Category: Leaders

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.

Building Sustainable Edifices Of Trust

Hailing from a small town, and having learned the basic rules of money management at a young age, Bijay Agarwal began his thrilling journey with one small step. However, his commitment and passion soon turned into huge financial gains, and today he is renowned as one of India’s leading real estate developers

“Always be humble and work hard. Having these two qualities will take you places. At the same time always try to help others as much as possible. A little kindness can go a long way”

Bijay Agarwal’s story is of immense inspiration, as he became successful step-by-step through extraordinary grit and firmness of purpose. He started out humbly in Bengaluru in 1993, acquiring a small plot that offered 20,000 sq. ft. of construction. It was a commercial building called Money Chambers and it was a success! This encouraged him to construct his first residential project in Indiranagar of just 12,000 sq. ft. of built-up area. After that, there was no looking back!

Consistent Trajectory of Growth

Though his success has really taken him to great heights, he has never left his roots. He shares, “I always ensure that my debt is contained to a certain level and once the project is complete, it is paid off. I also safeguard the company’s and my own interest by conducting a ‘financial health check-up’ every six months that allows me to know just what risks I can take. This helps me stay grounded and my company stable.”

In the initial phases, under the dynamic leadership of Bijay Agarwal, Salarpuria Sattva Group focused on a mix of commercial and residential developments. Rapid bookings, since beginning, offered them ample encouragement, and they kept acquiring more land and expanded continuously. They believed in maintaining a balance between residential and commercial to ensure cash flow while continuing with the risk appetite with commercial projects.

Transforming Challenges into Opportunities

Bijay Agarwal reminisces, “When the IT boom hit Bangalore, we became a trendsetter. We set up the first IT Tech Park called GR Tech Park in Whitefield, Bengaluru. At that time, global companies were scouting to invest in residential and commercial properties and you can safely say that we showed the way.”

One success led to another, and in 2010 they earned recognition as a CRISIL A stable rated company which was truly a milestone for them. By 2015-16, they had completed 110 projects and had established their presence in cities such as Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Coimbatore, Pune and Goa.

In addition to progressing in real estate, they also explored other avenues of expansion, and made forays into Education by setting up Greenwood International School. Next, the Aero Accessories, Sattva E-Tech and Logistics divisions were also set up. Today their business verticals include facilities management, aerospace, education, hospitality, office spaces, homes, D&B solutions and urban development.

Growing consistently with each passing year and with each project, they kept on creating newer stories of success. Sharing about such projects, Bijay Agarwal says, “One of our most ambitious and Asia’s best project is Knowledge City in Hi-Tech City in Hyderabad. The technologically advanced IGBC certified Platinum rated multi-purpose Commercial building has a total development of over 7.5 million sq. ft. with an array of amenities.

“Today in Hyderabad alone, we are working on 20 million sq. ft. of IT space – Knowledge City, Cyber Park and Necklace Pride. Knowledge City is already touted to be one of the best in Asia and some of our prominent clients are Novartis (1 million sq. ft.), SAP, JP Morgan, HSBC, etc. We should complete the project by mid-2019. We have also launched a mixed development project, Magnus, at Jubilee Hills. It is a premium gated community and we plan to develop 5.4 acres and construct four residential towers and one commercial tower.”

Their other cutting-edge projects in Hyderabad include Salarpuria Sattva Knowledge Capital in the financial district of Nanakramguda and Salarpuria Sattva Knowledge Park. They have also tied up with the Telangana Government to build Image Tower, a world-class animation, gaming and visual effects centre of more than 2 million Sq. ft. that will be the new- age Charminar in the city. In 2018, they have already completed 26 million sq. ft. of construction, and 38 million sq. ft. is in progress.

Balancing All Acts

Being a smart businessman and a pragmatic person, he strongly believes in diplomacy and honesty in all his relationships and complete transparency in all business dealings. He asserts, “When dealing with people in business, we tend to come across many challenges,
but one of the biggest issues is how to deal with people tactfully. Often people take advantage of you, but if you spend time with someone, you eventually get to know their intentions. Through all these challenges I have learnt that one must never fight and solve one’s problems; it only leads to more crisis and litigation, rather approach the issue humbly and peacefully.”

In the best interests of his clients and the general property buyers, he believes in reforming the real estate industry. He feels that all government approvals should be fast-tracked so that the developer can launch the project in a timely manner and with minimum delay in order to deal with the project efficiently.

He also wants to bring a change by simplifying direct and indirect tax laws and by incentivizing and rewarding the compliant developers, because he also believes that, “No good incentives are being given to good developers even when the real estate industry is the key generator of jobs, consumer of a large number of products from other industries
and also has huge capital consumption. Compliant developers need to be given a platform and recognition needs to be given to them.” He cherishes having earned a degree in Owner/President Management (OPM) Program from Harvard Business School, and accepts that it has not only helped him learn the art of how to master his business, but has also helped him look at things more subtly. Giving due credit to his family for his various achievements in professional life, he shares, “My family has always been my biggest pillar of strength. They have always motivated and inspired me to do better. In my professional life, my focus is to build trust and quality and to deliver more than what I promise, always.”

A Leader of the Future

Under his insightful leadership, Salarpuria Sattva has always been exceptionally passionate about sustainable development and has always shown strong commitment to environment conservation. Being an environmentally conscious brand, it has constantly believed in contributing towards the future in every little way possible. Its flagship IT Tech Park in Hyderabad, ‘Knowledge City’ (Indian Green Building Council rated) is a testimony to this. Its blueprints for all its projects always include Rain Water Harvesting and Solar Energy consumption.

Apart from various green initiatives, Salarpuria Sattva has also been providing comprehensive free stay for families of ailing patients at Sai Baba Hospital located at Whitefield in Bengaluru. The Group provides patients’ families with basic amenities so that they can have an affordable and stress-free stay. It has also been doing many small-scale sustainable activities in and around Bengaluru.

Though Bijay Agarwal has achieved extraordinary success, it hasn’t changed his innate qualities of benevolence and pragmatism. He is still a down-to-earth person, and believes that, “Always be humble and work hard. Having these two qualities will take you places. At the same time always try to help others as much as possible. A little kindness can go a long way.”

Laying the foundation of a Better world

Armed with a rich experience of 3 decades, the CMD of Alliance Group, Mr. Namburu has been laying strong foundations of trust by promoting high levels of ethics and integrity in business practices and ensuring unparalleled service to the clients. Besides being an accomplished entrepreneur, he is also the author of the popular book ‘Moguls of Real Estate’

“Both our organisation and our family are involved in many CSR activities and one that we are emotionally attached to is the plantation drive involving plantation of 2 lakh trees in Chennai city”

With a rich global experience of around 10 years as the CEO of Magma Consulting Inc., based in Pleasanton, California, USA, Mr. Namburu spent a significant amount of time helping clients improve their bottom lines through the adaptation of emerging technologies. Despite tasting immense success overseas, he always longed to return to his homeland and ultimately returned to India for good. He was interested in developing software parks, however, destiny had some other plans for him in store and he ended-up joining hands with his childhood friend Mr. Suneel Bommireddy to establish Alliance Group. They started the very first project in Bangalore titled ‘10 Downing’, which did exceedingly well and derived significant advantage of the real estate boom.

Identifying “a serious vacuum of large scale professionally run real estate developers in Chennai”, he “decided to focus on Chennai and work towards becoming number one real estate developer in the city in 10 years.” He started developing large scale projects and owing to his dedication and commitment, he achieved great success. Today, he declares with pride, “In 10 years that goal to become the largest and number one developer in Chennai has become a reality.” Talking about his expansion plans, he says, “Now we also operate in Hyderabad real estate development space and are aspiring to become the number 1 in Hyderabad market.”

Turning Adversity into Advantage

It is a widely accepted fact that one of the most important qualities of a leader is resilience. In fact the true grit of a leader is not how he or she performs during the good times but rather how the person displays emotional strength and professionalism during the most trying times. Despite having hit rough weather a number of times, Mr. Namburu never gave up and emerged stronger than before. Throwing light on some of the specific challenges he faced, he elaborates, “Housing bubble and recession in 2008, Demonetisation, GST roll out,
December 2015 floods and introduction of RERA Act were the challenges we have faced like every real estate developer. However, the difference is that we emerged unscathed each of these times while several developers never recovered from those shocks and many developers went bankrupt. He further adds, “Our attitude of ‘Identifying opportunities in adversity’ is one of the secrets of our organisation’s success.”

Advocating Reforms for a Brighter Future

An ardent advocate of some of the reforms which should be brought about in the real estate sector, Mr. Namburu asserts, “We strongly feel that Real estate industry should be given an ‘Industry status’. It is an irony that whenever the economy is down, the government first focuses on stimulating housing growth, as they believe housing industry alone has the capacity to spur growth in 150 other industries and provides employment to crores of people – yet real estate industry does not have an ‘Industry status’.”

He is also concerned about the fact that “Real estate developers depend completely on funding from NBFCs at high rate of interest.” In his opinion, “Banks must fund real estate companies which will give access to funds at reasonable rates for the industry to expand.”

He further adds, “In affordable housing industry while the buyers whose monthly gross salary is under Rs.75,000 are excited to buy a home and are ready to pay for the monthly EMI – yet most of them do not have the 10% down payment (approximately Rs.2 to 4 lakhs) required to pay for buying the home and avail a home loan for the remaining 90%. The government is giving up to Rs.2.6 lakhs as subsidy from Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. If only this amount is given to customers at the time of paying advance to enter into agreement, the sales in affordable housing sector which is the primary growth engine for the country today can be revived and the growth of economy can be triggered.”

Cherishing Triumphs

For his outstanding contribution to the real estate sector, Mr. Namburu has received numerous awards with the notable one being Economic Times Ace Tech award for ‘Leaders of Indian Infrastructure & Construction’. Owing his success to a great support system, Mr. Namburu delineates, “I’m blessed with a family which stands behind me like a rock of Gibraltar. My wife takes care of every single matter at home, so I can completely stay focused on my work. My parents have always encouraged me – each time I had a fall, they only used words of encouragement.” He further adds, “My partner Suneel’s family is my extended family. He is a brother to me and inspires me to excel all the time.”

Giving Back to Society

Giving back to society is one of the most important and valuable ways in which a leader can contribute towards building the nation. Bent on making a positive difference to the world, Mr. Namburu is involved in multiple pro-social initiatives. He vehemently asserts, “Both our organisation and our family are involved in many CSR activities and one that we are emotionally attached to is the plantation drive involving plantation of 2 lakh trees in Chennai city. On 12th December 2016, cyclone Varda caused heavy damage in Chennai city – damaging everything that came in its path. Our city has lost over 4 lakh trees. As an organisation we have taken it upon us to plant 1 lakh trees and distribute another 1 lakh trees to homes across Chennai and encourage them to plant and care for those trees.”

He adds, “Figuring out that not everyone will plant a tree and take care of it for an year or two unless it gives benefit to them, we have distributed 1 lakh Mango and Sapota trees, which will not only motivate the people to plant and look after them, but will also provide the much required green cover to the city as well as encourage the birds which thrive on such plants to nest in our city.”

Marching Towards a Sustainable tomorrow

Mr. Namburu is deeply committed to building a sustainable future. He asserts, “As an organisation we wanted to diversify into a space which is close to our heart. We have always believed that we need to manage our planet better and leave our planet in a liveable shape for the future generations. And hence we chose to address pollution and CO2 emissions and chose to be in the battery minerals space which is contributing towards reducing dependency on burning fossil fuels.”

He further elaborates, “We have acquired one Lithium mine in Mali, in Western Africa and are working on the project to produce Lithium for Lithium Ion batteries, which are replacing the fossil fuels. We have also acquired a Graphite permit in Madagascar in Africa to be able to mine and process flaky graphite required for producing anodes for Lithium ion batteries. Usage of Lithium ion batteries has been mastered over the last few years and many car makers are coming with electric models to reduce fossil fuel usage. This space has been pioneered and lead by Mr. Elon Musk of Tesla Motors and we wanted to contribute with our might to this space by being a significant miner for battery minerals across the globe.”

Mr. Namburu’s distinguished contribution towards the development of society, economy and environment is commendable. No wonder he is an inspiration for umpteen aspiring entrepreneurs and others who intend to follow his lead. His message to them is “The world belongs to the learners. The more you know the more you can achieve. Read a lot and further your knowledge.” Emphasising upon the importance of taking calculated risks, he asserts, “A ship is safe in a harbour, but that is not what it is built for. You must learn to take calculated risks. Only those who take risks (calculated ones) walk ahead of the crowd.”

Undauntedly Creating New Horizons

Inspired by his forefathers and with his father’s words of caution and encouragement about the life he has to face in this real estate industry, Mr. Aadarsh Kumar Surana took the company Amarprakash Developers to a higher altitude, undaunted by the meagre resources and just a few members recruited through word of mouth.

“He outwitted his competitors in his 1st project itself, as he offered high quality at an affordable price, and has been consistently offering the best products and services.”

Sight on Quality Construction

Mr. Aadarsh Kumar Surana is considered the guiding force of Amarprakash Developers, who has evolved and developed it into one of the top real estate companies in Tamilnadu in less than a decade.

He has successfully carried forward the legacy of Amarprakash, which was first established in 1950, when Shri Amarchand Surana got involved in creating innovative business, products and services including finance and real estate investments. Next, he pioneered in the electrical manufacturing under the name Allied Industries in 1970, as he was confident that electricals would be the next popular business in India.

Mr. Aadarsh Kumar Surana is the next-generation entrepreneur, and is well known for his various interests including as a prominent member of the community, and a religion & social activist. He decided to take forward the legacy and established a new business in 1980, diversifying first into the automobile sector, and then into finance, real estate, personal loan, etc. To satisfy his deep desire to contribute to the betterment of society, in 2004 he expanded to real estate, infrastructure and property development, and started constructing quality homes at an affordable price range for average earners.

Offering Better Solutions

His business philosophy to offer better living solutions to the people with a sense of security, comfort and joy worked and he introduced his ingenious ideas into the business to create innovative and superior products. He outwitted his competitors in his first project itself, as he offered high quality at an affordable price, and not needing to look back since
then, Amarprakash Developers has been consistently offering the best products and services with a high value for money to all its customers.

As he feels that satisfied customers are the biggest asset for any business, Mr. Surana has invariably focused on providing value-driven results to his customers, through quality services and has been successful in satisfying his customers’ needs beyond their expectations.

Assisting his employees to expand their capabilities by offering them a stable and safer work environment and thereby creating a loyal and productive work force, he has also been successfully improving current practices by integrating superior quality and innovative technology with outstanding selfless service to his local and global community.

Fulfilling Responsibility

Working towards his vision to be the most trusted and innovative real estate developer in India while offering quality living to all his stakeholders, he has never shied away from his responsibilities towards the society. Under his leadership, Community First is the operational motto at Amarprakash, and Amarprakash Foundations has been actively involved in various CSR activities. Mandatorily returning the good that the community has offered him, through Amarprakash Foundations, Mr. Surana has been continuously benefitting the community.

Through Amarprakash’s Jain Public School (CBSE), which is a non-profitable organization designed to create a vibrant and prosperous society, he has been working towards the education of children, and is also committed towards excellence in health and safety. He has organized several health camps to serve the humanity, and has executed a successful field guide for detection, management and surveillance of impurities in potable water and has also assisted the backward students through fees, books and free health check-up camps irrespective of caste or creed.

Mr. Ashish Vijay is the Chairman & Founder of the AV Group – a reputable business conglomerate housing a multitude of companies across diverse sectors. A prominent Dubai-based investor, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, the global leader brings decades of experience in the precious gemstone and luxury jewellery industry, as well as finance and investment sectors. His commitment to quality, innovation, and generosity has positioned him as a preeminent figure in the high-end jewellery industry. For him, his work is also his passion, which drives him to continuously push the boundaries of creativity.

Mr. Ashish is committed to building a lasting legacy that transcends generations. Taking inspiration from his father, he has personified generational continuity through his entrepreneurial brilliance and integrity. Born and raised in India, he has been fascinated by the dazzling splendour of diamonds since childhood. With this fascination, he immersed himself in his father’s jewellery business while balancing his studies. Gradually, the family
business was relocated to Dubai, where he soon made his presence felt in the luxury market by delivering top-notch quality and craftsmanship. Mr. Ashish embarks on new ventures with zeal and ambition. Over the years, he has channelled his entrepreneurial spirit into a diverse array of ventures under the AV Group umbrella. From Meraki Gems and Jewellery to Tiara Gems and AV Globale-a global hub with offices in Dubai, India, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Central Africa, his ventures span gemstones, high-end jewellery,
luxury lifestyle, real estate, infrastructure, hospitality, auctions, and innovative tech-
driven collaboration platforms. With each venture, he aims to set new standards in the
industry.

QUALITY REIGNS SUPREME

Mr. Ashish leveraged his family’s multigenerational proficiency in precious stones to establish a globally renowned company known for its expertise in sourcing top-quality stones. His expertise is not limited to dealing with cut gemstones; he equally excels in the intricate art of selecting unpolished stones. For him, quality isn’t merely a fleeting attribute but a legacy that transcends time, leaving an indelible mark on generations to come. The ambitious leader has curated a stunning private collection of precious stones sourced from diverse corners of the world. His impressive collection includes diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, alexandrite, and more. What’s more, he sources jewellery and gemstones ethically and sustainably and works with suppliers to ensure conflict-free sourcing.

EMPOWERING GENERATIONS THROUGH ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Mr. Ashish is driven by a deeper purpose: to empower individuals to achieve financial independence and contribute meaningfully to society. Through his innovative online auction website, he has revolutionised the way people engage with gemstones by democratising access to these precious assets. By enabling individuals to bid on gemstones at competitive rates, he not only facilitates smart investments but also creates opportunities for passive income generation. With AV Globale’s platform, individuals can not only acquire gemstones but also resell them, thus transforming assets into a tangible source of wealth. A tech-savvy individual, Mr. Asish utilises groundbreaking technology to produce designer jewels, exclusive timepieces, and
a blue-chip art collection for connoisseurs. By employing state-of-the-art techniques such as 3D deposit mapping, AI-driven polishing refinement, and immersive virtual/augmented reality evaluations, he has elevated industry standards, particularly in terms of transparency. The forward-thinking leader also believes in treating clients like family and building long-term relationships that transcend generational lines. Due to this level of personalised attention, AV Group has developed unbreakable bonds of affinity, thus securing its dominance in the market and generating substantial goodwill.

“AT THE CORE OF MR. ASHISH’S VALUES IS HIS FIRM COMMITMENT TO ETHICAL BUSINESS PRACTICES AND RESPONSIBLE MANAGEMENT. HE BELIEVES IN CONDUCTING BUSINESS WITH HONESTY, TRANSPARENCY, AND RESPECT FOR EVERYONE, INCLUDING SUPPLIERS, PARTNERS, CUSTOMERS, AND EMPLOYEES”

PRIORITISES VALUES OVER PROFITABILITY

Mr. Ashish is committed to ethical business practices and responsible management. With a keen focus on honesty, transparency, and respect for all stakeholders, he has set new standards for integrity within his industry. From ensuring compliance with mining regulations to empowering artisan alliances through innovative e-auction platforms, his
vision extends far beyond profit margins. He seeks to facilitate sustainable growth and equitable opportunities for all.

A BENEVOLENT LEADER

Mr. Ashish’s impact transcends the boardroom, as he devotes himself to philanthropic endeavours for enriching lives and communities. His tireless advocacy for women’s rights, ethical mining procedures, and education exemplify his dedication to effecting meaningful change on a global scale. His work includes empowering women miners in Africa, as well as spearheading educational initiatives and ensuring the safety of women workers in diamond mines, and thus promoting gender equality. The compassionate leader is also active in various girl child initiatives, and has established schools in Sri Lanka and India through the Bliss Foundation, an NGO, co- founded by his father. By prioritising education and empowerment, he seeks to break barriers and create ample opportunities for underprivileged girls. As he looks to the future, Mr. Ashish adheres to a simple yet profound philosophy: “Nothing is mine. Not even it was before, not now, and even after 25 years. There’s nothing that is mine.” It is this humility, this recognition of the transient nature of material wealth, that sets him apart as a truly enlightened leader – one who understands that true richness lies not in possessions but in the impact we make on the world around us. His mission is to inspire others to join him in building a more inclusive and equitable world.

REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

A sought-after speaker and revered industry expert, Mr. Ashish champions transparency, innovation, and relationship development. His insights have been featured in prestigious publications such as Forbes, The Times of India, and Business Insider, where he continues to inspire and enlighten others with his vision for a brighter, more inclusive future. He is also the newly appointed Director of the ICAI Dubai Chapter. His role is to advance the gemstone industry in the region so as to establish Dubai as the premier destination for gem lovers. Additionally, through his role at the International Coloured Gemstone Association, he tirelessly works to elevate awareness and participation in the vibrant world of gemstones. Furthermore, in 2021, he gained acceptance into the Forbes Business Council–a prominent platform for accomplished business owners and leaders globally, renowned for facilitating growth opportunities worldwide. Speaking of this achievement, he said, “This honour by the Forbes Business Council is a significant career milestone for which I am deeply grateful. I hope to utilise this platform to raise awareness about investments and
business opportunities in the vibrant sector of diamonds and rare gemstones.” As he continues to break new ground and inspire others, one can only expect even greater things to come from this visionary leader.

Leading With Integrity

An example of integrity, ingenuity, dedication, and hard work, Mr. Ranjan Mahtani is one of the most successful leaders in the retail space. Providing employment to millions of skilled labour and leading a world-class Group, he sees himself as a learner who never satiates with his laurels

“WHILE RECOGNIZING THE PAIN INVOLVED IN THESE UNPRECEDENTED TIMES, MAHTANI & HIS TEAM AT EPIC, WHILE STEADYING THE SHIP, ARE CONTINUOUSLY
REINVENTING AND FINDING INNOVATIVE WAYS OF DELIVERING HIGH PERFORMANCE
AND COMFORT PRODUCTS IN AGILE AND UNIQUE MANNERS”

What makes leaders good leaders is their penchant for learning, growing, and contributing
immensely to the greater good of not just their business, but the world. A good leader never rests on one’s laurels, never fails to challenge oneself, and always keeps one’s mind and heart open for new learnings. This same dedication towards exploring newer realms, the insatiable thirst to evolve, improve, absorb, and reinvent, and a feeling that he is starting from scratch every day makes Mahtani a leader-par-excellence and a personality to be revered. The Chairman of Epic Group, which is one of the fastest-growing apparel manufacturers in Asia with eleven manufacturing facilities in Bangladesh, Vietnam, Ethiopia and Jordan, employing over 30,000 people, Mahtani is known for his strong fundamentals and moral values that help him run his business with integrity and ingenuity.

For him, each dawn means a new start and each dusk is an opportunity to reflect on the growth of his business and self. His hunger to constantly innovate his business is the only reason that Epic Group, just within 15-years of its establishment, is a world-renowned force.

A TRAILBLAZER

Now 56-year old, Mahtani was born in Mumbai, India, where he spent the formative years of his life. As he ventured into a professional world, his instinct to learn, evolve, and grow, led him to travel across the world and over the past thirty-five years he has had impressive stints Bangladesh, Taiwan, USA, while maintaining Hong Kong as his base.

His relentless energy and his pursuit to create a brand of manufacturing in the volatile fashion industry, while simultaneously trying to improve the lives of the poor men and women, who create garments for their livelihood made him lay the foundation of Epic Group in 2015. His undying passion for greatness and innovation made the group immensely successful and famous within a few years of its birth and today it is one of the most renowned retailers with a connection to premium brands and markets in every continent around the world.

Raising bars and expectations continuously for himself and his team, he is of the firm belief that there is no point in having a vision if you do not have the ability to take that vision to reality. Starting from scratch and humble beginnings, Ranjan was one of the pioneers of the Bangladesh and Ethiopian garment industry. He looks back at his early days with great fondness and says that he would not change a thing if allowed to go back in time.

As COVID-19 starts the new ways of working and probably a new world which will again test the leadership and history of most organizations, Mahtani is well-prepared to deal with any hurdle that might arise.

While recognizing the pain involved in these unprecedented times, Mahtani and his team at Epic, while steadying the ship, are continuously and parallelly reinventing and finding innovative ways of delivering high performance and comfort products in agile, unique, new manners to the customers. Epic continues to invest in technology and new divisions during
these testing times, clearly identifying opportunities in the new landscape.

TRANSPARENCY IN WORK

Businesses have evolved massively in today’s time. They are no longer only a means to earn name and fame, but also come with a lot of responsibility towards society, and a chance to catalyze meaningful changes in the world. They are no longer just about making profits but building long-term relationships with all associates, clients, customers, and patrons.

For Mahtani, the biggest driving force behind running Epic Group is his dedication towards his customers and partners. He ensures that maximum transparency is maintained in all the functions of the firm. While the company operates on the three broad pillars of sustainability, world- class manufacturing and solid personal connections with all stakeholders, what separates them is their level of transparency with all stakeholders internal and external, the customers know if the Group have a problem, they will be the first ones to know about it with simple solutions always part of the dialogue. This, Mahtani believes leading by example, has got deeply embedded into the Epic culture.

“While our customers come first in our business, our vision and mission are always anchored with our deep sense of responsibility to our people. We did not get here by accident and this is only the beginning – we are a company that relishes challenges and converts them into opportunities,” says Mahtani. Mahtani is always excited to take on new challenges and simultaneously work towards improving his own skills as he equips the team to take on modified roles and responsibilities. This agility has helped the group manifolds in maintaining its stunning success.

THE FAMILY MAN

Not just an award-winning astute businessman, Mahtani is a fantastic family man too. Despite his mind-bogglingly busy schedule, he makes sure that he gets enough time out for his wife Angeli and his three sons: Aryan, Karan, and Aditya. A great father, Mahtani has been making sure that the next generation learns from him the best traits of running a business as well as maintaining a healthy relationship with self, the family, and the society. Mahtani has always been eager to get himself involved in his sons’ growth as a person and has been a constant source of inspiration and support for them. Mahtani makes sure that the kids are imbibing great values in themselves and are turning to be dedicated, hardworking, and benevolent humans as he has been.

The versatile leader is a true force of motivation and inspiration for millions of young entrepreneurs who want to change the course of the business world as Mahtani has done.

Architect of Amazing Accomplishments

A self-driven entrepreneur with an unforgiving eye for detail, Nitesh Shetty is a man of steely determination who firmly believes that nothing is impossible. He carries an easy and affable charm in his demeanor which often vibrates the room with vibes of positive energy

“His is not a rag-to-riches story, but he certainly is a self-made man, if we go by the cliché of terms to describe his motivated personality”

Big dreams, lateral thinking, and a pragmatic approach are the factors which fuelled the meteoric rise of probably the youngest real estate tycoon of Bengaluru – Nitesh Shetty. His brainchild Nitesh Estates have been adorning Bengaluru’s skyline for more than a decade now, and he even brought the famous luxury brand The Ritz-Carlton hotel to the country.

Nitesh’s unshakeable determination and the willingness to be on the top of his game every time have designed the module of his success. Never shying away from taking risks and venturing into areas which others found unachievable, he made his way to the zenith himself. His is not a rag-to-riches story, but he certainly is a self-made man, if we go by the cliché of terms to describe his motivated personality. A workaholic whose race to achieve more never ceases, Nitesh Shetty is the epitome of excellence.

INTROSPECTION OF SELF

His escapade to the gallery of luxury real estate development was initiated in the thought of a moment – a hunger to be nothing but the number one. Nitesh pursued his career as a tennis pro for a few years. His excellent skills made him won several state-level championships; however, he soon realized that he had reached the peak of his game and there wasn’t any growth ahead. He did not want to stay in a field where he couldn’t be the
best. And his heart’s calling told him that business is what can give him the thrill of palpable success and the top spot.

It was in the year 1997 when 20-year-old Nitesh borrowed a sum of Rs. 12,000 from his mother and began his entrepreneurial journey by selling billboard space in Bengaluru. It was around this time an old building on MG Road in Central Bengaluru caught his eye, which he developed into an office space called Nitesh Broadway, and marked his entry into the real estate sector. This was also the inception of the now popular Joint Development model used rampantly in the real estate world. Though initially it was difficult for him to convince the financiers as they ignored his passion considering him just another young boy, he never let this dishearten him. And from then on, there was no looking back for this self-motivated man, as he developed a plethora of properties in just over a decade including commercial spaces, condos, a shopping mall and a luxury hotel.

SHADES OF VERVE

Nitesh Shetty is a man of many interests. His first passion tennis still remains very close to his heart. He loves to travel and dine at the finest of restaurants around the globe. He adores art and that is reflected in his marvelous creations as well.

Even though he has attained tremendous success and popularity in a short time, Nitesh remains a shy boy at heart. He doesn’t like undue attention and keeps a very small circle of close friends. A family man, he manages his personal and professional life extremely well. His life has been a roller-coaster ride, highs accompanied by lows, but he never let the bad times hamper his zest to attain laurels. Nitesh knew exactly what he wanted and with a sharp focus went for it quietly and confidently. Today, he is recognized as one of the top real estate tycoons of the country.