PhD student and research fellow in the Department of Chemical Engineering at IIT Kharagpur. His current PhD focusses on novel electrode materials for all solid-state rechargeable batteries, lithium ion batteries and sodium ion batteries, with a focus on in-situ microstructure evolution studies and 3D-image reconstruction. Archisman has finished his Masters in Chemical Engineering with distinction from the world famous University of Waterloo, Canada with full institute scholarship and also had secured a rank of AIR 672 in GATE 2016 in Chemical Engineering. He has over 13+ years of research experience in this field.
Beyond academia, Archisman continues to uphold a 333-year-old family tradition as the host of the Harakutir Ray-Banerjee Bari Durga Puja, a cultural legacy rooted in Kolkata’s rich heritage. As CEO of Brand Harakutir, he integrates historical significance with contemporary innovation, creating a bridge between the past and the future.
Dil Bar Irshad
Dil Bar, a journalist from Chenab Valley, Jammu & Kashmir, has made a remarkable impact in the media industry. With experience in both national and international news outlets, he is also the founder of VoM News, based in Doda District.
Recognized for his dedication and excellence in journalism, Dil Bar was recently honored with the Nelson Mandela International Excellence Award by the Asian Council of Education and Research, and the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Nation Star Award by the Welred Foundation. His work continues to inspire and elevate the standards of journalism in the region.
Conclusion
These trailblazing entrepreneurs represent the spirit of modern India—innovative, fearless, and purpose-driven. Their diverse journeys, spanning education, finance, defense, entertainment, and social impact, serve as powerful reminders that success is not just about profit—it’s about making a difference. As they continue to break barriers and redefine possibilities in 2025, their stories inspire a generation to dream bigger, act bolder, and lead with intention. For more info click here.
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