GURU SAMMAN 2025: A National Tribute to Mentors Who Transform Lives

Pune, Maharashtra | 19 July 2025 – With heartfelt purpose and national pride, Guru Samman 2025 was hosted on 19th July 2025 at the esteemed Centre of Police Research Auditorium, Pashan, Pune, celebrating the spirit of selfless mentorship, lifelong guidance, and transformative leadership.

The event, organised by the Nisarg Srishti Welfare Foundation (NSWF) in collaboration with Best Brains Institute and the International Institute for Teachers Training, Pune, was a landmark celebration that brought together 20 visionaries from across India whose contributions have deeply impacted education, mental wellness, community leadership, youth empowerment, and spiritual growth.

“A Guru is not just a teacher—they are a lighthouse in someone’s storm. These honourees are sculptors of potential, champions of transformation, and the silent strength behind countless lives,” said Dr. Garima Kavathekar, Founder of NSWF.

Meet the Honourees of Guru Samman 2025

Bobby Karnani: National Secretary, Universal Shirdi Sai Foundation; Founder, VNWCA bold advocate for women’s empowerment and human rights, Bobby has been a changemaker for communities through leadership, advocacy, and service.

Nidhi Mithil Bhandare: Career Counsellor | Legal & Business Professional with over 23 years of mentoring experience and guiding more than 3,000 students, Nidhi blends wisdom and warmth in shaping future-ready individuals.

Meena Agarwal: Child Psychology Advocate & Freelance Counsellor, 800+ sessions across platforms like Kidzee and Shemrock, Meena has championed child safety, emotional intelligence, and early education.

Kushal Khemani: Youth Leader & Digital Educator 16, Kushal is already a national inspiration. His mission to digitally empower educators has trained over 1,000 teachers across India.

Dr (HC) Prachetan Potadar: Media Strategist | Comic Poet | MentorFounder of Pen Paper Prachetan. He uses humour and storytelling to mentor startups and young minds, blending creativity with purpose.

Prakash Karnani: Director, Vastrum DécorThrough example-led leadership and creative mentorship, Prakash continues to inspire youth in design and innovation.

Dr. Vikrant Bhujbalrao: An Entrepreneurship Evangelist, Author, and Life Coach, Vikrant has impacted over one million lives. Through his company, YourSarthi, which is into training, coaching, mentoring & consulting, he has coached more than 1,000 entrepreneurs and evaluated more than 10,000 startup ideas.

Professor Dr Unmekha Tare: Research Guide | Higher Education Leader, A respected academician, she has mentored countless postgraduate and doctoral students, contributing significantly to India’s research ecosystem.

Abhishek Srivastava: Spiritual and Behavioural Science MentorAbhishek integrates Indian philosophy with modern behavioural science, guiding emotional intelligence and leadership development.

Priya Amulraj: Life & Career Transition MentorPriya has empowered over 600 professionals and parents through life’s crossroads with emotional clarity and courageous decisions.

Dr Farzana Lakdavala: Energy Healer | Emotional Wellness ExpertCombining Reiki, Access Bars, and movement therapy, Dr Farzana facilitates deep emotional healing and inner alignment.

Manju Kaira: Parenting Coach | TEDx Speaker | Life StrategistFocusing on emotional resilience and balanced living, Manju has worked extensively with underprivileged families and children.

Neena Singh: Educator | Conservationist | Cultural FacilitatorNeena uniquely blends chemistry, heritage, and creativity, nurturing lifelong learning and cultural roots in classrooms and beyond.

Snehal R Singh: Spiritual Coach | Author Mentor | AI Facilitator, bridge between ancient wisdom and neuroscience, Snehal has empowered over 500 creatives through transformative mentorship.

K Nalini: Women’s Wellness Advocate | Sports MentorChampioning discipline and holistic fitness, Nalini’s initiatives in women’s sports have created strength-focused safe spaces for girls.

Bhoomika Diwan: Growth Coach | Confidence Stylist | Spiritual MentorBhoomika

curates emotional safe spaces for transformation, self-awareness, and leadership rooted in authenticity.

Akash Agarwal: Student Economic EnablerAkash has enabled income opportunities for over 30,000 commerce students across India—building a financially empowered student ecosystem.

Kala Natrajan: Author | Women’s Empowerment CoachWith five published books and impactful education campaigns, Kala uplifts young girls through literacy, storytelling, and confidence-building.

Harshvardhan Sheetal Ujwala Patil: Physics Mentor | Education InnovatorFounder of Yashwant Classes, he has guided 5,000+ students and pioneered the Six-Layer Learning System, especially supporting girls’ education.

Rashmi Kalsekar: Founder, Lai Bhari | Youth & Women Empowerment AdvocateRashmi’s work in youth engagement and cultural education has been instrumental in fostering awareness and upliftment across Pune.

About Nisarg Srishti Welfare Foundation (NSWF)

Founded by Dr. Garima Kavathekar, NSWF is a youth-driven initiative that tackles noise pollution, civic awareness, and environmental sustainability through creative education and grassroots outreach. Its motto, “Raise Awareness, Not Volume,” encapsulates its quiet yet impactful activism.

Through civic projects, school campaigns, and youth partnerships, NSWF continues to inspire responsible citizenship and community-led transformation.

Guru Samman 2025: A Legacy Etched in Purpose

The event was not just a celebration—it was a call to honour those who guide silently, give endlessly, and create impact selflessly. As society moves forward, these honourees remind us that mentorship isn’t a profession—it’s a lifelong purpose.