Category: Leaders

Pioneering the Art of Excellence

Spearheading the vast Godrej empire with diverse segments ranging from locks, soaps, property, retail and animal feed to the engines that power India’s space programmes, Mr. Adi Burjorji Godrej is one of the most popular and revered business leaders and a role model to umpteen industrialists who look up to him for inspiration. Armed with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the Sloan School of Management at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Mr. Adi Godrej is efficiently carrying forward the 120-year old legacy of excellence

SHARING HIS VIEWS ON BECOMING CARBONNEUTRAL GROUP, HE ASSERTS, “WE HAVE BECOME CARBON-NEUTRAL. THE COST OF ALTERNATE ENERGY IS CHEAPER THAT IT USED TO BE AND IN THE LONG RUN IT WILL BE MUCH CHEAPER THAN CARBON-EMITTING ENERGY LIKE COAL OR OIL””

Occupying the coveted throne of US$4.6 billion Godrej Group with operations in India and several other countries, Mr. Adi Godrej is efficiently chairing the 120-year-old consumer-goods giant family conglomerate, which was established in 1897 by Mr. Ardeshir Godrej who gave up his profession as a lawyer to make locks and his brother Pirojsha Burjorji acquired a vast stretch of land in suburban Mumbai.

ON AN ESCALATING GROWTH TRAJECTORY

Mr. Adi Godrej’s exemplary leadership has had an extremely positive impact on the growth of the group. Reminiscing about the changes at Godrej over the years, he shares, “First of all, we have grown tremendously. When I joined the business in 1963, the total turnover of the business was Rs. 10 crore. We have gone into new areas, value-added areas. We have done a lot of R&D. We have globalised, with manufacturing operations in a lot of countries. In Godrej Consumer Products, for example, we have higher per capita sales in countries like Indonesia, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, than we
do in India. We have globalised a lot and we have size and scale in our operations.”

EMBRACING ECONOMIC REFORMS

As a proud Indian whose group has its roots in the country’s independence and Swadeshi Movement, Mr. Adi Godrej feels that the Indian economy is on a sound footing and believes that with consistent growth, India will emerge as the world’s largest economy by 2050, surpassing the U.S. and China. He considers the Goods and Services Tax (GST) as the best reform since 1991 when the Indian economy was opened up by P.V. Narasimha Rao and Dr.
Manmohan Singh. His assessment of the GST roll-out is positive and he considers it to be “very good.” According to him, “It is a major economic reform. I think it is the most important economic reform of India since the opening of the economy in 1991. It has been extremely successful. GDP growth has improved. The GST Council had met many times to take quick decisions on issues in their horizon and they had resolved many. This has led to better growth now. Many of the rates are lower than they were before GST. They have been passed on to consumers. For example, Godrej soaps have become cheaper by 9%. Consumers are benefiting from lower rates. And, tax collections have gone up.”

Supporting the multiple tax slabs in GST, he stresses, “You cannot have one or two rates in a country like India. You cannot have similar rates for essentials, luxury and ‘sin’ items. So, in a country like India, there are bound to be multiple rates. Earlier, there were infinite number of rates, not just multiple rates. There were different rates of excise duty and different rates of VAT by the States. Now at least, there is a standard rate for India.

Finally, he declares with pride, “The economy is on a very good path. The whole world recognises it. All people including foreign leaders are coming to India. FDI in India is the highest in any country in the world. We are the fastest-growing economy in the world.” An ardent advocate of an open economy, he says, “We, at Godrej, have always been for the opening up of the economy. Even before 1991, we had advocated openness. Even now,
we advocate open trade, no protection. Competition is the best.”

STRONG PILLARS OF STRENGTH

Mr. Godrej’s was really close to his better half, the late Ms. Parmeshwar Godrej, an active philanthropist. Her biggest initiative was joining hands with legendary Hollywood actor Richard Gere, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiative to combat AIDS through the launch of the ‘Heroes Project’ in 2004. Besides Mr. Godrej, she is survived by her three children who are the personal and professional pillars of strength for the former. Ms. Tanya Dubash, their eldest daughter is Executive Director and Chief Brand Officer of the Godrej Group. Ms. Nisaba, their second child, is currently the Chairperson of Godrej Consumer Products. Their youngest son, Mr. Pirojsha Godrej is the Executive Chairman of Godrej Properties.

FOSTERING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Being quite conscious of his responsibility towards the environment, sustainable development is his most urgent priority. Sharing his views on becoming Carbon neutral group, he asserts, “We have recently become carbon-neutral. The cost of alternate energy is cheaper that it used to be and in the long run it will be much cheaper than carbon-mitting energy like coal or oil. We have a mangrove forest, and we use a lot of solar energy at our plants. We also recycle water and other waste into energy. We have a large operation in palm oil manufacturing, and we are the largest in palm oil manufacturing and palm cultivation in India. In our factories, the palm waste, which you get after palm fruits are crushed is recycled to produce energy.” He adds, “In Godrej Properties, all our buildings
are certified green buildings. We have also created a CII Green Business Center – now India has the largest number of green buildings outside US. Our headquarters, Godrej One, is platinum-certified.”

AN UNCEASING TRAIL OF RECOGNITIONS

He is the recipient of several awards and recognitions, including the Rajiv Gandhi Award 2002, the American India Foundation (AIF) Leadership in Philanthropy Award, the Entrepreneur of the Year at the Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Awards, the Best Businessman of the Year for the GQ Men of the Year Awards, Chemexcil’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the AIMA – JRD Tata Corporate Leadership Award 2010, the Bombay Management Association – Management Man of the Year Award, the Qimpro Platinum Standard Award for Business, the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, the Padma Bhushan, the Asian Awards Entrepreneur of the Year, the All India Management Association – Business Leader of the Year and the Golden Peacock Lifetime Achievement Award for Ethical Leadership.

TRANSFORMING THE REALTY LANDSCAPE

MR. SACHIN BHANDARI, A VISIONARY LEADER WITH AN ILLUSTRIOUS CAREER, HAS PROPELLED THE COMPANY TO THE PINNACLE OF EXCELLENCE IN MAHARASHTRA’S REAL ESTATE SECTOR. HIS STRATEGIC PROWESS COMPRISES OF INNOVATION AND CUSTOMER-CENTRICITY, FORMING THE BEDROCK OF VTP REALTY’S SUCCESS

VTP REALTY’S DRIVING FORCE

At the helm of VTP Realty, Mr. Bhandari is a visionary leader known for his sharp memory, astute business acumen, and unwavering commitment to continuous improvement. His career, diverse and impactful, has positioned him as a stalwart in the real estate sector in Maharashtra. The key facets of his leadership have propelled VTP Realty to the forefront of the industry. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, he is leaving no stone unturned in driving VTP Realty towards unmatched success.

A MAN ON A MISSION

Mr. Bhandari’s professional journey commenced at Cummins India, where he nurtured his strategic thinking and ability to tackle challenges. And while at ICICI Bank, he further honed his sales talents across multiple geographies, thereby setting a foundation for navigating complexities early in his career. His tenure here also sharpened his focus on competition and market-share maximisation, shaping him into the resilient leader he is today.

EMBRACING COMPETITION AND FOCUSING ON STRENGTHS

In the dynamic real estate landscape, Mr. Bhandari emphasises the positive role of competition. VTP Realty thrives on its strengths – superior design, quality construction, and customer-centricity while never losing sight of the market dynamics and always being ahead of the curve. Competition also pushes him to constantly innovate and stay relevant to the evolving consumers, at all times. Transparent pricing and a fixed pricing policy set the brand apart. Innovation, customer feedback, and a commitment to exceeding expectations form the pillars of VTP Realty’s strategy in a rapidly growing market.

VISION FOR FUTURE GROWTH

Mr. Bhandari is currently focussing on short-term expansion in Pune, and soon foraying to other cities. With a focus on high-quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, VTP Realty aims to secure a spot among the top five real estate developers in India soon. The brand’s commitment to transparency and delivering on promises positions it as a trusted player in the competitive real estate arena.

LEADERSHIP STYLE AND UNIQUE ATTRIBUTES

At the heart of VTP Realty’s success lies Mr. Bhandari’s leadership style—a harmonious blend of a go-getter attitude, hands-on approach, a razor sharp focus on numbers while being highly approachable and grounded. His ability to inspire, coupled with an entrepreneurial mindset, he creates a positive work environment and his infectious energy keeps everyone around him on toes.

TECH-DRIVEN INNOVATIONS AND FUTURE TRENDS

Mr. Bhandari’s tech-savvy approach underscores VTP Realty’s commitment to innovation. Coming from a non real-estate background, he understands the importance of tech in the growth of any business. The brand is completely integrated with global standard ERPs and CRMs which are the backbone of large operations. Use of augmented reality, simulation software, and embracing proptech have positioned the firm as a technology-focused brand. He anticipates automation and integrated development to play pivotal roles in the real estate industry’s future, positioning the company at the forefront. Sachin’s leadership journey exemplifies resilience and a forward-thinking approach, making him a trailblazer in Pune’s real estate sector and an iconic name at the national level. Under his guidance, VTP Realty not only navigated challenges but emerged stronger, setting a benchmark for the industry’s future.

A GREAT VISIONARY AND AN INSPIRING GLOBAL LEADER

ANAND SANGHI, THE MUCH-ADMIRED PRESIDENT OF VERTIV ASIA AND INDIA, IS A PIONEER IN THE FIELDS OF LEADERSHIP, ENGINEERING, AND TECHNOLOGY. HIS MANY YEARS OF PRACTICAL INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE HAVE PROVIDED HIM WITH VALUABLE INSIGHTS INTO THE TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING INDUSTRIES

A LEARNED SCHOLAR

Mr. Sanghi is equipped with a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad as well as a degree in Electrical Engineering from the India Institute of Technology IIT, Madras. With this valuable educational foundation, Mr. Sanghi began his career as a business planner in Hong Kong on April 21, 1994, and subsequently went on to scale great heights.

Since then, the Vertiv President has also participated in some of Vertiv Asia’s most important investments in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region including overseeing various future product launches, greenfield plants, and expansions. He experienced the early 1990s economic boom events that led to the transition, the 1997 Asian crisis, and the rise of the dot.com period.

A MASTER OF ALL TRADES

Mr. Sanghi has worked in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region’s technology and engineering sectors for over 26 years. He has participated in highly transformative nation-building initiatives such as the National Broadband Network (N.B.N.) in Australia and the creation of a telecommunications network in Myanmar. He previously held various positions at Copeland before being promoted to the position of Director of Planning and Business Development for Emerson Electric in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, located in the company’s headquarters in Hong Kong. In 2001, he joined Emerson Network Power in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region as the Director of Planning, then progressed and ventured into product and brand management, servicing, and advertising. He also served as Emerson Network Power’s Asian Vice-President of Operations. Mr. Sanghi is not only known for his great strides in the technology and engineering industries but is also known for him emphasis on fostering a work environment that features inclusivity and positivity through a process of effective leadership. He places significant importance on being an effective leader through storytelling techniques and establishing a noticeable presence with employees, forming and practicing positive habits that can lead to innovation, encouraging and executing self-discipline, giving back to those in need, and shaping a new generation of leaders by creating employee-centric organizations.

A PIONEER IN DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

With over 26 years of practical experience in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region’s technology and engineering industries, Mr. Sanghi has witnessed numerous substantial transformations in the respective sectors. Therefore, he is known for facilitating and leveraging the power of digital infrastructure in his organizations to encourage astonishing growth and transformation. He feels that the effect of increased income levels, economic growth, and supporting government regulations and policies across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region will play a vital role in boosting the usage and demand for digital services and the digital infrastructure that facilitate them. In fact, the integration of cloud computing has helped foster a substantial amount of performance growth for Vertiv Asia’s products, solutions, and services. He also prioritizes energy efficiency and is presently enforcing policies, procedures, and design architectures for data centers and telecommunication systems with clients and government firms.

LED BY CONVICTION

Mr. Gautam Shantilal Adani, the Chairman and Founder of the Adani Group, has more than 33 years of business experience. Under his leadership, Adani Group has emerged as a global integrated infrastructure player with interest across Resources, Logistics and Energy verticals. The able leader prefers to stand strong in the storm. A firm believer of the idea of New India and its global growth in the coming decades, the leader is committed to his business and social responsibility in building an inclusive, progressive society.

“IN 2022, IN THE YEAR OF THE CENTENARY BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS FATHER AND HIS OWN 60TH BIRTHDAY, GAUTAM ADANI COMMITTED A DONATION OF RS. 60,000 CRORE TO A RANGE OF SOCIAL CAUSES. THIS CORPUS IS BEING ADMINISTERED BY THE ADANI FOUNDATION”

In one of his recent speeches, Gautam Adani opened about the regrets and opportunities of his life. In a speech, the 60-year-old businessman regretted quitting formal education at the age of 16 for work. While the decision exposed him to various challenges, the grand opportunity called India surely worked for him. The Adani Group is just one manifestation of India’s entrepreneur success story, he said in his address, adding that the country holds the potential to build 100 Adani Groups.

Today, with less than five decades in business, Gautam owns a phenomenal journey that has seen his group become the world’s largest solar power company, largest airport and sea port operator in India, the country’s largest integrated energy player and second largest cement manufacturer, a conglomerate with market capitalisation of over $225 billion, and a story of transformation for many future generations of entrepreneurs.

A SYMBOL OF HOPE AND HUMILITY

Adani was born in 1962 in Ahmedabad to a textile merchant, Shantilal Adani and his wife Shantaben. The couple had migrated from the town of Tharad in the northern part of Gujarat. After finishing his education with Sheth Chimanlal Nagindas Vidyalaya in Ahmedabad, he took admission in B.Com in Gujarat University, but dropped out after the second year to join his father’s textile business. In 1978, at the age of 16, he left for Mumbai to work as a diamond sorter. A fast learner, Gautam mastered the art and launched his own diamond brokerage firm at Zaveri Bazaar, Mumbai.

Led by the desire of consistent growth, which diamond trading could not offer, Gautam joined his elder brother Mansukhbhai Adani in 1981 to help manage a plastic-film manufacturing business he had just acquired. This venture proved to be his gateway to global trading through polyvinyl chloride (PVC) imports. By 1985, he started importing primary polymers for small-scale industries. His consistent and ingenious efforts led to the establishment of Adani Exports Limited in 1988, starting with the exports of agricultural and power commodities. The company, now known as Adani Enterprises Limited, is the holding company of the Adani Group. A major breakthrough of his career came with the economic liberalisation of 1991, which made trading and exporting favourable for his company. The reform helped him diversify and expand his businesses into trading of metals, textiles and agro products. However, the major turning point in his career graph came in 1993, when the Government of Gujarat announced managerial outsourcing of the Mundra Port in Gujarat.

In 1995, Gautam bagged the contract of Mundra Port and began his journey as an infrapreneur. The same year, he set up the first jetty, and started port functions from the Mundra Port & Special Economic Zone, later shifting them to Adani Ports & SEZ Limited (APSEZ). Initially, he took approval from the Gujarat government to set up a harbour facility to handle its own cargo at Mundra Port, but sensing the potential in the project, decided to turn it into a commercial port. He built rail and road links to the port by individually negotiating with more than 500 landowners across India. Registering consistent growth, Today, APSEZ has become the largest private multi-port operator in India. Mundra Port, with the capacity of handling close to 210 million tonnes of cargo per annum, is the largest private sector port in India.

Power was the next sector for Gautam to venture. In 1996, he founded Adani Power Limited. Today, with the capacity of 4620 MW, the company is the largest private thermal power producer of the country. It is also India’s largest closely held thermal coal producer and the largest coal trader. In 2006, Gautam expanded to the power generation business and acquired Carmichael Coal in Queensland and Abbot Point Port in Australia. In 2018, he completed the acquisition of the power business of Anil Ambani-led Reliance Infrastructure in Mumbai. In 2019, he forayed into the petrochemicals sector with a $2.6 billion joint venture with Germany’s BASF and won bids to run six domestic airports.

The driving force behind the Group’s rise has been Adani’s swift response to opportunities. “If you analyse a problem too much, you will never tap the opportunity,” says the leader. While the Group has diversified into industries ranging from logistics, energy, agriculture, defence, aerospace, real estate, ports, special economic zones, to IT-enabled services and many more, there are threads that bind them together. The business of commodities trading, edible oil manufacturing, Mundra port operations, and distribution of natural gas are its core businesses, and the Group’s expansion has been based on the synergy among its various business units with which they stay together and empower each other to be more productive and competitive.

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

Gautam has led the Adani Group to several prestigious national and international awards and honours for its corporate performance. He has bagged numerous awards himself for his professional commitment, entrepreneurial success and unique vision.

The conglomerate bagged the Dun & Bradstreet – Rolta Corporate Award for outstanding performance in Trading, the Five Star Export House Award, the FIEO’s Niryat Shree Gold Trophy, the ICSI award for Excellence in Corporate Governance, the GCCI Export Appreciation Award, the International Code for the Security of Ships and of Port Facilities (ISPS) for Compliance by Ministry of Shipping, Government of India, the SRTEPC Award, to name a few. The Mundra Port and SEZ has been awarded the Port Authority Award by Lloyd’s List for the Best Port in the Middle East and Indian subcontinent. Gautam was awarded the Excellence in Management Award by the Chief Minister of Gujarat.

GROWTH WITH GOODNESS

In 2022, in the year of the centenary birth anniversary of his father and his own 60th birthday, Gautam committed a donation of Rs. 60,000 crore to a range of social causes. This corpus is being administered by the Adani Foundation.

He also serves as the President of Adani Foundation, which he runs with his wife Priti Adani. The foundation draws inspiration from the Gandhian philosophy of trusteeship, and strives to create sustainable opportunities. Founded in 1996 as the corporate social responsibility arm of the Adani Group, the Foundation initially worked with a few rural communities around the Mundra Port. It gradually developed a team of committed professionals to meticulously plan and implement developmental and growth programmes in rural communities. The work of the foundation has enabled holistic development of several communities, contributing to the global agenda of meeting Sustainable Development Goals. Today, it works in the spheres of education, community health, medical aid, rural infrastructure management and development, sustainable livelihood management and charitable initiatives in several Indian states, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha.

INNOVATING FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

MR. RAJKUMAR KURRA IS THE MANAGING DIRECTOR AT EUROTECK ENVIRONMENTAL PVT. LTD., AN AWARD-WINNING WATER FILTRATION AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT COMPANY IN HYDERABAD. MR. KURRA’S STRATEGIC BUSINESS ACUMEN AND ABILITY TO IDENTIFY EMERGING TRENDS GIVE HIM A COMPETITIVE EDGE AND MAKE HIM A GAME-CHANGER

A WELL-VERSED LEADER

A computer application graduate, Mr. Kurra embarked on his career in 1997 with an instrumentation-based company in Hyderabad, where he honed his skills for eight years. In 2000, he set sail for Gujarat to manage the sales and service division of instrumentation products. However, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Euroteck in 2005, a company focused on wastewater treatment equipment and technologies. Now in its 19th year, Euroteck, under his leadership has emerged as a stalwart in the wastewater treatment and technology industry. Initially, the company monitored water and wastewater, but it gradually shifted gears to become a formidable player in treatment equipment.

Mr. Kurra is not only a leader but also a trailblazer. His company, Euroteck, utilises state-of-the-art technology to compete on an equal footing with industry giants. The products introduced by the company have not only gained significant market share but have set new standards for water treatment. Transitioning from an employee to an entrepreneur is no small feat, and Mr. Kurra attributes his inclination toward entrepreneurship to his business-oriented upbringing. Discussing his leadership style, he describes himself as a passionate individual who delves deep into every aspect of the business. Despite being a sales-oriented professional, he possesses a comprehensive understanding of equipment service, design, sizing, installation, and even finance, learned through hands-on experience. Mr. Kurra prefers to be a trendsetter than a follower. To that end, he emphasises the importance of keeping a close eye on competitors. He believes that entrepreneurs must
know their competitors first, then only they can transform their own business style. Euroteck’s strategy involves not just understanding but anticipating its competitors’ moves; this tactic enables the company to adapt, innovate, and set the trend in the market.

KNOWING THE TERRAIN

As for career-high points, Mr. Kurra humbly states that he is still in the process of achieving rather than having achieved. His vision for the future growth of Euroteck is to be among the top ten leaders in the global water industry. While already present in the Middle East since 2009, he discloses plans for global expansion in the next 2-3 years. Additionally, Mr. Kurra highlights the top-down approach in Euroteck, with ideas stemming from both his inputs and the continuous efforts of the engineering team. He attributes the company’s success to a culture of innovation that permeates throughout the organisation.

GIVING BACK TO SOCIETY

Mr. Kurra’s vision for entrepreneurship is `influenced by successful businessmen such as Ambani, Tata, and Elon Musk. For him, success is not just a personal achievement but an avenue to generate employment and contribute positively to the community. Under his leadership, Euroteck’s commitment to CSR extends beyond conventional practices. Mr. Kurra reveals plans to launch a foundation focused on five elemental aspects – air, water, fire, and energy saving. The CSR initiatives will revolve around preserving these elements in line with Euroteck’s core values.

GARNERING ACCOLADES

Euroteck, under Mr. Kurra’s leadership, has not only witnessed business success but also a collection of awards and accolades. With remarkable six patents, each one stands as a testament to the company’s innovative mindset and technological expertise.

A League of His Own

Mr. Moazzam Hossain, Chairman of the Hosaf Group in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is a seasoned industrialist with extensive experience in leading business operations. With decades of expertise, he has propelled the group to prominence and established it as the country’s leading private sector entity. Mr. Hossain’s significant contributions to Bangladesh’s commerce and industry, coupled with his focus on future-readiness, make him an influential figure in the country’s economic landscape. His commitment to excellence drives the ongoing saga of growth, besides fortifying the Hosaf Group’s stellar reputation in the industry

“MR. HOSSAIN IS DEDICATED TO UPLIFTING BANGLADESH THROUGH VARIOUS PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVES. TO THAT END, HE ACTIVELY RECRUITS ACADEMICALLY STRONG YOUTH FROM LESS AFFLUENT VILLAGES IN BANGLADESH TO HELP THEM BECOME SUCCESSFUL PROFESSIONALS”

Right from his childhood, Mr. Hossain has consistently displayed a progressive mindset and adhered to the principles of honesty, integrity, courage, and tolerance. Guided by his vision, steadfast faith, and resilience, he has transformed into a self-made individual. Mr. Hossain’s entrepreneurial journey reflects a strategic blend of international exposure and innovative business expansion. A graduate under the University of Dhaka, he pursued advanced studies in Chemistry at Nagoya University, Japan, and while studying in the land of the rising sun, the leader acquired strong business acumen through interactions with Japan’s wealthiest industrialists. Inspired by them, he established an English school in Japan and then diversified into various ventures.

A TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADER

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Mr. Hossain’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to travel extensively and explore new economic opportunities. After completing his higher studies in Japan, he returned to the newly independent Bangladesh. He introduced the idea of importing reconditioned cars from Japan as part of a wage-earning scheme to help the war-torn country. Furthermore, for the purpose of developing the country’s communication sector, he imported microbuses, irrigation pumps, and small boat engines.

In 1975, Mr. Hossain ventured into an unexplored domain by initiating Bangladesh’s first joint venture with South Korea in deep-sea fishing. Additionally, he facilitated barter trade by importing truck-mounted standby generators, leather, tea, and steel-body trucks from East European countries. His strategic initiatives not only diversified the market but also positioned him as a key figure in Bangladesh’s economic evolution. Furthermore in the 80s, he ventured to modernise his country by introducing gas and water metres.

CAREER MILESTONES

Over the years, the forward-thinking leader has transformed Hosaf Group into Bangladesh’s premier private sector powerhouse through his relentless dedication. Under his sterling leadership, the group has earned a stellar reputation and achieved unparalleled success in the business arena. Moreover, as the driving force behind its exponential growth, he has built a workforce of over 800 to ensure the conglomerate’s success.

With primary focus on the electrical sector, Mr. Hossain addressed the nation’s power crisis by negotiating with the Chinese Government for long-term soft loan and expertise to help the Bangladesh Government to establish a 2×210 MW capacity thermal power-generation plant in Raozan, Chittagong in 1990.

He was also instrumental in facilitating the Bangladesh Government for the collaboration with China National Machinery and Equipment Import and Export Corporation (CMC) to develop the Barapukuria Coal Mine. The coal mining venture with CMC is another monumental involvement with the Bangladesh Government that demonstrates the leader’s dedication to sustainable energy. He assisted the Bangladesh Government to develop a 125 MW coal-fired Power Plant at the coal mine head and also keep a provision for another 125 MW power plant.

He further continued with the establishment of four quick-rental power plants in 2008 through international tender which generated 170 MW to mitigate acute power shortages in Bangladesh. This strategic move played a crucial role in alleviating Bangladesh’s crippling electrical sector problem, besides solidifying Mr. Hossain’s legacy as a transformative leader. In 2019, he was awarded, through international tender, a 113 MW HFO-based IPP Power Plant for 15 years to strategically address electricity demands in the southeast region.

Other than the electricity and energy sectors, he diversified investments into the finance, and real estate domains, thus, positioning the Hosaf Group as one of Bangladesh’s top commercial organisations. He also led his company to embrace green technology by manufacturing LED lights.

AN INNOVATIVE MINDSET

Mr. Hossain is known for his relentless pursuit of innovation and strategic alliances on a global scale. With a keen eye for emerging opportunities, he helped his company to enter into groundbreaking ventures. From introducing used-automobiles to the country, to venturing into the garments industry in the 1980s, he has demonstrated remarkable entrepreneurial versatility and adaptability. He also played a substantial role in establishing the National Bank Limited (NBL) to revolutionise Bangladesh’s banking sector.

The leader further diversified his portfolio by venturing into the insurance sector. To that end, he along with his few friends established Pragati Insurance Limited, which is now a frontrunner in the non-life private insurance domain. Mr. Hossain adopts a market-driven approach by placing a strong emphasis on quality and competitive pricing to synchronise his business with the ever-evolving market demands.

DONNING MANY HATS

Mr. Hossain is a multi-faceted personality. He dons many hats and excels in all of them. Currently, he holds the position of Chairman for both the Hosaf Group and its subsidiaries. He is also the Managing Director of Energy Prima Limited, Citi Link Apartment Limited, Hosaf International Limited, and HF Power Limited. He is one of the Founder Directors of National Bank Limited. He was accoladed with the post of President of Bangladesh Independent Power Producers’ Association. He also served as the Chairman of Pragati Life Insurance Limited, a leading private non-life insurance company in Bangladesh. He is Founder and Chairman of National Bank Public School and College, a renowned academic institution that offers education from pre-primary to higher secondary level in Bangla version under the Dhaka Education Board. What’s more, he was also elected as the Vice President of the Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) from 1981 to 1985.

GIVING BACK TO SOCIETY

Mr. Hossain is dedicated to uplifting Bangladesh through various philanthropic initiatives. To that end, he actively recruits academically strong youth from less affluent villages in Bangladesh to help them become successful professionals. His company has played a pivotal role in education by establishing Bokter Munshi Moazzam Hossain High School in Sonagazi, Feni. The school has a competent headmaster, well-trained teachers, and over 900 students. Additionally, the leader has also established Bhor Bazar Belayet Hossain High School in the same area.

Mr. Hossain consistently provides essential financial and logistical support to these schools, besides offering annual scholarships to deserving students. Furthermore, he has been honored as the Vice-President of Bangladesh Athletics Federation in recognition to his sponsoring diverse sporting events across different districts of Bangladesh to encourage budding sportsmen of his country. The eco-conscious leader also champions a pollution-free environment and emphasises wildlife preservation.

CREATING BENCHMARKS IN THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY

Mr. Shubhang Arora is the Executive Director at the Yashoda Group of Hospitals. He strongly believes in a leadership style that prioritizes integrity and honesty to develop strong relationships with the team that works together for 360-degree success

“HE SUPPORTS ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY PRACTICES THAT ARE COST-EFFECTIVE, TIME-REDUCING, AND ENERGY EFFICIENT”

Shubhang believes that a true leader can take tough decisions without giving up on compassion. According to him, equality of actions and integrity of intent for the good of others are the hallmarks of impactful leadership. Running a hospital adhering to sound principles and international guidelines often puts him in a situation where he ought to be sensitive and empathetic while making tough choices. He opines that one’s ability to forge strong relationships is directly proportionate to their ability to lead. He is also inspired by his parents who have always worked as a team with an action-oriented mindset and guided the team of doctors and staff at the hospitals.

Shubang has a comprehensive plan for the hospital’s future. In the short term, he plans to expand the service portfolio by adding specialities namely, cardio-vascular surgery, robotic surgery, and neuro rehabilitation. At present, the hospital is also the first centre for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) treatment in Ghaziabad. In the long term i.e. by May 2023, the hospital will be upgraded to a Health City hospital with 1000-plus beds. The Health City is planned to be a state of the art hospital with all specialities and major super specialities catering to the population of Western UP and Delhi-NCR.

LAURELS ABOUND

Shubhang is one of the unsung heroes who worked day and night during the COVID-19 pandemic. To recognize his unfailing efforts, he has been awarded the Icon of the Healthcare Industry (2020) by The Week magazine. In addition, he received the Healthcare Champion of the Year Award (2020), at the World Economic Forum, in Davos, Switzerland.
His dedication and leadership has also led the hospital to receive loads of recognition. A few prominent accolades bestowed on the Yashoda Group of Hospitals include the Asian Achievers Awards 2020 (Healthcare Edition) for the Best “Multispeciality Hospital of the Year” by Asia Today Research & Media, supported by the Government of India – Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and the AHPI Healthcare Excellence Award 2020 in the category of Green Hospitals. In April 2022, the hospital won the AHPI Healthcare Excellence Award in the category of “Best Hospital to Work For.”

TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY AND WELFARE

Under his leadership, the Yashoda Group of Hospitals has achieved the Green and Clean Platinum Certification by implementing eco-friendly policies like using renewable energy, water and electricity conservation using advanced equipment, implementation of energy efficiency measures like sensor based lights, and regular training of staff to keep with Green & Clean policies. The organization strongly supports environment-friendly practices that are cost-effective, time-reducing, and energy efficient. Yashoda Hospital is associated with AKANSHA (Ghaziabad), an NGO empowering women and girls since Through this NGO, the CSR team funds the residential facilities, education, and health needs of 100 girls living in the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya’s hostel in Ghaziabad. It regularly organizes health camps in its premise in collaboration with Nepal Tarun Dal Uttar Bharat and CA Nepal Students Union India. It is also working with the Vivekananda Health Mission Society to open hospitals and arranging a variety of health camps throughout the year in Narayan Koti, Kedarnath, and Dehradun, Uttarakhand. It also helps St. Jude Child Care Centers by providing free health checkup and treatment to orphaned and abandoned children.

Aliko Dangote GCON (Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger) is a Nigerian billionaire and the founder of Lagos headquartered Dangote Group with the designation of President and Chief Executive. He is also a member of the board of the Corporate Council on Africa and the Steering Committee of the United Nations Secretary-General’s Global Education First Initiative, the Clinton Global Initiative, the McKinsey Advisory Council, and the International Business Council of the World Economic Forum. Though he was born in a wealthy business family of Nigeria – his great grandfather, Alhaji Alhassan Dantata, was the richest African at the time of his death in 1955 – he was so interested in business that even in his primary school he bought cartons of sugar boxes and sold them to make money.

This gentleman’s reputation precedes him, worldwide. The richest in Africa, he also surpassed in 2013 Saudi-Ethiopian billionaire Mohammed Hussein Al Amoudi by over $2.6 billion to become the world’s richest person of African descent.

DECLARING DOMINANCE

Starting in 1978 as a trader of rice, sugar and cement with a loan of $3000 by a family member, he soon ventured into full-scale manufacturing. Focusing on meeting the basic needs of the Nigerian population by providing local, value-added products and services, he expanded the Dangote Group by leaps and bounds.

Today, he heads the multi-trillion-naira industrial conglomerate that deals in cement manufacturing, sugar refining, salt refining, oil refinery, polysacks, beverages, flour, pasta, seasoning, real estate, telecommunication, steel and fertilizers with a presence in 18 African countries and employing more than 30000 people. In the late 1990s, Dangote forayed into manufacturing consumer goods such as sugar refining and flour milling and then in cement manufacturing. One of his subsidiary companies is listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange whose market capitalization is accounts for almost 20 percent of the total capitalization of the stock exchange. The visionary leader also signed a contract for the installation of a large underwater offshore pipeline with CNOOC Group.

CONCLUSIVE CONVINCING

Dangote takes a no neither easily, nor seriously. In 1990s, he got a yes from the Central Bank of Nigeria to be allowed to manage at cheaper rates their fleet of staff buses through his transport company. In July 2012, he approached the Nigerian Ports Authority and received the rights of an abandoned piece of land on lease to build facilities for his flour company. These approvals are not easy to get, but Dangote is capable of convincing others decisively.

LEADER OF PEOPLE

He is passionate about doing everything for the people of Nigeria. He encourages them to invest within the country and keep their profits or rewards with themselves. Dangote’s telecommunications project resulted in building 14,000 kilometers of fibre optic cables to supply in entire Nigeria. For this, he was honored as the leading provider of employment in Nigerian construction industry in 2009.

Acknowledging his extensive efforts towards manufacturing and employment in Nigeria, in 2010, President Goodluck Jonathan appointed him as the Chairman, National Job Creation Committee to assist the government in creating employment opportunities for Nigerians.

As a result of his global impressive contributions, recently in June 2021, he has been honoured with Cameroon’s top civilian award – the Commander of the National Order of Valour.

In 2015, he was also among “50 Most Influential Individuals in the World” list by Bloomberg Markets and also won ‘the Guardian Man of the Year 2015’ award. Additionally, he is the Chairman, National Partnership Committee of Government and Private Sector on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET); Member, Honorary International Investor Council (HIIC); a Malaria Ambassador; and Founding Board Member and Patron, Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PHN), thus contributing towards various aspects such as skill development, good governance and reengineering of the economy, to name a few.

INTERNATIONAL LOVE

In 2013, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, along with six other eminent Nigerians, was conferred Honorary Citizenship of Arkansas State by Governor Mike Beebe, who also declared May 30 every year as Nigeria Day in the US. Dangote is not only a foremost industrialist in Africa, he is equally loved and respected abroad. He is a member of several national and foreign organizations through which he contributes to the growth and development of people of several countries.

He has been quite active in philanthropic activities including the United Nations’ World Food Programme, Clinton Global Initiative, World Economic Forum, United Nations Secretary-General’s Global Education First Initiative, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Corporate Council on Africa, and many others thus contributing towards global education and eradication of polio. Dangote entrusted a $3.3 million complex to Bayero University Business School. He also donated 150 fully kitted operational cars to the Nigeria Police Force and 200 housing units to Boko Haram victims – mostly women and children. He was also associated with the board of directors of the Clinton Health Access Initiative. In addition to this, he had contributed N50 million (US$ 500,000) to the National Mosque under the aegis of “Friends of Obasanjo and Atiku” and N200 million to the Presidential Library. In 2014, Dangote had donated N150 million for stopping the spread of Ebola virus.

Moreover, to speed-up the work in health, education, economic empowerment and disaster relief sectors, Dangote made an initial offering of $1.25 billion to the Dangote Foundation which now has become the largest private Foundation in sub Saharan Africa. On behalf of his foundation, he also supports stand-alone projects which have potential for significant social impact and works with state and national governments and national and domestic charities. Recently in 2020, he donated N200 million towards the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

A Transformational Educationist with a Heart of Gold

Dr. Mariazeena Johnson, Pro Chancellor, Sathyabama University, has earned for herself and the organisation a distinct name and position in the field of education, especially across South India. With an inclination to help needy, poor and everybody under the sun, she, with an unreserved mind, is deeply committed to empower the less privileged and educate the less fortunate of the society

“She is providing value-based education at Sathyabama to enable students to earn as well as to contribute meaningfully to the growth of society and nation”

An Educationist Extraordinaire

Dr. Mariazeena Johnson is a revolutionary educationist with a prodigious vision of redefining the education system, and has made the organisation grow by leaps and bounds and achieve significant and noteworthy feats in various fields under her astute leadership. Being a vibrant personality and born to the politician-turned philanthropist Colonel Dr. Jeppiaar, she espouses a holistic approach to education focusing on quality and making the society a better place.

Raising the Level and Standard of Education

With her first break in 2001, she took over as the Managing Director, and through exemplary hard work and determination astonishingly increased the number of students to 25,000 from 4000 students – a remarkable progress by any yardstick! With a larger aim of working for the welfare of the country, she is highly bent on providing value-based education at Sathyabama to enable students to earn as well as to contribute meaningfully to the growth of society and nation. She finds herself adequately equipped to take the technical education standards of the country to the next level.

Proclivity to Contribute Emotively for Growth of Society

An intellectual with a penchant for exploring and research, she was conferred with a doctorate from the University of Madras. She strongly advocates providing a facilitating environment for the advancement of women and encourages the participation of women in all areas. Through Anbu Foundation, she has benefited over 1000 students with full scholarship every year.

She has also set up Jeppiaar IAS Academy for students willing to prepare for Civil Services and conducts coaching for 1000 aspiring students every year at no cost. Her role was very instrumental in launching the first Successful Student Satellite ‘SathyabamaSat’, created by Sathyabama staff and students, and launched by ISRO with other 19 satellites on June 22, 2016. In acknowledgement of her contribution and services, she was recognised among the Top 12 Women Transforming India by Niti Aayog and UN in India. She is a respected patron of more than 30 prominent foundations and trusts.

A Well-Recognised and Rewarded Personality

Truly a leader in her own right, she has added laurels to the university by increasing the impetus to make it well known with its technical edge and focus on humanitarian activities. With so much on the vista, she intends to create frontrunners and leaders out of her students by extending them all the support and endowment. Her ingenious guidance has always been a source of inspiration for students in actively participating in academic and extramural activities.

Working with dogged tenacity for the noble cause of education, she was honoured as one of the 100 impactful women of India, apart from winning numerous awards and accolades for her significant contribution to education, economic and community development through undertaking various initiatives. Dr. Mariazeena Johnson has also been honoured by India’s President, Shri Pranab Mukherjee for her laudable work.

CHARTING SUCCESS IN THE REAL ESTATE DOMAIN

DR. JIGNESH JOSHI SERVES AS THE CHAIRMAN, CHIEF STRATEGIST, THINKER, AND MENTOR OF THE J JOSHI GROUP. WITH AN IMPRESSIVE TENURE OF OVER A DECADE IN THE DYNAMIC REALM OF REAL ESTATE, HIS COMMITMENT TO MOTIVATING AND INSPIRING HIS TEAM, ALONG WITH HIS HONEST LEADERSHIP, REFLECTS THE GROUP’S SUCCESS

LIFE INSPIRATION AND SUCCESS

Dr. Jignesh Joshi is a qualified MBA (Marketing) and holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree with a specialisation in Business Management from The American University. His journey in real estate is guided by a profound philosophy: “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” Embodying this belief, he made a strategic investment in the early development of Dholera in Gujarat, India, in This bold decision became the cornerstone of a series of triumphs. Today, the J Joshi Group, with over 30 approved projects and a vast client base exceeding 3,000, stands as a testament to his foresight and strategic planning. Dr. Joshi’s commitment to opportunistic investing, unparalleled client service, and competitive pricing strategies has elevated the group to a leadership position in Gujarat’s real estate sector.

CAREER HIGH POINT AND ACHIEVEMENTS

The group’s success is evident in its dynamic growth and client coordination. Dr. Joshi’s vision is clear — to offer best-in-class real estate solutions and empower the sector with expertise and resources. The journey to entrepreneurship demanded determination, continuous learning, and persistence. Dr. Joshi emphasises that being an entrepreneur involves overcoming various challenges, from market issues to leadership dilemmas.
Dr. Joshi acknowledges the inherent nature of business competition and underscores the importance of quality in outshining competitors. The group’s mantra, “Quality cannot be compromised,” is embedded in every project, emphasising the significance of offering value to customers. This commitment to quality is a cornerstone in the J Joshi Group’s approach to staying ahead in the competitive real estate market. Entrepreneurial success requires years of hard work and a continuous willingness to learn. His entrepreneurial spirit and ability to navigate diverse situations have contributed to the J Joshi Group’s resilience and success in the real estate industry.

VISION SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Looking ahead, Dr. Joshi envisions the J Joshi Group as a leading developer in India’s first smart city, Dholera, and aims to establish “J Joshi” as a significant corporate brand across various business sectors. The group’s social responsibility initiatives, especially during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, highlight their commitment to the community. The group ensured full salaries for employees and waived charges for clients, reflecting their ethos of supporting their stakeholders.

PINNACLE OF SUCCESS

Dr. Joshi’s journey is a blend of visionary leadership, an unwavering commitment to quality, and a strong sense of social responsibility. These qualities have not only elevated the J Joshi Group to impressive heights in Gujarat’s real estate sector but also set a benchmark for good corporate governance. His ongoing quest for learning and resilience serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs in India’s evolving business landscape. He was felicitated for his contribution & social responsibilities towards Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment at the Mid-day Young Achiever Icons felicitation night. He was also awarded the ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award 2020’ by the Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award

Academy. He was a part of Indian Delegation along with Prime Minister of India in BRICS –Business Forum 2023 & 2018 at South Africa and in World Economic Forum 2018 at Davos, Switzerland. He was also a part of Indian Delegation in March 2019 along with President of India, Shri Ramnath Kovind at Croatia and the former trustee of the Board of the National Trust, Ministry of Social Justice, Government of India.