Category: Leaders

TRANSFORMING THE REALTY LANDSCAPE

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

VTP REALTY’S DRIVING FORCE

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

A MAN ON A MISSION

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

EMBRACING COMPETITION AND FOCUSING ON STRENGTHS

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

VISION FOR FUTURE GROWTH

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

LEADERSHIP STYLE AND UNIQUE ATTRIBUTES

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

TECH-DRIVEN INNOVATIONS AND FUTURE TRENDS

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

A GREAT VISIONARY AND AN INSPIRING GLOBAL LEADER

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

A LEARNED SCHOLAR

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

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

A MASTER OF ALL TRADES

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

A PIONEER IN DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

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

LED BY CONVICTION

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

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

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

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

A SYMBOL OF HOPE AND HUMILITY

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

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

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

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

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

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

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

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

GROWTH WITH GOODNESS

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

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

INNOVATING FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

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

A WELL-VERSED LEADER

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

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

KNOWING THE TERRAIN

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

GIVING BACK TO SOCIETY

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

GARNERING ACCOLADES

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

A League of His Own

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

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

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

A TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADER

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

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

CAREER MILESTONES

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

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

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

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

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

AN INNOVATIVE MINDSET

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

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

DONNING MANY HATS

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

GIVING BACK TO SOCIETY

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

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

SHAPING THE FUTURE

Mr. Kartikay Agarwal, the CEO of GL Bajaj Educational Institutions Greater Noida/Mathura spearheads one of India’s premier engineering and management institutions in Greater Noida/Mathura, India. Under his sterling leadership, GL Bajaj has experienced exponential growth

A student of the University of Illinois, Chicago, Kartikay’s leadership style is the perfect combination of vision, strategy and collaboration. In a short period, the ambitious leader has created an environment conducive to innovation and growth. His relentless commitment to empowering the next generation makes him a changemaker of tomorrow. Kartikay has introduced numerous leadership initiatives and business innovations to remain competitive in the educational arena. From establishing specialised centres of excellence like EVM Centre and NVIDIA AI Learning and Research Centre to promoting entrepreneurship through a dedicated Start-up Incubation Cell he aims to revolutionise technological education by creating a holistic learning environment for students. Furthermore, the startup incubation cell functions as a launch pad for nurturing entrepreneurial talent and a spirit of business innovation. It has incubated 64 start-ups till date — the highest in private colleges under the Department of IT & Electronics, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh, for which GL Bajaj garnered praises from Mr. Bill Gates. Recognising the efforts of the institute, the Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India has sanctioned INR 3 Crore grant to GL Bajaj to promote entrepreneurship.

DRIVEN BY GOALS

Kartikay is a progressive leader with a goals-driven mindset. By setting inspirational and strategic goals, he aims to drive performance and move the organization toward its long-term vision. His vision for GL Bajaj’s future growth is two-fold. While his short-term goal is to elevate academic programs, infrastructure, and industry partnerships to provide students with an unparalleled learning experience, his long-term goal is to see his organization emerge as a global education leader renowned for innovation, research excellence, and holistic student development.

“KARTIKAY BELIEVES THAT THE QUEST FOR KNOWLEDGE IGNITES THE SPARK OF CREATIVITY, DISCOVERY, AND INNOVATION”

INSPIRATION FOR MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Kartikay draws inspiration from the transformative power of education. His parents and mentors, Mr. Pankaj Agarwal and Mrs. Anshu Agarwal, instilled in him a love of learning and a desire to give back to society. This passion for education and philanthropy motivates his quest for success and global change. Kartikay has instilled the spirit of CSR in GL Bajaj through his noble initiatives. Under his direction, the institution actively engages in various initiatives, including blood donation camps, dental check-ups, and plantation drives in collaboration with the Rotary Club. Furthermore, by engaging students in these meaningful endeavors, the visionary leader seeks to instill in them the values of empathy and compassion, besides helping them become better human beings.

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS

As the CEO of GL Bajaj, Kartikay has achieved significant business accomplishments. Under his direction, the institution has made remarkable strides in academic excellence, industry partnerships, and student placements. Additionally, it has earned A+ grade accreditation from NAAC, and recognition from NIRF. GL Bajaj has also received a Diamond overall rating from QS-I GUAGE. A standout moment in Kartikay’s career was organising two chapters of the International Alumni Meet in London and Dubai. In his words, his philosophy of life remains very simple — “Be good, and do good.”

Visionary leadership plays an important role in the rapidly changing environment of higher education. Dr. Shruti Sharma, the Chief Executive Officer of Brindavan Group of Institutions (BGI), serves as a prime example of this approach. Dr. Sharma’s emphasis on strategic planning and commitment to social responsibility has enabled BGI to achieve remarkable success, establishing it as a frontrunner in pioneering education and creating constructive societal change.

Commitment to Academic Excellence

BGI provides a wide array of professional courses, including business administration, engineering, architecture, commerce, aviation, journalism, and industry-specific skills. Its wide range of academic options enables students to choose programmes that match their career goals. BGI enhances greatness by creating a nurturing atmosphere that helps students to flourish.

Visionary Leadership Driven Progress

With a Ph.D. in management and a background in both academia and business, Dr. Sharma possesses a distinct ability to connect theoretical concepts with practical applications. Through her innovative instructional techniques, her unwavering commitment to student achievement, and her unwavering focus on research, she has revolutionised education at BGI, elevating it to a globally renowned institution. Strategic planning is a hallmark of her leadership. The measures she has undertaken have resulted in a rise in enrollment, enhanced campus infrastructure — including state-of-the-art sports stadiums and innovative learning centres, and exceptional job placements for graduates.

Resilience and Adaptability for a Brighter Tomorrow

Dr. Sharma’s perspective extends beyond the realm of academia. She sees social justice and equity as her top priorities, which she promotes through a range of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects. These initiatives encompass addressing educational inequalities, advocating for diversity and inclusivity, and providing scholarships to underprivileged groups. By incorporating Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into BGI’s research initiatives, she promotes the study of environmentally and socially significant topics, preparing graduates to become responsible global citizens.

Seamless Transition from Academia to Career

The outstanding placement record of BGI highlights the effectiveness of Dr. Sharma’s strategic plans. An exclusive placement cell, robust industrial affiliations, and collaborations with prestigious corporations provide a seamless progression from academia to the professional world. BGI’s alumni consistently exhibit an exceptional level of expertise and abilities, which they develop during their time at the university.

Beyond the Classroom: Holistic Development

BGI recognises the significance of student life beyond the realm of academics. An energetic campus community provides a wide range of extracurricular activities, sports, cultural events, and student organisations. These activities provide students with the chance to develop and refine essential life skills, including teamwork, leadership, and communication. Additionally, participation in society and empathy are nurtured through social responsibility and volunteer activities.

Exemplifying Vision and Excellence

The academic excellence and innovative leadership of Dr. Sharma are evident. Additionally, she has received numerous national and international accolades in recognition of her services to education. She has an exceptional proficiency in enhancing organisational performance and providing significant benefits to stakeholders. Dr. Sharma’s leadership cultivates high-performing teams, nurtures innovation, and inspires her team. Her extensive expertise in the industry establishes her as a notable person in the field of education. With her leadership, BGI has broadened its educational offerings and made substantial improvements to its campus facilities.

Recognitions and Awards: A Testament to Success

Dr. Sharma’s innovative and forward-thinking leadership has earned her esteemed accolades. Her recognition as one of the 40 under 40 Most Influential Young Leaders 2023–24 and her receipt of India’s Greatest Brands 2023–24 Award for BGI showcase her dedication to empowering young individuals, encouraging innovation, and advancing comprehensive growth.

She has made BGI a beacon of opportunity through her strategic planning and creative leadership, which in turn, has prioritised high academic standards, the development of well-rounded students, and fostering an atmosphere of social accountability. BGI enables students to harness their capabilities and fulfil their ambitions, molding the future pioneers of tomorrow.

CREATING BENCHMARKS IN THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY

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

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

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

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

LAURELS ABOUND

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

TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY AND WELFARE

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

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

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

DECLARING DOMINANCE

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

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

CONCLUSIVE CONVINCING

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

LEADER OF PEOPLE

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

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

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

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

INTERNATIONAL LOVE

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

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

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