Category: Leaders

Passionate about Success in His Own Ways

A maverick who creates and follows his own dreams, Akbar Moideen Thumbay – the Vice President of the Healthcare Division of Thumbay Group – doesn’t believe in treading off the beaten path, and immensely encouraged by the phenomenal and highly inspiring ideas and leadership of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, he is all out to vigorously create new avenues of triumph

“Infusing his ingenious ideas into the Group, he immediately began on some ambitious initiatives, including promoting Thumbay Hospitals in the medical tourism segment”

Taking On Ambitious Avenues

Born to Dr. Thumbay Moideen, a third-generation business entrepreneur and Mrs. Zohra Moideen, a renowned artist in Mangalore, India, Akbar Moideen Thumbay completed his secondary education from the elite academic institution, The Lawrence School, Lovedale in the serene city of Ooty. He loved spending his time with his grandfather, Dr. Ahmed Hajee Mohiudeen, the Founder and Chairman of the well-established BA Group, in Mangalore India, and learnt life values and intricacies of business from him.

Right after his secondary education, he moved to the UAE at the age of 15, and continued his studies with the International School of Choueifat, UAE, and completed his graduation in Mechanical Engineering from American University of Sharjah (AUS). Committed to collect valuable expertise through higher learning, he completed his postgraduation in Hospital Management from the renowned SDA Boccioni School of Management, Milan, Italy. As would happen in a family owning highly successful businesses in the fields of medical education and healthcare, Akbar was expected, rather insisted by everyone in his family, to study medicine; however, he decided to listen to his heart. Rightly so, as he is proudly serving the Healthcare Division of Thumbay Group, UAE as its Vice President. At the same time, he has not let his love for cars die down, as he not only pursued Mechanical Engineering in his graduation, but also participated as a main team member in the AUS Engineering Team that built an FSAE race car that would later race in the United States. Complementing his passion, he also took an internship at Mercedes Benz Headquarters in Berlin, Germany.

No Looking Back

As Akbar had decided to take interest in his family business at a very young age, bringing his enthusiasm and passion along, he rapidly learnt and understood the basic essentials of the business, and realized that he always had an inherent acumen to manage large businesses and lead powerful teams of professionals. He therefore decided to pursue his postgraduation in Management studies. After completing his studies, he spent the first few months interning with a leading New York-based consultancy, getting exposure into healthcare, insurance coverage & lifestyle management principles.

Upon joining his family business – Thumbay Group – founded by his father Dr. Thumbay Moideen in 1998, he was entrusted with his first business assignment to build an effective set of websites for his father’s Thumbay Group of companies. Looking for an opportunity to prove himself, he spiritedly took the challenge and showing his prowess offered sterling results. Later, joining Thumbay Group on a full-time basis, he quickly learnt the regular operations and day-today challenges of the organization, and was offered the responsibility of managing the Healthcare & Retail Divisions of Thumbay Group, as a reward for his relentless dedication and hard work.

Infusing his ingenious ideas into the Group, he immediately began on some ambitious initiatives, one of which included promoting Thumbay Hospitals in the medical tourism segment in an aggressive manner. As a direct result, Thumbay Hospitals’ international- quality healthcare services and well-equipped facilities brought in patients from as far as Africa and Southern Europe, seeking treatments from executive check-ups to complicated surgeries.

Dr. Shruti Sharma stands out as a distinguished leader as the CEO of the Brindavan Group of Institutes (BGI) located in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Her path is defined by notable academic and professional accomplishments, propelling BGI to the forefront of educational distinction. With a background in Computer Science Engineering and an Honorary Doctorate, Dr. Sharma’s leadership is marked by her strategic insight, innovative methods, and commitment to organisational development.

Transformation of Brindavan Group of Institutes

Dr. Shruti Sharma is celebrated for her dynamic leadership and innovative mindset. She has revolutionised the Brindavan Group of Institutes with her visionary approach. Her strategic focus on academic excellence and cutting-edge teaching methodologies has significantly strengthened the institution’s reputation. Additionally, she has successfully built high-performance teams and fostered a culture of innovation at BGI.

Dr. Shruti Sharma is an adept leader who builds high-performing teams, paves the way for innovation, and motivates staff members to achieve their full potential. Her extensive knowledge of the educational sector and keen understanding of evolving industry trends establish her as a true stalwart in the field. Under her guidance, BGI has experienced substantial growth through strategic planning, expansion of academic programmes, and enhancement of campus infrastructure.

By creating an environment that prioritises quality and continuous improvement, she ensures that the Brindavan Group of Institutes remains competitive in the challenging educational market. The institution’s ongoing success and growth are largely due to her strategic vision and ability to inspire her team.

Academic and Professional Excellence

Dr. Shruti Sharma’s academic foundation in Computer Science Engineering and her Honorary Doctorate highlight her dedication to education. She excels in developing and implementing strategic plans that guide institutions toward sustainable growth and increased profitability.

Her quintessential leadership has enabled her to earn numerous national and international awards, acknowledging her significant contributions to the educational sector. Her skill in improving operational efficiencies and expanding market share has played a crucial role in BGI’s success.

Commitment to Social Responsibility

Dr. Shruti Sharma’s leadership transcends academics, and is deeply rooted in social responsibility. She is dedicated to advancing social justice and equity through various CSR initiatives, including diversity and inclusion programmes, scholarships for underrepresented groups, and tackling systemic educational inequalities.

She strives to amplify the institution’s social impact by integrating CSR into BGI’s academic and research activities. Dr. Sharma also advocates for global CSR efforts, promoting cultural understanding and addressing global challenges such as poverty, health, and climate change.

Encouraging the Future Welfare

Dr. Shruti Sharma envisions BGI as a center of continuous innovation, academic excellence, and social responsibility. Through her strategic initiatives and resilient leadership, she has set a high standard in the education sector, keeping BGI at the forefront of academic and social progress. Her holistic leadership and unwavering commitment to societal improvement distinguish her as a transformative figure in the education sector.

Dr. Sharma’s journey exemplifies the power of visionary leadership and dedication to societal progress. Her contributions to BGI and the broader educational community position her as an inspiring role model for future leaders in the field.

FACILITATING LOCAL EMPOWERMENT

Shri Abhimanyu Dattatray Pawar, an influential member of the 14th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly representing the Bharatiya Janata Party, has earned the sterling reputation of a steadfast leader. A man of integrity and action, this ambitious leader’s success story symbolizes the values of hard work and commitment. His ability to forge strong public relations, coupled with his relentless fighting spirit, has propelled him to excel in various roles within the political arena. Shri Pawar’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent political figure demonstrates his indomitable spirit and relentless dedication.

Shri Abhimanyu Dattatray Pawar, an influential member of the 14th Maharashtra Legislative Assembly representing the Bharatiya Janata Party, has earned the sterling reputation of a steadfast leader. A man of integrity and action, this ambitious leader’s success story symbolizes the values of hard work and commitment. His ability to forge strong public relations, coupled with his relentless fighting spirit, has propelled him to excel in various roles within the political arena. Shri Pawar’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent political figure demonstrates his indomitable spirit and relentless dedication.

“HIS EXTENSIVE OUTREACH EFFORTS HAVE REINFORCED HIS REPUTATION AS A LEADER WHO IS DEEPLY CONNECTED TO THE GRASSROOTS. HIS ABILITY TO NURTURE MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIPS AND ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF DIVERSE COMMUNITIES MAKES HIM AN IDEAL POLITICAL LEADER.”

ACADEMIC BRILLIANCE

Shri Pawar’s academic journey began at Keshavraj Vidyalaya, Latur, Maharashtra, followed by his Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Dayanand Commerce College in Latur. He furthered his education by earning a Master’s degree in Personnel Management from Savitribai Phule University in Pune (Maharashtra). During the early phase of his career, his entrepreneurial spirit led him through various ventures, including managing Xerox services, a restaurant, and construction projects.

His journey into politics began at an early age, influenced by his involvement with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and later through active participation in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) youth wing. Before embarking on his political career, he served as Personal Assistant to former Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, from 2014 to 2019. He was entrusted with the responsibility of providing necessary support at the local level to Maharashtra then State Party In-Charge Shri Om Prakash Mathur and Co-in-Charge Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudhi, which he duly carried out. This eventually paved the way for his appointment as the Chief Minister’s Personal Assistant.

Furthermore, his tenure as an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) and his active involvement in the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) in the Latur district further strengthened his reputation as a capable and influential leader within the party. The progression of his career, from ward chief to MLA of the Ausa assembly constituency, exemplifies his relentless commitment and tenacity in the face of challenges.

A RESILIENT INDIVIDUAL

Shri Pawar’s most defining trait is his fighting spirit. In a political arena often fraught with challenges, he tackles all obstacles with grit and determination. Unlike the silver-spooned scions, his political journey was paved with adversity and relentless struggle. In a politically Congress-dominated district, he faced numerous obstacles including few legal ones. Nevertheless, his resilience and indomitable spirit eventually ultimately led to his election as an MLA in 2019. Even the most zealous comrades are inspired by Shri Pawar’s resolute work ethic.

A PEOPLE PERSON

Shri Pawar’s leadership is characterised by his profound empathy and compassion toward those in need. It is his accessibility and genuine concern for his constituents that define his persona as a public representative. With a thorough understanding of the pulse of the people, he spearheads initiatives that resonate with the aspirations of his constituents. Furthermore, his extensive outreach efforts, including regular visits to villages and personal interactions with residents, have reinforced his reputation as a leader who is deeply connected to the grassroots. His ability to nurture meaningful relationships and address the needs of diverse communities makes him an ideal political leader.

A CATALYST FOR CHANGE

From championing the rights of marginalized communities to advocating for equitable access to healthcare and education, Shri Pawar’s commitment to social welfare deserves special mention. His efforts to address long-standing grievances, such as the provision of land for redevelopment projects and the renovation of public infrastructure, demonstrate his dedication to uplifting the underprivileged communities. For instance, at a public event in Murud, Latur, he pledged to grant Nagarparishad status to Murud and delivered on this promise within 59 days. Furthermore, he quickly secured approval for a stop on the Latur-Mumbai-Latur Train at Murud Railway Station. His crucial role in bringing the Metro Coach Factory to Latur district is equally commendable. Moreover, with the project set to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, the thoughtful leader’s efforts are poised to transform the entire ecosystem of the Latur and Osmanabad districts of Maharashtra.

The acute water scarcity in Marathwada district impelled Shri Pawar to quickly secure approval for water supply systems. This initiative benefited over 30 villages near Killari, 10 villages near Matola, and 6 villages near Kharosa, Murud, and Ausa cities. Overall, this initiative is expected to positively impact the lives of more than 150,000 residents by resolving their water woes. He also secured significant funding for the renovation of key infrastructure such as Ausa Bus Stand, Laamjana Bus Stand, Kasar Shirashi Bus Stand, and hundreds of kilometres of roads for improving public amenities. Through initiatives like Shet Tithe Rasta, MNREGA tun Gramsamruddhi, Harit Bandhare, Samriddh Shetkari, and Farmers Welfare, he demonstrated his innovative approach to addressing grassroots issues and empowering rural communities. His strategic foresight and ability to envision transformative initiatives have led to tangible improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture within his constituency.

COMMITMENT TO HEALTHCARE

Shri Pawar’s advocacy for affordable healthcare and sustainable development has garnered recognition from across the political spectrum. Renowned for his unwavering dedication to accessible healthcare, the humble leader, known as “Aadhunik Shravalbaal,” has left an indelible mark on his community. His efforts to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable communities, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflect his deep-seated commitment to social justice and welfare. Through initiatives such as the Maha Atal Aarogya Shibir, where over 250 medical professionals delivered complimentary treatments to several people in need, the compassionate leader has demonstrated steadfast dedication to serving the most marginalised members of society. Through the Chief Minister Relief Fund and other healthcare schemes, he has positively impacted innumerable lives. He has also successfully tackled long-standing challenges, including securing land for the Latur District Govt. Hospital and obtaining approvals for vital projects like the Drama Theater and Shadikhana. Within a brief span of 4 years, his leadership has ushered in an era of unprecedented development across his constituency.

CARRYING THE LEGACY FORWARD

Dr. Asmita Jagtap, affectionately known as Tai Saheb, is the Executive Director at Bharati Vidyapeeth Health Sciences (Deemed to be University) in Pune, Maharashtra, India. Over the years, she has carved a remarkable path as a leader, administrator, and visionary. The empathetic leader considers healthcare a fundamental human right and works tirelessly to make healthcare more affordable and accessible in India. Her passion lies in empowering patients and citizens to embrace healthier and happier lifestyles.

“DR. ASMITA IS COMMITTED TO PROMOTING AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE AT THE LOCAL LEVEL. SHE ASSESSES THE COMMUNITY’S NEEDS AND ACTIVELY CONDUCTS PUBLIC HEALTH INITIATIVES”

Dr.Asmita, the daughter of the Dr.Patangrao Kadam – the founder of Bharati Vidyapeeth Health Sciences as well as a renowned philanthropist and senior Congress Leader, is carrying forward the shining legacy of her father by catapulting the institutions under Bharati Vidyapeeth Health Sciences to new heights. She heads the organisation, which operates a network of seven hospitals delivering accessible medical services, such as dental care, allopathy, Ayurveda, and homoeopathy. The ambitious leader is clear about her vision. She aims to create a healthier nation by ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare for all so that patients and citizens across India can lead healthier and happier lives. Under her stewardship, the hospitals under Bharati Vidyapeeth Health Sciences offer world-class treatment to their patients. Dr.Asmita demonstrates exceptional leadership as the institution’s Chief. She oversees the organisation’s budgeting, financial forecasting, and revenue generation to ensure its financial sustainability. She also guides, supports, and mentors department heads to inspire a culture of growth and positivity. Additionally, she encourages transparent communication to address concerns promptly. The values-driven leader is equally dedicated to upholding quality standards. She spearheads quality assurance programs to drive continuous improvement and ensure adherence to all healthcare regulations.

ACADEMIC BRILLIANCE

Dr.Asmita has an impressive academic portfolio. The well-versed leader holds an M.B.B.S. Degree, a Diploma in Labour Laws (D.L.L.), a PG Diploma in Medico-Legal Science, an M.D. in Psychiatry, and a Ph.D. in Hospital Administration. She further honed her skills through executive programs in management at Cornell University, New York, and healthcare leadership at Stanford University, California. Despite being tech-savvy, Dr.Asmita preaches that technology is only a tool, not a substitute for healthy development. Her message is to consciously embrace the possibilities of technology. The leader spearheaded a team of doctors and researchers at Bharati Vidyapeeth’s School of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology (SASLP) to create a groundbreaking tool developed after a thorough review of existing research from prominent organisations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), and the World Health Organization (WHO). This Indigenous invention, recently copyrighted by the Indian government, empowers parents with the information they need to confidently monitor and regulate their children’s screen time for healthier growth and development. However, the new-age leader doesn’t suggest a complete digital detox. Instead, she acknowledges the power of technology in igniting curiosity and developing creativity. “A complete withdrawal is impractical,” she says with a smile. “The key lies in achieving a balanced approach.”

DONNING MULTIPLE HATS

Dr. Asmita also serves as the Head and Trustee of the Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical Foundation. As a Trustee of the foundation, she supervises the foundation’s hospital operations and implements quality assurance measures to uphold the Medical University’s academic excellence. Dr. Asmita’s innovative strategies and passion for learning have also positioned her as a pioneer in the education industry. She holds the position of Patron Member at Bharati Vidyapeeth, where she provides invaluable guidance to over 75 educational institutions within the organisation. With her mission to democratise access to quality education in India, she directs Bharati Vidyapeeth to conduct over 156 educational units of various kinds, right from pre-primary schools to postgraduate institutions.

HER INSPIRATION

Dr.Asmita draws inspiration from her great visionary father, the Dr.Patangrao Kadam. Despite humble beginnings in a remote village, Dr.Kadam rose to prominence through his pioneering work in the healthcare and education fields. He established Bharati Vidyapeeth in 1964 at the young age of 19. His unwavering commitment to creating accessible and quality education transformed many lives this modest initiative into one of India’s largest networks of educational institutions. Today, Bharati Vidyapeeth is not only a vast conglomerate of schools and colleges but also a deemed University, recognised for its excellence in various disciplines.

LEADING BY HEART

Dr.Asmita spearheads regular social welfare programs to inspire her team and build a culture of giving back. This dedication has created a proactive medical team at Bharati Vidyapeeth that is not just skilled but deeply connected to the community they serve. The benevolent leader is committed to promoting affordable healthcare at the grassroots level. To that end, she assesses the community’s needs and actively conducts public health initiatives, such as free health check-ups, blood donation drives, and cancer screening camps throughout the year. She has also launched a massive campaign to train 3000 ASHA workers to enhance their community service capabilities. She explains, “These specialised training programs are crucial for improving healthcare quality in underserved regions.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr.Asmita established training camps for healthcare professionals and COVID-19 centers in Maharashtra’s Turchi and Sangli districts. She also spearheaded the establishment of an Oxygen Generating Plant during the turbulent times of the pandemic. This ensured a reliable supply of life-saving oxygen not only for Bharati Hospital but also for other medical facilities in Pune. This initiative played a substantial role in ensuring a steady supply of oxygen for critical patients during the peak of the pandemic in 2021. Also, Bharati Hospital was the first place in India where the Serum Institute of India’s Covishield vaccine trials were conducted, showcasing her leadership in medical research. Her emphasis on holistic well-being inspired her to establish a Milk Bank to improve health outcomes for premature babies and babies with health problems in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) who may not have access to their mother’s milk. Aside from this, Dr.Asmita launched the Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), which has conducted more than 75 clinical trials and engages in cutting-edge medical research.

Following in her father’s footsteps, Dr.Asmita Jagtap is furthering the mission of Bharati Vidyapeeth. The young leader enthusiastically carries forward her father’s legacy to drive innovation in healthcare delivery.

ENTREPRENEUR PAR EXCELLENCE

Mr. Manish Saxena, the CEO and Founder of Meraki Projects (India) Private Limited, is a seasoned leader with over 35 years of experience in the consulting industry. His expertise lies in strategically planning and managing complex projects from design to implementation and ensuring adherence to specifications within the stipulated time frame. Guided by the vision of his late wife, Mrs. Madhvi Saxena, he has expanded Meraki Projects’ footprint to Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the USA, fearlessly actualising and validating his aspirations to sculpt and revolutionise the firm’s future

“AT MERAKI PROJECTS, WE PRIORITISE OUR EMPLOYEES’ FAMILIES ABOVE ALL ELSE. WE ALSO ENSURE OUR TEAM’S JOB SECURITY BUT AS THE SECOND PRIORITY. THIS APPROACH INSTILS CONFIDENCE IN OUR TEAM AND ALLOWS THEM TO FOCUS ON THEIR FAMILIES WITHOUT JOB-RELATED CONCERN”

Mr. Manish Saxena is a well-versed leader with a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the Shri Govind Ram Seksaria Institute of Technology & Science, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. He commenced his career in 1989 as a site engineer. Since then, he has ascended through the ranks to assume roles such as Project Manager, General Manager, and Director of Projects, in diverse organisations across industries. Throughout his career, the tenacious leader has undertaken complex projects and achieved success with both skill and flair. His rich experience and expertise make him a revered figure in the business landscape.

MAKING SIGNIFICANT STRIDES

Through Meraki Projects, Mr. Saxena aims to deliver cost-effective, supreme quality, and reliable engineering consulting services by maintaining complete transparency and integrity with the stakeholders, i.e., clients, suppliers, vendors, and contractors.

Meraki Projects was founded in 2017 by Mr. Saxena and his late wife Mrs. Madhvi Saxena, who was the company’s Managing Director. Under the leadership of its founders, the ISO 9001-2015 certified firm, headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, quickly became a force to be reckoned with in India’s engineering consulting sector. With a robust presence in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, Meraki Projects continues to redefine industry standards by delivering cutting-edge solutions across diverse project domains and industries in India. Under Mr. Saxena’s direction, the organisation has successfully completed over 250 projects to date and accumulated an impressive 7,00,000 man-hours. It specialises in FMCG, warehousing, logistics, parks, pharma, heavy engineering, Environmental Engineering (ETP/STP), and other areas.

INITIAL CHALLENGES

Meraki Projects faced numerous challenges during its early stages. In 2020, the firm had to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Undeterred by the challenges, the three-year-old company leveraged the power of its dedicated team to swiftly implement a comprehensive work-from-home model and embrace inclusive strategies. Mr. Saxena’s commitment to excellence not only helped the organisation weather the storm but propelled it to new heights by firmly establishing its dominance in the market.

Over the years, Meraki Projects has built successful partnerships with renowned companies such as Hindustan Unilever Limited (India, Nepal, and Bangladesh), Lenskart, Lakmé, Godrej, Huber Technology, oreish, General Mills, Rudraksh Group, and Cargill, among others. The organisation is currently in the process of registering its vendor code to formalise upcoming significant collaborations with influential industry players.

ON AN EXPANSION SPREE

Guided by the vision of his late wife, Mr. Saxena has successfully expanded Meraki Projects’ footprint to Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the USA. The company, now registered as Meraki Projects LLC in the USA, has evolved into a next-generation multinational engineering and consultancy firm. Furthermore, the ambitious leader is planning to inaugurate a new office in New York in 2024. Simultaneously, the organisation is engaged in innovative greenfield projects in Sri Lanka, while holding registrations in Indonesia and securing three projects in Southeast Asia.

This strategic growth demonstrates Mr. Saxena’s commitment to international collaboration and dedication to fostering impactful initiatives across diverse regions.

TEAM-CENTRIC LEADERSHIP

With an ambitious vision, Mr. Saxena aims to position his company among the top global engineering consulting firms by 2025. The leader has built a dedicated team comprising seasoned heads of the departments, lead managers, engineers, architects, schedulers, technology experts, interior designers, commissioning specialists, designers, and project management experts who possess extensive industry expertise. The team works unanimously and adheres to stringent quality standards, meets deadlines, and delivers exceptional results. Moreover, to cultivate an organic synergy within the organisation, the team delves deeply into clients’ needs to offer tailored solutions aligned with their expectations.

Mr. Saxena’s motivational prowess has been instrumental in sustaining his team’s morale. He promotes a team-centric culture and takes pride in guiding his team through adversity and helping them achieve success together. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the leader demonstrated true team spirit by allowing employees to work remotely for over 19 months while ensuring all employees received their full salaries. Furthermore, he not only retained existing staff but also expanded the workforce inspite of the challenging times.

The benevolent leader also prioritises work-life balance for his team. Discussing his employee welfare strategy, he asserts,  “At Meraki Projects, we prioritise our employees’ families above all else. We also ensure our team’s job security but as the second priority. This approach instils  confidence in our team and allows them to  focus on their families without job-related  concern.”

Mr. Saxena adds, “Unlike typical consultancy firms, we grant a full month’s bonus to our employees, refraining from dividing it across 13 months. The management ensures fairness by maintaining a fixed minimum 10% increment or higher,  based on an employee’s performance.  Furthermore, our company’s unique increment criteria guarantee a minimum of  10% raise from the day of joining. Moreover,  from 2024 onwards, we intend to extend  our care to our employees and their families  by providing comprehensive insurance by  offering cashless facilities at renowned  hospitals.”

GIVING BACK TO SOCIETY

For Mr. Saxena, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is part and parcel of his company’s culture. Speaking about his commitment to giving back to society, he says, “Our purpose extends beyond financial gains. At Meraki Projects, we aspire to be socially and environmentally responsible.  CSR is ingrained in our core values and  our motto is to strengthen the community  in which we operate and make the world a  better place.”

Mr. Saxena draws inspiration from his late wife and children. Presently, the leader is dedicated to realising his late wife’s vision of elevating the company to new heights of success. He considers his architect daughters and a civil engineer son as the pillars of his organisation. Their consistent support has been instrumental in shaping his entrepreneurial journey, and he views them as the driving force behind his success.

AT THE HELM OF INDIAN FINANCE

Mr. Ashishkumar Chauhan, the current Managing Director and CEO of the National Stock Exchange and former head of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), commands significant respect in the financial world. As one of the Founders of India’s National Stock Exchange (NSE), he is hailed as the “Father of modern financial derivatives in India.” Mr. Chauhan is a forward-thinking leader whose knowledge extends beyond traditional markets. His ability to drive diverse sectors has reinforced his status as a true architect of modern Indian finance.

“MR. CHAUHAN HAS EARNED WIDESPREAD RECOGNITION INTERNATIONALLY FOR HIS REMARKABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION AND DELIVERY OF INNOVATIVE IT SOLUTIONS GLOBALLY, IN INDUSTRIES LIKE STOCK MARKETS, PETROCHEMICALS, AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS”

As the linchpin of NSE, Mr. Chauhan spearheads innovation and drives strategic growth, besides solidifying its position as a cornerstone of India’s financial landscape. Moreover, as the former Chief of BSE, he significantly revitalised the exchange’s prominence. His results-driven initiatives, including the launch of a successful derivatives market that captured an impressive 20% market share within a year, have fortified the BSE’s standing. Additionally, under his headship, trading volume at the exchange soared to a record Rs. 1.77 lakh crore in a single day, which is a significant milestone for the BSE to date.

A WELL-VERSED LEADER

Mr. Chauhan graduated from IIT Bombay in 1989 with a BTech in Mechanical Engineering.
He also obtained a PGDM from IIM Calcutta in 1991. While studying at IIT Bombay, he used to actively participate in various extracurricular activities to demonstrate his diverse talents.
The humble leader credits the institute for shaping his humility and positive thinking.
The distinguished technocrat embarked on his illustrious journey in 1991 as a Project Officer at the Industrial Development Bank of India. With a stellar track record, he co-founded the National Stock Exchange (NSE) in 1993 and later steered the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) as its Managing Director and CEO for a decade. The highly dynamic and foresighted leader has many firsts to his credit. Under his sterling stewardship, BSE became India’s first Exchange to launch an exclusive SME platform for listing SMEs. Today, the platform has over 496 SMEs listed, 185 of which have migrated to the main board of the Exchange. His expertise also drove innovations in areas like Offer for Sale (OFS), Mutual Funds Distribution through Exchanges, and e-IPO, which has further reinforced BSE’s leadership in the financial sector.
Mr Chauhan was also instrumental in setting up India’s first commercial satellite communications network. The path-breaking frameworks–Nifty index and NSE certifications in financial markets are his creations. Additionally, he spearheaded the establishment of India’s premier international exchange, the “India International Exchange (INX),” inaugurated by the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, in January 2017 at Gandhinagar’s Gift City. Presently, India INX stands out as the first exchange to offer a unified platform encompassing a diverse range of assets, including equities, commodities, currencies, and interest rate derivatives. Additionally, it holds the distinction of being the first exchange to introduce gold options.

A SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR

The visionary leader also served as the President and CIO of the Reliance Group from 2001-2009. In the year 2000, he was called by the organisation to lead the establishment of a Petroleum Exchange. Consequently, in 2001 he left NSE and this pivotal moment sparked his entrepreneurial journey when Reliance Infocomm financed him for his entrepreneurial venture exchangenext.com. Subsequently, he assumed the role of CIO at Reliance Infocomm in 2004 and later at the Reliance Group in 2005. During his tenure at the Reliance Group, he spearheaded pioneering initiatives, particularly in Information Technology, for various sectors within the conglomerate, including Reliance Communications, Reliance Retail, and Reliance Oil and Gas. Additionally, he played a crucial role as the CEO during the formative years of the Mumbai Indians cricket team. After resigning from Reliance Industries, Mr. Chauhan assumed the role of Deputy CEO at BSE in 2009. He later ascended to the position of CEO in 2012. The forward-looking leader is famous for turning around BSE and making it the world’s fastest exchange with a response time of less than six microseconds. Some of his achievements include Mobile Trading implementation, setting up state-of-the-art online real-time surveillance systems, and introduction of many innovative market products among others. Additionally, he also spearheaded the complete transformation of BSE by broadening its range to equity, currency, interest rate derivatives and commodities. He served at BSE till July 2022 after which he joined NSE as MD & CEO.

DONS MULTIPLE HATS WITH FINESSE

Mr. Chauhan is a champion of education. In addition to serving as Chancellor of the University of Allahabad, he is a member of the Governing Council of IIM Calcutta and the Board of Governors of the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Jabalpur. Additionally, he is a visiting faculty at Toronto’s Ryerson University and an Honorary Professor at Nottingham University Business School. He also serves as the Director at Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics in Pune and contributes to the Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME). In addition to this, he plays crucial roles as a Board member in renowned entities including Indian Clearing Corporations Limited (ICCL), Central Depository Services Limited (CDSL), Bank of India Shareholding Limited (BOISL), BFSI sector Skill Council, BSE Training Institute Limited, and Marketplace Technologies Private Limited.

LEADING WITH HEART

Mr Chauhan is a compassionate individual who strictly adheres to the values of empathy and authenticity. He serves on the Advisory Board of ‘Lend-A-Hand India’, an NGO dedicated to empowering rural youth through vocational training and financial aid. His commitment to service and genuine care for others are evident in his actions and interests. In his leisure, he finds joy in reading, playing cricket, and indulging in music.

ACHIEVEMENTS GALORE

Mr. Chauhan has earned widespread recognition, both domestically and internationally, for his remarkable contributions to business transformation and the delivery of innovative IT solutions across a spectrum of industries, including stock markets, petrochemicals, and telecommunications. His accolades include prestigious awards such as the Lifetime Achievement Award from Global Custodian in Singapore, the Visionary Awards 2021 in the Financial Sector by Governance Now in India, and the Chief Executive of the Year at the FOW International Awards 2021 in London, among others. Additionally, he received the Mumbai Ratna Award from the Honourable Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari in 2021, and was honoured as the Digital Icon of India Inc. by the Indian Express Group in 2019. In addition to this, he is also the recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award from both Indian Institute of Management Calcutta in 2016 and the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay in 2014. He has also been recognised by the British Parliament, Zee Business, and Information Week for his leadership skills and achievements that have positively impacted many people’s lives around the globe.

Man of Vision, Determination and Dynamism

Thumbay Moideen is a man of vision and dynamism, with a determination to succeed. He is not only a renowned personality in India and beyond, for the various achievements he has made, but he is also a true leader, who has infused the values of dedication, discipline, dynamism and hard work at all levels of his organization

“He took to business at the tender age of 21 years demonstrating his business acumen. Today, his name is synonymous with professionalism and positive approach”

Born in 1957 in India, a Mangalorean by birth, Moideen is a third-generation entrepreneur raised in a traditional family with a business background. He took to business at the tender age of 21 years, and demonstrated his business acumen from the very start.

Today, his name is synonymous with professionalism and positive approach. He is the Founder and President of Thumbay Group, a medical company based in Ajman, United Arab Emirates. Moideen established the Thumbay Group, UAE in the year 1998. Under his dynamic leadership, it went on to achieve tremendous growth, and in the process, provided a means of livelihood to hundreds of families. The Thumbay Group has since ventured into Health Education, Healthcare, Medical Research, Diagnostics, Retail Pharmacy, Health Communications, Information Technology, Retail Opticals, Wellness, Hospitality and Real Estate.

Notable is the fact that he was the first expatriate to be invited by the rulers of Ajman to start a medical college in the UAE. Thus, the Gulf Medical University was established, which ultimately became a destination for medical education for students from over 70 countries.

Starting with the establishment of the Thumbay Group, he set up business operations in 13 sectors over the course of 16 years. Today, the Group has developed into a business conglomerate with diversified interests in hospitals, medical centres, diagnostic centres, healthclubs, pharmacies, retail outlets, coffee shops and nutrition stores spread out across the UAE.

The organisation employs more than 3,000 employees in the UAE. In 2013, Thumbay Group was listed at number 44 among the ‘Top 100 Making an Impact in the Arab World’ by Forbes Middle East. The result of Moideen’s initiatives and vision have taken medical education to a greater level and has resulted in over 400 students graduating and presently working or pursuing Post Graduate Courses in over 20 countries. Graduates of Gulf Medical University (GMU) are placed in leading universities across the world. Moideen has received several awards and has also been featured in various lists.

CSR Activities and Community Leadership

Thumbay Moideen supports charitable activities in healthcare and education through Thumbay Foundation, a charitable trust that provides scholarships, grants, bursaries, awards, fellowships, endowments, donations and other forms of financial assistance to students pursuing any level of education or training in any educational or training institutions or establishments or otherwise in such manner as may be decided by the Foundation. The pioneering spirit, vision, sheer conviction, courage and confidence of Moideen is well known as a leader in the field of healthcare.

IN HIGH SPIRITS

Kishore Rajaram Chhabria, Chairman of Allied Blenders and Distillers Pvt. Ltd., is one of the most successful and visionary entrepreneurs in the liquor industry. With over 30 years of experience, he currently owns and controls ABD

“Under the leadership of Chhabria, his whisky brand Officer’s Choice has emerged as the largest-selling whisky in the world, ahead of even global spirits”

Kishore Rajaram Chhabria is a self-made man. His struggles and his success both have always kept him in high spirits. This is just a coincidence that he deals in finesh spirits as well!

His success and visionary entrepreneurial endeavours have been legendary in the liquor industry. Chhabria has over 30 years of rich experience in the Indian alcobev industry. Between 1987 and 1992, he was the Managing Director at Shaw Wallace & Co. Ltd., where he transformed the company into a powerhouse in the spirit industry by increasing the market share for its existing brands and adding new brands to its portfolio. During this period, Chhabria also served as Director or Advisor in various major companies such as Dunlop India Ltd., Mather & Platt Ltd., Hindustan Dorr Oliver Ltd., Gordon Woodroffe Ltd., etc.

Prior to joining Shaw Wallace, Chhabria lived and worked in Dubai and London. Then, from April 1992, Chhabria was the Chairman of BDA Ltd. – the liquor business of this company was de-merged into ABD during Between 1995 and 2005, he also served as the Executive Vice Chairman of Herbertsons Ltd., a leading liquor company that has since been merged with United Spirits Limited.

Today, his company, Allied Blenders and Distillers is India’s largest domestic spirits company with a robust portfolio of brands catering to different consumer segments. Under his stewardship, ABD has consistently been the fastest-growing spirits company in India over the past few years.

Its flagship brand, Officer’s Choice, is the largest-selling whisky brand in the world with sales of over 23 million cases (FY ’15). Officer’s Choice Blue, a premium variant, in less than 3 years of national launch, has sold over 7 million cases (FY ‘15), a feat achieved by no other spirits brand till date.

Other brands in Chhabria’s portfolio include Officer’s Choice Black, Jolly Roger Rum, Kyron Premium Brandy, Lord and Master Brandy and Class 21 Vodka.

Through the creation his Officer’s Choice brand, Chhabria desired to unite affordability with class. He wanted consumers to have a feel of a high-status product at low and affordable prices. However, initial success never guarantees a successful business. Chhabria really worked hard to make Officer’s Choice a huge brand. In between, he had some fallouts but he retained the brand. Not to accept defeat easily, Chabbaria is thus a very successful entrepreneur and envisions to make his company the most admired spirits company in the world. He also desires to earnestly work for business sustainability and talent sustainability and make ABD future-ready. He has been voted as Entrepreneur of the Year in the Alcobev industry at Indspirit Awards 2015.

IN THE BIG LEAGUES

Mr. Manoj Kumar Bisht, the Managing Director of MK Infosystems Pvt. Ltd., is a visionary entrepreneur hailing from New Delhi, India. His unwavering determination and commitment have steered the firm to become a renowned provider of Networking and Security Surveillance solutions

Mr. Manoj Kumar Bisht’s inspiring journey serves as a testament to the profound impact that self-belief and unwavering determination can have, regardless of one’s modest beginnings. Born into a lower-middle-class family, he inherited the values of loyalty and diligence from his father, a dedicated junior commissioned officer in the Border Security Force.

Mr. Bisht grew up in a remote village, and had to walk about 4 kilometres to school daily. Being the eldest child in the family, he also had to shoulder familial responsibilities. Despite the limited opportunities that life presented him in his early years, the leader held a steadfast commitment to achieving success. His life took a pivotal turn when he secured admission to the prestigious Pusa Institute, affiliated with the Delhi Technical Board of Education. At the institute, he embarked on a transformative three-year journey that culminated in his graduation with a Diploma in Electronics and Communication in 1993. At just 20 years old, he embarked on his professional career in a small company, fuelled by the desire to provide for his family’s basic needs and ensure his children received a quality education.

THE ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY

However, destiny had grander plans for Mr. Bisht. In 2002, he took the bold step of leaving his job to establish MK Infosystems Pvt. Ltd. Initially specialising in LAN/WAN solutions, he soon recognised the evolving landscape and expanded into Security Surveillance. This strategic shift, combined with his relentless dedication, laid the groundwork for the company’s ascent to becoming a leader in Networking and Security Surveillance Solutions.

Under Mr. Bisht’s leadership, MK Infosystems has successfully executed prestigious projects, including installations at the Indian Parliament House, New Delhi Lutyens zone safe city, Hyderabad Metro, and many other areas of Delhi. The company has also left an indelible mark in Networking with projects for UIDAI (the largest data centre in Asia), BITS Pilani, ICICI Bank, and other companies. The firm has expanded its footprint globally, undertaking projects in GCC countries, including DEWA in Dubai, KOC in Kuwait, and UAE Navy, among others.

Mr. Bisht’s resolute commitment to delivering exceptional solutions has not only fostered enduring relationships with customers and employees, but has also proved to be invaluable in an era where retaining talent is of paramount concern. Remarkably, the company boasts a workforce with an average tenure of over 10 years.

GLORIOUS ACHIEVEMENTS

Mr. Bisht’s remarkable journey has been recognised with numerous accolades, including the Asia Pacific Entrepreneur Award 2016 under most promising category, CRN Channel Leader Award – Security & Surveillance Category in 2021 and 2022, the Best System Integrator 2020 Award under the category ‘Emerging Partner’ by The Economic Times, and Security Master of the Year 2018/2020 by SME Channels. He has also been named “Best Networking Solution Provider-North India” multiple times.

The success story of Mr. Bisht underscores the importance of unwavering family support in a leader’s life. His wife, Mrs. Preeti Bisht, stood by his side throughout the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey. Together, they overcame initial setbacks and failures, propelling their company to greater heights in a fiercely competitive market.

Young Leader on a Global Mission

Charismatic with an easy confidence that comes from having several accolades to her name, Alisha Moopen, Executive Director and CEO of Aster DM Healthcare, Aster and Medcare Hospitals & Clinics GCC, has found her forte. A true leader who believes in empowering her employees, she has built a strong force of future leaders and not followers

“Bound by the global mission to make quality healthcare affordable and accessible for all, Alisha makes regular contributions to her various Foundations and Trusts”

Dream to create a world class institution

A financial consultant at Ernst & Young for 7 years, Alisha did not plan on entering the healthcare sector. But the opportunity to realize her dream to create a world-class institution that prizes health above all else soon came knocking. A millennial with an unconventional approach to leadership, Alisha joined her father, entrepreneurial legend Dr. Azad Moopen, in 2012 to support the family healthcare business.

During her six-year tenure at Aster DM Healthcare, she has been instrumental in expanding the footprint of the business across GCC, India, Jordan and Philippines. She has been influential in incorporating best practices and policies to preserve the company ethos for future generations. Today, Aster DM Healthcare boasts of over 323 establishments across 9 countries, which is not an ordinary feat.

An unpleasant experience at a UK healthcare centre led Alisha, then a financial consultant with E&Y, to appreciate her father’s work in the field of healthcare. While she didn’t have a doctor’s degree, she had a major in finance and accountancy with a Chartered Accountant Degree from ICAS, Scotland. Confident of her desire to contribute and willingness to learn,
Alisha decided to leave UK, ready to join her father’s business as the financial manager at one of Aster DM Healthcare’s hospitals.

Racing through the ranks

The unexpected demise of the CEO of one of the healthcare units hurtled Alisha into the proverbial storm as she was handed the tremendous responsibility of managing 25 clinics and 1 hospital in the UAE. But, she rose to the occasion and dealt with critical tasks like commissioning new units, managing a large task force of doctors and dealing with patient grievances. A fast learner, she adapted easily and soon took on the next challenge of setting up 25 new clinics in Emirates, while managing clinics and hospitals around GCC. Within a year, she became Director of Corporate Strategy. She was also instrumental in taking the brand to new markets like Bahrain and Philippines. As her father’s confidence in her abilities grew, she took on Medcare, a premium brand of the Aster DM Healthcare portfolio, excelling in this role too, finally showcasing her own talent and commitment in her area of expertise. Currently, she is the Executive Director and CEO of Aster DM Healthcare for Aster and Medcare Hospitals and Clinics in GCC region, a position she has held since 2015.

Growing into a leader

Aster DM Healthcare was already a well-established entity at the cusp of exponential growth when Alisha joined the team. Entering the family business meant she had to constantly fend off assumptions of ‘silver spoon benefits’. During the expansion phase of the business, she was forced to make many tough decisions and build teams and networks in new markets while keeping the company’s model of service and ethics intact for sustainable future growth.

Alisha truly believes that profit is a by-product and not the main purpose of healthcare. Under her guidance, Aster DM Healthcare has set up numerous support programmes for social justice, women and youth empowerment, and human health consciousness benefitting people in India, Afghanistan, Philippines, Africa and expatriates in the Gulf.