Ricky Kej is a multi-award-winning Indian Music Composer and Environmentalist who has gained international recognition for his music and environmental activism. He has won three Grammy® Awards and over 100 music awards in 20 countries, and his work has topped the US Billboard charts. Ricky is also a UN Goodwill Ambassador for Refugees, UNCCD Land Ambassador, UNESCO MGIEP Global Ambassador for Kindness, UNICEF Celebrity Supporter, and Ambassador for Earth Day Network. His impressive career includes performing at prestigious venues around the world, such as the UN Headquarters in New York and Geneva. Ricky's passion for the environment is reflected in his music, including his work on the natural history documentary 'Wild Karnataka', narrated by Sir David Attenborough.
Prashant Prakash, the current Chairman of the 'Startup Vision Group' of Karnataka Government. is a successful entrepreneur and founding Indian partner of Accel Partners, an American venture capital firm. He has been an early investor in several tech startups in India, including Flipkart, Freshworks, and BookMyShow, and has achieved many firsts in his career. Prakash has a passion for education, environment, and policy. He is also a serial entrepreneur in the hospitality industry, with ventures such as Discovery Village Bangalore and Go Native. As an environmentalist, Prakash heads the local chapter of United Way and has played a key role in rejuvenating and preserving 22 lakes in Bengaluru through the unique social model of its 'Wake The Lake' campaign.
Amoghavarsha J S is a renowned Indian wildlife photographer and filmmaker, known for his exceptional work in environmental films. He has collaborated on projects with National Geographic, BBC, and other leading organizations, winning prestigious awards such as the 67th National Film Awards and the Impactdocs Award of Merit. In 2015, his video work on climate change was showcased at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris. Amoghavarsha's highly acclaimed natural history documentary, 'Wild Karnataka', was narrated by Sir David Attenborough and screened at the United Nations headquarters and he also addressed the august gathering there in 2020. He has also made a docu-movie called 'Gandhada Gudi', which takes viewers on a journey through the natural wonders of Karnataka and features popular Kannada actor Puneet Rajkumar.
Dr. Devarakonda Reddy is a well-known historian and archaeologist with a distinguished career in the field. He is the current president of the Karnataka Itihasa Academy, a premier history institution in Karnataka, and a member of the Mythic Society, Bangalore, Kannada Sahitya Parishattu, B M Shri Memorial Trust, Mysore Epigraphical Society of India etc.. where he closely collaborates with various archaeological projects. Dr. Reddy was awarded a doctorate for his research on the Ganga Dynasty Temples at Talakad. He has authored several original and translated works on archeology, architecture, temples, and the science of historical scripts. His publications include works on the sculptures of the Ganga Dynasty, the architecture of Basadis at Shravana Belagola, the birth and development of scripts, and curses in Karnataka inscriptions.
Vilas Nayak is an accomplished Indian speed painter, known for his remarkable talent for creating breathtaking works of art in just a matter of minutes. He was a finalist on India's Got Talent season 3 and the winner of the 'EC live quotient Most Innovative Act Award' in 2012. Nayak has performed at some of the most significant events in India and 23 other countries, including the United Nations General Assembly, Singapore President Star Charity show, Asian Achievers Awards in London, and Asia's Got Talent. He has also performed in front of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, then President of India Abdul Kalam and Pranab Mukherji etc.. In addition to his impressive speed-painting skills, Nayak is a passionate social activist who uses his art to raise awareness about critical issues such as child abuse, gender inequality, and environmental concerns. Nayak is also a frequent national and international traveler who has an artistic eye for capturing the world's wonders.
Jagadish G is a senior IAS officer in Karnataka with an illustrious career. He currently serves as the Joint Secretary to the Chief Minister and the Managing Director of the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation. He has worked at various levels of government such as, a Principal of a Government School, KAS Officer many Taluks, CEO of various Jilla Panchayats and Commissioner of several government departments. His focus has always been on good governance and public interest. Under his leadership, Mysore city won first place in the Prime Minister's Swaccha Bharat Mission Ranks and Kolar District won first place in implementing the Employment Guarantee Scheme. He is now in an action mode to double the tourism business of KSTDC, having extensively travelled throughout Karnataka and gained a deep knowledge of its tourist destinations.
Ravi Hegde is an accomplished journalist and media expert, currently serving as the Editor-in-chief of two leading media platforms, Kannada Prabha and Aisanet Suvarna News. With a passion for journalism and a drive for excellence, Ravi has built a reputation as an expert in the field of print, television, and digital media. He has an impeccable record of excellence, having covered a broad range of topics including politics, technology, business, economy, tourism, and culture. In 2012, Ravi made history by producing the first-ever Indian 3D film magazine, Roopatara, during his tenure as its editor. This achievement is a testament to Ravi's innovative approach to media and his commitment to pushing boundaries and breaking new ground. Ravi is also an avid traveler, having explored more than 26 countries, including a few 7 Wonders of the World destinations. Ravi's passion for exploring and promoting the beauty of his home state of Karnataka has led to the creation of the 7 Wonders of Karnataka project, which he has closely associated with the execution of the campaign.