The people
behind Élan.

01 / FOUNDER

Akshit
Parmar.

Director · Élan 2026

Chess, coastlines and a curiosity about the universe.

I’m Akshit Parmar, the founder of Élan and the Director of its 2026 edition. I enjoy chess, gaming and spending time at the beach. I’m also aiming to become an astrophysicist—a goal that reflects my curiosity about the universe and how it works.

Élan has been a dream project of mine. Getting to bring it to life made the first edition especially personal. More than anything, I hope everyone who joined us enjoyed being part of it and left with something they’ll remember fondly.

02 / CO-FOUNDER

Sakshi
Baldawa.

Assistant Director · Élan 2026

Curiosity in business. Creativity in expression.

Sakshi Baldawa is a co-founder of Élan Summit and served as Assistant Director of its 2026 edition. With a keen interest in finance, business and economics, she enjoys exploring new ideas, connecting with people and turning thought into action.

Dance is another expression of that curiosity and energy. Alongside her academic interests and leadership work, it gives her space to create and express herself. She values initiative, collaboration and continuous learning—bringing ambition and imagination to the experiences she helps shape.

03 / CO-FOUNDER

Prachi
Belagali.

One of the Heads of All Departments · Élan 2026

Curious about people, perspectives and the questions in between.

I’m Prachi Belagali. I’m drawn to law and history, especially the questions they raise about people: what shapes our beliefs, why we think differently, and how another perspective can change our own. Outside academics, Taekwondo has been a big part of my life, teaching me discipline, resilience and the importance of showing up when things get difficult.

I’ve never believed learning ends at the classroom door. Some of my most meaningful lessons have come from conversations, disagreements and experiences that challenged what I thought I knew. I’m still figuring things out, and I enjoy that uncertainty.

As a co-founder of Élan and one of the Heads of All Departments for its 2026 edition, I had the chance to exchange ideas with people who see the world differently. What stayed with me were the questions worth thinking about long after those conversations ended.

04 / CO-FOUNDER

Jacinth
Jebaraj.

Élan Summit

A conversation. An idea. A beginning.

I’m Jacinth Jebaraj, a co-founder of Élan. I’m passionate about economics, business management and understanding how an idea becomes something people can be part of.

Élan began with a conversation between Akshit, our founder, and me as we walked back from lunch. What felt like an ordinary conversation became the starting point for something we would build together.

I enjoy exploring possibilities, learning from the people around me and taking that first step towards an idea. For me, Élan is a reminder of what can happen when curiosity meets the willingness to act—and an idea is given the chance to grow.