New Delhi | 11 September 2026
More than 100 business leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, industry experts and decision-makers gathered in New Delhi for the inaugural The CEO Magazine Business Conclave & Leadership Awards 2026, held at Welcomhotel By ITC Hotels, Dwarka.
The event brought together a cross-sector business community for an evening combining leadership dialogue, business interaction, networking and recognition. Organised by The CEO Magazine, part of Indiamanthan Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd., the conclave also marked a new milestone in the publication’s journey since 2015.
The programme featured speakers, panel discussions, presentations and the presentation of 50+ awards recognising organisations and individuals across business and industry.
A Programme Spanning Business, Policy and Leadership
The evening commenced with the ceremonial lamp lighting by Mr. Shrikant Pandey, Dr. Anil Sethi, Mr. Durga Singh Bhandari and Lt Gen Ashok Bhim Shivane (Retd.).
Lt Gen Ashok Bhim Shivane (Retd.) delivered the inaugural address, offering perspectives on leadership and strategic thinking, followed by an address from Dr. Anil Sethi.
The first panel, “Inc for India,”, focused on India’s entrepreneurial and growth environment, covering entrepreneurship, trade, artificial intelligence, social entrepreneurship and India’s future growth.
The panel featured Lt Gen Ashok Bhim Shivane (Retd.), Mahmood Akhter, IRS, Amb. B. Bala Bhaskar and Dr. Kazem Samandari, moderated by Malika Pandey, Public Policy Specialist.
The second panel, “Markets and Mandates,”, focused on India’s Economic Transformation, Entrepreneurship & Policy. The discussion brought together Dr. Amitabh Ranjan, Amb. Muktesh Pardeshi, Dr. SuvroKamal Dutta, Vani Patel and Shantanu Jugtawat, under the moderation of Dr. Kamalika Banerjee, Scientist and Former Consultant, PSA, PMO, Government of India.
Further addresses and presentations were delivered by Dr. Amarjeet Kaur, Mr. Prateek Golecha, Mr. Sandeep Ahuja and Vani Patel, adding perspectives from technology, entrepreneurship, healthcare and business development.
Strategic and Policy Perspectives
The Minister’s Session featured His Excellency Shri K. J. Alphons Kannanthanam, Former Union Minister, Former IAS Officer and former Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha.
Lt Gen Raj Shukla (Retd.) also addressed the gathering. The session, moderated by Dr. Kamalika Banerjee and Ayanangsha Maitra, PhD, explored India’s strategic trajectory, national development, leadership and the opportunities emerging from India’s growing global role.
The programme subsequently featured Mr. Kaukab Abbas and Dr. Rakesh Kumar before moving into the recognition segment.
50+ Recognitions Across Business and Industry
Ms. Dipika Chiklia, Guest of Honour, was welcomed by Mrs. Jyoti Pandey ahead of the awards presentation.
The awards recognised achievements across business leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, transformation and industry excellence.
The evening’s recognitions included Company of the Year, Brand of the Year, CEO of the Year, Founder of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Business Woman of the Year, Industry Leadership, Lifetime Achievement, Startup of the Year and Business Transformation, among others.
Grand Jury members Dr. Shyam Raghunandan, Dr. Anil Sethi and Mr. Durga Singh Bhandari participated in the felicitation of distinguished panellists, generals and ambassadors. Mr. Shrikant Pandey felicitated Chief Guest Shri K. J. Alphons Kannanthanam.
The event was supported by APS Industrial Solutions, Gifting Partner; Business Uttarayani Conclave of Himalayan Entrepreneurs, Outreach Partner; and Rudrakshology, Spiritual Partner.
Building a Platform Beyond Recognition
The inaugural conclave was designed to bring together The CEO Magazine’s work in leadership storytelling and recognition with opportunities for direct business and professional interaction.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Shrikant Pandey, Publisher, The CEO Magazine, who thanked everyone associated with the event.
“Leadership deserves to be recognised, but more importantly, it deserves to be remembered for the impact it creates,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, speakers, jury members, award recipients, partners and guests for contributing to the inaugural edition.
The event marked another step in The CEO Magazine’s continuing effort to create platforms where business leaders connect, engage and get recognised.
About The CEO Magazine
A part of Indiamanthan Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd., The CEO Magazine covers leadership, entrepreneurship, companies, industries and emerging business trends.
Since 2015, the publication has documented 7,500+ leadership stories, featuring entrepreneurs, CEOs, founders, professionals and organisations across sectors.
Its magazine, digital platforms, leadership stories, industry features, events and recognition initiatives provide platforms for the business community to connect, engage and recognise excellence.
Media Enquiries:
The CEO Magazine
Indiamanthan Publications & Media Pvt. Ltd.
Email: event@theceo.in
Phone: 011-4121-9292
