In pharma, fame goes to the brands on the billboard. The real foundation is invisible – the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient, made to exacting standards in factories most people will never see. It is in that hidden layer that Dr. Satish Wagh spent four decades building an empire.In 1987, from a single factory in Maharashtra’s industrial hinterland, he founded Supriya Lifescience on a clear conviction: Indian chemistry, practised to world-class regulatory standards, could serve the world.That conviction is now a global benchmark. Supriya is the world’s leading manufacturer of anti-histamine APIs, holding approvals from over 33 global regulatory authorities, present in 120 countries, and serving more than 2,000 customers. Its 30% plus EBITDA margins are no accident – they are the premium that quality commands in complex, high-barrier segments where few compete. “With a vision to conduct ethical business, provide employment opportunities, and contribute to the growth of the economy, I started this company,” Dr. Wagh has said.In 2024, he transitioned to Executive Chairman, entrusting leadership to the next generation. The company endures. The molecule, as always, quietly travels on.2. Where Ambition Meets Curriculum
At ISBM University, Gariaband, Chhattisgarh, Dr. Vinay Agrawal is redefining private higher education.Founded in 2016, the NAAC-accredited, AACSB-recognised university was built on one resolve — to bridge the gap between what universities teach and what industry needs.Offering programs across management, technology, law, pharmacy, science and arts, including MBA in 25 specializations, ISBM focuses on capability over credentials.“Reading and writing alone don’t make you literate. Failing to learn and relearn makes you stagnant,” says Dr. Agrawal, certified as the world’s youngest Chancellor by World Book of Records, UK.3. The Renaissance Leader: Chandni Kapadia’s Journey Across Industries
Chandni Kapadia stands as a renaissance professional spanning fashion, corporate leadership, law and academic administration.Trained at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology and with an MBA from London School of Economics, she spearheaded Starbucks’ entry into India and led international brands like Accessorize and Calvin Klein as Country Head and Asia-Pacific leader.Pursuing law alongside executive roles, she earned eleven gold medals.For a decade, she has transformed GLS University through collaborations with Harvard and Newcastle University. Honoured as Asia’s Most Trusted Leader at House of Lords, London, she is also a TEDx speaker and animal welfare advocate.4. Sanjay Kalika Mishra: A Journey of Resilience and Empathy
Hailing from a lower-middle-class family, Sanjay Kalika Mishra turned scarcity and setbacks into strength.From a teaching job in Kolkata — the City of Joy — he found hope and direction. In 2000, with partner Vijay Arora, he founded Apex Insurance Consultant (AICL) in a rented basement — India’s first organized crisis management firm for doctors.Twenty-five years on, AICL has supported over one lakh medical professionals with insurance, legal and medico-legal solutions.Today, Mishra also runs a production house for socially impactful films and mentors rural youth, blending entrepreneurship with social commitment.5. Developing IP That Advances Global Healthcare
Dr. Satya Vadlamani, Chairperson & Managing Director of Murli Krishna Pharma Pvt. Ltd. (MKPPL), is driving innovation in novel drug delivery systems.From Armour Chemicals in 1992 to General Manager, International Marketing at Ajanta Pharma, she founded Murlikrishna Exports in 1997 and co-founded MKPPL in 2004 with Dr. Vijay K. Shastri.Under her leadership, MKPPL, accredited by EU, WHO-GMP and GCC, has pioneered nanoparticle and transdermal technologies, including a Transdermal Liposomal Lotion for ‘Anemia Mukt Bharat’.Today, MKPPL serves 200+ companies globally with over $25 million turnover, expanding to Dubai, US and Europe.6.CanBoo Founder Kamesh Salam Champions Bamboo as Green Gold
Kamesh Salam, CEO & Founder of CanBoo (Cane & Bamboo Value Chain Management), is transforming bamboo into a climate-smart, industrial material. With over 25 years of expertise spanning processing, engineered applications, infrastructure and skill development, he bridges grassroots livelihoods with organized industry.His bamboo-based projects with GAIL showcase sustainable, low-carbon infrastructure. Founder of World Bamboo Day (Sept 18) and Co-Founder of Global Bamboo Summit, he has collaborated with UNIDO, World Bamboo Organization and National Bamboo Mission.Hailing from Manipur, Salam champions engineered bamboo for Viksit Bharat, advancing green growth, rural entrepreneurship and circular economy in India.7. Empowering Communities, Saving Lives: KNS Group’s Healthcare Vision
Dr. Madhulika Singh, Chancellor of Bodhisattva University and Chairperson of KNS Memorial Group, is transforming healthcare in Uttar Pradesh.Founded in 1999 by Dr. K N Singh and Dr. Madhulika Singh, the Lucknow-based KNS Memorial Group runs 1800+ beds across super-specialty hospitals and academic institutions including KNS Institute of Medical Sciences, Hospital and Paramedical.With 500+ doctors, it leads in neurology, cardiology, nephrology and more, while driving affordable care, women’s health, rural outreach, a 150-bed charitable hospital in Jalalpur, and nursing and paramedical education.8. Payal Kapoor Advocates Indian Art as Scalable Business
Payal Kapoor, Founder-Director of Arushi Arts Gallery, has championed Indian contemporary and tribal art for over 25 years.Through Arushi Arts, she has curated over 300 exhibitions since 1993, taking Indian art to global platforms. Her signature initiative, Harvest Annual Art Show launched in 2001, is now one of India’s largest annual art exhibitions, with its catalogue placed in the Library of Congress, Washington DC.Co-founder of Artix art fair and speaker at Davos 2026, Kapoor elevates artists like Baua Devi from craft fairs to modern galleries, promoting art as a sustainable, creative business.9. Made in India, Trusted Worldwide: Nirmal’s Journey
Mr. Vikas Desai, Director, Nirmal Industrial Controls Pvt. Ltd.!For over 50 years, Nirmal Industrial Controls Pvt. Ltd., established in 1973, has been a symbol of engineering excellence in pressure regulators, safety valves and gas conditioning solutions.With ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 certified systems and a state-of-the-art facility at Asangaon, Maharashtra, Nirmal serves Oil & Gas, Power, Pharma, Steel and Nuclear sectors globally.Approved by leading international Oil & Gas majors and certified with PED-CE, ASME, ATEX, Nirmal pioneered European certifications in India. Nearly 50% of its plant power now comes from solar, driving sustainable growth.10. Ms. Urmila DwivedFounder & President – Urmila Foundation
Ms. Urmila Dwivedi is a dedicated social worker, educator, writer, and community leader with over 25 years of experience in social service. Her work focuses on empowering women, supporting underprivileged communities, promoting education, providing food assistance, environmental protection, and rural development. Driven by compassion, justice, and a deep commitment to humanity, she established Urmila Foundation – A Helping Hand, formally registered as a Public Trust on 18 August 2025, to continue her mission of transforming lives and spreading hope.She transformed struggle into strength, compassion into action, and service into her life’s purpose.11.The Evolution of Aesthetic Medicine: Beauty Meets Wellness
Aesthetic medicine is no longer just about looks — it’s about balance between beauty, wellness and longevity, says Dr. Geetika.“Patients today want to feel healthier, energized and confident from within,” she notes.Championing prevention over correction, she focuses on collagen banking and combines aesthetics with longevity therapies like Emsculpt Neo, Hyperbaric Oxygen With non-surgical technologies such as Ultherapy PRIME, Emface, Morpheus8 and next-gen lasers Soprano Titanium and Triton, Dr. Geetika says the future is personalized care to optimize health and age confidently.Content Produced by NBT Leadership Excellence Summit 2026