Times Leadership Summit and Icons 2026The Times of India successfully hosted the Times Leadership Summit & Icons Ludhiana 2026 on July 29 at Nirvana Luxury Hotel, Ludhiana, bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, educators, entrepreneurs and changemakers for an evening of insightful discussions, inspiring leadership stories and the celebration of excellence across diverse sectors.The summit reinforced The Times of India's commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue on Punjab's economic, educational and industrial transformation.The event commenced with a welcome address, followed by the introduction of the summit partners, including Title Partner Omaxe Chowk Ludhiana, 361 Media as Co-Powered By Partner, Al Basir and Muse Business Outreach as Associate Partners, Lifestyle Journalist as Magazine Partner, Medusa as Happiness Partner, Womennovator as Community Partner, ArtHaus and Zoya Glassware as Celebration Partners, and Fanzine India as the PR Partner.Punjab Governor Gulab Chand KatariaThe event was attended by Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, who graced the occasion as the chief guest. The event was also attended by actor Mugdha Godse, former Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha MP Avinash Rai Khanna, and Tanuj Bansal, Business Head, Omaxe Limited, Ludhiana Region.Actor Mugdha GodseSpeaking on the association, Tanuj Bansal, Business Head, Omaxe Ltd., Ludhiana Region, said, “Omaxe Chowk is envisioned as Ludhiana’s Luxury Heritage Bazaar, blending heritage-inspired architecture with premium retail, dining, and entertainment. Strategically located at Ghumar Mandi in the heart of Ludhiana, this association reflects our vision of creating memorable city experiences while strengthening Omaxe Chowk’s position as Ludhiana’s preferred lifestyle and cultural destination.”The first knowledge session, "From Classrooms to Careers: Are We Preparing Students for the Real World?", brought together some of Punjab's most respected education leaders to discuss how schools and universities can better equip students with industry-relevant skills for the future.Panel at the Times Leadership Summit 2026The panel featured Dr. Madhu Chitkara, Co-Founder & Pro Chancellor, Chitkara University; Ashish Sawhney, Principal, Bal Bharti School, Ludhiana; and Dr. Vandna Shahi, Principal, BCM School, Dugri, Ludhiana. The discussion explored experiential learning, industry-academia collaboration, digital transformation in education, entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence, and the growing need for critical thinking and employability skills to prepare students for an evolving global workforce.The second panel discussion, "Ludhiana 2.0: From Traditional Industry to a Technology-Driven Global Manufacturing & Export Hub," examined the city's transformation into a globally competitive manufacturing and innovation hub. The discussion featured distinguished industry leaders representing manufacturing, exports, agriculture and technology.The panel comprised Upkar Singh Ahuja, Chairman, New Swan Group; Pankaj Kumar Jha, Joint Director, MSME Development & Facilitation Office; Sahil Mahajan, Founder, Soft Built Solutions; and Ashish Jain, Technical Director, CITCE Technologies Pvt. Ltd.The panel deliberated on strengthening Ludhiana's manufacturing ecosystem through digital transformation, Industry 4.0 technologies, export competitiveness, MSME growth, innovation-led entrepreneurship and sustainable industrial development.Brand presentation by sales head Prakash ChandraThe summit also featured a special brand presentation by Prakash Chandra, Sales Head, Omaxe Limited, Ludhiana Region, who showcased the vision behind Omaxe Chowk, a luxurious heritage bazaar, highlighting its role in redefining organised retail and commercial infrastructure in Ludhiana.A dedicated healthcare session titled "Mission Dil Fit to Sab Fit" was delivered by Dr. Sukbindar Singh Sibia, MBBS, MD (Medicine), Director & Senior Consultant, Sibia Medical Centre, where he shared valuable insights on preventive cardiac care, lifestyle management and the importance of early diagnosis in improving long-term heart health.One of the most awaited segments of the evening was the Times Leadership & Icons 2026, recognising exceptional achievements by entrepreneurs, business leaders, educational institutions, healthcare professionals and organisations that have made significant contributions towards innovation, excellence and community development across Punjab.Addressing the gathering, dignitaries emphasised the importance of visionary leadership, innovation and collaborative growth in building a stronger Punjab. Representatives from The Times of India reaffirmed the media house's commitment to creating platforms that encourage knowledge sharing, celebrate excellence and inspire transformational leadership.The summit concluded with an engaging networking session among policymakers, business leaders, industry experts and professionals, paving the way for new collaborations and future partnerships. Through impactful discussions and the recognition of outstanding achievements, the Times Leadership Summit & Icons Ludhiana 2026 once again established itself as one of Punjab's premier leadership platforms, celebrating the individuals and organisations shaping the region's future.List of awardeesDr. Madhu Chitkara — Chitkara University — Edupreneur of the Year 2026Sandeep Narang — Company not listed — Outstanding Social Impact LeaderOmaxe Chowk Ludhiana (Omaxe Ltd) — Excellence in Heritage Bazaar DevelopmentAmrinder Singh — Bonn Group — Inspiring Entrepreneur, FMCG (Bread & Biscuits)Rishi Pahwa — Avon Cycles Pvt. Ltd — Excellence in Sustainable Mobility, Bicycle manufacturing industryNiti Jain — Neva Garments Ltd. — Excellence in Premium Innerwear & ApparelDr. G. Shunmuga Raja — Rightway Health International Pvt. Ltd. — Brand Integrity in Wellness, Nutraceutical & Direct Selling Industry 2026Pankaj Kumar Jha — MSME Development & Facilitation Office — In considerationUpkar Singh Ahuja — New Swan GroupHarmeet Singh — Today Logistics — Excellence in Customs Clearance and International LogisticsSahil Bhardwaj — Gauri Shankar Processors Pvt. Ltd. — Young EntrepreneurAmit Kapoor — NTF Travel — Excellence in Travel and Tourism ServicesRishi Raj Sharma — Proxima Steel Forge Pvt. Ltd. — Excellence in Manufacturing in Hand ToolsDr. Neha Miglani — Institute of Fashion & Communication Technology (IFCT) — Excellence in Global Fashion EducationDr. S. S. Sibia — Sibia Medical Centre — Service Excellence in Non-Invasive Cardiac CareAshish Jain — CITCE Technologies Pvt. Ltd. — Excellence in Innovation in Financial TechnologySuddha Babbar — The Powerful Soul — Excellence in NumerologyPardeep Balyan — Western Overseas Study Abroad Ltd. — Excellence in Immigration & Visa ConsultancyAshish Sawhney — Bal Bharti School Ludhiana — Excellence in Innovation in EducationDr. K. K. Mishra — Chitkara University — Transformational Higher Education LeaderDr. Amit Matharu — Matharu Exports (The Inlay Experts) — Excellence in Manufacturing and Export of Wood Inlay HandicraftsPankaj Periwal — S. S. Periwal & Co. — Excellence in Chartered AccountancyAishni Sethi — FICCI FLO LudhianaTannya Khanna — FICCI FLO AmritsarParas Budhiraja and Akshita Budhiraja — Orika Spices — Excellence in innovation in the Spice industryDr. Vandna Shahi — BCM School Dugri LudhianaShera — Shera Moringa Farm — Excellence in Herbal Healthcare ProductsParamjit Singh Sachdeva — Sachdeva Stocks Pvt. Ltd. — Outstanding Contribution to Financial Services & Investor EducationAkash Bansal — Rage Knit — Excellence in Fashion: Women’s Apparel and KnitwearAshok Dhawan and Narinder Dhawan — Deekay Electronics — Excellence in Electronics & Home Appliance RetailAshok Sethi — Fine Switches — Excellence in Industrialist & Manufacturing of Electrical Wiring AccessoriesGurpreet Singh — KS Agrotech — Excellence Contribution to Farm MechanisationRaman Vij — Raman Vij Designs — Excellence in Luxury Menswear and Custom CoutureSahil Mahajan — Soft Built SolutionsMantripti Kaur — Albasir Industries Pvt. Ltd. — Excellence in Brand, Indian Craftsmanship & HeritageDr. Swati Khurana — Dr. Swati’s Clinic — Service Excellence in CardiologyName not listed — Mehta Automotive Pvt. Ltd. — Excellence in Manufacturing of Automotive PartsName not listed — Kay Jay Forging Ltd. — Excellence in Manufacturing of Automotive and Non-Automotive PartsVikas Sarpal — MUSE Business Outreach — Service Excellence in MSME Support & Solution ProviderGitish Chopra — Elaan Advertising — Excellence in Regional Media Strategy & Brand StorytellingVarind Singh Sachar — Collab Marketing — Excellence in Media Campaign and Marketing StrategyNipun Nakra — 361 Media — Trusted Media & Event Agency of the RegionDisclaimer: The above content is non-editorial, and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content.