AVGC Pioneer · Central India

Sanjay Khimesara

Visionary Leader · Creative India Champion · Edupreneur

A nationally respected pioneer shaping India's creative economy through world-class AVGC education, global partnerships, and bold community initiatives. Building dreams, one creative career at a time.

0+
Years of Excellence
0K+
Students Trained
0M+
Lives Impacted
0K+
Creators Annually
Scroll
SK
28+
Years
20K+
Students
1M+
Impact
15
ASIFA Chapters
About

Pioneering Creative Education Since 1997

In 1997, Sanjay Khimesara made a bold decision that transformed Central India's creative landscape — he established the region's first design school, at a time when AVGC was still finding its footing in India.

Today, the Horizon Group stands as a trendsetting ecosystem driving innovation, employability, and entrepreneurship across Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics, and Digital Media — with alumni credited on Oscar-winning and internationally acclaimed productions.

As President of ASIFA India and Global Board Member of the Association Internationale du Film d'Animation, Sanjay continues to shape India's voice on the world stage. A practitioner of Jain principles and a marathon enthusiast who has walked 15,000+ km for social causes.

ASIFA India President Global ASIFA Board Career Coach AVGC Pioneer Policy Advocate Community Builder
Domains of Expertise

Five Pillars of
Creative Mastery

Three decades of world-class training across the most dynamic creative disciplines — aligned with global industry standards.

🎬
Animation & Visual Effects
Professional animation and VFX training aligned with global production pipelines and industry workflows.
🎮
Gaming & Immersive Media
Game design, AR/VR, and immersive experiences shaping the next frontier of interactive entertainment.
📱
Digital Media & Motion Graphics
End-to-end digital content creation for brands, broadcasters, and digital-first platforms.
✏️
Visual Communication & Graphic Design
Creative communication through typography, branding, illustration, and visual storytelling.
🖥️
UI/UX & Interactive Design
Human-centered digital design for apps, platforms, and next-generation digital products.
Impact & Legacy

Numbers That Tell
a Story of Change

28+
Years of Excellence
28
20K+
Students Trained & Placed
20K
1M+
Lives Impacted via Outreach
1M
350+
Industry Experts Engaged
350
50K+
Creators Engaged via ASIFA
50K
15K+
GECU Samvad Network Members
15K

Alumni on Oscar-Winning Productions

Horizon Group alumni have earned credits on Oscar-recognized and internationally acclaimed productions, placing Central India firmly on the global creative map.

Free Livelihood Training Programs

CSR-supported skill programs have empowered thousands of youth from economically weaker sections with career-ready skills in digital media and animation.

Career Coaching for 50,000+ Youth

As a Certified International Career Coach, Sanjay has guided thousands through psychometric assessments, counseling, and mentorship programs across India.

ASIFA India: 15 Active Chapters

Expanded ASIFA India from a small community to 15 vibrant chapters, engaging 50,000+ creators annually and strengthening India's animation ecosystem nationwide.

WAVES 2025 — In the Presence of the Prime Minister

At Creatosphere during WAVES 2025, Sanjay's initiatives — including the Create in India Challenge — were showcased in the presence of PM Narendra Modi, marking a landmark national moment for India's creative industry.

Leadership Positions

Steering India's
Creative Ecosystem

Key positions shaping policy, community, and global engagement in animation and digital media.

International
Global Board Member
Association Internationale du Film d'Animation (ASIFA)
National
President
ASIFA India
State
Secretary
AVGC-XR Media & Entertainment Association, Madhya Pradesh
Government Body
Governing Council Member
Media & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC)
Ministry Partnership
Partner — Create in India Challenge
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, WAVES 2025
Community
Co-Founder
GECU Samvad Global Alumni Network (15,000+ Members)
Policy
Member — AVGC Forum
FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry)
Commerce Body
AVGC Sub-Committee Member
PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Education
Governing Council
Indian Institute of Creative Skills — National Centre of Excellence
Leadership Team

The Horizon Group Family

SK
Sanjay Khimesara
President / MD & CEO
Industry Leader & Policy Advocate
AK
Aekta Khimesara
Vice President & COO
Managing Operations Since 1997
SK
Saumya Khimesara
Designer & Architect
CEPT University · NID Alumna
PK
Pulaksh Khimesara
Strategist
BITS Pilani · Ex-Flipkart & Meesho
SL
S.L. Khimesara
Consultant
Retired Banker & Financial Expert
Key Initiatives

Programs Creating
Lasting Impact

01
Flagship Program

Exciting Careers in Digital Media

India's most comprehensive AVGC career guide — 72 job profiles, essential soft skills, available in Hindi & English. Used by students, educators & counselors nationwide. Launched in Mumbai, 2023.

02

Industry Masterclasses & Studio Exposure

350+ industry experts have engaged with students through masterclasses, mentorship sessions, and studio visits — bridging academia with real-world practice.

03

Career Coaching & Psychometric Guidance

Certified International Career Coach providing guidance to 50,000+ youth through psychometric assessments and personalized mentorship programs.

04

Social Incubation & Public Welfare Media

Audio-visual support for MP Police, RRCAT, Indore Management Association, and civic organizations — using creative media as a force for public good.

05

Women in Media & Animation

Partnerships with Women in Animation and ASIFA India to drive women's empowerment and representation across India's creative industries.

Recognition

Awards & Honours

Bharat Innovators Social Impact Leader 2025 ASIFA Awards of Excellence 2024 Eduspark Awards 2023 Eduspark Awards 2022 Humanitarian Excellence Award 2020 Golden Pixel Award 2019 Captains & Icons of Industry TISS-SVE Performance Award Bharat Innovators Social Impact Leader 2025 ASIFA Awards of Excellence 2024 Eduspark Awards 2023 Eduspark Awards 2022 Humanitarian Excellence Award 2020 Golden Pixel Award 2019 Captains & Icons of Industry TISS-SVE Performance Award
2025
Bharat Innovators Social Impact Leader
2024
ASIFA Awards of Excellence
2022 & 2023
Eduspark Awards
2020
Humanitarian Excellence Award
2019
Golden Pixel Award
Ongoing
Captains & Icons of Industry

Trusted Industry Partners & Associations

Tata Group Aptech Autodesk Adobe NSDC Corel MESC FICCI PHD Chamber Wacom Epic Games
Connect

Let's Build
Something
Remarkable

Whether you're an institution, industry body, or a creative seeking mentorship — Sanjay welcomes conversations that move India's creative economy forward.