Category: Leaders

MAKING INNOVATION AND UNCONVENTIONAL THINKING A HABIT

Chasing a childhood dream and turning it into a lifetime achievement – If anyone is looking for an example of such a feat, you don’t have to look far

“He believe innovative management practices will help in transforming the company”

Sudhir Peter’s achievement as Managing Director of Sheenlac Paints Ltd is one such phenomenal journey. While at school, Sudhir’s role model was one of India’s greatest industrialists and icon Shri Dhirubai Ambani. When he moved to college, he realized that his heart’s calling was to transform his father’s Industrial Thinners & Wood Varnish business into a full-fledged Paint company. Sudhir pursued his graduation with a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry and followed it up with a Doctorate in Alternative Medicine.Mrs. &Mr. John Peter (Sudhir’s parents) have always been his inspiration and motivational force. His sister Mrs. Shirley George was supportive of all his endeavours. Sudhir Peter’s wife has been his support during the ups & downs of life. He fondly refers to his children as his “stress busters”.

INSPIRATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Sudhir Peter started his career in Sheenlac as ‘Director – Sales’ with a mission to make it the best paint company in India. He realized that this mission involved 3 Ps – Products, Process and People. Working on these 3 variables he went about setting developmental goals – both short term and long term. All through his tenure at Sheenlac, he has always attempted to change the rules of the category and emerge as an innovator. His father had already pioneered two such innovations. The company had launched a non-alcoholic wood polishing the 70’s which proved to be a winning move. The company broke convention in 1983 and marketed Thinners in PET bottles. When Sudhir took over the reins of the company he leveraged this maverick culture and brought in several Process & People related innovations. He added many new products & increased the distribution network to cover the entire country. He positioned Sheenlac as a value-for-money brand with the highest standards of quality.

Today, Sheenlac employs over 700 employees across various manufacturing facilities and 27 branch offices. Sheenlac has been able to expand its market presence not just because of market potential but also because of its policy to empower people. Sudhir is a people’s person. He strongly believes in training and the creation of an “ownership mindset” among his employees.

THE VISION TO BE THE BEST

Sudhir has remained unfazed during difficult times by just continuing to focus on his goal. Under his inspirational leadership Sheenlac has emerged as a huge force to reckon with in the paint industry. Sheenlac is currently ranked among the top 5 paint companies in India. Over the past 50 years, Sheenlac has become synonymous with wood finishes, automotive and decorative paints in India. In his quest for growth, Sudhir was inspired to go for joint venture partnerships as it was very much in the direction of his overall vision for the organization. Sheenlac set foot in Sri Lanka with Sheenlac Paints Lanka Ltd. Today Exports are also made to the Middle East, Vietnam & Mauritius. This was followed by a joint venture
partnership with Noroo Coatings, Korea – making it the largest paint company in South India. Sheenlac has recently entered into another significant joint venture partnership
with Jenson & Nicholson (I) Ltd – India’s second oldest paint company, for marketing decorative paints.

Mr. Sudhir’s goal is to make Sheenlac the largest paint company in India. He believes innovative management practices will help in transforming the company. The credo of Sheenlac is “why fit in when you were born to stand out?” Sudhirpoints to his perseverance
and unflinching determination as the reasons behind hissuccess. Apart from being at the helm of affairs at Sheenlac, Sudhir Peter is associated with the Boards of many companies. He is also a philanthropist who is involved in various social service activities.

On Top of the World

Committed to impact as many lives and touch as many hearts as possible, Lion Dr. Kiron is such a dynamic personality that he leaves an ever-lasting impact on every mind he meets, so people look up to him for creating avenues where they can walk, and at the same time his personality is so subtle that it attracts everyone who meets him and gets familiar with his high-powered way of living

“Serving as Chief Executive Officer of Suchirindia Infratech (P) Limited, Dr. Kiron is popularly known as Lion Kiron because of his youthful and enthusiastic disposition”

A Farsighted Leader

In the year 2005, Dr. Kiron laid the foundation stone of an infrastructure company that is today one of the leading real estate brands in the industry – Suchirindia Infratech (P) Limited. The company headquartered in Hyderabad is building world-class projects in multiple sectors – railways (Infrastructure), affordable homes, luxury villas (Real Estate), and state-of-the-art theme resorts (Hospitality).

Under the farsighted leadership of Dr. Kiron, the company has grown to create a rich, vibrant and diverse range of portfolio of projects, experience, expertise and exposure in executing large projects, possessing the necessary skills and capabilities, and is uniquely placed to take up the challenges in future.

Serving as Chief Executive Officer of Suchirindia Infratech (P) Limited, Dr. Kiron is popularly known as Lion Kiron because of his youthful and enthusiastic disposition. Of course, his distinct attitude wins over everyone who meets him.

His attractive personality and diversified knowledge of the real estate sector has played a significant role in his company’s extraordinary success. Dr. Kiron calls his growth a case of metamorphosis where with every passing day he labored hard, and with a white heat of desire to make his dreams come true, he moved ahead overcoming any challenge that came his way through only self belief, dedication and sheer determination to succeed.

The Knight in Shining Armor

Through the window of his multi-storey office, he never misses the sight of small
poor children begging at an age when they should be growing themselves and acquiring knowledge that would help them lead a better life, and this has led him to establish a foundation that would care and help these children with food, education, nutrition and every other thing that a normal child wishes to have. Suchirindia Foundation is trengthening the lives in need by uplifting the soul-of-life through paving the path full of options while raising up to be transcended.

Dr. Kiron is also a wonderful writer and is fond of penning down his thoughts and experiences and believes that this helps him pass on the legacy. Some of his writings have successfully been printed as books and have been appreciated by a big bunch of readers.

And then, he might have his diary full of appointments and work, but Dr. Kiron does take out time to swing his golf club some time or the other. The sprawling lush green fields are a stress-buster for him, and he also likes to travel and horse ride, as he believes that fitness is an important element of life and to continue doing good for the society one needs to be fit. Thus, he makes sure that he burns some calories every morning in his personal gym.

A Dreamer & An Achiever

Firmly believing in the power of dreams, Lion Dr. Y. Kiron feels that to be an achiever tomorrow you need to be a dreamer today. His powerful achievements have been well recognized by the industry, and he has won several awards including the Hall of Fame Award from United States Martial Arts Academy, National Citizens Award, Rashtriya Ratan Award and many more; however, believing in a unique philosophy, he is quite humble and benevolent, and more than awards is keen on winning hearts.

LEADING WITH HEAD & HEART

At the helm of CrudeChem Technology, the Chief Growth Officer, Mr. KushalmSeth, is a dynamic leader shaping the narrative of this Texas-based specialty chemical manufacturer, distributor, and field service provider. His prominencemin the specialty chemical industry is marked by a commitment to driving the company’s growth through innovative problem-solving and a forward-thinking marketing approach. With an impressive professional journey spanning 17 years, his success is a testament to his boundless enthusiasm, unwavering tenacity in steering CrudeChem Technology to new heights of success

“HIS UNDERLYING PHILOSOPHY IS FOUNDED ON THE BELIEF THAT BUSINESSES THRIVE WHEN PEOPLE ARE TREATED WELL. WITH A RELENTLESS FOCUS ON THE BIGGER PICTURE, HE INTEGRATES THESE PRINCIPLES TO CATAPULT HIS ORGANISATION TO NEW HEIGHTS”

Mr. Seth holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Raipur, and pursued further studies with a Master’s in Science in Chemical Engineering from Texas Tech University (Lubbock), Texas.

As the driving force behind CrudeChem Technology’s marketing strategies, he excels in bridging gaps in product development and ensuring product-market alignment. His strategic focus extends to creating products that can support global growth, notably in challenging markets like the Middle East and Mexico, where innovation is crucial within stringent cost constraints. Despite the difficulties inherent in such markets, the CrudeChem team, under his leadership, demonstrated resilience and delivered solutions, highlighting their collective dedication to innovation, and overcoming challenges for the company’s progress.

Mr. Seth’s commitment to positioning CrudeChem Technology as a technological powerhouse in the energy sector is exemplified by his several published technical works on treating and reusing highly saline water, fracturing fluids, flow assurance and corrosion inhibition. Furthermore, he has pioneered the development and patenting of high viscosity friction reducers for revolutionizing fracturing fluid alternatives. Additionally, through strategic collaborations with national laboratories and universities, he has not only exemplified an unwavering commitment to innovation but also solidified CrudeChem Technology’s standing at the forefront of industry advancements.

Prior to his current role, Mr. Seth played a crucial role in the development, patenting, piloting, and successful implementation of a revolutionary solution for the low carbon, water, and land footprint lithium concentration and extraction process. This innovation not only secured one of the largest projects in the company’s history, but also played a key role in a successful Series C funding round, which helped raise over $100 million. Mr. Seth’s strategic prowess extends beyond technical realms. He also developed a comprehensive commercial plan and global roadmap for technology deployment. This tactical approach helped the company attain unicorn status in 2023, further reinforcing the company’s market position.

DIVERSE LEADERSHIP MASTERY

Mr. Seth, a seasoned problem solver, demonstrated exceptional skills early in his members to surmount technical hurdles and contribute to the company’s success. Mr. Seth draws inspiration from the wisdom instilled by his parents. Guided by his father’s mantra, “If it’s worth doing, then it’s worth 120% effort,” he epitomises wholehearted dedication and surpasses expectations in every pursuit. His underlying philosophy is founded on the belief that businesses thrive when people are treated well. He also asserts that collective success is the key to thriving as a team. These principles have been a constant companion in his career, whether at the helm of his own team or collaborating across functions. With a relentless focus on the bigger picture, he integrates these principles to catapult his organisation to new heights.

DRIVEN BY GOALS

Mr. Seth is currently zeroing in on two key goals: first, he is focused on owning the current market and upping the company’s game. He plans to make it happen by being super-efficient, multiplying customers and expanding strategically. Looking ahead, Mr. Seth dreams big – he sees CrudeChem Technology ruling the global roost, diving into new markets, and revolutionising industries by promoting sustainable practices and minimising environmental impact. And here’s the twist – he’s not just focused on profits, but also on growing his team and giving back to the communities they serve.

A SOCIALLY-CONSCIOUS LEADER

Mr. Seth believes that success is not just about profits but also about uplifting communities. Witnessing the positive impact of his CSR initiatives on communities and schools brings him immense satisfaction that speaks louder than any financial metric. The benevolent leader proudly supports Big Brothers Big Sisters of Texas to empower youth through impactful mentorship. His commitment extends to sponsoring sports in schools & universities, partnering for R&D goals, securing grants, and propelling scientific advancements towards a brighter tomorrow. Mr. Seth has also positioned himself as a proponent of resource efficiency, recycling, & reusing, and leading the charge to decarbonise the planet. By treating and repurposing more than 5 billion gallons of water, he has preserved an equivalent amount of freshwater for future generations, which is indeed a commendable initiative.

Moulding the Citizens of Tomorrow

A name to reckon with in the academic circles in Chennai, Ms. R. Archana continues to be at the forefront of educational influencers who possess an exemplary vision of education for young minds. She has created an atmosphere of learning which is both enjoyable and enriching for children. Under her leadership, San Academy is playing a significant role in holistic development of the students while keeping them culturally rooted in their traditional value system

“besides being a progressive educationist, Ms. r. Archana is also an open-eyed citizen and is
firmly committed to giving back to society”

Over the past decade, Ms. Archana has successfully given shape to her dreams and created a model of learning with joy and enthusiasm with the San Academy Group of Schools. She introduced the first school at Velachery, and subsequent schools at Pallikaranai, Kamakoti Nagar and The New Age School of Global Perspective at Tambaram in the metro city of Chennai.

NURTURING YOUNG CHILDREN WITH REAL EDUCATION

Ms. Archana aspires to instil the right attitude, values and vision in the young minds. This is to help them realize their true potential and prepare them for a lifetime of joyous learning, application, assimilation and achievement. She is a strong believer in freedom of choice and action and has nurtured her schools as platforms where children enjoy learning which is automatically followed by achievement and excellence. According to her, quality education and the right atmosphere for learning can make every child shine in his area of interest and talent. This forms the primary premise which lays the firm foundation of real education at San Academy Group of Schools.

SPEARHEADING ONE OF THE BEST CBSE-AFFILIATED SCHOOLS IN CHENNAI

Ms. Archana with her educational foundations in engineering and management truly understands that young minds are impressionable. They can be moulded and polished during their education in school and this is a big responsibility of the school towards the students and their parents. San Academy students are provided with the best practices in learning innovations to make learning a delightful and amusing process.

The process enables every child to experience, learn and absorb a lot more. Learning is turned into a creatively-crafted experience which the children look forward to, everyday at school.

A confluence which offers the best of both worlds and equips every student to face the challenges apart from achieving academic excellence is inculcated in San Academy Group of Schools. The students uphold the core traditional values in everything they do with responsibility, respect, integrity and precise judgement. This is the dream which drives Ms. Archana and her team of academic professionals at San Academy Group of Schools.

San Academy Group of Schools has emerged as one of the leading CBSE schools in Chennai as a result of the dedicated efforts and sincere implementation of best practices in the group institutions under the leadership of Ms. Archana.

CONTRIBUTING to the welfare of society

Besides being a progressive educationist, Ms. Archana is also an open-eyed citizen and is firmly committed to giving back to society. She takes a keen interest in educational and healthcare projects. As a part of her social responsibility, she helps organize blood donation camps and medical camps for the general as well as under privileged sections of society.

Under her guidance, San Academy Group of Schools have set a marvellous example by holding classes for helping children from economically-weaker sections, after regular school hours. This is a reflection of Ms. Archana’s deep commitment to the importance of education for all. Such values and her zeal are truly reflected in the outstanding educational institutions she has nurtured and continues to guide them to greater heights.

Ms. Archana is dedicatedly leading the San Academy Group of Schools towards excellence by maintaining international standards of education. No wonder the glorious and enviable achievements of her students is a result of their firm foundation in an ideology of cultural understanding, awareness and values.

AN EMBODIMENT OF RESILIENCE

From a homeopathy doctor to a prominent real-estate industrialist, Dr. Rameswar Rao Jupally’s journey has been a mix of inspiring events and life skills, which one can follow to reach meteoric heights. Through his grit and determination, Dr. Jupally has written his name in golden letters over Hyderabad’s skyline

“Rameswar Rao Jupally always had been a very sensitive person believing in equal rights
and facilities for every section of the society”

Dr. Rameswar Rao Jupally, at present 61 has the enthusiasm of a 21 year old and he doesn’t believe in mincing his words at all. His composed demeanor and calm smile is enough to put one in awe of his simplicity and humility, and a heartfelt respect is naturally developed. From a simple man to a doctor to a successful industrialist, Dr. Jupally has made a lasting
impression, both on a professional and a personal note.

He was born in an agricultural family in 1955 at a small village called Kudikilla in Mahaboobnagar, Andhra Pradesh. Situated in the vicinity of Nallapura forests, the village had very few facilities and Dr. Rameswar Rao Jupally had to walk miles to attend his school.

He then later moved to Hyderabad for his higher education and graduated in homeopathy. He reminisces that this was the period when he learned to manage his life on his own, as he had to survive the month with the little money that his brother sent him. This phase made him grow as a person and helped him prioritize his tasks and aspirations.

NEW CHAPTER IN LIFE

Dr. Jupally has always been a very sensitive person believing in equal rights and facilities for every section of the society. He stood as a voice for the underprivileged and set up his homeopathy practice near Dilsukhnagar, an area where many poor and illiterate people lived. As a practicing homeopath he strived a great deal to mitigate their social and financial needs.

Dr. Jupally was slowly realizing that he was more than just a doctor and had the capability to do something different and big. The turning point came in his life when his friend who later became his partner, C. Satyanarayana advised him to invest Rs. 50,000 in a plot. After three years, Dr. Jupally sold the plot at a price of Rs. 1.50 lacs, and this made him understand the vast potential of the real estate sector. Thus, in 1981 Dr. Rao gave up his medical practice and became a whole time real-estate developer with My Home Constructions Pvt. Ltd.

He later diversified into varying businesses and added cement manufacturing and power generation into the group’s portfolio. He also ventured into the education sector in 1991 as he firmly believes that education is a must to create a healthy society.

MODEST PERSONAGE

Apart from being a successful industrialist, Dr. Rameswar Rao Jupally is also dedicated to his family. His four sons have imbibed his values, morals and spiritual knowledge. The quality time spent by him with his family has enabled them to face life boldly.

Dr. Jupally is very down to earth in nature and sees every other person in the same light. He treats everyone from the mason to the manager of his projects with the same respect. He tries to solve their problems and attends to their moments of happiness without any ego.

He has also actively been a part of many CSR activities through his establishment. His vision is exemplary and is personally involved in uplifting the poor and the down trodden. In today’s materialistic world he strives to instil confidence to the upcoming generation, to visualise their dreams and make them a tangible reality.

A STALWART OF THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY

An avid entrepreneur, Ronak Chiripal has been showcasing exceptional inherited business skills by setting new milestones in the textile industry. He leads the brand Nandan Terry Limited, which is known for its incomparable quality of fabric in the competitive market of terry towels

“HE PROMOTES TOWELS WHICH ARE MADE OF NATURAL PRODUCTS, WITH PROCEDURES SAFE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT”

Having completed a Master’s in Business Administration from Syracuse University, New York, Mr. Chiripal stepped into the already established family-owned business conglomerate – The Chiripal Group. Equipped with a sound educational background, he worked as the Managing Director of Chiripal Industries Limited for seven-and-a-half years. However, the young enthusiast wanted to take a leap of faith and extend his business into a new vertical – terry towels. This was the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey. He started leading Nandan Terry Limited, the latest venture of the group, as its CEO in 2016. A farsighted entrepreneur, he was able to take the brand to the global level in just two years. The dynamic leader has been successful in establishing his brand as one of the finest terry towels manufacturers and distributors with a wide range of collections including fashion towels, beach towels and basic towels. Riding on advanced textile technology and quality service, the company presently exports 70–90% of its production across the world.

TECH-LED NATURAL FABRIC BLENDS

Using the latest technology, the exceptional leader has laid a strong foundation for the venture in order to produce the best products in the market. Under his supervision, Nandan Terry Limited has been producing an extensive collection of 100% cotton terry towels using Certified Organic, Egyptian, Supima and Cotton blends, Cotton Bamboo, and Cotton Tencel in a variety of weaving patterns. The visionary youth icon pursues the process of incessant upgrading in R&D technology and methodology in pursuit of unparalleled quality. To achieve his objective, he developed the Dholi Spinning Park, a 400-acre campus equipped with a modern-day manufacturing unit of 2 lakhs spindles, and a new Denim line. Under his able leadership, the brand has been acclaimed and certified by some of the most reputed global certification agencies for its unmatched quality, environmental consciousness, labor practices, processes, and customer services. His ability to think beyond the conventional gave birth to ‘Shield’ towels that are specially designed with superior OSMOSE yarn technology, which helps them dry fast and avert the accumulation of viruses and bacteria.

TURNING OBSTACLES INTO OPPORTUNITIES

Even during the pandemic, Mr. Chiripal has been able to ensure the steady growth of Nandan Terry Limited with a healthy turnover. The pandemic pushed the demand for high- quality hygienic towels and the visionary business scion capitalized on this opportunity. Believing in a zero-compromise policy and stringent quality checks, he has continued to ensure the company uses the best-quality cotton and advanced technology. His team of highly qualified professionals ensures utmost customer satisfaction in terms of quality, timely delivery and customer support. He stays in touch with his customers through zoom calls and other media platforms to take feedback about the services and update them about new products.

GARNERING GLORY

Recognized by The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council for his efforts, he has been awarded the Silver Plaque for exporting terry towels in the 10-100crores category. The young CEO has also received the ‘Iconic Entrepreneur in Textile Industry’ by Mid-day International Gaurav Icons Awards. He is keen on sustainable development and also organizes blood donation camps and tree plantation drives at his manufacturing unit.

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.

Transfiguring the Education System with élan

Ms. Gita Jagannathan has put in huge efforts and timeless exploration for the establishment and smooth functioning of the Academy of Personalized Learning or APL Global School. Founding the institute was the beginning of her journey of transforming the education system. Her unique endeavours to make a positive difference in the education sector are far better and more practically- driven as against the conventional form of pedagogy that has been globally followed for so long

“With her pedagogical, psychological, & spiritual inclinations, She has come up with an extraordinary initiative – APL Global School”

Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high, where knowledge is free. Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls….” These lines summarize Mrs. Gita Jagannathan’s vision for APL Global School, Chennai, which is inspired by Tagore’s vision for an awakened India. She draws from a wealth of life experiences; wide exposure from traveling and living in small towns and cities; enriching walks, talks and discourses with parents who lived through India’s freedom movement; debates and discussions with extended family who were erudite scholars with strong opinions on a plethora of social and human issues. All these have shaped her thoughts about education.

An Explorer By Nature

She has a penchant for exploration and thirst to constantly evolve; attributes that reflect her growing-up years when she had to make sense of the cumulative experiences of travelling through 8 different schools, her father having been in a transferable job. Gita is a Reiki & Seichim Grand Master, a hypnotherapist and a student of Yoga. This spiritual sensibility in combination with her skills in psychology and counseling alchemically contributed to the birth of APL school as a space to experience personalized learning for students, faculty members and all stake holders.

Personal Experiences Paved Her Path

As a student Gita enjoyed the companionship of school friends, the open playgrounds, the lush vegetation of school, the structured games, music, dance and theatre sessions at school. She thus felt that schools should provide for a range of experiences that address children’s holistic developmental needs. Academy for Personalised Learning (APL) was born out of this need to create a nurturing environment that celebrates individuality and diversity. An Inclusive School that fosters a person-centered education was the natural outcome of a need to create a happy space in which people are supported to realize their potential. Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness Index, UNESCO’s Happy School Project, Index for Inclusion etc., guide the development of APL pedagogy and practices. A happy individual is naturally eager to learn.

A Constant Learner

Gita looks at school as a safe space in which students are given the resources and guidance to develop a sense of self. This self identity then extends to the community and the world they live in. Learning to be self-aware, to determine their role in society and to take responsibility, be responsive to the environment is main purpose of an education. Giving children opportunities to problem-solve, to make informed choices and to retain individuality while being a contributing member of society is the mission of school. At APL the school climate is designed to address all these through sustainable living practices.

APL Global School is a unit of Ramaniyam Real Estates, Mr. Jagannathan’s real estate enterprise. Both Mr. and Mrs. Jagannathan were always interested in making a meaningful contribution to society. APL and Ramaniyam Sankara Matriculation School were born out of that inclination. Mrs. Jagannathan, enjoys mentoring and advising Mr. Batcha the founder of Ramaniyam Sankara Matriculation School in their development while Mr. Jagannathan takes an active interest in the infrastructural development of both schools.

Their two daughters’ Giftedness led Gita to learn about the varied educational needs of children and led to the APL model of education that is responsive to individual needs.
The school system accommodates students’ needs rather than forcing the child to fit the system. The world today values innovation leading to a wide range of career choices; allowed to be themselves everyone finds their own niche. And APL strives to make that journey finding one’s niche a rich and joyful life experience.

An eternal learner, Gita continues to read voraciously and to spent time with her family, friends of all age groups, as well her pets.

BUILDING A PATH TO EXCELLENCE

DR. SANJAY AGARWAL, DIRECTOR, AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AT IJM INDIA INFRASTRUCTURE LIMITED (IJMII), IS SETTING THE ORGANISATION ABLAZE WITH HIS BRILLIANCE SPANNING OVER THREE DECADES. HIS UNIQUE BLEND OF KNOWLEDGE, HUMILITY, EMPATHY, ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT, AND INTEGRITY DISTINGUISHES HIM AS AN EXCEPTIONAL LEADER. A REVERED REVOLUTIONARY IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR, HE HAS BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN DEFINING INDIA’S FUTURE IN THIS SECTOR. WIDELY RESPECTED BY PEERS AND INDUSTRY LEADERS, DR. AGARWAL’S INFLUENCE EXTENDS BEYOND SECTORS, MAKING HIM A BEACON OF INSPIRATION IN THE BUSINESS WORLD

INFRASTRUCTURE MAESTRO’S RISE

Dr. Agarwal commenced his career as an Assistant Project Manager at IRCON, where he got the opportunity to contribute significantly to major infrastructure projects. His portfolio boasts diverse achievements– from Asia’s largest Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala to the development of urban elevated roads and flyovers in Jakarta. Since 1998, Dr. Agarwal has been leading IJMII and has successfully elevated the Hyderabad-based Indian subsidiary of a Malaysian multinational corporation to a position of prominence. His dynamic leadership, tech-savvy and adept solutions tailored to India’s unique challenges have positioned the organisation as a trusted partner of NHAI. Under the sterling guidance of the industry veteran, the organisation has solidified its reputation as a reliable force in India’s infrastructure landscape.

A TECH-SAVVY LEADER

Dr. Agarwal stays abreast of cutting-edge technologies and adeptly integrates them to optimise operations and meet client needs through tech-driven efficiency. IJM’s utilisation of drone technology for real-time project monitoring exemplifies this commitment. Additionally, the incorporation of Building Information Modelling (BIM) demonstrates IJMII’s crucial role in driving digital transformation within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry.

PROPONENT OF COLLABORATIVE LEADERSHIP

Dr. Agarwal defines leadership as a fusion of collaboration and inspiration. He emphasises, “My approach involves delegating tasks, setting an example, and demonstrating genuine care for my team members. I firmly believe in the leadership mantra of taking ownership of responsibilities.” Dr. Agarwal’s strategic leadership revolves around clear communication aligned with the organisation’s values, vision, and goals. As a leader with a keen eye for direction, he possesses a crystal-clear vision for navigating his team through challenges with determination and confidence. Through his empowering style, he has created a collaborative environment where team members feel empowered to seize the reins.

CAREER MILESTONES

An expert in mega projects, Dr. Agarwal has many firsts to his credit. The leader has achieved a remarkable milestone with the successful completion of the Solapur-Vijayapura four-lane, 110 km road project well ahead of schedule, despite pandemic challenges. This project was inaugurated by India’s Honourable Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari, in May 2022.

This venture stands as IJMII’s most substantial project in India to date. This groundbreaking project achieved a milestone, setting a record by efficiently laying 25.54 kilometres of road within only 17 hours and 45 minutes on the Solapur-Bijapur section of National Highway 13. It also ranks among NHAI’s largest contracts under the design, build, finance, operate, and transfer (DBFOT) framework.

GIVING BACK TO SOCIETY

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisation diligently provided medical and food relief to the underserved communities. The organisation has also partnered with CIDC 2022 to offer vocational training to economically weaker sections by conducting Skill Development workshops. Successful candidates, upon clearing tests, receive certificates facilitating immediate employment, aligned with the Skill India Mission.

In a separate collaboration with the Rotary Club in 2022, IJMII donated 150 sewing machines, empowering underprivileged women through the Women Empowerment scheme. Additionally, efforts were directed towards restoring Anganwadi centres for providing primary health care and education to society’s marginalised sections.

At the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, the organisation donated oxygen concentrators to medical facilities, along with free rations and medicines to the needy. Speaking about the importance of corporate social responsibility, Dr. Agarwal says, “We believe in sustainability and go the extra mile to reduce our environmental footprint. From turning waste into gold with projects like using fly ash for earth fills and crafting eco-friendly fly ash bricks to embracing biofuel, we’re all in. Additionally, when investing in new equipment, we ensure they are not just cutting-edge but environmentally savvy.”

TOWERING ACHIEVEMENTS

Dr. Agarwal has been bestowed with several awards and accolades for his contribution to the infrastructure sector. He was recognised as one of Asia’s Top 10 Prominent Business Leaders in 2023 by COO Insights. His relentless efforts also earned IJMII the prestigious CIDC Vishwakarma Award in 2022 for Best Professionally Managed Construction Company. He secured the award for ‘Best Construction Project’ for the Solapur–Bijapur Road Project.

In the same year, he spearheaded the fabrication and erection of steel composite girders, each measuring 59.226 metres in length and weighing 87 metric tonnes, for Road Over Bridges (ROB) on the Solapur–Bijapur NH-52. This installation is currently undergoing validation by Central Railways and stands as the longest Composite Girder installation in the region.

BUILDING A WINNING CULTURE

MR. ANEJA HOLDS THREE DECADES OF DIVERSE BUSINESS  EXPERTISE. HIS PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY IS MARKED BY  HIS EXCEPTIONAL ABILITY TO TURNAROUND BUSINESSES IN  CHALLENGING SITUATIONS. HE ADHERES TO A PRAGMATIC “MAKE  THINGS HAPPEN” PHILOSOPHY & FOCUSES ON CULTIVATING A  WINNING CULTURE TO DRIVE ORGANISATIONAL SUCCESS

ACADEMIC BRILLIANCE

Armed with a BE in Electronics and Instrumentation and an  MBA in Marketing, Mr. Aneja’s intellectual curiosity led him to pursue International Business studies at the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi. Additionally, he completed the  General Management and Executive Development Program at  INSEAD, Fontainebleau campus in France.

AN IMPRESSIVE CAREER GRAPH

Mr. Aneja joined Sage Metals Group in 2021 after serving as the President of India Region at Vibracoustic, a Euro 2 billion  German MNC with global leadership in anti-vibration automobile products. With over 15 years at Federal-Mogul, a US $7 billion  MNC based in Michigan, USA, working in positions of increasing responsibility, in his last role as VP, Asia Pacific and Africa &  Managing Director, India, he accomplished a complex business merger & turnaround. He received the CEO Excellence Award at the leadership conference in Detroit, Michigan. He also contributed to companies like GE Lighting and Apollo Tyres.  

As the CEO and MD of Sage Metals Group, since 2021, he is driving ambitious growth with enhanced profitability. He is actively engaged in capital restructuring and M&As in allied industry segments in the US and India. He aims to establish  Sage as a global leader offering technologically advanced and sustainable diverse metal processing and forming capabilities. 

With a holding company in New York and multiple manufacturing facilities in the USA & India, the Sage Metals Group serves a blue-chip global client base and offers a wide portfolio of manufactured products and metal forming services. 

PRACTICAL RISK MITIGATION STRATEGIES

In times of geopolitical uncertainties, Mr. Aneja tailors risk mitigation strategies through analysis, engagement with diverse stakeholders, & internal vulnerability assessment. The leader believes that diversity in strategy creation and execution enhances effectiveness in times of crisis. He led Sage Metals  Group effectively through the challenging Covid period and the company witnessed unprecedented growth and hit record revenue in 2021-22. 

Mr. Aneja advises aspiring business leaders to simplify operations, adopt an empathic approach, and prioritize genuine care for employees. He believes that by involving team members in decision-making processes, leaders can infuse ownership and commitment, which are essential traits for effective leadership. 

Simultaneously, he highlights the importance of transparency and staying abreast of megatrends and macro-environmental developments. Embracing and investing in technology and nurturing motivated teams are the key tenets of his leadership philosophy. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on long term goals & strategies while rapidly adapting to the dynamic economic scenario & aptly dealing with the uncertainties.

AN ECO-CONSCIOUS LEADER

Mr. Aneja views sustainability as a moral imperative rather than a mere compliance requirement. He actively engages in eco-conscious endeavors to give back to environment, world  & future generations. He advocates that both individuals &  organizations should embrace sustainability to make a positive  impact on the world. Under his leadership, Sage Metals Group has embarked on an ambitious ESG journey. 

HIS SUCCESS MANTRA

Believing in being the energy that is positive and uplifting, Mr. Aneja approaches every problem with audacity because he reckons that fear impedes success. His journey is marked by honest hard work, unwavering dedication, strong willpower,  persistent courage, and steadfast integrity – the guiding mantras that pave the way for his achievements.