{"id":136,"date":"2021-06-14T11:09:58","date_gmt":"2021-06-14T11:09:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dev.agtindia.co.in\/grd-school\/?page_id=136"},"modified":"2025-07-02T14:20:14","modified_gmt":"2025-07-02T08:50:14","slug":"eminent-visitors","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.grd.org\/grdps\/eminent-visitors\/","title":{"rendered":"EMINENT VISITORS"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"row\">\n<aside class=\"col-md-4\">\n<div class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"image text-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.grd.org\/grdps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/Pradeep.png\" class=\"img-fluid\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h4>AUTHOR  &#8211; PRADEEP CHAKRAVARTHY<\/h4>\n<p>Dr. Pradeep Chakravarthy is an ardent speaker, distinguished by a sense of humor, a mellifluous voice, and a deep knowledge about ancient Tamil history and literature. He imbues his insights from Tamil Nadu\u2019s history and culture not only in his talks but also in his books. With five published books and over three hundred articles in reputed publications like The Lonely Planet, The Hindu, Marg and exhibitions curated at India International Centre Delhi, Pradeep continues to share his wisdom through leading forums like TEDx. He has recently opened &#8220;Anantya in The Village&#8221; a heritage hotel in Alwar Tirunagari. He does heritage immersion tours here for children.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"col-md-4\">\n<div class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"image text-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.grd.org\/grdps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/1.-ablul-kalaam.jpg\" class=\"img-fluid\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h4>Dr.APJ ABDUL KALAM<\/h4>\n<p>Honorable 11th President of India. He was an Indian aerospace Scientist, author, Statesman and much more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"col-md-4\">\n<div class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"image text-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.grd.org\/grdps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/9-shiva-ayyadurai.jpg\" class=\"img-fluid\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h4>SHIVA AYYADURAI V<\/h4>\n<p>  A Indian born American Scientist and entrepreneur. Inventor of e-mail. He holds four degrees from Massachusetts Institute of technology, including a Ph.D in biological Engineering and is a Fulbright grant recipient.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"col-md-4\">\n<div class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"image text-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.grd.org\/grdps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/10-Dr-pawan-Agarwal.jpg\" class=\"img-fluid\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h4>Dr. PAWAN AGARWAL<\/h4>\n<p>International motivational speaker and spokes person for the Dabbawalas of Mumbai.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"col-md-4\">\n<div class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"image text-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.grd.org\/grdps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/2-krishnamachari-srikanth.jpg\" class=\"img-fluid\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h4>KRISHNAMACHARI SRIKKANTH<\/h4>\n<p>Former Captain and mainstay of the Indian cricket team and Chairman of Selection Committee. Played a crucial part in India\u2019s 1983 World cup win. He has been a broadcaster and commentator with various sports and news channels. He is included in the Panel of All India Council of Sports.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"col-md-4\">\n<div class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"image text-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.grd.org\/grdps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/4-Sam-Cawthorn.jpg\" class=\"img-fluid\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h4>SAM CAWTHORN<\/h4>\n<p>An Australian motivational speaker, success coach, self help author and entrepreneur. In 2006 Cawthorn was involved in a head on collision and needed to be resuscitated. He was 2009 Young Australian of the year for Tasmia. He established a programme for youth called \u201cBe Motivated\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"col-md-4\">\n<div class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"image text-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.grd.org\/grdps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/3-sunitha-williams.jpg\" class=\"img-fluid\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h4>SUNITHA WILLIAMS<\/h4>\n<p>An American Astronaut and United States Navy Officer of Indian origin. Holds record for most space walks and space walk time by a woman. Served as a flight Engineer on Expedition 32 and Expedition 33.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"col-md-4\">\n<div class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"image text-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.grd.org\/grdps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/6-jeff-hoffman.jpg\" class=\"img-fluid\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h4>JEFF HOFFMAN<\/h4>\n<p> A successful entrepreneur, proven CEO, worldwide motivational speaker, Hollywood film producer, Founder of multiple startups, producer of Grammy Winning Jazz album and more. He advocates three practices to open the mind \u2013 Question everything like a five year old, info sponging and reinvent with no regard to previous methods, legacy budgetary or other constraints.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"col-md-4\">\n<div class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"image text-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.grd.org\/grdps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/7-Sarath-Kamal.jpg\" class=\"img-fluid\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h4>SHARATH KAMAL<\/h4>\n<p> Professional table tennis player, winner of men\u2019s singles gold in 16th Common Wealth TT Championship and Arjuna Award recipient. He represented India in the 2004 Olympics in Athens. Won the gold medal in the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. Was awarded Padma Shri in 2019.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"col-md-4\">\n<div class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"image text-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.grd.org\/grdps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/8-kiran-bedi.jpg\" class=\"img-fluid\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h4>KIRAN BEDI<\/h4>\n<p> Retired Police Officer, Social activist, former tennis player and politician. Was the 24th Lieutenant Governor of Pondicherry. First Indian woman to become an officer in the Indian Police Service. She retired as the Director General, Bureau of Police Research and Development.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"col-md-4\">\n<div class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"image text-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.grd.org\/grdps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/5-VVV-Lakshman.jpg\" class=\"img-fluid\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h4>V.V.S. LAXMAN<\/h4>\n<p>Is a former Indian Cricketer and a cricket commentator. He is considered one of the greatest batsmen in world cricket. He was named one of Wisden\u2019s five cricketers of the Year in 2002, and was awarded the Padma Shri in 2011.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"col-md-4\">\n<div class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"image text-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.grd.org\/grdps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/11-Shiny-Wilson.jpg\" class=\"img-fluid\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h4>SHINY WILSON <\/h4>\n<p> Represented India more than 75 times in International competition. Took part in 6 Asian track and Field meets, winning seven Gold, five silver and two Bronze medals in Asian competitions. Collected total of 18 Gold, and 2 silver medals from seven South Asian Federation Meets.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"col-md-4\">\n<div class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"image text-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.grd.org\/grdps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/12.-Deepa-Mallik-350-300.jpg\" class=\"img-fluid\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h4>DEEPA MALLIK <\/h4>\n<p>She is the first Indian woman to win a medal in Paralympic Games, and a silver medal in 2016 summer Paralympics in Shotput.She is associated with Himalayan Motorsports Association and Federation of Motor sports of India. She was elected President of the Paralympics Committee of India.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"col-md-4\">\n<div class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"image text-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.grd.org\/grdps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/13.-Ben-Atherton-350-300.jpg\" class=\"img-fluid\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h4>BEN ATHERTON<\/h4>\n<p> He is a Spokesperson for Men against sexism and is a public speaker on issues of violence prevention. He has given performances in 44 states, Canada, England, Turkey, China, South Africa and the Czech Republic. He is a advisory member for the White ribbon Campaign in the United Kingdom.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"col-md-4\">\n<div class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"image text-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.grd.org\/grdps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/DUGGUBATI-PURANDESWARI.jpg\" class=\"img-fluid\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h4>DUGGUBATI PURANDESWARI<\/h4>\n<p> She is an Indian Politician from the State of Andhra Pradesh. She represented Vishakhapatnam constituency as member of Parliament in the 15th Lok Sabha of India. She served as the minister of state in the ministry of Human resource development.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"col-md-4\">\n<div class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"image text-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.grd.org\/grdps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/20-scott-styris-350-300.jpg\" class=\"img-fluid\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h4>SCOTT STYRIS <\/h4>\n<p>He is a New Zealand Cricket Commentator and Former Cricketer who played all formats of the game. An all rounder, Styris played an aggressive right handed middle order batsman and right medium Pace bowler.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"col-md-4\">\n<div class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"image text-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.grd.org\/grdps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/15-kandiah-350-300.jpg\" class=\"img-fluid\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h4>Dr KANDIAH <\/h4>\n<p> He has held Senior management position in Sales, Marketing, Trainning and HR. He is visiting Professor in India,Dubai, Nigeria,Sri Lanka,and UK teaching and coaching MBA and M.Sc students on Change and Culture.. He is a member of the Hamphishire Police authority Board and a member of the local advisory Committee, Ministry of Justice.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"col-md-4\">\n<div class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"image text-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.grd.org\/grdps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/KERRIE-PHIPPS.jpg\" class=\"img-fluid\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h4>KERRIE PHIPPS <\/h4>\n<p> She is an engaging International Speaker and facilitator, leadership Coach and author of several books including \u201cDo Talk to Strangers\u201d. Her Passion is simple, to inspire a more connected, compassionate and collaborative world by helping people have better conversations with themselves and others.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"col-md-4\">\n<div class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"image text-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.grd.org\/grdps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/18-sultan-ahmed-ismail-350-300.jpg\" class=\"img-fluid\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h4>Dr SULTAN AHMED ISMAIL <\/h4>\n<p>He is an Indian Soil Biologist and Ecologist. His work has centered on techniques for recycling biodegradable waste into fertilizer using local varieties of earthworms and on soil bioremediation. He is Managing Director of The Ecoscience Research Foundation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"col-md-4\">\n<div class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"image text-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.grd.org\/grdps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/17-nandita-dinesh-350-300.jpg\" class=\"img-fluid\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h4>NANDITA DINESH <\/h4>\n<p> She teaches Theatre arts and is Associate director at Bartos Institute for Constructive Engagement of Conflict at the United World College, New Mexico. She brings her experience of conducting experiential Theatre in conflict zones around the world to bear on her work. She has authored many books including \u2013 Theatre and war, Scripting Detention, Memos from a Theatre Lab, Chronicles from Kashmir.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"col-md-4\">\n<div class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"image text-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.grd.org\/grdps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/19-venita-coelho-350-300.jpg\" class=\"img-fluid\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h4>VENITA COELHO <\/h4>\n<p>She is an Indian writer, Director and Artist. She has made a mark for herself in Children\u2019s Literature besides films and Television. She wrote and directed the television Series Head over Heels. She has authored many books including \u2013 Dungeon Tales, Boy No 32, Washer of the Dead. She was awarded the 2016 Hindu Good Reads award for Best children\u2019s Fiction for her book \u2018Dead as Dodo.\u2019 She was nominated for Good Reads Award for Best Children\u2019s fiction in 2017, New Literary Award in 2018, and Long listed for Frank O\u2019 Conor Award.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"col-md-4\">\n<div class=\"item\">\n<div class=\"image text-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.grd.org\/grdps\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/21-khysunissa-350-300.jpg\" class=\"img-fluid\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"content\">\n<h4>KHRUNNISSA A <\/h4>\n<p>She is an Indian Author of Children\u2019s fiction, speaker, academic and a columnist who created the comic character \u2018Butter Fingers.\u2019 Butter Finger\u2019s, Khyrunnissa entry for the annual All India Tinkle Short Story Competition for Adult writers of Children\u2019s Fiction in 1996, won her the second prize. She went on to win the first prize at the competition for the next seven consecutive years from 1997 to 2003. In 2007 she won the Prestigious UNISUN Children\u2019s Fiction Award. She also has five Children\u2019s book Trust prizes to her Credit.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>AUTHOR &#8211; PRADEEP CHAKRAVARTHY Dr. Pradeep Chakravarthy is an ardent speaker, distinguished by a sense of humor, a mellifluous voice, and a deep knowledge about ancient Tamil history and literature. He imbues his insights from Tamil Nadu\u2019s history and culture not only in his talks but also in his books. With five published books and &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.grd.org\/grdps\/eminent-visitors\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">EMINENT VISITORS<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":"","_wp_rev_ctl_limit":""},"class_list":["post-136","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.grd.org\/grdps\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/136","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.grd.org\/grdps\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.grd.org\/grdps\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.grd.org\/grdps\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.grd.org\/grdps\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=136"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.grd.org\/grdps\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/136\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1638,"href":"https:\/\/www.grd.org\/grdps\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/136\/revisions\/1638"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.grd.org\/grdps\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=136"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}