𝘙𝘢𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘞𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘷𝘦 2025 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘈𝘻𝘮𝘪 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘈𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘈𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥; 𝘏𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘢
Chennai: The Radiant Wellness Conclave 2025 marked its tenth year with a thought-provoking gathering of changemakers from across India. Held on August 9 at Taj Coromandel, Chennai, the Conclave featured a wide range of voices spanning public life, media, medicine, cinema, education, politics and environmental activism.
Conceptualised and curated by Dr. Renuka David, the Conclave explored wellness through nine dimensions like physical, intellectual, social, technology, financial, environmental, emotional, occupational and health; urging attendees to view well-being not just as an individual pursuit, but as a collective responsibility.
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(L to R) Dr. Shashi Tharoor; Shabana Azmi; Dr. Renuka David |
This milestone edition also featured the T.H.E. Awards 2025, honouring excellence in the fields of Technology, Healthcare and the Environment. One of the key moments of the evening was the presentation of the Radiant Lifetime Achievement Award to veteran actor and social activist Ms. Shabana Azmi for her unparalleled contribution to cinema and her enduring commitment to social equity. The award was presented by Dr. Renuka David, Col. David Devasahayam and Dr. Shashi Tharoor.
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Reflecting on her 50-year journey in Indian and international cinema, Ms. Shabana Azmi said, “It is deeply moving to be recognised in a space that celebrates not just achievement, but alignment between one’s work and values. Radiant Wellness reminds us that wellness is also about purpose, resilience and remaining open to growth, both personally and as a society.”
Dr. Renuka David, Founder and Curator of the Conclave, said, “This year’s Conclave was a deeply meaningful milestone for us. Over the past ten years, Radiant Wellness has grown into a space that allows for difficult questions, bold thinking, and shared learning. I’m grateful to every speaker and guest who made this edition not only relevant to the times we live in, but also inspiring in ways that will stay with us long after.”
The Conclave featured a distinguished line-up of speakers, each of whom brought a unique perspective to the theme “9 Dimensions of Wellness in an Era of Disruption”
Col. David Devasahayam, Patron of the Radiant Wellness Conclave and CMD of the Radiant Group, is a decorated veteran of the Indian Army. A paratrooper and NDA alumnus, he transitioned to corporate leadership after nearly three decades of military service. Under his guidance, Radiant Cash Management Services became a sector leader, culminating in a successful IPO in 2023. A Harvard Business School graduate, he champions inclusive business and employment-led poverty alleviation.
Ms. Barkha Dutt, one of India’s most renowned journalists and author, is best known for her fearless frontline reporting during the 1999 Kargil Conflict. With a career spanning over two decades, she has received numerous accolades including the Padma Shri, and international honours from the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association and the World Economic Forum. Ms. Dutt is the founder of Mojo Story and continues to be a strong advocate for truth, equity and freedom of expression.
Mr. Boman Irani, acclaimed actor, director and screenplay mentor, is celebrated for his diverse roles in Indian cinema including Munna Bhai M.B.B.S, 3 Idiots, and Khosla Ka Ghosla. Founder of Irani Movietone and the mentorship initiative Spiral Bound, Mr. Irani made his directorial debut in 2025 with The Mehta Boys. His journey from theatre and photography to film direction exemplifies creative evolution.
Dr. Renuka David, Managing Director of Radiant Medical Services, is a frontline doctor turned wellness advocate. She is the Founder of Radiant Home Healthcare and the driving force behind the Radiant Wellness Conclave. A seasoned public speaker, host and editor, Dr. David has worked with the Indian Army, Apollo Hospitals and numerous educational and corporate institutions to promote preventive healthcare and holistic well-being.
Mr. Josh Foulger, President - Electronics at Zetwerk Manufacturing, brings with him over 30 years of global experience in electronics and manufacturing, including stints with Nokia and Foxconn. A champion for gender inclusion in industrial environments, Mr. Foulger is known for building successful global supply chains and driving people-centric execution.
Ms. Padmini Sambasivam, Founding Principal of Shiv Nadar School, Chennai, is a leader in Indian education with nearly three decades of experience. A passionate advocate for progressive education and mental health, she has headed institutions like Welham Girls School, Arsha Vidya Mandir and the Krishnamurthi Foundation. A former NCC solo pilot and Republic Day participant, she believes in education by design and holistic development.
Ms. Shabana Azmi, legendary actor and five-time National Award winner, has starred in over 140 Hindi and 12 international films. A Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee, Ms. Azmi is also a committed social activist and President of Mijwan Welfare Society. From global cinema to human rights advocacy, she remains an enduring force for change and equity.
Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament and former UN Under-Secretary-General, is an internationally recognised author and diplomat. With over 25 published works and a career that spans global diplomacy, politics and literature, Dr. Tharoor brought powerful insights on leadership, civic responsibility and India's evolving global role.
Mr. Shyam Sekar, Founder of ithought, is a pioneering voice in personal finance and investment strategy. With six unique portfolio strategies and a robust wealth management practice, his mission is to make financial wellness accessible and sustainable. His latest initiative Milestones 2 Wealth aims to empower retail investors to build financial independence through mutual funds.
Dr. Sowmiya Anbumani, sociologist, editor and environmental activist, heads the NGO Pasumai Thayagam and has represented India at several global environmental and social justice summits. She is a powerful voice in Tamil literary preservation and ecological consciousness. A former Lok Sabha candidate, she has also served as editor of Pasumai Thayagam Sutru Choozal, and advisor to Makkal TV.
Dr. Shriram Madhav Nene, distinguished cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon, is a visionary at the intersection of health, technology and entrepreneurship. Founder of Pathfinder Health Sciences and SNMD Ventures, and co-founder of Dance with Madhuri, Dr. Nene’s work integrates digital innovation with wellness. A UCLA and Washington University alum, he now works to democratise precision healthcare.
Dr. Lilian I. Jasper, Principal and Secretary of Women’s Christian College, Chennai, holds a Ph.D. in English Literature from the University of Madras. A former UBCHEA fellow, she has held several leadership roles at the college and participated in training programs at De La Salle University, Randolph College, and Harvard University. She introduced a course in ecoliterature and leads student ecotrips to the Western Ghats to promote environmental awareness.
Col. Gopal Karunakaran is the CEO of Shiv Nadar Schools. A graduate of the National Defence Academy, he served in the Indian Army for 27 years, including over a decade in conflict zones and a UN mission in Kuwait and Iraq. He joined the Shiv Nadar Foundation in 2010 and took over as CEO in 2014. He holds an M.A. and M.Phil from the University of Madras and has been a member of the National Committee of Education, CII, since 2008. His work spans academic leadership, operations, and policy, with a strong belief in education as a tool for social transformation.
The Radiant Wellness Conclave 2025 closed on a note of hope and shared responsibility. In a world that is constantly evolving, the Conclave reaffirmed the importance of conversations that go deeper than headlines, and actions that are grounded in empathy, expertise and awareness.
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