Sanjay Khimesara – Visionary | Techno-Manager | Media Edupreneur | Community Leader | Career Coach

Sanjay Khimesara is an eminent educationist and Career Coach based out of Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Mr.Khimesara is a pioneering Creative Industry Strategist with over three decades of leadership in the AVGC (Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics) domain. As the President of ASIFA India (UNESCO-supported global NGO) and Global Board Member of ASIFA International, he has been instrumental in advancing India’s creative ecosystem on both national and international fronts.

After engineering in 1992, Mr. Khimesara took Industry exposure till 1997 and while doing Management Program from IMS, DAVV, Indore, In June 1997, he estabilshed Central Indias first dedicated Design school, setting the foundation for AVGC education in the region. Since then, he has trained and mentored over 20,000 students, with hundreds contributing to Oscar and National Award-winning projects. As MD & CEO of Khimesara Institute of Visual Media & Design Pvt. Ltd. and President of Horizon Institute of Design Educational Society, he continues to bridge the gap between academia and industry through impactful skilling, placements, and innovation-driven thought leadership.

A key contributor to AVGC-XR policy advocacy, Sanjay has collaborated with multiple state governments across India and played a pivotal role in initiatives like the ‘Create in India Challenge’ under WAVES 25, hosted by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India.

As a Certified International Career Coach, Sanjay has empowered lakhs of students through career consultations and hundreds of guidance sessions. He is the co-author of the bilingual guide ‘Exciting Careers in Digital Media’ and an active proponent of CSR-led livelihood programs and women empowerment through associations like Women in Animation India Collective.
With a lasting impact on over 1 million individuals through training, mentorship, and community development, Sanjay leads by example. A lifelong learner, avid marathoner, and advocate of Jain values, he integrates purpose, creativity, and leadership to nurture youth and shape India’s creative economy.
Facility is located at heart of City in the brand name of Arena Geeta Bhawan. Exact Location is 202, Apollo Trade Centre, Geeta Bhawan Square, 2-B,Rajgarh Kothi, A.B.Road on BRTS, Above Karur Vysya Bank.

Map on Google- https://maps.app.goo.gl/uSXADvaYNh92RBN97 
Know more- https://docs.google.com/document/d/13WtKvxv2LWdOym-6cRpPIYZOtXf8HW_KGIDhIcWPvJE/edit?usp=sharing 
Know more about his various activities on - https://linktr.ee/sanjay.khimesara 

Key Initiatives

1. ‘Exciting Careers in Digital Media’ – Career Guide
An impactful initiative by Horizon Group, this career guide highlights 72 job profiles and essential soft skills in the AVGC and Digital Media sectors. It is available in Hindi and English to ensure accessibility for diverse communities.

• Hindi Flipbook: View here

• English Flipbook: View here
  
  Photo of Book Launch by Industry experts in Mumbai during 2023

2. Industry Connect

Over the past two decades, more than 400 industry experts have visited and inspired students, bridging the gap between academia and industry.

3. CSR Initiatives

• Certified Career Counseling: Our President Sanjay Khimesara, a Certified International Career Coach, offers career guidance and counseling for students – Career Library.

• Free Livelihood Training: HIDES focuses on the livelihood and skilling of economically weaker students through free training programs funded by CSR – Learn more.

• Community Engagement: We actively collaborate with the Indian chapter of UNESCO-supported NGO Asifa India and Women in Animation to empower women and youth. Our audio-visual support extends to public welfare organizations, including Indore Management Association, MP Police, RRCAT (BARC Division), MESC, and FICCI-AVGC Forum.

4. Community Leadership

• Our founder President Sanjay Khimesara is the President and Core Committee Member of Asifa India and Director of Asifa Animation Foundation (operating in 15 cities).

• Sanjay Khimesara served as the Secretary of AVGC XR Media & Entertainment Association, MP, and Co-founder of GECU Samvad, a thriving alumni community of 15,000 members across 100 countries.

5. Policy Advocacy

• Actively involved in shaping the AVGC-XR policy landscape at national and state levels.

• Governing Council Member, Media & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC).

• Member, FICCI-AVGC Forum and AVGC Sub-Committee under PHD Chamber of Commerce.

• Invited recently to become part of Council of Indian Institute of Create Technologies (National Centre of Excellence initiated by Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Govt of India with FICCI & CII)

Leadership Team-HID Educational Society & Khimesara Institute of Visual Media & Design Pvt Ltd

• Sanjay Khimesara (BE-MBA): President/MD & CEO, Industry leader in the AVGC sector and a key policy advocate.

• Aekta Khimesara (M.Com-CA-I): Vice President/Director & COO, Managing training operations under Arena brand since 1997.

• Saumya Khimesara: Creator, Interior Architect & Alumni of CEPT+ NID, Ahmedabad, contributing to design excellence.

• Pulaksh Khimesara: Strategist, Alum from BITS Pilani with expertise in E-commerce and technology companies like Flipkart/Meesho.

• S.L. Khimesara: M.Com, CAIIB, Retired banker and experienced Consultant.

More About Sanjay Khimesara

Sanjay Khimesara, a visionary leader with over 33 years of experience, has been a trailblazer in the Design, Animation, and Media-Entertainment sectors. Recognizing the potential of the AVGC (Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics) industry, he established Central Indias first Design School in 1997, which has since evolved into a powerhouse of AVGC education, producing world-class talent and revolutionizing creative education.

As President of the Indian Chapter of UNESCO Supported Global NGO ASIFA(Association Internationale du Film d’Animation) , he has expanded its reach to 15 sub-chapters, engaging over 50,000 creators annually. Under his mentorship, ASIFA India has grown into a global force, collaborating with Central & various State Governments and industry bodies to elevate Indias AVGC sector. He is also global board member of Asifa International

Sanjay is the founder of Horizon Institute of Design (HID) and Managing Director of Khimesara Institute of Visual Media & Design Pvt Ltd. Through these ventures, he has trained and placed over 20,000 students, many of whom have contributed to Oscar-winning and internationally acclaimed films. His initiatives have positively impacted over 1 million people through skill development, mentorship, and community projects.

Key Achievements

• AVGC Education Pioneer: Established Central Indias premier AVGC training institute, producing alumni credited in Oscar and National Award-winning films.

• Leadership in ASIFA India: Expanded ASIFA Indias footprint across India, engaging thousands of professionals and students annually.

• Community Impact: Positively influenced over 1 million individuals through training, social incubation projects, and community initiatives.

• Global Collaborations: Partnered with international organizations, fostering innovation and growth in the creative industry.

Recognitions

Our organization/Management has received over 60 organic awards, including:

• Bharat Innovators: Social Impact Leader(2025)

• Eduspark Awards (2022 & 2023)

• Golden Pixel Award (2019)

• Humanitarian Excellence Award (2020)

• ASIFA Awards of Excellence (2024) 

• Captains of Industry, Icons of Industry, Trailblazers of Industry

• Performance Awards from Arena Animation(Aptech Ltd) & Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS-SVE)

Initiatives

• Career Guidance: Certified Career Coach with over 50,000 consultations provided, empowering youth through psychometric analysis and mentorship.

• Create in India Challenge Partner: Collaborated with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting for First World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit-Waves 25 for Create in India Challenge - Awards of Excellence driving thousands of registrations from across the globe and then recognizing winners in presence of the Prime Minister of India under Red Carpet ceremony.

• Social Incubation: Engaged students in impactful projects with organizations like Madhya Pradesh Police, RRCAT, and Indore Marathoners.

• Skill Development: Led state-level AVGC policy advocacy in Madhya Pradesh & other states, contributing to Indias global presence in digital media.

• Writing & Speaking: Co-Author of Exciting Careers in Digital Media, motivational speaker, and active blogger on platforms like Shiksha and Quora.
  
  

Community & Volunteer Work

• ASIFA India: Grew its influence from 2 to 15 chapters, organizing International Animation Day and other events.

• AVGC-XR Forum: Secretary of AVGC-XR Media & Entertainment Association, contributing to policy and sectoral growth.

• Samvad Initiative: Co-founder of a platform connecting global leaders and alumni for knowledge sharing and mentorship.

Personal Life & Interests

A proponent of Jainism, Sanjay leads a lifestyle of nonviolence and environmental responsibility. He is a marathon enthusiast, completing over 25 million steps and over 15,000 km in support of various causes.

Contact

• LinkedIn: Sanjay Khimesara

• Website: sanjaykhimesara.com

• Email: khimesara.sanjay@gmail.com | horizoninfotek@gmail.com

• Phone: +91-9826394824

Apart from driving community initiatives for the Indian Chapter of UNESCO supported global NGO- Asifa India, Mr.Sanjay Khimesara is also working on empowerment of women with Women in Animation as Core Member of India Collective. Our organization provides Audio-Visual-Content creation support to Indore Management Association, MP Police(PRTS,Indore Traffic,RAPTC), RRCAT(Division of BARC)  and various other Public Welfare organizations including without charges. 

Sanjay has positively impacted millions of individuals via his various initiatives. He is  President & International Board Member of Asifa India, a UNESCO Supported NGO in Animation & Film Making with presence in 40 countries. He also completed his term as Secretary & lead Patron of AVGC-XR Media & Entertainment Association, a section 8 Company engaged in welfare of Media & Entertainment Sector in Madhya Pradesh, where he was intrumental to get MP AVGC XR Policy forumalted & budgeted. The same got implemented in March 2025 and gazzeted by State Government. He worked with Ministry of Information & Broadcasting for over 10 months as Partner for Create in India Challange, which recently got celebrated under WAVES25 (First ever World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit ) at Mumbai during 1-4th May, where he led a delegation of 50+ members from across the globe. Mr. Khimesara is Governing council Member of Media & Entertainment Skills Council and also on board of FICCI -AVGC Forum & PHD Chambers of Commerece. Mr.Khimesara volunteers for welfare of his Engineering Community and is Co-founder of an initiative called GECU Samvad, where he has been instrumental to learn, share & grow community of 15000 alumni from Ujjain Engineering College, Ujjain, MP and conducted 100+ sessions with alumni from TESLA, ISRO, BARC, GE, WIPRO, INFOSYS, TRAI, PWD, IAS Officers, Police officers, Revenue Officers etc

He has been actively writing and has volunteered contribution for Shiksha.com Portal as Expert Panelist & actively guides on Quora. He has been actively and passionately managing various other social initiatives like sustainable living for earth&us, contributes under Social Incubatino with various departments of Madhya Pradesh Police, Indore Management Association, RRCAT, Indore marathoners etc for their various digital initiatives.

Snaps of few activities-https://goo.gl/photos/1R1MwnVpNFx2SzN86

Recognitions-

Sanjay Khimesaras contribution to education has won him several awards including Asifa India Awards of Excellence 2023, Eduspark Award 2022 for contribution to AVGC Sector in India, Golden Pixel Award as Backbone of Industry, Indian CSR Award 2022, Indian Achiever Award 2021, Red Achievers Award 2021, Top 100 Admired People in Education 2021, Captains of Industry, Global Educational Influencers, 2020, Trailblazers of Education , Icons of Industry, Excellence Awards for Socio Economic contribution, Three Commendation Certificates from M.P. Police, Appreciation from RRCAT, Prashanti College, Daly College etc.

30+ Alumni from his Design school have been credited for 07 Oscar Awards (for Outstanding Visual Effects & Editing), 04 National Awards for Animation & Visual Effects in Films. Apart from it alumni have credits to several BAFTA, VES Awards, Best Film Award at 48 hours Film Project, Best Cinematography Award, Paris, Alumni created Short Film got Awards at Spain, France Germany, Official Selection to Asifa India Award for Excellence, Awards at 24FPS, Frameflix, Fludian Contest, Arjun Award, Role Model at Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment etc. One alumni recently represented Amazon in Adobe Creative Connect Marathon Virtual Summit during April21.

Few more links-

Media Coverage- https://photos.app.goo.gl/VjHaX5hfBhXruTSs8

Industry Connect-https://photos.app.goo.gl/NVtopmQRHP45idd46

Student activities- https://photos.app.goo.gl/zRbWUgpFQSJvKJsq7

Infrastructure - https://photos.app.goo.gl/PoTQGRFHccrapJJV7

Team- http://www.arenagbs.com/about.php

Services-

1. Career Suitability
2. Career Counselling 
3. 28 Psychometric Assessments in 7 different languages
3. Career Boosters
4. Industry Internship
5. Guidance for Creative Careers
6. Guidance for Engineering Careers
7. Details about Exams & Entrance Exams
8. Study Abroad guidance & support
9. Skill enhancement guidance
10.Skill & Qualification Programs in AVGC Sector
11.Placement Support for Freshers & Graduates
12.Philenthropic Services in Digital Media

Locate on MP- https://maps.app.goo.gl/uSXADvaYNh92RBN97

Sanjay Khimesara is renowned educationist and practising Career Counsellor & Career Coach .He has guided over 50000 students till date. Alongwith his passion to guide students via his vaste experience & exposure, he manages a Skill based training-placements initiative under a Design school at Indore, Madhya Pradesh. He is spearheading over six initiatives towards Community Building. He innovated Social Incubation and also provides strong Internship & placement support.

His journey for the Centre for Career Development started in 1997 when he took a decision for helping students. He completed his Mechanical Engineering in 1992 from Vikram University, Ujjain. After Graduation he took exposure globally while working with few top Engineering based Multinational Corporations and travelled extensively. He further completed his Post Graduation in Management from one of the top business schools in Central India-Institute of Management Studies(IMS,DAVV). He noticed confusion faced by students due to lack of knowledge and awareness about Career direction. With the aim of providing scientific Career Guidance he commenced his Centre for Career Development. Since 1997, he is working passionately with a team of highly skilled people to facilitate talented students with right path

With his overall vast Industry expertise & proven track record in managing own Creative School, he has been counted amongst few trusted educationists providing an unbiased Career Guidance based on Interest, Personality, Abilities & Skills, Values, Orientation Style & Emotional Quotient.

Sanjay Khimesara has already conducted hundreds of Seminars, Workshops & Career fairs. His team has actively conducted workshops and career guidance  sessions in top Schools, Colleges & Universities all across Central India. Some organizations include DY Patil Vidhyapith, Jagran Lake City, SGSITS, Ujjain Engineering College Ujjain,  IMS DAVV, Vaishnav Vidyapith, Prestige Institute of Management & Research, PMB Gujrati College, Ujjain Polytechnic College, Daly College, SAGE University, Acropolis College of Technology & Research, MKHS Gujrati Girls College, St.Paul, Holkar Science College, EMRC, School of Journalism & Mass Communication, Vivekanand College etc. 

He is working with Central Board of Secondary Education on Skill Development initiatives and with NCERT to provide expertise on content creation under NEP (New Education Policy) of Government of India. 

His focus is not just on helping students identify the right career with Indian universities and colleges, but with changing trends and global education becoming more feasible, he supports students reaching the top universities across the world. 

Not only do students benefit in the journey, but he also collaborated with the various corporate and works closely with top Defense Organizations, Public and Private Sector enterprises and Research Institutes. 

Sanjay is an avid writer and has contributed numerous articles for the leading newspapers in India including Education Times-Times of India, Dainik Jagran (Naidunia), Dainik Bhaskar, Rajasthan Patrika, Peoples Samachar etc. He wrote a book on Exciting Careers in Digital Media in Hindi, which is available on Amazon. He is also engaged in further research work on the AVGC Sector & has been involved in Consultation on AVGC by Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India.

Sanjay has been selected for Honoris Causa Doctorate Degree Award in Digital Media & AVGC from Brampton International University. Sanjay has been recently got recognition during May 2022 for his contribution to AVGC Sector by Animation Xpress as among top 20 experts in India during Eduspark Summit in Mumbai. He moderated one virtual session  and was part of one live panel session at Eduspak Summit. He also got Golden Pixel Award, Captains, Icons and many other recognitions. He has been part of various panel discussions at CII, FICCI, Vidhyadaan initiative of MESC,NSDC, Indian CSR Summit, Edtech & Education Summit etc.

Sanjay is also active on the community services and works passionately with various Non Government Organizations to help students and society. He is President & Core Committe Member of Asifa India & Director for Section 8 Company Asifa Animation Foundation. He is also Secretary of MP AVGC-XR Media & Entertainment Association formed for welfare of Community in Central India.  He has been included as Governing Council Member of Media & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC) funded by NSDC, Distinuguished Member, FICCI-AVGC Forum & AVGC Sub Committee Member of PHDCCI. He volunteers for a dozen of organizations.