The Popular Story 40 Under 40 2026 Announcement

On Friday, June 12, 2026, at 15:06:05, The Popular Story issued a press release unveiling its much‑anticipated 40 Under 40 2026 edition. The release celebrates a distinguished group of forty Indian entrepreneurs, business leaders, doctors, innovators, educators, creators and changemakers who are making a significant impact across a wide range of industries.

The honorees span sectors such as healthcare, technology, fintech, education, sustainability, law, wellness, media and entrepreneurship, and are recognised for their innovation, leadership and dedication to India’s growth story.

Honorees and Their Contributions

  • Praanshu Vasudeva is a singer, songwriter and performer who is redefining contemporary Indian music through soulful compositions and powerful storytelling, notably projects like Sajda e Noor, India’s biggest Qawwali.
  • Dr. Sahil Singh is one of India’s youngest diplomats within the UN framework, advancing global impact through nutrition advocacy, diplomacy and sustainable development initiatives, and representing India on international platforms.
  • Rajendra Singh Tanwar is an entrepreneur and hospitality leader who has transformed traditional Indian food businesses into thriving hospitality and franchise ventures through Govindam Sweets and Govindam Retreat, preserving authentic culinary heritage while creating scalable, sustainable models.
  • Dr. Divyanshu Patel is a strong advocate of preventive healthcare and wellness, combining modern healthcare practices with holistic healing approaches, and inspiring healthier lifestyles through awareness, education and patient‑centred care.
  • Dr. Shivanshu Misra is renowned for making advanced surgical care accessible and affordable in Uttar Pradesh, delivering expert laparoscopic and bariatric procedures to patients previously lacking specialized services.
  • Rajveer Yadav is an entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist and social reformer who has built successful ventures while remaining deeply committed to social impact through affordable housing, educational support and humanitarian efforts.
  • Bhoomi Daftary Ghelani is a lawyer, entrepreneur, travel creator and luxury‑lifestyle curator who has built brands that blend storytelling, travel, design and innovation, notably Tales in Transit and Nest Narratives.
  • Krupesh Patel is Managing Partner of Technocrat Engineers, known for quality‑driven execution and technical excellence in turnkey utility projects and industrial infrastructure across multiple manufacturing sectors.
  • Saurabh Ojha combines Tarot and Vedic Astrology, emerging as a trusted spiritual guide for thousands via digital platforms and personalized consultations that simplify ancient wisdom for modern audiences.
  • Dr. Ruhi Banerjee is an education strategist, career mentor and women‑empowerment advocate who shapes future‑ready leaders through education, career counselling and social initiatives.
  • Dr. Kedar Joshi is the founder of the Dr. Kedar Method, pioneering the integration of neuroscience, energy medicine and systemic healing through research, clinical frameworks and transformational programmes.
  • Kiruthiga Nadaraja, Mrs. New England Universe 2024‑2025, is a technology strategist, STEM advocate and fashion enthusiast who balances a thriving technology career with pageantry and women’s‑empowerment initiatives.
  • Adarshh Panndey is a numerologist, educator, mentor and entrepreneur who has transformed spiritual sciences into a structured learning ecosystem via Numericavastu Training and Consultancy, conducting thousands of consultations.
  • Rishabh Bhardwaj is an entrepreneur and real‑estate developer building a strong presence across India and international markets, combining architectural creativity with strategic business vision to develop innovative, sustainable urban projects.
  • Nelson Naveen is Founder and CEO of Catepilla Child Development Center, advancing healthcare innovation through neuroscience, artificial intelligence and developmental care, improving outcomes for families across multiple countries.
  • Pratik Dabhi is a cybersecurity expert, ethical hacker and educator, recognised among India’s leading cybersecurity professionals for penetration testing, responsible vulnerability disclosure and educational initiatives that mentor future cyber defenders.
  • Pandit Ketan Joshi is the founder of Shiv Rudra Astrologer, delivering practical and accurate Vedic astrology guidance by blending traditional wisdom with a modern approach.
  • Dr. Lochan Arora is an orthopedic physiotherapist, wellness expert and rehabilitation specialist with over fifteen years of experience helping individuals recover from pain, injuries and lifestyle‑related health concerns through a patient‑centred approach.
  • Rohit Jain is an entrepreneur, business educator and content creator who has emerged as a powerful voice in entrepreneurship and financial literacy through successful industrial ventures, educational content and impactful podcasts.
  • Ayantika Mondal is a Partner at Prime Legal, a respected legal professional known for expertise in corporate law, dispute resolution and strategic advisory services across domestic and international matters.
  • Dr. M. Hussain Kalsekar is a digital‑marketing strategist, entrepreneur and founder of 366 DigitX, helping numerous businesses accelerate growth through innovative branding, marketing solutions and digital transformation.
  • Dr. Pooja Babbar is a medical oncologist and cancer‑care specialist redefining modern oncology through precision medicine, personalized treatment strategies and compassionate patient care, raising cancer awareness.
  • Dr. Ved Vyas Vishwanathan is an emergency physician, author, TEDx speaker and poet who blends science and creativity, inspiring audiences to embrace multifaceted growth while promoting empathy, knowledge and meaningful living.
  • Gaurav Goyal is Managing Partner of Horizon Group and EVOQ Realtech, reshaping luxury real estate through visionary developments and customer‑focused innovation, creating landmark residential and commercial projects across North India.
  • Sheetu Surana is Director of Surana Jewellers, preserving a centuries‑old legacy while redefining luxury through innovation and purpose‑driven leadership, contributing to entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment and heritage branding.
  • Dr. Suruchi Bawa is a dental surgeon, mentor and women‑empowerment advocate who combines healthcare excellence with leadership, pageantry and mentorship, inspiring women to embrace confidence and self‑growth.
  • Sareena Gupta is a fine‑dining influencer, luxury‑lifestyle writer and culinary storyteller who has built a platform celebrating gastronomy and hospitality through authentic storytelling and global dining experiences.
  • Vishal Kumar Rawani is Founder and Director of Infyst Global Pvt. Ltd., driving digital transformation in the financial services sector through fintech solutions, cloud technologies, automation and business‑intelligence systems.
  • Nithya Balu is an entrepreneur, innovator and technology enthusiast creating impactful solutions at the intersection of beauty, wellness and artificial intelligence, redefining consumer wellness through personalized digital experiences.
  • Hiteshi Dutta is a social‑impact leader and menstrual‑health advocate dedicated to empowering communities through awareness, education and social‑change initiatives, promoting inclusive opportunities and women’s dignity.
  • Anita Nigam is a fitness entrepreneur, mentor and wellness advocate who has inspired countless individuals through her commitment to healthy living, personal transformation and resilient leadership.
  • Dr. Sazina Khan is an international bestselling author, educator and transformational leader who empowers individuals worldwide through education, mentorship and personal development, contributing to literature and leadership growth.
  • Dr. Rashmi E is a music therapist, educator, researcher and holistic‑healing advocate pioneering music‑therapy practices that promote emotional healing, mental well‑being and innovative healthcare approaches.
  • Dr. Gayatri Ganu is the founder of Urban Bagicha, championing sustainable urban living through technology‑driven gardening solutions that integrate innovation, science and environmental consciousness.
  • Poonam Kauur Bindra is a chef, entrepreneur, nutritionist, author, TEDx speaker and founder of SAACOOR, transforming her passion for food into a thriving ecosystem of wellness, education and entrepreneurship.

The release concludes by stating that the 40 Under 40 2026 list is a celebration of vision, determination, innovation and excellence, with each honoree demonstrating outstanding leadership and a commitment to creating meaningful impact within their industry and community. The press release carries a disclaimer that it is provided under an arrangement with NRDPL and that PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the content.

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