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Prabha Khaitan Foundation
अपनी भाषा, अपने लोग
Srinjoy Chowdhury is a distinguished journalist, author, and quizmaster with over four decades of experience in Indian media. He began his journalism career in 1984 with Sunday in Kolkata and has since worked with leading publications including The Telegraph and The Statesman in both Kolkata and New Delhi. In 2005, he joined Times Now, where he currently serves as Consulting Editor, National Affairs.
His areas of expertise include foreign policy, national security, and sports journalism. His acclaimed books include Despatches from Kargil, a frontline account of the Kargil War, Flight into Fear (co-authored with Captain Devi Sharan), on the hijacking of IC-814 to Kandahar, as well as the Puffin Quiz Books series and Football Fever. Notably, Flight into Fear has been adapted into a Netflix series.
Apart from journalism and writing, Srinjoy Chowdhury has contributed extensively to academia and public discourse through essays on international relations, media, and geopolitics. He has taught at Rashtriya Raksha University and other institutions, and is also known for conducting a popular monthly quiz in New Delhi. Through his work as a journalist, author, educator, and quizmaster, he continues to influence public understanding of current affairs, media, and global issues.
Arijit Dutta Choudhury is a distinguished science museum professional and science communication expert with over four decades of experience in the development, management, and modernization of science museums and cultural institutions in India. A mechanical engineer by training, he served as the Director General of the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Government of India, until March 2026.
Over the course of his career, he played a pivotal role in establishing and upgrading numerous science cities, science centres, planetariums, and thematic museums across the country. He served as Director of Science City, Kolkata, for nearly a decade and later led NCSM as Director General, spearheading major national initiatives in science communication, museum modernization, and experiential learning.
He has been closely associated with landmark projects including the National Museum of Indian Cinema in Mumbai, the Virtual Experiential Museum at Man Mahal, Varanasi, and several travelling science exhibitions developed in collaboration with international institutions such as the Science Museum Group, London. He also oversaw the launch of mobile science exhibition buses in aspirational districts across India and played a key role in organizing major cultural and museum initiatives under the Ministry of Culture.
In addition to his role at NCSM, he held additional charge as Director of the Indian Museum, where he led significant modernization and restoration initiatives. He has represented India at several international conferences and forums on science communication and museum studies across the USA, Australia, Belgium, China, and Finland.
Through his leadership and vision, Arijit Dutta Choudhury has made enduring contributions to science education, museum innovation, and public engagement with science and culture in India.
Dr. K. Sreenivasarao, the Former Secretary of Sahitya Akademi is a distinguished scholar, literary administrator, and cultural thinker with over three decades of experience in the field of literature and literary institution management in India. Dr. Sreenivasarao holds a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. in English Literature and has been conferred the honorary D.Litt. by Shaheed Mahendra Karma Vishwavidyalaya, Chhattisgarh. Over the years, he has presented research papers at various academic forums and institutions across India and abroad. He is also the author of several notable works.
Dr. Sreenivasarao has been associated with several prestigious institutions and committees including the Press Council of India, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Bennett University, National School of Drama, and the Planning-cum-Monitoring Board of Classical Language Centres under the Ministry of Education, Government of India. He has also served on the selection boards of major literary awards and cultural institutions such as the Bharatiya Jnanpith, Sangeet Natak Akademi, and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.
His contributions to literature and cultural administration have been recognized through numerous honours. In 2024, he also received a World Record Certificate from Einstein World Records, Dubai, for organizing the world’s largest literature festival, the Festival of Letters 2024.
Sumitra Ray has a teaching career that spans almost 38 years wherein she has donned many hats – a Teacher, an Author, a proficient Coordinator, Student Advisor and a Career Counsellor. She has been associated with some of the most prestigious educational institutions of Kolkata such as La Martiniere for Boys, St. James’ School, St. Mary’s School and Armenian College to name a few. She has authored middle-school level Geography textbooks, edited textbooks and atlas for Pearson Longman and Good Luck Publishers Ltd., collaborated with Cambridge University Press for classes 6 – 8 and Frank Educational Aids for classes 3 – 5.
Soumitra Mitra is a distinguished theatre director, actor, recitation artist, and cultural personality with decades of contribution to Indian theatre and literary arts. A postgraduate in Bengali literature, he has worked with eminent theatre stalwarts and was associated with renowned groups. Since 2004, he founded his own theatre group and has been producing several acclaimed plays and directing numerous notable productions. His work spans theatre, television, cinema, and literature, with several books and recitation albums to his credit. He has represented Indian theatre across major international cultural platforms.
Dhwani Vohra plays a key role in executing events that celebrate literature, arts, and culture across India.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from University of Mumbai and a Master’s degree in Applied Psychology (Counselling), with a specialisation in working with children, from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. Her academic grounding informs her sensitivity to people and narratives – an approach she brings into her professional work.
Dhwani is deeply interested in crafts, cultures, and food, and enjoys travelling to immerse herself in the essence of places. Her strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and intuitive understanding of cultural spaces enable her to curate and manage events that are both meaningful and impactful.
Mourya Boda holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law and a Master’s degree in Business Management. Both have contributed immensely to her success as an animal biotech entrepreneur. She currently serves as the Chairperson at Brilliant Bio Pharma Private Limited, a company engaged in the manufacturing of veterinary biologicals and medicines.
The company’s 10KL-capacity bioreactors for cell propagation and virus production are a first in India, and its Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) containment manufacturing facility is the largest in the world.
At present, Boda is a Governing Body Member of the Blue Cross of Hyderabad and a former Governing Body Member of FICCI FLO, New Delhi. She has also previously chaired the Hyderabad Chapter of the Young FICCI Ladies Organization.
Over the last decade and a half of her entrepreneurial journey, Boda has understood the immense value a company can generate by prioritizing its people over profits, and she has successfully scaled her business manifold.
An integral part of the Foundation since its formation/establishment days. Mohan Kumar is often fondly referred to as the Trouble-shooter. He holds a Bachelors in Philosophy and is a keen painter. Biking is his passion and speeds off at every possible opportunity across the country. The Foundations legal and property aspects are overseen by his experienced competence. He is also responsible for the archiving and managing Late Dr Prabha Khaitan writings and literature.
Manisha is an Alumni of Jadavpur University, having graduated with Business administration and specialization in Marketing, she pursued her M.A in Media & Cultural Studies from the University of Essex, England. She holds a Diploma in Fine Arts with distinction in Theory and Painting. A leader by instinct she anchors the Foundation’s branding and activities with utmost excellence and precision. A keen pianist, she spends her free time with books and brushes.
Cathy holds a bachelor degree in English Literature and a Master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism with a special paper on International Relations from Calcutta University. An avid reader, she has a keen penchant for travel. She dabbles in blogs and poetry whenever she gets time from the various responsibilities of the Foundation. A multi-tasker she coordinates and manages events with special focus on Literature and the Performing Arts. She is responsible for developing partnerships and programmes with cultural institutes and universities overseas. Her graceful PR skills reflect the essence of the Foundation befittingly.
Anindita completed her post grad from Jadavpur University, with International Relations as her specialization. A pupil of Carmel High School she has worked with leading Media and Publication houses such as ABP Pvt Ltd, TOI, India Today. Being a trained Classical danseur, she performs regularly and participates in various cultural activities. An avid reader she pillars the Foundations’ activities with her acute organizational skills and grace.
Praneet Bubber is an accomplished architect, entrepreneur, and community leader dedicated to cultural heritage and women’s empowerment. With a Master’s in Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design, USA, she began her career in New York before founding Studios PMB in India, with offices in Chennai and Amritsar. She also leads Living by Studios PMB, a bespoke furniture design brand.
Praneet is the founder of Phulkari Women of Amritsar (Phulkari WOA), the city’s first and largest women’s organization, now active in Jalandhar as well. Under her leadership, Punjab’s first cervical cancer awareness and screening initiative reached over 6.5 lakh people. Phulkari WOA is recognized for its work in healthcare, education, and the environment.
A strong voice for heritage preservation, she has advised on Amritsar’s walled city redevelopment and the reuse of the Old Town Hall as the Partition Museum. She recently founded Five River Art Gallery, the city’s first commercial art gallery showcasing work from across India.
A member of the Crafts Council of India and World Crafts Council, Praneet actively supports literature, design, and mentoring young women in architecture. She was named a top entrepreneur to watch by Business World in 2025.
Neelima Dalmia Adhar, daughter of Shri Ramkrishna Dalmia, the first Indian owner of The Times of India, and Padma Bhushan awardee Smt. Dinesh Nandini Dalmia, grew up in a unique Marwari household in Delhi. With a background in Psychology from the Delhi University, Neelima became a fearless author known for her candid writings. Her first book, Father Dearest (2003), was said to have exposed closely guarded family secrets, while her second book, a novel, Merchants of Death (2007) unveiled the duplicity of orthodox Marwari society. The Secret Diary of Kasturba (2016) her third book offers a peek into the life of Gandhi’s wife. It was launched in New York. Her fourth book, Radha: The Princess of Barsana (2024 ) is already scaling the bestseller lists.
A keen observer of human behaviour, she writes oddities and quirkiness with raw honesty. She is keenly involved in the promotion of arts, literature, languages, Indian heritage and culture. The Honorary Convener of Delhi NCR Affairs of the Prabha Khaitan Foundation, she engages in world-wide activities to promote books, art, languages and a host of humanitarian projects across the globe.
Hailing from one of Lucknow’s most illustrious and socially prominent families, Madhuri Halwasiya has been closely associated with FICCI FLO’s Lucknow chapter since its inception and served as Chairperson in 2019. A certified Sujok practitioner, she runs a free clinic for patients across age groups and backgrounds. She also oversees CSR initiatives for the B.P. Halwasiya Foundation, a key force for social change in the region.
Currently, Madhuri serves as President of the Deaf Women’s Welfare Foundation, empowering hearing-impaired women, and as Secretary of Samvad Samajik Sansthan, which supports marginalized communities. She is also associated with Navyug Radiance Senior Secondary School and Cheshire Home, and serves as the Honorary Convenor of Awadh Affairs for the Prabha Khaitan Foundation.
Recognized by the Governor of Uttar Pradesh for her tireless service, Madhuri continues to inspire countless women through her commitment to education, culture, and grassroots social empowerment in Lucknow and beyond.
A lawyer by education and educationist by profession Aakriti is the perfect combination of compassion and intellect. Having practiced International Trade Law prior to shifting to Jaipur, she has been involved in the Jayshree Periwal Group of Schools since. Aakriti plays a pivotal role in motivating students towards community service work and her student run NGOs have gained tremendous momentum. In her pursuance of overall development in children she has been the central figure in crafting a curriculum for her students that enable them to get both academic and extracurricular exposure on equal purview. The Foundation has tread global waters holding her strong hands of international understandings.
Esha Dutta is an entrepreneur and cultural advocate, serving as Director of Priya Entertainments Pvt. Ltd. (PEPL), a pioneering company in film, entertainment, and hospitality. Under its banner, PEPL produced classics by Satyajit Ray and Tapan Sinha, while its distribution arm, Piyali Films, has supported Bengali cinema for decades. The company also owns the iconic Priya single-screen theatre in South Kolkata and operates Eco Adventure Resorts, alongside Esha’s own popular restaurant, Burnt Garlic.
Actively engaged in Kolkata’s cultural and social life, she is a committee member of The Bengal, Joint Convener of Pronam with Kolkata Police for senior citizens, and trustee at Ashari, the local branch of People for Animals. She has served on the Women Empowerment Committee of ICC, Kolkata, and is also part of Ehsaas, the women’s initiative of the Prabha Khaitan Foundation. A member of the Properties Sub Committee at Tollygunge Club, Esha continues to blend business, culture, and social responsibility with equal passion.
Apra has always believed that her calling is in community service and giving back to the society. With this vision in mind she has founded WE CARE-an initiative to promote women, youth, art and culture. She has worked for a unique Project -Newspaper in Education (NIE), where education was provided through newspaper to underprivileged students and runs a successful furniture business. Apra Kuchhal is the Executive Secretary of Rajasthan Forum and represented India in UK, as an ambassador for cultural peace, understanding and vocational training by Rotary International. She was chosen as a woman leader to represent India in the Fortune/U.S. State Department Global Mentoring Program and is an alumna of Global Ambassadors Program. Apra is a VV Grow fellow, an Independent Director in a Public limited company, listed with Bombay Stock Exchange along with being a part of the Sexual Harassment Committee, Ethics Committee of a Nationalized Bank & renowned Hospital. A Rajasthan State Council member of Confederation of Indian Industries, she is also an active member of the Young Indians. She is the former chairperson of FICCI FLO Jaipur Chapter Armed with her love for literature and cultural activities, she plays a key role in overseeing the workings of the Foundation’s activities and member participation.
A trained Kathak dancer, she pursued Humanities specializing in Commercial Art. She has done notable work for the socio-economic upliftment of the Sabla girls, Aaganbari in Gajsinghpura, Jaipur and other areas .Various activities have been undertaken by her to enable the physically challenged as well as young girls to become self- reliant and knowledgeable. She is on the advisory board of important power plants in Rajasthan. Vinnie Kakkar also sits on the investment committee of Shyam group for new projects. She has served as Chairperson of FLO Jaipur 2012-13 the Women Wing of Federation of Indian Chambers Of Commerce and Industry. In 2011 she participated & successfully completed Family Business & Succession from Indian School of Business (ISB) Hyderabad and Leadership and Entrepreneurship Skill Development in 2013, from Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad. In 2014 Empowering Women in Family Business, from INSEAD, Fontainebleau, France, as well as Strategic Management Programme from Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore.
Her vast business acumen has helped us steer our work path productively.
An author, speaker, columnist, blogger, art collector and a wildlife enthusiast, he has authored three books and delivered lectures in eminent Universities including New York University, Oxford Business College, and the like. He completed his master’s in Hindi, Business Management from London and Corporate Management from Japan. Despite being a modern visionary, he remains extremely entrenched to his roots. Mr. Bhutoria hails from an illustrious industrialist family but chose to follow his heart and dedicate his time and efforts in promoting social welfare and cultural activities. He has represented India in the United Nations Associations and has been featured as one of the 50 youth figures that India can look up to, by the Asia Magazine in 2005.
He has initiated various national and international events to promote causes ranging from wild life conservation, education of the under-privileged children, woman empowerment, promotion and preservation of Indian literature and folk culture. The House of Lords, London, too has felicitated his chosen field of work. Mr. Bhutoria visited China as a member of the Indian Delegation on Peace and Goodwill and participated as the Judge in the 3rd Asia Pacific Model United Nations (MUN) Conference held at Incheon (South Korea) hosted by the Republic of South Korea.
He was the Secretary of the Youth Taskforce – World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) held in New York and remains the Treasurer of WFUNA world body. Mr. Bhutoria was also appointed Special Advisor to WFUNA Secretary-General on Youth Affairs in the 185th WFUNA Executive Committee in Geneva.His contribution towards the cause of welfare for Senior Citizens yielded Pronam – an outreach program started in collaboration with Kolkata Police. He is the Hony. Secretary-General of The Bengal – a Kolkata-based NGO of eminent citizens along with being the Secretary of Rajasthan Foundation Kolkata Chapter, an autonomous body initiated by the Government of Rajasthan. Mr. Bhutoria remains resolutely dedicated towards his vision to empower women and spread knowledge to all levels of the society.
Mr. H. M. Bangur is a Chemical Engineer from IIT, Mumbai. Mr. Bangur took over the reins of Shree Cement Limited (SCL) in 1991 as its Chief Executive Officer. He has successfully and most profitably expanded the business from a single plant of 0.6 Million Tonne to 40.4 million Tonne (44.4 Million Tonne – Group as a Whole) with 750 MW of power generating capacity. Under his able stewardship, market capitalization of the company has increased from Rs.35 Crore to over Rs. 85,000 Crore.
Mr. Bangur pioneered in introducing the concept of Waste Heat Recovery (WHR) boilers in cement industry in India. SCL with a capacity of over 211 MW WHR based boilers can boast of highest such capacity in the industry, not only in India but across the world outside of China.
His dedication and commercial acumen has earned the company the most prestigious award from Whitehopleman, an International Benchmarking Firm of U.K., reviews Cement Plants across the globe. They have accorded “5-Star” ranking for excellence in manufacturing. This was the first time that any Cement Factory in the world have attained this distinction in the Whitehopleman star ranking system of last 18 years.
Mr. Bangur is President of Rajasthan Foundation, Kolkata Chapter. He was the President of the Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) between 2007 and 2009 and Ex-executive Member of FICCI. He has been awarded with the prestigious “Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2016” and “Forbes Leadership Award 2017”.
Mr. Bangur is actively associated with managing and overseeing the philanthropic activities of the Group particularly in the field of education, charitable hospital and social welfare trust. He is also Chairman of “The Bengal”, an NGO actively engaged with Kolkata Police to provide all possible help to the old age people living alone.