12 changemakers in 2026 shaping India's future

In the year 2026, the changemakers in India showcase an extraordinary combination of execution, accountability and vision. Not only do they provide services to customers, they create systems within which customers, employees, investors, and communities can all be assured of receiving a quality experience. The combination of these characteristics, along with a focus on innovation, efficiency in the use of capital, and responsible growth creates a foundation for these organisations to grow and develop rapidly in the fast changing and unpredictable business climate. The introduction of technology integrated with mutually beneficial human-centred solutions has positioned them as a major player in the enterprise and innovation sector worldwide.

1. Adarsh Narahari - Founder & Managing Director of Primus Senior Living & Marzi by Primus

Adarsh Narahari works towards changing the way society views aging through the work he does at Primus Senior Living as an Aging Experience Designer. Adarsh's passion for work in this area has led to the development of a platform focused on enhancing older adults’ quality of life. As part of this development, he introduced the concept of the "Invisible Decline Curve" where older adults see reductions in their physical activity, social connections, curiosity and overall purpose as they age. To combat those challenges, he created a solution called Marzi here.

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2. Nandini Mahant – Founder & Creative Director, Sorta Famous

Nandini Mahant is the founder and creative director of Sorta Famous, an established PR agency and social media marketing powerhouse based out of Mumbai. Nandini is one of those rare entrepreneurs who have redefined the concept of leadership by merging business acumen with empathy. When Nandini set up Sorta Famous, it did not mean establishing a conventional PR agency but creating stories. For Nandini, it’s not about making sure a brand gets noticed, it is about getting its message heard through stories that reflect clarity, credibility, and authenticity. In addition to this, Nandini is also the co-founder of luxury jewellery brand Ambar House.

3. Varun Singh, Founder & Managing Partner, Foresight Law

Varun Singh is a forward-looking change-maker who represents a new age of legal, innovative, and futuristic strategies in the fast-changing Indian landscape. As the Founder of Foresight, India’s leading strategic, client-focused legal solutions firm, he promotes the adoption of a forward-looking approach in handling legal and policy issues. His professional expertise lies in bridging existing legal traditions and new-age innovations. He offers companies insight into complex situations. With a forward-looking strategy, Varun is playing a key role in revolutionising the legal system and driving change through sustainable and ethical means.

4. Aryaman Sethi, Managing Director of AnYahh!! Art Delhi and Dubai

Could you ever imagine walking into an art gallery and not being judged, overcharged, or intimidated? Aryaman Sethi, Managing Director of AnYahh!! Art is building exactly that experience. At a time when art is often perceived as exclusive and inaccessible, the brand challenges long-standing industry norms by introducing transparency in pricing and removing the elitism that has historically defined galleries. Through innovations like home trials, art on rent, and EMI-backed purchases, AnYahh!! Art is not just selling art, but reshaping how people live with it. With a growing presence across Delhi and Dubai, the brand is leading a shift towards a more inclusive and experience-driven art culture

5. Mr. Santosh Kumar Sahu - Co-Founder of Gogreen

Mr. Santosh Kumar Sahu has developed an expansive logistics network based on agriculture utilizing only locally sourced materials. More than 2,000 warehouses are managed by Mr. Sahu's company, and they are used to ship 3 million metric tons of agricultural products every month to 25 different states of India! Their philosophy is to increase funding to the agriculture industry by using sound management principles for waste materials and applying scientific principles; their research has also resulted in establishing complete financing models for grain production that total over ₹300 billion (INR) annually.

6. Jerrin Jos – CEO & Co-Founder of Verteil Technologies

Jerrin Jos has changed the way airlines can deliver their service. Having over seventy-five international airlines as his clients, Jerrin offers an easy way to all travel agents whether corporate or non-IATA, to have access to the airline's product. All of this took Jerrin several years in the travel business to establish.

7. Souvir Kashyup – Principal Advisor, Arthaone Capital

Souvir Kashyup is known for simplifying financial concepts and giving more power to the investor. Being a Principal Advisor in Arthaone Capital, he provides his clients with easy-to-understand financial concepts such as asset management and financial regulations like IEPF. He works in a manner that ensures that clients have all the information they need to invest properly.

8. Abhishek Chauhan – India Head & Senior Engineering Executive, Sonatype

Abhishek Chauhan is a firm believer of people centric environment and plays a significant role in building Sonatype India into an high impact innovation hub that aligns with global trends in AI based DevSecOps. His design thinking capabilities help in fostering diversity and encouraging high performing technology talent.

9. Mr. Manish Dabkara - Chairman & Managing Director, EKI Energy Services; President, Carbon Markets Association of India

Mr. Manish Dabkara is a renowned Indian environmentalist who has spearheaded the country’s initiatives related to climate change. Environmental stewardship has long been at the core of his work, even at a time when climate action was still in its nascent stages. Under his leadership, EKI has built a strong foundation for climate-positive initiatives that emerging climate leaders can draw inspiration from and advance as the global climate action evolves. EKI, his brainchild, continues to engage with a wide range of climate projects, expanding access to carbon finance while contributing to both climate action and community development. His focus towards high-integrity climate action is unwavering.

10. Nitin Jain – Founder and CEO, India PR Distribution

Nitin Jain has greatly contributed to the overall success of India PR Distribution in digital PR strategies. India PR Distribution has developed many different types of specialized services to assist clients in obtaining recognition and visibility through press releases; therefore, it should be no surprise that many of its clients utilize press releases as an effective means for promoting their products or services.

Due to both its cost-effective and innovative solutions and the use of organic PR techniques, as well as a successful relationship with media outlets, IPD continues to strengthen relationships with media outlets.

11. Neha Jain – Founder & Creative Director, Tales of Marigold

Neha Jain considers wedding events an opportunity to tell stories through spaces and experiences. As the founder and creative director of Tales of Marigold, she creates unique experiences for each wedding party. Drawing on her knowledge of architecture and such aspects of spatial design as proportionality, illumination, and movement, she offers guests memorable events based on hospitality principles. She works closely with families, taking the time to understand what matters to them before translating it into the flow of each event. Her approach is intuitive and detail-oriented, where nothing feels excessive, yet everything feels considered. The focus is always on creating spaces that people feel comfortable in, and moments that stay with them long after the celebrations are over.

12. Dr. Vaishaly Bharambe - Founder, VB Anatomy; Medical Educator & Counsellor

Dr. Vaishaly Bharambe has over three decades of experience as a medical educator. As a result of her experience as an HOD and Dean, she is not only knowledgeable but also compassionate. As a founder of VB Anatomy, she makes complicated topics easy to understand and explains things in a way that is easy to comprehend, including in vernacular languages. She is also a counsellor for students dealing with personal and academic problems.

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