Ashraf Engineer, 45
Content creator

Long after he quit his 17-year-long career as a journalist, that included a stint of training reporters in Afghanistan, Ashraf Engineer continued writing for various publications and on his blog; he even appeared on international news radio. And yet, he felt, something was amiss. "I felt that there was space for quality commentary on issues, to explain what the news you read means for the reader's daily life. Normally, people don't make the connection." In January, he launched an ad-free website (www.allindiansmatter.in) and invited an erudite bunch of writers to contribute.

"Since I also teach, I was clear about my audience—18 to 30-year-olds—because I could see in my students, who are that age, the engagement with national affairs, and the urge to make the country a better place. More importantly, my daughter who turns 18 next year, is who I keep in mind. I want this world to be a better place for her and this is my way of going about it," says Engineer.