Aspire Circle
Prerna Samaan
“Prerna” — Inspiration | “Samaan” — Respect
The Aspire Circle Prerna Samaan is a lifetime honour celebrating visionary leaders whose work has transformed India’s social, economic and environmental landscape.
A Lifetime Recognition of Leadership
The Aspire Circle Prerna Samaan recognises individuals and institutions whose integrity, ideas, leadership and impact have advanced the public good and inspired generations to pursue purpose alongside prosperity.
Inspiration
To ignite ideas that create meaningful change.
Respect
To honour values, integrity and lifelong dedication.
Impact
To advance the public good and strengthen our nation.
Leadership Shapes Every Era
From the Industrial Revolution to the Green Revolution to the Digital Age, every transformative era was shaped by individuals who could imagine better futures — and inspire others to pursue them.
Today, as India confronts social divides and the urgency of climate action, we need a new generation of leaders who can uplift communities, steward natural resources, and enable prosperity without harm.
Beyond Achievement
The Prerna Samaan does not celebrate achievement alone. It honours:
Work that Endures
Long-term contribution to society
Values that Guide
Integrity-driven leadership
Legacy that strengthen
Building a stronger nation.
To preserve its sanctity, the Prerna Samaan is conferred sparingly –
This is Aspire Circle’s highest expression of gratitude, offered with sincerity, reverence and collective pride.
Honouring Extraordinary Leadership
Ela Bhatt (2015)
Padma Bhushan awardee, Founder, Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), and Elder, Aspire Circle
Ela Bhatt (2015) – Padma Bhushan awardee, Founder, Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), and Elder, Aspire Circle
Ela Bhatt was a pioneering force in India’s women’s empowerment and cooperative movements. Through SEWA, she helped organise and uplift millions of informal women workers, giving them access to identity, dignity, financial security, and collective strength. Her life’s work demonstrated that economic independence is foundational to social voice and personal freedom.
As an Elder of Aspire Circle, she embodied compassionate leadership and resilience, inspiring Fellows to lead with empathy and moral clarity. Her legacy continues to shape India’s social entrepreneurship movement.
Dr. Pradip Khandwalla (2015)
Former Director, IIM Ahmedabad; Chief Moderator, Aspire Circle (2014–2020)
Dr. Pradip Khandwalla (2015) – Former Director, IIM Ahmedabad; Chief Moderator, Aspire Circle (2014–2020)
Dr. Pradip Khandwalla is a transformative thinker in public systems, creative governance, and organisational leadership. At IIM Ahmedabad and beyond, he dedicated his career to exploring how creativity, collaboration, and humane management could strengthen both institutions and society.
As Chief Moderator of Aspire Circle, he shaped the Fellowship’s ethical and intellectual core, mentoring leaders devoted to the public good and leaving a lasting impact on India’s development and social innovation community.
Vijay Mahajan (2024)
Founder, BASIX; Co-founder, PRADAN
Vijay Mahajan (2024) – Founder, BASIX; Co-founder, PRADAN
Vijay Mahajan is widely regarded as one of India’s most influential leaders in microfinance and rural livelihoods. His organisations – PRADAN and BASIX — pioneered models that enhanced income security, built financial access for the underserved, and strengthened community resilience in some of India’s most economically vulnerable regions.
Over the years, Vijay has guided every Aspire Fellowship cohort, shaping over 300 impact leaders with his clarity, mentorship, and steadfast commitment to justice and dignity for the poor.
