India, a land of diverse cultures and unmatched talent, is home to some of the most influential personalities who continue to inspire millions with their extraordinary achievements. In its latest edition, Brandholic proudly presents the Top 10 Influential Personalities of India, celebrating visionaries from various fields who have left an indelible mark on the nation and beyond. Through innovation, resilience, and leadership, these individuals embody India's spirit and redefine success uniquely.

1. Advocate Mita Bannerjee

Advocate Ms. Mita Banerjee Ray is a distinguished legal professional and a compassionate humanitarian, renowned for her unwavering commitment to justice and social welfare. She has provided legal aid to vulnerable communities, assisted Ram Krishna Mission in harassment cases, and conducted seminars for CRPF in Naxalite-affected areas. Her career began with the rehabilitation of 800 human trafficking victims, showcasing her resolve for meaningful change. Appointed as 'Receiver' and 'Special Officer' by the Hon’ble High Court, Calcutta, she has represented India twice at the UN General Assembly and was a Guest of Honour at the G20 Summit. With over 30 prestigious awards and a Padma Shri nomination, she stands as a paragon of legal excellence and social impact. A practicing advocate at the Kolkata High Court, Ms. Banerjee Ray has carved a niche for herself as a pioneer in advocating for the dignity and rights of unclaimed deceased individuals. In her recent public interest litigation (WPA(P) 330 of 2024) Ms. Ray sought permission to cremate unclaimed bodies and perform post-cremation rituals for those who have no one to conduct their last rites.

2. Eishwar Maanay

Eishwar Maanay, the dean of the B.N.M. Institute of Technology (BNMIT), redefines educational norms by prioritizing hands-on learning and strong industry collaborations. Under his leadership, BNMIT has risen as a leading institution that not only imparts theoretical knowledge but emphasizes practical application and real-world problem-solving. Maanay’s vision extends beyond student education; he is equally committed to developing faculty as leaders and fostering a teaching environment rich in practical and experiential learning opportunities. His innovative approach includes strategic partnerships with industry experts, which equip BNMIT graduates with essential skills to excel in dynamic professional settings.

These initiatives have transformed BNMIT into a hub where academic pursuits meet industry demands, providing students with invaluable exposure to actual work environments. This synthesis enhances both the learning experience and employability, bridging the academia-industry divide effectively. Under Maanay's guidance, BNMIT is cultivating a culture of innovation and collaboration, positioning itself at the forefront of educational institutions prepared for future challenges.

Linkdin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/emaanay?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

3. Dr. Rajesh Reddy 

Dr. Rajesh Reddy S, a visionary in ethical and sustainable poultry farming, has transformed the industry with his leadership at SRAF Proteins, a leading Indian poultry company. His deep-rooted understanding of the industry, stemming from a family background in poultry farming, drives his commitment to producing antibiotic and hormone-free poultry. In 2011, he founded SR Agro Farms, empowering over 100 local farmers with healthy chicks, quality feed, and bird care training. Expanding his vision, he launched SR’s Daily Nutrition, ensuring fresh, nutritious poultry reaches consumers. Dr. Rajesh's eco-friendly initiatives include rainwater harvesting and solar energy. Honored for his contributions, he remains dedicated to revolutionizing poultry farming, empowering farmers, and promoting environmental sustainability.

4. Advocate Barun Kumar Ray

Advocate Barun Kumar Ray is a distinguished legal professional known for his intellect, prudence, and extraordinary presence of mind. Upholding ethics, hard work, and honesty, he has built a reputation as a trusted advocate. With expertise in civil rights litigation, eviction litigation, and landlord-tenant disputes, he is dedicated to delivering justice and protecting the rights of his clients. His deep understanding of the law and unwavering commitment to ethical practices make him a dependable ally in resolving complex legal matters. Advocate Barun Kumar Ray exemplifies excellence and integrity in every case he undertakes, ensuring his clients receive unparalleled representation.

5. Dr. Kavyachand Yalamudi (Khavyaa)

Dr Kavyachand is the visionary Director and CEO of Khavyaa Hospitals and Khavyaa Diagnostic Wellness. Renowned as a Hormone Specialist, Diabetologist, and Physician, Dr. Khavyaa has transformed countless lives with over 6 lakh satisfied patients. With a passion for holistic healthcare and wellness, Dr. Khavyaa blends cutting-edge medical advancements with a patient-centric approach. Under her leadership, Khavyaa Hospitals have become a beacon of trust and innovation in the healthcare industry. Her commitment to excellence and compassionate care has made her a leading figure in promoting health and wellness nationwide. Khavyaa Wellness clinics have carved a niche in the wellness industry by promoting the Emotional, social, spiritual, and overall holistic wellness development of patients

6. Animesh Kumar

Animesh Kumar a seasoned digital marketing professional from Noida, hails from the quaint town of Jamui in Bihar. With a BTech in Computer Science, he brings over 10 years of experience in digital and social media branding. Specializing in empowering startups, Animesh has successfully strategized and implemented campaigns that drive growth and engagement. 

7. Arpita Sharma 

Arpita Sharma, founder and principal architect of Atelier Astil, has made a deep-rooted global impact with vision and philosophy. Arpita founded Atelier Astil only at 22, specialise in ultra-luxury homes, schools, tech parks, and commercial spaces, her designs blend functionality, sustainability, and cutting-edge materials. Projects span across India, Europe, the Middle East, United Kingdom including unique luxury residences for Builders, high-rise homes for seniors in Devanahalli, Bangalore, tech parks wit,h and niche commercial spaces like Amsterdam Barber Company in the Netherlands. She forayed into institution design for NPS Schools Bangalore to make a change for children. Her ambition extends beyond luxury design. With a drive to make a difference she and her team also take part in competitions for a difference like nursery schools in Sub-Saharan Africa, for the needy. Recognized for her visionary work, Arpita has received prestigious awards and is reshaping architecture while putting young Indian women entrepreneurs at the forefront.

8. Gopal Verma

Gopal Verma is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of sales experience and 12 years in performance marketing. Renowned for his expertise in signal-based marketing, he has successfully driven ROI-focused campaigns and improved customer engagement. With certifications from Google Ads and LinkedIn, Gopal combines strategic thinking and digital marketing expertise to deliver transformative results. His extensive experience includes lead generation, e-commerce growth, and sales mentoring, making him a valuable asset to organizations seeking sustained growth

9. Archana Jain

Archana Jain, a Mumbai-based social entrepreneur, is the founder of the Florian Foundation, an NGO dedicated to empowering underprivileged communities. With over a decade of impactful social work, she has transformed countless lives through education, healthcare, and women’s empowerment initiatives. Archana’s self-funded programs focus on providing quality education for children, nutritional and medical support for the needy, and fostering independence among women by helping them establish small businesses. Her relentless dedication has made the Florian Foundation a beacon of hope, driving sustainable development and creating a brighter future for India’s underserved populations.

10. CP Sharma - Founder, Shadi Events 

With over two decades of unparalleled experience, Mr. C.P. Sharma has established himself as a prominent figure in the wedding and events industry. Hailing from Paliya, Fatehabad (Agra) he has honed his expertise by working with leading advertising agencies, magazines, and television channels in Delhi and Mumbai. Driven by a vision to redefine wedding management in North India, Mr. Sharma founded Shadi Events, a venture that quickly became synonymous with luxury and destination weddings in India and abroad. Under his exceptional leadership, Shadi Events has successfully orchestrated over 2500 weddings, solidifying its reputation as one of the top names in the industry. As a distinguished wedding planner in Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, Mr. Sharma has collaborated with renowned celebrities, musical bands, anchors, and artists, making Shadi Events a leader in the wedding entertainment sector. His dedication to quality and innovation continues to set new benchmarks in the world of luxury wedding planning.