Paras Saluja
Founder and Chief Circular Officer
TEDx Speaker | Sustainability and Circular Economy Advocate
Paras Saluja is the founder of Shayna Ecounified, India’s first company to manufacture structural materials entirely from post-consumer plastic waste. With a focus on circular design and scalable impact, he has developed sustainable alternatives to traditional infrastructure — including park benches, paver tiles, school furniture, and sanitation units — now deployed across Smart Cities and CSR programs.
His journey took a decisive turn during a visit to Vietnam, where he saw how discarded plastic was reshaped into functional resources. It sparked a vision to reimagine plastic waste not as a crisis, but as a construction resource for underserved communities.
Recognized under the Startup India mission, his work bridges the gap between climate resilience and grassroots development — offering durable, low-maintenance solutions for both urban and rural infrastructure.
A solo traveler and adventure enthusiast, Paras finds clarity on long-distance motorcycle rides, hikes, and scuba expeditions — experiences that shape his grounded yet future-focused approach to innovation.
Himani Chandel
Co- Founder and Chief Growth and Partnerships Officer
Sustainability Strategist | CSR Partnerships | Inclusive Infrastructure Champion
A former senior journalist, spending over a decade writing and reporting on pressing social issues and crafting narratives that inspire action and drive impact. Her deep exposure to stories of change and resilience inspired her to transition into the social development sector, where she could work more directly on systemic solutions.
To strengthen her impact, she pursued Master’s in Communication for Development at the University of Reading in the UK, as a proud recipient of the Chevening Scholarship — a fully funded award by the British government for emerging global leaders.
She took on lead roles in communications and marketing with national and international non-governmental organizations. In these roles, she led impactful social campaigns and strategic initiatives designed to amplify community voices, shape public discourse, and drive inclusive development.