Ashish S. Kulkarni is a visionary leader in India’s animation and visual effects industry, serving as the Chairman of FICCI’s Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics Forum and the MCCIA Animation & Gaming Committee. Renowned for pioneering world-class animation studios and creating iconic Indian animated content, his achievements include Little Krishna (2009), Shaktiman (2011), and Krishna and Kans, India’s first animated stereoscopic 3D feature film. A passionate advocate for animation education, Ashish has designed curricula for esteemed institutions like Whistling Woods, Birla Institute of Technology, and FTII Pune. As the former CEO of Reliance Animation and founder of Punnaryug Creations, he has elevated Indian animation to global recognition. Honored with numerous accolades, including an Honorary Doctorate in Business Management, Ashish remains committed to showcasing India’s rich talent and culture on the international stage through groundbreaking animated content.

Suresh Eriyat has been a trailblazer in Indian animation for nearly two decades, shaping the industry with his innovative storytelling and artistic vision. A graduate of the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad (1997), he began his journey by founding Famous House of Animation, where he produced memorable animated ads, shorts, and music videos, often achieving groundbreaking milestones. In 2009, he co-founded Studio Eeksaurus with Nilima Eriyat, further cementing his legacy as a pioneer in the field. Suresh’s extensive portfolio of over 400 films has garnered more than 100 national and international accolades, including the prestigious Cristal Award at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival for Fateline (2015), marking a first for India. His acclaimed in-house projects, Tokri and Fisherwoman and Tuk-Tuk, both earned National Film Awards for Best Non-Feature Animation Film, showcasing his commitment to pushing the boundaries of animation as an art form.

Ravishankar Venkateswaran is an Indian filmmaker and writer known for his creative storytelling and innovative approach to animation. His debut movie, Punyakoti, inspired by a folk song from Karnataka, was a remarkable project that was both crowd-funded and crowd-sourced, highlighting his ability to engage audiences in the filmmaking process. A pioneer in India's multimedia industry, Ravi directed the country’s first interactive CD-ROM for children in 1995, based on The Panchatantra, for Kirloskar Multimedia. With a passion for drawing inspiration from India’s rich traditions and folklore, Ravi reimagines timeless tales with fresh interpretations.

His hands-on approach spans every aspect of animated storytelling, including writing, thumbnailing, storyboarding, rigging, compositing, editing, and sound design. Combining his expertise as a designer, writer, and process re-engineering consultant, Ravi crafts films that are both innovative and deeply rooted in cultural heritage.

Manu KS, Co-Founder and Director of Pava Creative Studios, is a transmedia storyteller creating engaging content for children and tweens worldwide. At the Sharjah International Book Fair 2019, Pava launched The Spy's Route, the first of their 15-part comic series Battle of the Winds, humorously exploring the 15th-century spice trade through the lens of legendary Arab sailor Ahmad Ibn Majid. The second volume is slated for Santiago Comicon 2023. Manu's acclaimed animated projects include Pupi, a National Award-winning series on science, Kathu, promoting values, and Dolly, focusing on children’s nutrition, all earning prestigious recognitions like the Golden and Silver Beaver awards. Other works include Manchadi, retelling classic folk tales, and Banu Bablu, teaching elementary mathematics.

With Mr. Kumaran: Selfie of a Crane addressing environmental issues, Manu blends education, humor, and creativity, making him a pioneer in producing meaningful and innovative content for young audiences.