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About Tawi Tales by Hosts
Introduction to Tawi Tales
Tawi Tales –The River Tawi, often called Surya Putri Tawi (Daughter of the Sun), is not just a lifeline for Jammu but also the cultural and spiritual soul of the Duggar land. Flowing from the laps of the Trikuta hills and merging into the Chenab, it has been a silent witness to centuries of history, traditions, and the everyday lives of people in Jammu.
Tawi Tales takes its name from this river because, like the Tawi, it seeks to connect people—carrying forward stories of Dogra heritage, culture, and icons. Just as the river nourishes the land, Tawi Tales aspires to nourish hearts and minds with narratives that celebrate our roots and inspire future generations.
About Hosts
Dr. Vikas Padha – Co-Founder & Co-Host, Tawi Tales
Introduction
Dr. Vikas Padha is a visionary educationist, cultural enthusiast, and social voice from Jammu, best known as the Co-Founder and Co-Host of Tawi Tales – a storytelling platform dedicated to celebrating the icons, heritage, and ethos of Duggar land. With a sharp intellect and an engaging conversational style, Dr. Padha brings depth, warmth, and authenticity to every dialogue, making Tawi Tales not just a podcast but a living archive of Dogra identity.
Academic & Professional Journey
- Mentorship: Known for mentoring hundreds of students and young professionals, he has carved a reputation as a guide, motivator, and thought leader.
- Doctorate & Teaching Career: Dr. Padha holds a doctoral degree and has served in higher education for decades, guiding young minds in management, leadership, and social sciences. His teaching is often described as “beyond textbooks”, rooted in real-life stories and critical thinking.
- Public Speaking: With a commanding stage presence, Dr. Padha is regularly invited to seminars, conferences, and panel discussions where he speaks on themes such as youth empowerment, cultural preservation, and ethical leadership.
Role in Tawi Tales
As co-host, Dr. Padha adds intellectual depth and cultural context to conversations. While Prof. Ajay Khajuria often brings the entrepreneurial and media perspective, Dr. Padha anchors the dialogues with academic rigor, literary flair, and a reflective narrative.
- Research & Framing: He plays a key role in curating episode themes, ensuring that each story is historically accurate and socially relevant.
- Storytelling Edge: His ability to weave history, philosophy, and lived experience together creates a compelling listening experience.
- Dogra Pride: Through his presence, he reinforces the mission of Tawi Tales – to connect present generations with their cultural roots while inspiring the future.
Cultural Engagements & Social Voice
- Dr. Padha has been actively engaged in cultural preservation initiatives, supporting local authors, historians, and artists.
- He is known for his writings and public interventions on Jammu’s socio-cultural challenges, particularly on education, environment, and identity.
- His intellectual interventions often strike a balance between tradition and modernity, showing how the Dogra ethos can thrive in the globalized world.
Ajay Khajuria Co-Founder Tawi Tales
Ajay Khajuria is a marketing strategist, educator, cultural advocate, and social impact leader from Jammu. With over two decades of experience in sales, marketing, and leadership roles in the corporate world, Ajay has successfully transitioned into academia and social entrepreneurship. He is the Co-Founder and Co-Host of Tawi Tales, a storytelling platform dedicated to celebrating the icons, culture, and heritage of Duggar land.
His career reflects a unique blend of corporate expertise, academic dedication, and cultural passion – a rare combination that continues to inspire young professionals and communities alike.
Corporate & Professional Career
- Corporate Leadership: Ajay has served as Head of Marketing & Customer Service at Bharti Airtel (J&K Circle), leading large teams and building market strategies in challenging terrains.
- Consulting & Advisory: Currently an External Advisor to KPMG, he guides organizations on Sales & Marketing transformation and AI-driven innovation.
- Entrepreneurship: Founder of Ajay Khajuria Management Consultants, focusing on branding, strategy, and business advisory for organizations across India.
Academic Journey
- Professor-of-Practice (Marketing/Management) at MIET Jammu: Ajay is shaping the next generation of leaders through a practical, industry-driven teaching approach.
- Mentorship: In his teaching career, he has delivered over 100 classes to 400+ BBA and MBA students, whom he fondly calls “professional trainees.”
- Thought Leadership: Known for simplifying complex marketing ideas into actionable lessons, he integrates case studies, storytelling, and real-world applications in his classes.
Cultural & Social Impact
- Tawi Tales: Through Tawi Tales, Ajay brings forward inspiring stories of Dogra achievers, preserving cultural heritage while giving it a global stage.
- Dogra Heritage Work: He is deeply engaged in research, writing, and creative storytelling on Maharaja Hari Singh, Brig Rajinder Singh, Bawa Ambo Ji, Dogra coins, Dogri language, and River Tawi.
- Creative Writing: Author of Hindi novellas such as “अगर किस्मत में हुआ तो ज़रूर मिलेंगे” and “तेरी एक मेरी सौ कहानियाँ – सपनों की दुनिया”, which blend nostalgia, memory, and human emotion.
- Social Service: As Advisory Board Member of Impact Guru Foundation (IGF), he has driven initiatives like AI-enabled health vans, ration kits for border families, and livelihood support programs.