India is on the cusp of massive change, and a fresh wave of leaders is stepping up to make it happen. These Impactful Leaders of 2025 aren’t just running companies—they’re pushing for innovation, sustainability, and real impact across sectors like education, business, and healthcare. They’re blending bold ideas with a focus on people and the planet, helping build a stronger, more inclusive India. Let’s meet some of these trailblazers and see how they’re driving progress.
Dr. Arti Khosla, founder and CEO of COAE International, is shaking up education with her global expertise. She’s a top thought leader who won the Best Woman Entrepreneur in Conformity Assessments in Education award. Dr. Khosla sparks conversations on how standards, tech, and innovation can revamp learning worldwide. As a speaker and mentor, she pushes schools beyond simple rankings, treating quality systems as tools for excellence and growth. She helps women-led startups align their operations with big dreams right from the start. Her knack for breaking down tough management issues has won over policymakers and educators in nearly 40 countries. At COAE, her AI-powered AAAS framework leads academic audits that have boosted quality for thousands of teachers across India. Visionary and connected, Dr. Khosla shows how quality standards can transform education globally.
Aditya Aggarwal, founder and CEO of Spaceman Spirits Lab Pvt. Ltd., is flipping the script on Indian craft spirits. This UCLA grad in business economics started in consulting at PwC in Los Angeles, working with giants like Sony Pictures and Snapchat. In 2020, he came back to India to chase his passion for food, bars, and stories. He launched award-winning brands like SAMSARA Gin, SITARA Rum, and AMARA Vodka, mixing Indian heritage with luxury vibes. SSL now spans 12 states and exports to the UAE, Canada, UK, Germany, and Poland—even landing spots in Waitrose stores. Hitting ₹65 crore in sales and moving 360,000 bottles a year, Aggarwal’s brands prove Indian craftsmanship can shine on the world stage.
Anooja Bashir’s story screams resilience and smart pivots. With a civil engineering degree from Mahatma Gandhi University, she kicked off in Dubai’s real estate but found her spark in sales and marketing while teaching. Failures early on only sharpened her edge. Drawing from IIM Bangalore’s branding know-how and Wharton’s marketing strategies, she built Ourea, which has shaped over 1,000 brands for growth. As co-founder of FlexiCloud—a Forbes Top 200 Startup—she’s revolutionizing cloud management with a PaaS platform. Now an entrepreneur, author, mentor, and investor, Bashir empowers startups and ecosystems, turning challenges into triumphs.
Asma Kahali, owner of Rimbaa Oak Global Pte Ltd, leads with trust and bold moves. She co-founded the company, which now trades gold, arms, and ammunition while prioritizing quality and sustainability. Kahali’s foresight has grown it into a global player. Outside business, she convenes BRICS CCI Women Empowerment, boosting women leaders worldwide. Her path highlights courage and adaptability, making Rimbaa Oak a symbol of purpose-driven success.
Chandan Sharma, director of Ultra Flex Pvt Ltd, upholds a 40-year family legacy in packaging while eyeing a greener future. As the third-generation boss of a top Indian manufacturer, he roots everything in ethics and balance. Sharma pioneered biodegradable VCI films, one of the first in India, showing innovation and responsibility can go hand in hand. He’s expanding exports and diving into food products that promote health and nutrition. For him, leadership means harmonizing growth, legacy, and care for people and the environment.
Gunjan Ruparelia, co-founder and CEO of AutoDukan, is modernizing India’s massive automobile aftermarket. He turns a messy sector into a smooth, tech-savvy hub that serves insurers, workshops, and fleets with quick, honest service. Ruparelia’s deep know-how and vision make AutoDukan a go-to for mobility solutions. He’s proving how Indian innovators can tackle big problems, setting standards for Asia’s auto industry with scale and real impact.
Hemant Rohera, CEO of Rohera Inc, dreams big in energy and healthcare. With patents under his belt, he’s creating game-changers like the Hybrid Power Pack, which boosts energy storage safely for cars and renewables. His Smart Vehicle Console pulls power from various sources to make transport cleaner and smarter. Then there’s eMedica, a device using VCF Therapy to strengthen immunity and speed recovery—it’s even featured in journals. Rohera’s projects in sustainable living remind us tech should make life better, inspiring the next wave of humane innovation.
Mahindra Kumar Desai, founder and CMD of JMC Hotels & Resorts Group, is expanding India’s hospitality scene. With over 30 properties in three states and 30 years of experience, he’s targeting 100+ hotels by 2030, creating jobs for 10,000 families. JMC launches Deotel Hotels & Resorts for budget-savvy travelers and Mint Tree Hotels for upscale luxury. They partner with owners of 25-150 room properties via management or revenue shares. Check out www.deotels.com or www.jmchotels.com to join the growth—where hospitality meets top-tier excellence.
Dr. Ravi Gaur, MD Pathology and chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at Oncquest Laboratories Ltd, plus founder of DRG Path Labs, has spent 40 years in healthcare. From remote Indian outposts to today’s tech boom, he’s seen it all. Gaur stresses blending automation with human touch—AI helps, but compassion heals. As healthcare evolves fast, he pushes for adaptable, heartfelt solutions that put patients first.
Rekha Atri, founder of iKargos.com, helps MSMEs conquer global trade. Her platform simplifies imports, exports, and logistics with tech and insights on geopolitics. As a women-led firm, iKargos promotes diversity in a male-dominated field and creates jobs in tier-2 cities. Atri’s work boosts supply chain efficiency, transparency, and India’s edge in international business.
Shaju Thomas, founder and CMD of Popees Baby Care, started small in Kerala’s Thiruvali but built a global brand since 2003. From B2B to e-commerce and 100+ stores—including in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi—Popees reaches families everywhere. Products pass 30+ quality checks, follow GOTS standards, and use bamboo-organic cotton. Loved by 100 million babies, with 2,000 artisans crafting each item, Popees has earned Forbes nods and awards. It shows passion and tiny steps can spark worldwide impact.
These Impactful Leaders of 2025 highlight India’s rising stars in sustainable business, women empowerment, and tech-driven growth. They’re not just succeeding—they’re paving the way for a brighter, more connected future.
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