Marking Dibrugarh’s first-ever literary event, Prabha Khaitan Foundation’s Aakhar debuted with an engaging conversation featuring celebrated multilingual author Yeshe Dorjee Thongchi and noted poet-critic Prof. Satyakam Borthakur, celebrating the richness of regional literature and linguistic diversity.
An enriching evening of thought, dialogue, and reflective inquiry unfolded at The Write Circle session in Dimapur, organised by the Prabha Khaitan Foundation.
Divya Purnaiya is a marketing strategist, educator, and digital transformation consultant with over 25 years of experience across branding, digital marketing, and business development. Founder Director of Brand Update, she has guided the digital growth of more than 40 brands while mentoring students, entrepreneurs, and professionals. A passionate advocate for learning and literature, she is actively involved in teaching, mentorship, book clubs, and leadership initiatives that promote knowledge-sharing and community engagement.
Vatsala Bagla is an accomplished entrepreneur with 38 years of experience running a successful boutique in Bengaluru. Known for her exceptional event management and networking skills, she has organised numerous programmes for prestigious organisations, including FICCI FLO and Bangalore Club. Passionate about empowering others, she brings a wealth of experience, strong community connections, and a collaborative spirit. Her ability to connect people, foster collaborations, and create engaging experiences has earned her a respected place in Bengaluru’s social and cultural circles.
Aparna Sunku is a fashion designer, jewellery curator, and social entrepreneur with a strong commitment to creativity and community service. An Honorary Doctorate recipient in Social Entrepreneurship, she is the Immediate Past Chairperson of FICCI FLO Coimbatore and Vice President of Coimbatore SPCA. She also founded Coimbatore’s first Small Animal Crematorium, one of only two in Tamil Nadu. Passionate about fine arts, she finds joy in music, dance, theatre, travel, and cultural experiences.
Pragati Agarwal is the founder and curator of Art Tree, a Gurugram-based initiative dedicated to promoting artists and preserving India’s folk and tribal art traditions. A self-taught curator with a multidisciplinary perspective shaped by literature, history, and the social sciences, she is passionate about supporting vernacular art forms and creating meaningful cultural engagement. Beyond the art world, she enjoys cooking, quizzing, solving puzzles, reading, travelling to historical destinations, and is an avid film enthusiast.
Dr. Prerna Kohli is an award-winning clinical psychologist, TEDx speaker, author, and mental health advocate with over 30 years of experience. The first clinical psychologist honoured by the President of India and a four-time gold medalist, she has advised NCPCR and served on the NITI Aayog Nutrition Committee. A sought-after speaker, she promotes mental health awareness, relationship well-being, work-life balance, and inner peace through workshops, research, and public engagement.
“Smriti Goyal is an accomplished academic leader, educationist, and culture enthusiast with a strong foundation in technology and progressive education. She currently serves as the Academic Director at Aakash Institute (Haldwani & Rudrapur centres) and leads the Cambridge vertical across the Bhartiyam Group of Schools, while also heading Bhartiyam Ikebana with a focus on innovative early childhood education practices.
A trained early childhood educator and Cambridge Curriculum expert, she is committed to fostering holistic learning environments. Beyond academics, she actively supports cultural and community initiatives focused on education and women empowerment. A passionate reader, traveller, and practitioner of meditation and Kriya Yoga, she believes in conscious living and meaningful contribution toward building a balanced and enriched society.”
Reena Kumari is a former legislator and public leader who became the youngest member elected to the Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Sabha in 1985. She later served as National General Secretary of the UP Youth Congress and as a member of the Indian Youth Congress National Council. At the age of 26, she became Minister for Energy in the Government of Uttar Pradesh. She was also a member of the organising committee of the Commonwealth Games and served on the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal of India for six years.
She has represented India at international forums, including the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in London, and has championed initiatives focused on women’s empowerment and AIDS awareness. An accomplished equestrian, she is the only show jumper from Uttar Pradesh to have participated in cross-country riding at the International Military event in Kasteel Hemsrode, Belgium, and is also an avid golfer. She is also a hotelier.
Mansi Sharma is associated with Shri Bharat Mandir in Rishikesh, one of the region’s oldest temples, that also undertakes educational and social initiatives through bodies such as Jyoti School for Special Children and the Bharat Mandir School Society. She contributes to these efforts by overseeing administrative coordination, financial processes, and day-to-day organisational functions. Her work reflects a committed engagement with community service and institutional responsibility.
Praneet Bubber is an award-winning architect, entrepreneur, and cultural catalyst with over two decades of experience. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, she leads Studios PMB, a globally recognized architectural practice known for its innovation and design excellence. As CEO of Living by Studios PMB, she extends her design language into bespoke furniture that reflects timeless form and function
Praneet is the founder of Phulkari Women of Amritsar, the city’s foremost women’s organisation and think tank, and was recently featured in Businessworld’s “Women Rising: Top Entrepreneurs To Watch in 2025.” She is also the Co-Chair of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). Her newest venture, Five River Art Gallery, brings fine art from across India to Amritsar, shaping it into a vibrant cultural hub.
As Honorary Convenor of the Prabha Khaitan Foundation and a member of the Crafts Council of India and World Crafts Council, she continues to champion art, architecture, and social impact.