The Voices Behind the Vision
Meet the extraordinary individuals who will guide us through the maze of illusion to discover profound truths. Each speaker brings a unique perspective on our theme : Smoke and Mirrors.
Elahé Hiptoola
Film Producer, Fashion Designer & Cultural Pioneer
"TO BE REVEALED"
A lawyer turned creative powerhouse, Elahé Hiptoola is a film producer, fashion designer, and former actor who has reformed India's cultural and cinematic landscape with her creative vision and unique storytelling. As the co-founder of Lamakaan, Hyderabad's iconic open cultural space, and founder of Elahé, the city's first designer fashion store, she continues to inspire creativity and inclusivity. She debuted with celebrated filmmaker Nagesh Kukunoor in the critically acclaimed, cult classic Hyderabad Blues. The pair went on to make several globally recognized movies and web series, including the National Award-winning film Iqbal, Lakshmi, Dhanak, and Dor.
Key Achievements
G Rama Krishna
Dynamic sculptor and Art Educator
"TO BE REVEALED"
G Rama Krishna is a dynamic sculptor and art educator with over 15 years of teaching experience and a rich freelancing background. Known for his realistic and abstract artistic approach, he has showcased his work in 50+ national and international exhibitions.
Key Achievements
Dr. Tabassum Zafar
Bioscientist, Author, Educator
"TO BE REVEALED"
Dr. Tabassum Zafar is a PhD Bioscientist, emotional intelligence coach, and celebrated among 100 Inspirational Women of Madhya Pradesh. With over a decade of research in public health and reproductive biology across premier CSIR and DRDO institutions, she's a multi-award-winning scientist honored by the Royal Society of Chemists and MP Council of Science & Technology.Author of two Springer Nature books demystifying artificial sweeteners and MSG, Dr. Zafar translates complex science into informed health choices. She serves as an external reviewer for seven international journals and delivers expert talks globally. Beyond academia, she champions women's empowerment and provides emotional intelligence coaching, creating measurable social impact through science communication and community leadership.
Key Achievements
Dr. Y. Srinivas Rao
Distinguished Scientist & Former Director General (Naval Systems & Materials), DRDO
"TO BE REVEALED"
Dr. Y. Sreenivas Rao is a visionary defence technologist and distinguished mechanical engineer whose pioneering leadership has propelled India’s strategic defence frontiers. As Former Director General (NS&M), DRDO, and Ex-Director of NSTL, Visakhapatnam, he spearheaded advancements in underwater weapon systems and interceptor missile technologies, significantly enhancing the nation’s maritime and aerospace defence. With innovations spanning deep-sea platforms to outer-space missions, Dr. Rao’s enduring contributions continue to fortify India’s technological self-reliance and inspire future generations of defence scientists.
Key Achievements
Kadali Satyanarayana
Award-winning Telugu Author, Lyricist, Storyteller
"TO BE REVEALED"
Kadali Satyanarayana (Kadali Routhu) is a fearless feminist voice and contemporary Telugu writer and lyricist whose work explores love, societal norms, and the lived experiences of women with honesty and nuance. Beginning her career publishing poems and stories in newspapers, she transitioned from academia as an English lecturer to full-time writing, centering female narratives in a male-dominated literary world. Her notable works include 'Letters to Love', 'Kadali Kathalu', 'Chick Lit', and 'Aadavari Matalaku'. Extending her craft to Telugu cinema lyrics, combines emotional depth, social insight, and bold storytelling, inspiring readers and revitalizing Telugu literature.
Key Achievements
Abdul Khayyum Khan (A.K. Khan)
Former IPS Officer and Advisor to Govt. of Telangana
"TO BE REVEALED"
A.K. Khan, a distinguished 1981-batch former IPS officer, is a figure of dual legacy: decisive law enforcement and transformative social reform. His illustrious career included key commands as Hyderabad's Police Commissioner, Managing Director of APSRTC, and Director General of the Anti-Corruption Bureau. Post-retirement, his roles included assuming cabinet-rank post as Advisor to the Telangana Government on Minority Affairs.In this capacity, he has spearheaded the establishment of TMREIS, a vast network of over 200 residential schools, revolutionizing minority education. Beyond policing, Khan's literary contributions include AK97 (Andarki Kavalsina Khan - 'Khan Who Is Loved by All'), a collection of inspirational stories that sold more than 24,000 copies and profoundly impacted countless young minds. AK Khan is the true architect of social change.
Key Achievements
Dr. Irfan Ali Motiwala
Distinguished Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
"TO BE REVEALED"
Dr. Irfan Ali Motiwala is a distinguished Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon with over two decades of experience in advanced implantology. His work is recognized for pioneering new techniques, particularly for patients facing complex challenges like significant bone loss. He specializes in full-mouth rehabilitation, curing patients globally. His innovative 'Smile in 3 Days ZR process,' which utilizes basal implants and digitally designed zirconia bridges, provides permanent, fixed teeth, often without the need for traditional bone grafts. Beyond his transformative clinical impact, Dr. Motiwala is a dedicated researcher and author, contributing scientific publications that continue to advance the field of surgical dentistry and redefine its possibilities.
Key Achievements
Ram Dayal Vaishnav
Leading Science Expert and PhD Scholar
"TO BE REVEALED"
Ram Dayal Vaishnav is a leading expert and PhD Scholar specializing in turning mass public curiosity into vital conservation data. As Head of Citizen Science at The Naturalist School, he pioneered a movement, scaling India's City Nature Challenge from 20 to over 200 cities.His work extends to global policy, where he serves as a Secretary for the Citizen Science Global Partnership and represents the youth delegation at the UN Environment Assembly and UNEP. He is a certified IUCN Red List Assessor, founder of the Asia Nature Challenge, and Education Director at CitizenScienceAsia.
Key Achievements
Event Schedule
November 2nd, 2025 • Auditorium Hall, Department Of Business Management, Osmania University
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