Dr. N. Someswara is an award-winning medical writer, record-holding quiz master, and a passionate advocate for science education. A distinguished Kannada intellectual, he is best known as the host of “Thatt Antha Heli,” the longest-running quiz show on Indian television. His expertise spans science, medicine, history, and Kannada literature, and his numerous books have made complex subjects accessible to the common reader.

Shri Suresh V. Kulkarni is a respected education expert, teacher, and motivational speaker from Dharwad. He is widely known for his insightful guidance on effective teaching methods in Mathematics and Science, student motivation, and life skills. Through his engaging talks and interviews in Kannada on platforms such as YouTube and Kalamadhyama, he has inspired and guided countless students, parents, and educators. He has also contributed to staff training initiatives, including associations with institutions like WALMI, Dharwad.

Śatāvadhāni Dr. R. Ganesh is a renowned Avadhāna practitioner, polyglot scholar, and extempore poet in multiple languages. He has performed over 1,300 Avadhānas in Kannada, Sanskrit, Telugu, and Prakrit, excelling in spontaneous poetry (āśukavita) and chitrakāvya. The only Śatāvadhāni from Karnataka, he has achieved several milestones, including a 24-hour continuous poetic composition, the first Shatavadhāna entirely in Kannada (2012), and his 1,000th Avadhāna in Bengaluru (2014).

Professor Vijayalakshmi Deshmane is a distinguished oncologist and pioneer in breast cancer surgery from Kalaburagi, Karnataka. With over three decades of service at the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bengaluru, she rose to serve as Head of Department and Director-in-Charge, playing a key role in advancing evidence-based breast cancer care in India. An inspiring example of grit and compassion, she rose from humble beginnings to become a nationally respected medical leader. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to medicine and society, she has been honoured with the Padma Shri, among several other accolades.

Dr. Geetha Ramanujam, Academic Director of GR Educational Institutions, embodies the confluence of education, art, and philosophy. An acclaimed educationist, award-winning playwright and director, compelling public speaker, philosopher, and master storyteller, she holds master’s degrees in Education and Economics and is the Director of Kathalayas International Academy of Storytelling.

Bannanje Govindacharya (1936–2020) was a distinguished Indian Sanskrit scholar, philosopher, author, and celebrated orator from Udupi. A master of the Vedas, Upanishads, and Sanskrit grammar, he was revered for his authoritative Bhashyas, lucid translations of classical works into Kannada, and insightful pravachanas. Honoured with the Padma Shri in 2009, he authored around 150 books, playing a pivotal role in disseminating India’s scriptural and philosophical heritage.

Dr. Belle Monappa Hegde (B. M. Hegde) is a distinguished Indian cardiologist, medical educator, author, and former Vice-Chancellor of Manipal University. Known for his holistic and ethical approach to healthcare, he advocates integrated medicine that views the human body as a whole, drawing from Yoga and Ayurveda alongside modern science. A Padma Vibhushan (2021) and Padma Bhushan (2010) awardee, Dr. Hegde has inspired generations through his emphasis on simple living, intelligent eating, and compassionate medical practice.

Dr. Gururaj Karajagi is a renowned educationist, author, and inspirational speaker, and the Founder-Director of the Academy for Creative Teaching (ACT), Bengaluru. Affectionately known as “Karajagi Sir”, he is celebrated for promoting creative, values-based education and holistic learning. A prolific writer and sought-after speaker in Kannada, his talks blend education, life skills, and spirituality, inspiring generations across Karnataka and beyond.

Padma Shri Dr. V. R. Panchamukhi is a renowned economist, Sanskrit scholar, and spiritual thinker. Former Chairman of ICSSR and Chancellor of Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeetha, Tirupati, he has made significant contributions to international trade, game theory, and development policy, while bridging classical Sanskrit knowledge with modern scholarship. A distinguished author and orator, he has composed Sanskrit works on economics, philosophy, and poetry, and delivered insightful lectures on the Bhagavad Gita. Honoured with the Padma Shri and Karnataka Rajyotsava Award (2002), he currently serves as Chancellor of Sri Gurusarvabhouma Sanskrit Vidyapeetham, Mantralayam, and President of the National Institute of Vedic Science, Bengaluru.

Dr. K.S. Gopinath is a distinguished Surgical Oncologist and Padma Shri awardee, with over four decades of exemplary service in cancer care. An alumnus of JJM Medical College, Davangere, and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, he has specialized in the surgical management of breast, head and neck, and cervical cancers. A recipient of the Dr. B.C. Roy Award and several lifetime achievement honors, Dr. Gopinath is widely respected for his expertise in both conventional and minimally invasive oncology surgery, as well as his research contributions to rectal cancer and integrative approaches such as yoga in cancer care. His vast clinical experience and commitment to advancing oncology have made him one of India’s most senior and trusted surgical oncologists.

Dr. K.S. Sameera Simha is a distinguished educationist with nearly four decades of service in secondary and teacher education. A former Selection Grade Lecturer and Professor of Education, he holds a Ph.D. from Bangalore University, with research focused on promoting problem-solving skills in secondary school students. He has contributed extensively to curriculum development, teacher education, and textbook preparation through national and international forums, DSERT, UNICEF, and the Government of Karnataka. A recipient of the prestigious Kempe Gowda Award (2002), Dr. Sameera Simha continues to be respected for his lasting impact on mathematics education and academic development of teachers.