Our Mission

Lakshmi Pratury

Lakshmi Pratury is a multi-faceted entrepreneur, public speaker, master interviewer, and writer. She is the founder and CEO of INKTalks, a transformative platform and community launched in 2010, where she curates stories and a community of global thought-leaders and game-changers.

Lakshmi is a sought-after public speaker and curator – addressing a wide range of leadership topics, including redefining success, future technologies and their role in shaping the workforce, women’s roles in the workplace, and the transformative power of storytelling in business. Alongside her speaking engagements, Lakshmi writes on a range of topics spanning business and life, and has contributed to several leading publications. She is on the board of several startups and initiatives, shaping and guiding teams on scaling globally and building communities. 

With over two decades of experience in the United States, Lakshmi held pivotal roles at Intel, where she helped shape the tech giant’s foray into end user marketing and business development. She worked in venture capital with Global Catalyst Partners and drove impactful projects in leadership roles for the non-profit American India Foundation.

Lakshmi is credited for co-hosting TED’s first and only conference in India in 2009 and bringing Singularity University’s international summit to India in 2015. Continuing her mission with INK and the non-profit INK Global Foundation (IGF), Lakshmi is committed to amplifying India’s narrative on the global stage, bringing the best of the world to India, and vice versa. She champions the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and storytelling to ignite innovation, foster resilience, and shape our collective destiny. Her journey from mathematics gold medalist to business and theater graduate underscores her multifaceted expertise and passion for driving change.

Anu Sethram

Anu Sethuram, one of INK’s earliest supporters, is the co-founder and president of INK Global Foundation. Her role combines her passion for promoting intercultural exchange and collaboration with her dedication to social empowerment. Anu is instrumental in the success of the U.S. Roadshow, where she continues to champion the organization’s mission and growth. Her commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and extensive community engagement efforts are integral to Anu’s role.

Nandini Ashok

Nandini Ashok, the driving force behind IGF’s India operations, is deeply immersed in all facets of the foundation’s operations. With a specialization in Facilities Management and Operations, Nandini’s 20-year journey at Intel, Sasken, and the United Nations (ESCAP-APCTT) has honed her adaptability to manage complex projects and navigate organizational change. This adaptability has proven to be a key asset in fostering strong community relations and driving operational efficiencies. Nandini’s diverse experience and meticulous approach underscore her commitment to enhancing organizational performance and community engagement.

Deepika Vardhan Sharma

Deepika Vardhan Sharma (Dee) brings three decades of experience in business journalism, marketing, and education. Currently responsible for program design and communications at IGF, she was formerly the Director of Marketing and Curation at INK. Dee’s career began in business journalism at The Economic Times in New Delhi, India. In the U.S., she transitioned to marketing, holding strategic roles at NAVAJO Company, a boutique agency with mega-star clients in Silicon Valley. Dee established and became the managing editor for the company’s corporate publications division.

Driven by the belief that education shapes the future and stories inspire its architects, Dee reinvented herself as an educator in Taipei, Taiwan. At Taipei American School, she taught English, Economics, and International Relations, designing innovative curricula emphasizing student agency and choice. A lifelong learner, Dee holds master’s degrees in education and economics, with certifications from Stanford and Columbia Universities. Having lived in the U.S., Hong Kong, Taiwan, and India, she strongly believes in fostering inclusive communities.

Jitin Hingorani

Jitin Hingorani has built a distinguished 25-year career in the film, arts, entertainment, and fashion industries, serving as a reporter, publicist, festival director, curator, and producer. After 33 years in New York and Texas, he moved to India to lead programming for the NFDC Film Bazaar, supporting hyper-local content with global impact. Jitin began his career as a television reporter and morning anchor for the CNN affiliate in Austin, Texas, where he was nominated for an Emmy Award for his in-depth series on the outsourcing of American jobs to India.

Jitin has produced three documentaries and curated for prestigious festivals like SXSW and TriBeCa. His personal film credits include Executive Producer for the highly acclaimed feature documentary “Call Me Dancer,” which received numerous awards and gained recognition through its extensive international festival circuit and theatrical release in North America. Jitin is also the founder of JINGO Media, specializing in PR for South Asian entertainment brands. In 2018, Jitin helped launch Disney + Hotstar in the U.S. for the North American audience by securing festival partnerships, organizing multiple signature events, and garnering earned media coverage for the platform’s entertainment and sports programming. He holds degrees from Oxford University and the University of Texas at Austin.

Deepti Mulakaluri

With over 15 years of experience in both IT and non-IT sectors, Deepti brings a wealth of experience as a Program Manager, Relationship Manager, and Events Manager. Deepti holds a Master’s in Commerce from Bangalore University and currently resides in California, USA. When not managing complex programs and events, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending cherished moments with family and friends.