Overview

On June 18, 2026, HT Media, in partnership with NewsReach, concluded the third edition of the Crafting Bharat Business Conclave & Awards 2026 at the ITC Grand Central in Mumbai. The flagship initiative, conceived by NewsReach and supported by HT Media, aims to celebrate individuals and organisations that drive India’s growth through innovation, leadership and excellence.

Event Themes

The conclave featured panel discussions on artificial intelligence, digital transformation, startup growth, sustainability, leadership and emerging opportunities in India’s rapidly evolving economy. These sessions were intended to foster meaningful conversations about the future of business, technology and entrepreneurship in Bharat.

Awards Highlights

Technology and Innovation

  • Shalil Gupta, Managing Director Sales at Ozontel Communication, was honoured for advancing AI‑powered communication solutions and customer‑engagement innovation.
  • Amarjit Singh, Founder of GotBoost, received recognition for leveraging automation technologies to improve business efficiency and operational excellence.
  • Rudra Prasad Patanayak was acclaimed for driving transformational technology initiatives.
  • Hi‑Focus was recognised for integrating advanced technologies and intelligent solutions within the electronics sector.
  • Amit Bansal, Co‑founder of Vimanotech India Private Limited, was celebrated for his entrepreneurial vision in artificial intelligence.
  • Nitesh Pandey was honoured for introducing technology‑led solutions within the political and governance ecosystem.

Entrepreneurship and Business Leadership

  • Yash Agarrwal, Amit Kumar Agarwal and Mayuri Mittal (founder, Miss & Mrs. Red Carpet Crown of India and Art By Mayuri) were honoured for their entrepreneurial journeys and impactful businesses.
  • Fathah Rahman Thangal, Founder of All4You Group, received recognition for strong international entrepreneurial potential.
  • DevX was celebrated for strengthening India’s startup ecosystem through innovative co‑working and business‑support infrastructure.
  • Naeem Tirmizi was recognised for combining leadership excellence with meaningful social impact.
  • Subodh Malasi was honoured for contributions to business consulting and leadership development.
  • Rohit Dalmia of CineNow was recognised for pioneering film‑financing innovations and structured capital solutions.

Financial Services and Insurance

  • Daniel Lamba and Suraj Shetty from Kissht were honoured for their efforts in digital lending and financial inclusion.
  • Rilin Channawar received excellence recognition in the health‑insurance segment.
  • HDFC Ergo was acknowledged for continued leadership and innovation within the insurance sector.

Branding, Communications and Public Relations

  • Bhaskar Tare and Parag Dhurke were honoured for brand‑building and digital communications contributions.
  • Majid Khan received recognition for excellence in public relations.
  • Akshat Singh of AD Publicity was recognised for developing impactful communication strategies.
  • Rohit Kumar Singh, Founder of Media Trendz, was honoured for contributions to brand strategy and marketing communication.
  • Siddhant Gill and Vedant Gill were celebrated for brand custodianship, image management and strategic public relations.

Digital Growth, Marketing and Content Innovation

  • Kailash Singh, Co‑Founder of Pinaka Digital Technologies, and Bhavesh Rathod were recognised for helping businesses scale through innovative digital marketing strategies.
  • Swarup Nanda was honoured for excellence in digital content entrepreneurship.
  • Priya Vivek was recognised for her contribution to the rapidly growing creator economy.
  • Bilal Kazi received recognition as an influential digital creator whose content continues to engage audiences.

Women Leaders and Changemakers

  • Dishi Somani, Founder of Dishi’s Designer Jewellery, was recognised for luxury fashion and jewellery craftsmanship.
  • Priyanka Nahata was honoured for leadership and professional achievements.
  • Chaitsi Ahuja received recognition for advancing sustainability‑focused initiatives.
  • Ashwini Jadhav was celebrated for empowering women and communities.
  • Dr. Richa Pathak Purohit was honoured for leadership and contribution to the legal profession.

Healthcare, Wellness and Education

  • Col. Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla was recognised for contribution to higher education and academic excellence.
  • Arvind Mishra and Vijay Kumar Agarwal were honoured for strengthening educational institutions and early‑childhood learning respectively.
  • Dr. Dhara Patel was recognised for transformational wellness and leadership retreats.
  • Dr. Bipin Chevale, CEO of Gleneagles Hospital, received recognition for excellence in healthcare delivery.
  • Dr. Bipinkumar Shah was honoured for visionary leadership in the energy sector.
  • Prof. (Dr.) Tapan Kumar Nayak was celebrated for continued academic leadership and institutional growth.

Hospitality, Lifestyle and Consumer

  • Gaurav Parikh was recognised for excellence in fine dining and culinary experiences.
  • Keyurkumar Birsensingh Jurel was honoured for leadership in hospitality.
  • Nirav Pistolwala received recognition for building a premium presence in gourmet food and dry‑fruits.
  • Debashish Neogi and Saju Varghese were celebrated for creating a promising global FMCG brand.

Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Industrial Services

  • Rakesh Kumar and Tejas Patel were recognised for contributions to integrated pest‑control solutions.
  • Dattatreya Lakshmi Narasimha was honoured for excellence in integrated HVAC lifecycle solutions.
  • Mr. Arun and Deependra Singh received recognition for furniture manufacturing.
  • Ritesh Modi was celebrated for supporting India’s manufacturing ecosystem aligned with the Make‑in‑India vision.
  • Jigar Shah was recognised for strengthening India’s position in global trade and exports.

Creativity, Design and Entertainment

  • Mayank Jain, Director at Viva Composite Panel Pvt Ltd, was recognised for architectural vision and design excellence.
  • Itisha Jalan and Kaushal Garodia were honoured for contributions to home interiors and design innovation.
  • Pragya Nagra, Aashika Gowda, Hemall Ranjit Shaila Soni, Tarun Kumar Kedia and Kaushik N C were celebrated for influence across fashion, lifestyle, entertainment, infotainment and sports‑focused content.

Specialized Sectors

  • Mukesh Bafna, Managing Director of Hi‑Focus, and Bhavya Bafna were honoured for strengthening cybersecurity awareness and solutions.
  • Mohit Gupta was recognised for innovative approaches within the events industry.
  • Sanjay Shah, Chairman & Managing Director of B‑Right Real Estate Limited, received the Excellence in Real‑Estate Development award.
  • TiE Mumbai was honoured for enabling entrepreneurship and nurturing startups.
  • Venu G. Somineni of HalfPe.com was recognised for driving e‑commerce innovation.
  • Supreet Gill received recognition for developing innovative child‑safety solutions.
  • Additional honourees included Nitin Gursahani, Ruchi, Tushar Rothe, Rachit Agrawal, Ajay Kumar Agrawal, Daisy Bopanna, Shrikant Pandey, Rahul Kumar Darda of Brinton Pharmaceuticals Ltd., and Gourmieet Singh, all acknowledged for excellence and leadership in their respective domains.

Closing Remarks

The third edition of Crafting Bharat underscored the importance of recognizing individuals and organisations that create meaningful impact across industries. By celebrating pioneering entrepreneurs, innovators, educators, creators and business leaders, the event reflected the ambition, resilience and spirit powering India’s growth story. NewsReach and HT Media reaffirmed their commitment to celebrating excellence, fostering collaboration and amplifying the stories of those shaping a stronger, more innovative and globally competitive Bharat.

Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with NRDPL. PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.