The Icons Collection

I am because they were

Every person here has a why. These are the whys that built the India we live in.

Guiding Light

Sam Pitroda

Visionary Telecom Inventor & Guiding Light

Sam Pitroda, a visionary telecom inventor, serves as both the inspiration and anchor for Icons of India, guiding the project's mission to illuminate the transformative figures shaping the nation.

Explore Legacy

Business

Arun Maira

Architect of India's Business & Governance Transformation

Arun Maira, a renowned management consultant and author, has profoundly impacted economic policy through his work with the Planning Commission and leadership at Tata Steel and the Boston Consulting Group.

1 episode

Environment

Ashok Khosla

Visionary in Sustainable Development

Ashok Khosla, a prominent Indian environmentalist, has significantly influenced sustainability through roles at UNEP and IUCN, championing the integration of economic growth with environmental and social advancement.

1 episode

Design

Ashoke Chatterjee

Pioneer in Design and Development

Ashoke Chatterjee, renowned for his extensive contributions to the National Institute of Design (NID), actively enhances design education and supports artisans globally while focusing on vital development issues.

1 episode

Technology

Kiran Karnik

Pioneering Technocrat and Policy Advocate

Kiran Karnik, a distinguished Indian technocrat and author, notably led NASSCOM, significantly advancing the IT industry, and contributed to ISRO's first satellite launch.

1 episode

Science

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw

Pioneer of India's Biotech Revolution

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is a pioneering Indian entrepreneur who founded Biocon Limited, elevating it to a leader in biopharmaceuticals.

1 episode

Space

K. Kasturirangan

Architect of India's Space and Education Policies

Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan, a prominent space scientist and former ISRO head, has significantly influenced India's space and education sectors.

1 episode

Healthcare

Darshan Shankar

Revitalizing India's Medical Heritage

Darshan Shankar, an influential health activist, has significantly contributed to reviving India's medical heritage through the Foundation for Revitalization of Local Health Traditions.

1 episode

Art

Jatin Das

Master of Contemporary Indian Art

Jatin Das, a prominent contemporary artist from India, has influenced the art world with his versatile mastery in painting, sculpture, and printmaking.

1 episode

Technology

B.K. Gairola

Architect of India's e-Governance Landscape

B.K. Gairola, a key figure in India's e-governance, has shaped crucial IT initiatives as the Mission Director of NeGP and former head of the National Informatics Centre.

1 episode

Economics

Montek Singh Ahluwalia

Architect of India's Economic Planning

Montek Singh Ahluwalia, a distinguished Indian economist, has significantly shaped India's economic policies as the Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission.

1 episode

Business

R. Gopalakrishnan

Veteran Leader in Indian Business

R. Gopalakrishnan, with over fifty years in leadership roles, has notably influenced Indian corporate circles through key positions at Unilever, Tata Sons, and various Tata companies.

1 episode

Technology

Madhukar Pitke

Innovator in Telecommunications and IT

Prof. Madhukar Vishwanath Pitke has advanced telecommunications and IT with pioneering work in mobile network systems and central office switching technologies.

1 episode

Design

Rajeev Sethi

Visionary in Design and Cultural Curation

Rajeev Sethi, a renowned Indian designer, scenographer, and art curator, has been internationally acclaimed for his creative designs and cultural curation.

1 episode

Governance

S.Y. Quraishi

Distinguished Civil Servant and Former Chief Election Commissioner

Shahabuddin Yaqoob Quraishi served as the 17th Chief Election Commissioner of India, contributing significantly to governance and electoral processes.

1 episode

Science

Ramesh Mashelkar

Luminary in Innovation and Scientific Advancement

Ramesh Raghunath Mashelkar, an esteemed Indian chemical engineer, has made significant contributions to polymer science as the former Director-General of CSIR.

1 episode

Media

Saeed Naqvi

Veteran Journalist and Global Commentator

Saeed Naqvi, a distinguished Indian journalist, is known for his insightful interviews with world leaders and prominent figures both in India and internationally.

1 episode

Science

Sujatha Ramadorai

Trailblazer in Mathematics and Advocacy

Dr. Sujatha Ramadorai is a distinguished mathematician known for her contributions to algebraic theory, arithmetic geometry, and noncommutative Iwasawa theory.

1 episode

Technology

S. Ramadorai

Architect of India's IT Excellence

Subramanian Ramadorai, a pivotal figure in India's IT industry, led Tata Consultancy Services as CEO and MD, transforming it into a global IT giant.

1 episode

Business

Vikram Singh Mehta

A Luminary in Global Business Leadership

Vikram Singh Mehta currently serves as Chairman at the Centre For Social & Economic Progress, with an extensive career spanning Shell, Brookings India, and the Indian Administrative Service.

1 episode

Business

Tarun Das

Visionary Leader in Indian Industry

Tarun Das has shaped Indian industry through his long tenure at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), serving as its director general and later as chief mentor.

1 episode

Science

Y.S. Rajan

Visionary Scientist and Educator

Dr. Yagnaswami Sundara Rajan is a celebrated Indian scientist, educator, and administrator, currently serving as Honorary Distinguished Professor at ISRO.

1 episode

About This Project

"Icons of India" is dedicated to revealing the untold stories of India's pivotal figures — those whose vision and actions helped transform India into a global powerhouse. It explores the significant contributions of leaders from various sectors that are not typically covered in school curriculums, providing inspiration and education for future generations.

Co-Host: Dipali SikandCoordinator: Rakesh PatelDesign: Rajeev Kumar