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Velishala Sruchit Kumar Gupta: The Entrepreneur Behind Thribhu Inc. and Exotica Aquarium

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From International Exports to India’s Premier Ornamental Fish Destination — Inside a Multi-Industry Business Journey

Few entrepreneurs manage to build a meaningful presence across two entirely unrelated industries, let alone do it with the scale and international recognition that has come to define the career of Velishala Sruchit Kumar Gupta. Popularly known as Sruchit Kumar Gupta Velishala, he has built a reputation as an Indian entrepreneur, exporter and business strategist, with ventures spanning international trade and the ornamental fish industry — two fields that rarely intersect, but which together tell a story of adaptability, ambition and long-term vision.

A Career Rooted in Global Commerce

Entrepreneurship has been at the centre of Sruchit Kumar Gupta Velishala’s professional life from the very beginning. His journey started in international trade, where he built export operations that eventually served customers across numerous countries. That early experience in global commerce didn’t just generate revenue — it gave him a working understanding of sourcing, logistics, international compliance and cross-border business relationships that would go on to shape every venture he built afterward.

For any entrepreneur, the early years of an export business tend to be the most instructive — they force a founder to learn how different markets operate, how to manage long supply chains, and how to build trust with buyers who may never meet them in person. That foundation appears to have stayed with Sruchit Kumar Gupta Velishala well beyond his first export venture, informing the scale and international outlook of the businesses he built later.

Thribhu Inc.: Building a Global Export Enterprise

Before entering the ornamental fish industry, Sruchit Kumar Gupta Velishala founded and operated Thribhu Inc., an international export enterprise supplying products to markets around the world. Under his leadership, the company exported more than 500 different products to customers globally — a breadth of catalogue that speaks to both the scale of the operation and the diversity of buyer relationships it managed to sustain.

Over approximately nine years of operation, Thribhu Inc. achieved a cumulative business turnover exceeding ₹500 Crore, a figure that positions it as a genuinely significant player in India’s international export landscape during that period. Building and sustaining a business at that scale over nearly a decade requires more than a single strong product line — it demands consistent quality control, dependable logistics, and the kind of long-term buyer relationships that only develop through repeated, reliable delivery over years, not months.

The company’s export operations also reflected a deep working knowledge of international trade compliance — a notoriously complex area for any business moving physical goods across borders, where regulatory requirements vary significantly from one destination market to another. Managing that complexity successfully across hundreds of products and numerous international markets is one of the more understated achievements behind Thribhu Inc.’s growth.

Exotica Aquarium: A New Chapter in Ornamental Fish

Perhaps the most distinctive turn in Sruchit Kumar Gupta Velishala’s entrepreneurial journey came with the founding of Exotica Aquarium, now regarded as one of India’s premier aquarium destinations. Built with an investment exceeding ₹8 Crore, the facility was developed with a clear vision: bringing world-class ornamental fish and aquarium infrastructure into the Indian market, at a scale the country hadn’t widely seen before.

Exotica Aquarium went on to showcase more than 2,000 specimens of ornamental fish, making it one of the largest single collections available anywhere in India. That scale alone would be notable, but the facility’s real significance lies in what it introduced to Indian hobbyists — numerous rare ornamental fish species sourced from South America and other international regions, several of which were being introduced to the Indian market for the very first time.

For a country’s aquarium hobbyist community, that kind of introduction matters far beyond the immediate commercial transaction. It expands what collectors, breeders and retailers even know is possible, effectively widening the entire ecosystem of species available domestically rather than simply adding one more retail outlet to an existing, unchanged market.

Building an Ecosystem, Not Just a Business

Exotica Aquarium’s influence extended well beyond a single retail or wholesale operation. The enterprise drew aquarium enthusiasts, collectors, breeders, retailers and aquatic professionals from across India, positioning itself as a genuine hub for the country’s ornamental fish industry rather than just another supplier competing for shelf space.

Alongside that commercial growth, Sruchit Kumar Gupta Velishala placed a consistent emphasis on responsible fish keeping — educating hobbyists and encouraging sustainable practices across the broader aquarium ecosystem. That focus on education and sustainability, layered on top of a commercially successful venture, reflects an approach to business that treats industry development as part of the mission, not just a byproduct of it.

International Recognition for Conservation Work

In recognition of his contributions to ornamental fish breeding and aquatic conservation, Sruchit Kumar Gupta Velishala was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by a government university in the Kingdom of Tonga. The honour specifically recognized his work in successfully breeding a rare fish species and his role in supplying that species to support ecological conservation initiatives aimed at preserving a local aquatic ecosystem.

Recognition of this kind — from an international academic institution, tied specifically to conservation outcomes rather than commercial success alone — signals a dimension to his work that goes beyond running a profitable aquarium business. It points to a genuine engagement with the ecological side of the ornamental fish trade, an industry where breeding practices and sourcing decisions can have a real impact on wild fish populations if not managed responsibly.

A Consistent Business Philosophy

Across both Thribhu Inc. and Exotica Aquarium, a consistent set of values seems to run through Sruchit Kumar Gupta Velishala’s approach to business: innovation, ethical practice, international quality standards, and a focus on long-term value creation rather than short-term gains. His ventures have consistently aimed at building sustainable businesses — ones that create employment, foster international collaboration, and contribute to the development of the industries they operate in, rather than simply extracting value from an existing market.

That philosophy is easier to state than to execute across two very different industries, but the trajectory of his career — from a nine-year export enterprise with a turnover exceeding ₹500 Crore, to an aquarium destination housing over 2,000 specimens and internationally recognized for its conservation contributions — suggests it has been more than just a stated value on paper.

Looking Ahead

As Velishala Sruchit Kumar Gupta continues to explore new business opportunities, his track record so far offers a fairly clear pattern: scale built through patience, ventures grounded in genuine industry knowledge, and a willingness to move into unfamiliar territory — from global exports to a highly specialized aquatic industry — when the underlying vision justifies it. Whatever comes next in his entrepreneurial journey, it’s likely to carry the same combination of ambition and international outlook that has defined his career so far.

For an entrepreneur whose work already spans international trade, ornamental fish conservation, and industry-building on a national scale, the through-line remains consistent: building enterprises that are respected not just for their commercial success, but for the genuine contribution they make to the industries and communities around them.

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Beyond Words: CMS, JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Transforms Emotional Intelligence into a Cinematic Learning Experience in Association with Affectionate Hands

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Demonstrating how education can extend beyond conventional learning, the Centre for Management Studies (CMS), JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), Lalbagh Campus, Bengaluru, hosted Beyond Words, a short film-making competition organised as part of the III Semester Emotional Intelligence course. Conceptualised and spearheaded by Ms. Parimala S., Assistant Professor, Department of General Studies, the initiative brought together cinema, creativity and emotional awareness to promote experiential learning and personal growth among students.

Inspired by the theme “One Emotion, One Story,” the competition challenged students to communicate emotions through facial expressions, body language, silence and visual storytelling. Exploring themes such as insecurity, empathy and inner conflict, the films encouraged students to reflect on human behaviour and relationships while strengthening their emotional awareness, teamwork, communication and creative thinking.

The initiative received the support of Dr. Chenraj Roychand, Chancellor of JAIN (Deemed-to-be University); Dr. Krishna Koopa, Dean; and Ms. Sunitha, Head of the General Studies Area, along with the wider CMS academic community.

The programme was enriched by the presence of Mr. Braj Kishor Gupta, Founder and Chief Mentor of GiantStep; Ms. Sanghavi, South Indian film actress; and Mr. Mohammed Suhaib, Founder of Affectionate Hands. Their participation brought perspectives from mentoring, cinema and social service, connecting academic learning with real-world experiences.

The programme also recognised Ms. Areema Chandra’s contributions and active involvement in NGO-related activities in association with Affectionate Hands, providing her with an internship opportunity and a certificate of recognition for her leadership skills given by Melukote MLA Shri Darshan Puttannaiah. The initiative highlighted social responsibility, community engagement and practical learning.

Film Evaluation and Assessment

The participating films were evaluated on five criteria: story and emotional impact; acting and expression; cinematography and direction; sound, music and editing; and the question-and-answer session.

Celebrating the Winning Teams

First Place – Insecurity

Hellen Elsa Aju, Yazhini V., Aleena Mariyam Varughese, Aishani Thakur and Megha S.

Second Place – Empathy

Yeshika, Lochana Reddy, Vaibhavi Yadav and Krishnag Patni.

Third Place – Battle Within

Aarushi Mishra, Dhwani Dhanuka, Nancy, B. S. Samrudh and Mohammed Fouz.

The successful execution of the event was supported by student coordinators Aleena, Hellen and Yazhini, whose initiative, commitment and coordination played an important role in bringing the programme to fruition. Palak K. Jain and the hospitality team ensured a welcoming experience for the guests, while Vivin and Anish Bose documented the event through photography. Faculty colleagues, staff members, volunteers and participants also contributed to the programme.

Through Beyond Words, CMS highlighted the value of experiential, student-centred education beyond conventional classroom settings. By translating emotions into cinematic narratives, students explored empathy, human relationships and non-verbal communication, connecting emotional intelligence with creative expression and real-life experiences.

Where Emotions Speak, Words Fade.

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Emerging Bridal Makeup Artist Shreya Bhartiya Is Fast Becoming a Go-To Name for Brides in Delhi NCR

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In a region known for grand, multi-day weddings, Delhi-based bridal makeup artist Shreya Bhartiya is building a reputation for restraint, precision and personalisation. In a little over a year, she has moved from training to the backstage of a leading fashion week, and she now serves brides across the country through her practice, Makeup By Shreya Bhartiya.

From MBA to Makeup

Originally from Jaipur, Shreya Bhartiya came to makeup artistry through an unconventional route. She holds an MBA from SDA Bocconi Asia Center, Mumbai, and an MSc in Marketing from Durham University Business School. She worked in marketing and procurement before an unexpected pause prompted her to reassess her direction. Her career coach asked her a question: “If status didn’t matter, what would you do?” Her answer was immediate: makeup artistry.

“What brought me the greatest joy was creating something beautiful with my own hands,” says Shreya Bhartiya. “I was drawn to the artistry, the creativity and the emotion that makeup can inspire.”

Training and Industry Experience

Her journey began in October 2025 with a professional makeup and hair artist certification at Daniel Bauer Academy, Delhi. She followed it with a 7-day Advanced Makeup and Hair Masterclass with Daniel Bauer himself in Mumbai, where she became part of Team Daniel Bauer.

In 2026, she worked backstage with the team at Lakmé Fashion Week in Mumbai, supporting shows for designer labels including Rahul Mishra, Amit Aggarwal and Aisha Rao. Backstage, looks must be precise, consistent and camera-ready under tight timelines, and that discipline now shapes her bridal work.

In August 2026, she completed a masterclass with Meera Sakhrani, one of India’s leading bridal makeup artists, to take her bridal technique further.

“I am a lifelong learner, and I am very passionate about the bridal industry,” says Shreya Bhartiya. “Learning from artists I admire has made me far more confident in what I offer my brides.”

A Complete Bridal Service

Alongside her makeup certification, Shreya Bhartiya is a certified hair artist and saree drapist. For a bride, this means one professional can handle the elements that define her wedding-day look. Makeup, hairstyle and saree drape are planned together, so the finished look is cohesive and nothing has to be coordinated between several artists on a busy evening.

“A bride’s look is the sum of many details,” she says. “When makeup, hair and the drape are planned together, everything works in harmony, and the bride feels at ease.”

A Consultation-Led Approach

Weddings in Delhi NCR are elaborate occasions, often spanning several days, multiple outfits and large guest lists. For the bride, planning brings a constant stream of inspiration, trends and opinions, which can make it difficult to define a personal vision.

Shreya Bhartiya’s process begins with a bridal consultation. Before any product is applied, she learns about the bride’s features, her personal style and, most importantly, how she wants to feel on the day. From there, the two refine a look that complements the bride and reflects her taste.

“My role is not to decide how a bride should look,” says Shreya Bhartiya. “It is to listen, understand and guide her in discovering what feels most authentic to her.”

Fresh, Healthy-Looking Skin

The foundation of her work is skin. Shreya Bhartiya favours a fresh, healthy finish over the heavy coverage traditionally associated with bridal makeup. The objective is a look that photographs well, holds through long ceremonies and still appears natural up close.

Her kit draws on trusted professional and prestige brands, including DIOR, Charlotte Tilbury and Bobbi Brown, chosen for their skin-friendly formulas, wide shade ranges and long wear across hours of ceremonies and photography.

“Great bridal makeup starts long before the first brushstroke,” she says. “When the skin is prepared well and the products suit the bride, the finish looks effortless, and it stays that way from the first ritual to the last photograph.”

Work Across India

Her bookings extend well beyond the capital. Shreya Bhartiya has worked with brides across India, including in Delhi NCR, Indore, Ambala and Jim Corbett, and she is available for assignments worldwide. Each location brings its own traditions and timelines, and she adapts her approach so that every bride’s look suits the setting as well as the ceremony.

Her time on Delhi NCR’s wedding circuit has also shown her how much brides value reliability. Arriving prepared, working to schedule and staying calm on a busy day are, she says, as important to a bride as the finished look.

An Experience as Well as a Result

Shreya Bhartiya believes the experience of getting ready matters as much as the finished look. The hours before a wedding are filled with excitement, emotion and expectation, and she aims to make that time calm, considered and personal for each bride.

“Makeup is never about transformation,” she says. “It is about creating a look that feels unmistakably personal and entirely her own. In the midst of all of it, I want my brides to have a moment that feels not just beautiful but entirely their own.”

About Shreya Bhartiya

Shreya Bhartiya is a Gurugram-based bridal makeup artist, certified hair artist and saree drapist, and the founder of Makeup By Shreya Bhartiya. Trained at Daniel Bauer Academy and through masterclasses with Daniel Bauer and Meera Sakhrani, she was part of Team Daniel Bauer at Lakmé Fashion Week Mumbai 2026. She holds an MBA from SDA Bocconi Asia Center and an MSc in Marketing from Durham University Business School. She is available for bridal bookings, editorial shoots and brand collaborations across Delhi NCR, India and worldwide.

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PTAHA Launches Members’ Directory 2.0 at TTF Hyderabad

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Hyderabad, 10 October 2026: The Professional Travel Agents and Hotels Association (PTAHA) launched its Members’ Directory 2.0 at the Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) Hyderabad on 10 October 2026, marking an important step towards enhancing member visibility, business networking, and collaboration across India’s tourism and hospitality sector.

The initiative was launched under the guidance of Mr. Rishi Deepak Budhadev, National President, PTAHA. The event was executed by Mr. Suresh Nair, Vice President, alongside Mr. Ankit Singh Maurya, Founder Member, and Mr. Biju Xavier, Founder Member.

The launch was attended by distinguished representatives from state tourism departments, highlighting the importance of cooperation between tourism authorities and industry stakeholders.

Dignitaries present at the event included:

  • Mr. Rajesh Kale – Deputy Director, Goa Tourism
  • Mr. Kundan Naik – Deputy Director, Goa Tourism
  • Mr. Harsh Mittal – Punjab Tourism
  • Mr. Ajit – Gujarat Tourism
  • Mr. Vijay Jadhav – Deputy Director, Maharashtra Tourism
  • Mr. Sajib Karmani – Jammu & Kashmir Tourism

The new directory aims to provide PTAHA members with improved professional visibility and easier access to business connections, supporting stronger partnerships among travel agents, tour operators, hotels, and other tourism stakeholders.

The successful launch at TTF Hyderabad reflects PTAHA’s continued commitment to member development and meaningful engagement with tourism departments and trade partners.

About PTAHA

The Professional Travel Agents and Hotels Association (PTAHA) works to connect and support travel and hospitality professionals through networking, business promotion, and initiatives that create opportunities for its members.

For more information:

Website: www.ptaha.org.in (https://www.ptaha.org.in)

Professional Travel Agents and Hotels Association (PTAHA)

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