India’s Digital Freedom Fighters: Tanmay Bakshi, Nandan Nilekani, Falguni Nayar, & Others Shaping The Nation’s Tech Legacy

In 1947, India broke free from colonial rule. In 2025, a new kind of independence is taking shape, one built on innovation, technology, and the spirit of self-reliance. Today’s trailblazers are not armed with swords or slogans, but with algorithms, startups, and breakthroughs that are reshaping the country’s digital destiny. On the occasion of Independence Day 2025, lets take a look at the digital freedom fighters of modern India.

Tanmay Bakshi: The AI Prodigy

At just 21 years old, Tanmay Bakshi has already worked with global tech giants, advised Fortune 500 companies, and inspired millions through his AI-driven innovations. Starting as a self-taught coder at the age of 5, he published an iOS app at age of just 9. Bakshi now focuses on AI for good, building tools that solve real-world problems in healthcare, education, and accessibility. His journey proves that Indian talent can shape global conversations in artificial intelligence without leaving its roots. Bakshi is the world's youngest IBM Watson Programmer at the age of just 12, an AI expert for Google and IBM, TedX Speaker and has a YouTube channel that has nearly 300,000 subscribers.

Ritesh Agarwal, Founder, OYO

From selling SIM cards in a small town in Odisha to founding OYO Rooms, one of the world’s largest hospitality tech platforms, Ritesh Agarwal’s story is a masterclass in ambition. OYO’s tech-first approach, dynamic pricing algorithms, AI-powered property management, and real-time booking systems, has transformed the budget travel sector in India and beyond. His success underlines how Indian startups can compete head-to-head with global hospitality leaders. OYO now operates in 35+ countries, making it one of India’s biggest global tech company.

Falguni Nayar, Founder, Nykaa

Former investment banker turned entrepreneur, Falguni Nayar built Nykaa into a billion-dollar beauty and wellness empire. More than just an e-commerce platform, Nykaa uses data analytics, AI-driven recommendations, and influencer-led marketing to reach over 70 million monthly visitors. By championing homegrown brands and giving women-led businesses a platform, Nayar has redefined India’s beauty retail landscape, while proving that tech and tradition can thrive together.

Nandan Nilekani, co-founder, Infosys

Co-founder of Infosys and former chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), Nandan Nilekani was the driving force behind Aadhaar, the world’s largest biometric ID system, and UPI, which processes over 12 billion transactions monthly. These platforms have brought digital identity and payments to the remotest corners of the country, making digital inclusion a reality for hundreds of millions. Nilekani’s work embodies the idea of technological sovereignty.

Srikanth Bolla, Founder, Bollant Industries

Born visually impaired and once told he couldn’t be an engineer, Srikanth Bolla founded Bollant Industries, a sustainable manufacturing company that employs people with disabilities. Funded by Ratan Tata, Bollant Industries uses innovative recycling processes and eco-friendly materials, his company produces everything from biodegradable packaging to industrial products. Bolla’s mission blends technology with inclusivity, a true reflection of freedom that leaves no one behind.

These innovators are not just building companies; they are building India’s self-reliance in critical sectors like AI, fintech, e-commerce, and sustainability. In a world where technological dependence can shape economies and geopolitics, their work ensures India’s voice is strong, independent, and future-ready.

Published on: Friday, August 15, 2025, 10:00 AM IST