Deepti Mehta Sarma is the Co Founder of Ajna Hospitality Pvt Ltd, which owns South Indian restaurant brands 22nd Parallel and Idlikaaran by 22nd Parallel. With her deep roots in Tamil and Gujarati cultures, Deepti’s journey is a testament to how heritage can shape professional and personal choices. From a traditional upbringing to corporate HR roles and finally to entrepreneurship, Deepti has successfully blended her cultural influences with her passion for food.

Entrepreneurial Journey: 

In 2011, Deepti and her partner launched 22nd Parallel, a South Indian restaurant in Vadodara, Gujarat, with a vision to provide authentic Tamil Nadu-style South Indian cuisine, different from the commonly localized Udupi fare. Guided by the philosophy of serving wholesome, preservative-free food made with traditional ingredients, the brand has expanded to four cities across Gujarat and operating a total of 10 restaurants. The addition of Idlikaaran by 22nd Parallel, a quick-service format, reflects her focus on making South Indian food accessible in a modern, fast-paced setting. This format has forayed outside Gujarat , in Pune .

As the People & Values Champion of Ajna Hospitality, Deepti ensures her team embodies the warmth, authenticity, and passion her brands stand for. Her vision is to position South Indian cuisine on a Pan-India and global stage, reimagining it in innovative and contemporary ways while staying rooted in tradition.