Times Seaboard Summit - Leaders Of Tomorrow 2025, an initiative by The Times of India, unfolded on 26th November at the scenic Taj Cidade de Goa Heritage. Supported by community partner- Womennovator, eyewear partner -SIYU, and skincare partner -Clensta, the summit brought together India’s leading entrepreneurs, innovators, and policymakers for an afternoon of powerful conversations shaping the nation’s future.
As the business landscape transforms,, innovation and collaboration are key to driving growth and success. Womennovator is committed to fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and excellence.
Clensta has brought innovation and nature together at the event. As a personal care brand blending natural goodness with technology, it redefined modern skin wellness.
Himanshu Bhandari & Apoorv Singh, Anooja Bashir, Master Vani Kabir, Vinod Veeramachaneni, Kathirvel Perumal, Tripti Shinghal Somani, Pandurang Kamat, Mangirish Salekar, CA Avinash GuptaThe event began with a networking lunch, followed by an insightful inaugural session by Master Vani Kabir, who set a reflective and inspiring tone for the day. She said, “The universe doesn’t predict futures. It collaborates with you to create them.”
The first fireside chat,
“Navigating India’s Next Decade of Economic Leadership,” featured Tarun Poddar, Founder & CEO, Foxhog Ventures Inc. USA, who spoke about India’s growth potential and evolving entrepreneurial landscape.
He said, “VC for Villages” is a movement, not a financial product to enable interest-free debt access for rural India. This is the time for our villages to rise, grow, and break free from the decades-old debt trap.
This was followed by a dynamic panel discussion titled
“Empowering India’s Next-Gen Innovators & Changemakers,” moderated by Tripti Shinghal Somani (Womennovator), featuring Anooja Bashir (Ourea), Master Vani Kabir (Vani Kabir Multiverse), Vinod Veeramachaneni (Think Mediator), and Kathirvel Perumal (TCS)
“ThinkMediator is expanding to India to help build the next-gen tech ecosystem by empowering innovators with AI, digital transformation, and global best practices.” - Vinod Veeramachaneni- Think Mediator
“With XR and 3D immersive solutions, we empower humanity to transform ideas into experiences, harnessing spatial technologies and the metaverse to inspire creativity, enrich lives, and shape a connected, inclusive world.” -Kathirvel Perumal, TCS Interactive
Devashree Chande, Tarun Poddar, Master Vani Kabir, Kunal Kapoor, and Vikas Kush SharmaThe summit continued with sector-led fireside chats on second homes, real estate leadership, and sustainability-driven entrepreneurship, including insights from Himanshu Bhandari (Belvoir Realty) and Devashree Chande (Deepak Builders & Developers).
“Second homes have evolved from luxury indulgences to strategic investment assets. Today, buyers seek lifestyle, rental income, and long-term appreciation. Purchases are now strategic, driven by clear value and future potential.”
Himanshu Bhandari, Managing Director, Belvoir Realty“Buyers must check land legality, RERA status, future connectivity, and rental feasibility. A second home is a strong asset only if these fundamentals are solid. Informed evaluation ensures long-term security and returns.”
Apoorv Singh, Director of Marketing, Belvoir Realty
The mantra I live by is Triple “S” theory: Show up. Speak up. Smile. Don’t wait to feel ready—grow while you go. Own your ideas, wear your confidence, and keep moving forward. Your journey doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be yours.”
Devashree Chande Managing Director Deepak Builders & Developers
The next panel Discussion was about Visionaries of India’s Future: A CXO Roundtable
Moderator: Tripthi Shinghal Somani – Womennovator featuring Pandurang Kamat – Co- Founder Suzega, Mangirish Salelkar – CEO & Co-Founder, Umang Group, CA Avinash – Partner, APT Global.
The awards were presented by renowned Bollywood actor Kunal Kapoor, adding star power and glamour to the felicitation ceremony.”
List of Awardees- Fashion Designer – Ritu Beri
- Standup Comedian – Vikas Kush Sharma
- Excellence in Empowering Rural Entrepreneurs – Tarun Poddar, Founder & CEO, Foxhog Ventures Inc. USA
- Spiritual Leader of the Year 2025 – Master Vani Kabir, Founder, Vani Kabir Multiverse
- Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year – Ankit Chadha, Managing Director, TRC Corporate Consulting Pvt Ltd
- Visionary Entrepreneur in Real Estate – Devashree Chande, Managing Director, Deepak Builders & Developers
- Excellence in Healthcare Architecture & Design – Dr. Bakul Chandra, Founding Partner, Renascent Consultants
- Excellence in Health-Tech Innovation – Dr. Megha Tomar, Founder, My Checkup
- Excellence In Sperm Selection Solution for IVF/ICSI – Prof. Dilip K. Prasad, Founder, Spermotile
- Excellence in EdTech Innovation for Disaster Awareness 3D Games – Kathirvel Perumal, Head – XR, Games & Spatial Experiences, TCS Interactive (TCS)
- Trusted Real Estate Leader of the Year – Shiwang Suraj, Director & Founder, INFRAMANTRA & Garvit Tiwari, Director & Co-Founder, INFRAMANTRA
- Emerging Developer of the Year – Residential – Sumit Agarwal, Director, Ashtech Group
- Visionary Leader in Second Homes Development – Himanshu Bhandari, Managing Director, Belvoir Realty
- Excellence in IT Consulting Services – Vinod Veeramachaneni, Founder, Think Mediator
- Excellence in Career Mentorship Award – Aneesh Avirah, Founder, Enbridg
- Excellence in Innovative Open Kitchen Design – Ashwin K.J., Co-Founder, GrinTable Restaurant
- Excellence in Business Network & Advisor – CA Avinash Gupta, Partner, APT Global
- Trustworthy Brand in Real Estate – Amit Chopra, Founder & Director, Escala Realty India Pvt Ltd
- Excellence in Cargo Aviation & International Logistics – Harmeet Singh Malhotra, CEO, Today Logistics
- Excellence in Innovation in Financial Technologies – Anuj Somani, Founder, Capitall
- Excellence in Innovative Open Kitchen Design – Shajimon T., Founder, GrinTable Restaurant
- Social Entrepreneur – Ms. Rafina Shaikh, Founder, WEBN by Go Womania LLP
- Excellence in Agri-FinTech Innovation – Ravindranath Yarlagadda, Founder, Viyona Fintech
- Excellence in Education – Ankur Kumar, Founder & Managing Director, Peas in Pod Pre-School & Daycare
- Excellence in Enterprise Tech Innovation in ITSM & ITAM – Bharat Gupta, Founder, Greenitco
- Dynamic Woman Entrepreneur – Ketaki Ursekar, Founder, White Clay Interiors
- Excellence in Merchant Exports & Distribution – Prashant Bora, Chairman & MD, Bora Multicorp
- Visionary Entrepreneur in Real Estate – Pankaj Bansal, Promoter, M3M India Pvt Ltd
- Leadership in Infrastructure – Shashank Gupta, Director, RPS Group
- Excellence in Nutrition - Maitri Ramaiya
Research methodologyThe research conducted for Times Seaboard Summit 2025 was aimed at identifying the top inspiring leaders in various categories. The process involved desk research, a factual survey, and follow-up through various channels to arrive at the final results.Disclaimer -
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