Category: Leaders

Undauntedly Creating New Horizons

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

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

Sight on Quality Construction

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

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

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

Offering Better Solutions

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

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

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

Fulfilling Responsibility

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

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

Leading With Integrity

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

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

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

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

A TRAILBLAZER

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

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

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

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

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

TRANSPARENCY IN WORK

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

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

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

THE FAMILY MAN

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

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

Architect of Amazing Accomplishments

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

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

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

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

INTROSPECTION OF SELF

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

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

SHADES OF VERVE

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

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

A CATALYST FOR POSITIVE CHANGE

Mr. Rohan Prem Sagar, Director and Trustee of Dayananda Sagar University (DSU) in Bengaluru, Karnataka, is known for his results-driven strategies that have catapulted his business ventures to new heights of success. As a stalwart in education, healthcare, and business, this visionary leader emphasises a futuristic approach to constantly drive innovation. His resplendent aura of transformative leadership has helped DSU build a culture of adaptability and excellence. Additionally, he holds U.S. citizenship, adding a global perspective to his impressive leadership repertoires

“MR. ROHAN ENVISIONS THAT DSU WILL BECOME A GLOBAL HUB FOR INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH. HIS GOAL IS TO MOULD THE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS INTO THOUGHT LEADERS”

A mid the towering structures of Bangalore, where ambition and innovation weave the fabric of the city, stands a man whose vision and leadership have cast a profound light on the realms of education and healthcare. Drawing from his diverse academic experiences at George Washington University and Columbia University, Rohan possesses a unique set of interdisciplinary insights that empower him to navigate various sectors with expertise. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in International Business from George Washington University in Washington DC marked the beginning of his journey. Post graduation, he assumed the role of Director at DSI, later becoming the Joint Secretary in 2019. His noteworthy tenures as Executive Director and Director at Sagar Hospitals and DERBI Foundation underscore his exceptional leadership, project management, and strategic planning capabilities.

Founded in 1960 by his late grandfather, Shri R Dayananda Sagar, DSI stands as a renowned educational institution in India. It offers a wide array of academic disciplines, from pre-university courses to postgraduate and doctoral programs, covering fields like Engineering, Dental Sciences, Biological Sciences, Arts, Commerce, Sciences, Pharmacy, Nursing, Allied Health, Business Management, and Information Technology. Rohan’s leadership style fuses strategic thinking with a people-centric approach. Throughout his career, he has adeptly transformed teams into formidable forces, leaving a lasting impact across various sectors.

GLOBALISING MEDICAL EDUCATION

The recent launch of CDSIMER, the medical college, and Sagar Hospitals in Bangalore underscores Rohan’s global vision for Dayananda Sagar University. With state-of-the-art facilities and world-class infrastructure, the institution provides an optimal learning environment, making it a top choice for international students seeking excellence in medical education. Under Rohan’s guidance, the university actively attracts global talent through exchange programs, collaborative research, and partnerships with reputable medical institutions worldwide. The curriculum, thoughtfully crafted to meet global standards, embraces diverse medical practices. Deeply influenced by the Japanese philosophy of “Kaizen,” emphasising continuous improvement through lifelong learning, Rohan sees excellence as an ever-evolving journey rather than a destination. Whether formulating educational strategies, enhancing healthcare standards, or driving business expansion, his unwavering dedication to Kaizen remains the driving force, guiding him toward excellence and enabling a lasting impact on individuals and communities.

DONNING MULTIPLE HATS

In his role as the Director of DERBI Angel, the on-campus entrepreneurship and innovation cell at DSU, Rohan motivates students to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations. Beyond just providing mentorship and funding to inventive startup founders, he plays a pivotal part in discovering and nurturing disruptive ideas, steering them towards sustainable growth. Through the establishment of strategic partnerships and networking events, he has cultivated an environment fostering collaboration and the exchange of ideas.

Moreover, as a Trustee & Board Member of Dayananda Sagar University, Rohan envisions a dynamic fusion of tradition and innovation. His short-term goal is to focus on growing academic programmes, building research collaborations, and leveraging technology. For the long term he envisions that Dayananda Sagar University will become a global hub for interdisciplinary research. His overarching goal is to mould university students into thought leaders capable of driving meaningful societal change. He also intends to provide a healthy environment that embraces diversity & promotes intellectual curiosity.

EXEMPLARY CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Rohan’s commitment to patient confidentiality at Sagar Hospitals and academic integrity at Dayananda Sagar University reflects his ethical excellence. He encourages transparent communication through consistent stakeholder engagement and open forums. He has implemented robust compliance frameworks that align with industry standards and legal mandates. He also instills ethical conduct via comprehensive training and a no-tolerance stance on misconduct.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Rohan is a firm advocate of cultivating a positive organizational culture. In his role as one of the members of Board of Gorvernors of DSU, he showcases a deep dedication to corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Actively promoting student involvement, he encourages them to participate in community outreach programs, amplifying the impact of these initiatives. Rohan emphasises, “Dayananda Sagar University seamlessly weaves CSR into a robust commitment to community engagement.” Likewise, as the Director of Sagar Hospitals, he places a strong emphasis on social welfare and regularly initiates health camps and outreach programs to extend medical services to marginalised communities. With his guidance, the hospital has strategically established affordable healthcare units to address accessibility issues, as well as targeted awareness campaigns to promote preventive health services. These proactive initiatives have made a tangible difference in the well-being of underserved communities through collaboration with NGOs and local authorities.

REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

Rohan’s recent accomplishments have propelled Dayananda Sagar University to unprecedented heights. He took the lead in introducing groundbreaking programs in emerging fields, aligning them with industry demands. Additionally, through strategic partnerships with esteemed institutions, he has not only elevated the academic ecosystem but also fostered a culture of collaboration. His focus on integrating technology and offering industry-relevant curricula positions Dayananda Sagar University as a trailblazer in progressive education, equipping students to navigate dynamic professional landscapes and make significant contributions to ongoing industry transformations.

BUILDING PILLARS OF HAPPINESS

As they say, it takes decades to build a brand. Such is the case with Prestige Group; structuring on strong leadership pillars Irfan Razack has made Prestige a household name in Bengaluru

“A born leader, Irfan is blessed with the acumen to see opportunities where none apparently exist”

In 1990, when Irfan Razack sold his second real estate project in his home market of Bengaluru for Rs 1 crore, he began planning his retirement. Elated with the money he had made, Razack thought he could spend his days indulging in his favourite hobby—horse riding. But twenty- ive years later, the now 62-year-old chairman and managing director of Prestige Group is still hooked on to real estate. “My friend had warned me that making buildings is like a drug. He said, ‘You will become addicted to it’,” says Razack, who heads Prestige Estates Projects Ltd, the group’s flagship company.

LEARNING FROM THE FAMILY

Irfan Razack, the eldest son of Razack Sattar, is at the helm of the Prestige Group. A born leader, Irfan is blessed with the acumen to see opportunities where none apparently exist, the courage to take the untrodden path and the determination to see his vision through to fruition. His leadership acumen received national recognition, when he was declared Professional of the Year at the Real Estate Excellence Awards 2008. He has been Honorary Secretary of the Al Ameen Educational Society for 17 years, the President of Bangalore Commercial Association (BCA), and the Chairman of the Real Estate Committee of CREDAI, Karnataka for 4 years.

PROFOUND VISIONARY

While Irfan propels the falcon to soar higher, farther and wider, what sets him clearly apart is his ability to simultaneously bring his formidable abilities to bear on philanthropic and social causes. A man of many facets, Irfan’s leadership skills have been at the fore right from his youth. As a student leader at St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore he was the driving force behind many a laurel won by it. In recognition of his achievements the St. Joseph’s Old Boys Association has honoured him with the Lifetime Achievement Award. In an exclusive interview with MyBangalore. com, Irfan Razack, Chairman and Managing Director of Prestige Group talks about Bangalore’s progression, the real estate industry and his company’s growth plans.

A self-professed “clear thinker”who prides himself on being meticulous, he believes that life is about conquering the next big milestone. “Money loses its charm after a while. It is the creativity that keeps you going,” says the billionaire, who, with a net worth of $1.23 billion, ranks at No 77 on the 2014 Forbes India Rich List.

BUILDING PRESTIGE

Under the esteemed headship of Irfan Razack, Prestige Estates Projects, India’s second-largest listed real estate company, is on the brink of greater things. Now more than ever, it needs its leader.

Razack states that retirement is just not an option for him. He has led the Prestige Group to be committed to a cleaner and greener Bangalore and all our projects have 25% or more land area set aside for landscaping. The group is actively involved with the Public Works Department (PWD) in the beautification of Bangalore.

Inspired by the unmatched success of The Forum mall, the Prestige Group has plans of redefining the concept of shopping in malls by taking the Forum brand forward to several cities in South India. Seven more Forum malls are in the pipeline across Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mysore, Mangalore and Kochi. Also, the popularity of Forum Value Mall, the only outlet mall in South India, has encouraged the company to develop more malls along the same lines.

THE HIGH FLYER

MR. SANJEEV K. SAWHNEY, COUNTRY HEAD AND GENERAL MANAGER – INDIA AT MEDSKIN SOLUTIONS DR. SUWELACK AG, IS AN OUTSTANDING LEADER KNOWN FOR HIS STRATEGIC MINDSET. WITH A KNACK FOR BUILDING STELLAR TEAMS IN CHALLENGING MARKET ENVIRONMENT, HE STANDS HEAD AND SHOULDERS ABOVE HIS PEERS

ACADEMIC BRILLIANCE

Mr. Sawhney earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Science from Agra College, Uttar Pradesh, and later pursued postgraduate studies in Sales and Marketing Management from Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan. His passion for creating high-achieving individuals and transforming teams led him to become a Marshall Goldsmith Stakeholder Centered Coaching “Certified Executive Coach” and “Licensed Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming®” from Alphastars Academy of Excellence. A people’s leader, he has a strong belief that empowered, and engaged teams eventually lead to happy and satisfied customers.

AN ADEPT LEADER

Renowned as a “set-up and start-up” maestro, Mr. Sawhney’s successful professional career spans around 40 years in diverse roles, where he has built profitable, sustainable businesses. His key contributions include establishing businesses & growing them exponentially for India, South-East Asia and other Asian markets.

During his tenure as Business Unit Director with Baxter India, he led Transfusion Therapies & Biosciences Division engaged in products like Albumin, Immunoglobulin, Blood Bags etc., addressing critical and evolving field of Blood Safety. His key contributions included raising awareness for use of safe blood and blood components including automation and establishing standard of care in Thalassemia and Hemophilia care through various customer partnerships. In 2014, he assumed leadership of KCI Medical India Pvt Ltd, serving as General Manager and Regional Vice President. In just five years, he exponentially grew the company’s sales and made it self-sustaining, positioning it for rapid expansion. He did this by collaborating closely with industry associations and engaging with stakeholders. As the County Head and General Manager – India for MedSkin Solutions Dr. Suwelack AG, he is currently engaged in overseeing the company’s Liaison Office in India. The company aims to revolutionise how the complex wound reconstruction is addressed in India through its flagship product MatriDerm®. The key focus for the product is onsurgical specialties viz Plastic, Vascular, Orthopedic, Podiatry etc., instrumental in driving optimal patient outcomes who have non-healing chronic wounds and complex burns & trauma wounds.

PASSION FOR EXCELLENCE

A standout achievement in Mr. Sawhney’s illustrious career has been his transformative role at Kinetic Concepts (KCI India), where he orchestrated an astounding 10X business
expansion within a short span. His success was underpinned by a laser-sharp focus on revolutionising industry standards in customer support and evidence-based selling practices, all while prioritising people and leadership development.

GIVING BACK TO SOCIETY

Mr. Sawhney has a strong belief in sharing with and giving back to the community. A “Paul Harris Fellow”, he is an enthusiastic Rotarian and a major donor to Rotary International. He has held many pivotal positions in his Rotary Club and Zone.

GARNERING ACCOLADES

Mr. Sawhney’s exceptional leadership has brought appreciable recognition to MedSkin Solutions by securing honors like The Economic Times Best Healthcare Brands 2023 for its product MatriDerm®. His unrelenting efforts have also earned him several coveted awards, including the Outstanding Leadership Award in 2022, recognition as one of the 101 Most Fabulous Global Healthcare Leaders in 2020, and The Economic Times Most Promising Business Leader of Asia 2019.

A PASSIONATE LEADER & TEAM PLAYER

Second-generation entrepreneur, Ms. Aparna Reddy is an exemplary leader who believes in moving forward with her people. An intelligent and highly motivated personality, she has been running her business with great acumen since a very young age

“APARNA REDDY TOOK HER FIRST ASSIGNMENT IN 2012, SETTING UP A HIGH-END LUXURY OUTLET”

This hardworking and dedicated second-generation entrepreneur took the reins of her familial business in hand with just one thought, to excel it beyond boundaries. While to some it may seem like she got everything served on a silver platter, only Aparna knows the struggle she had to face as she toiled day and night to prove it to the naysayers that she is running the company not because of her genes, but because of her skills, talent, and vision.

Aparna from a very young age knew her path forward. Her family had started with the business, eponymous to herself, in the 1990s and all she witnessed as a part of the discussion in her house is her father’s vision for the business and the various activities of the company. She first-hand witnessed all the effort that went in building the business. There were no second thoughts when it came to her deciding her career path, her only intention was to build a company for the generations, just like her father.

TAKING ON THE CHAIR

Aparna, a very dedicated and inquisitive student, focused hard on her studies to develop strong business acumen and futuristic conscience and soon after graduation joined her family business. For the first few years, she keenly observed the lapses and where corrective measures could be made.

As she started putting her ideas forward, the team started trusting her with her skills and caliber. This was an important feat for the young lady as she always reckoned that if the system and people will not accept her, moving forward will be an uphill task. But her effervescent nature, and quick adaptability to the culture made her gain massive respect from the people at a very young age. She took her first assignment in 2012, setting up a high-end luxury outlet for bath spaces and kitchens in Hyderabad, which became a spectacular hit.

It was when she truly realized that she has got the right knack for the business and the skills to keep its growth on the same trajectory as her father did. She worked really hard to prove her worth within the organization and kept on taking newer roles and responsibilities.
Going ahead, she started getting involved in finance, accounts, and company strategy, climbing the ropes to lead the company.

BUDDING WITH PASSION

Aparna feels that apart from strong leadership at the core, it is very important for a business to hire the right people for right jobs. Human power is the most critical resource for a business and she personally looks after the process of getting new members in the Aparna family.

She also believes that culture plays a vital role in cultivating long-lasting employees and therefore makes sure that the work environment is passionate, growing, fulfilling, enriching, and positive. She makes sure the best talents are retained and are used in the right manner to expand the business.

Her whole focus remains on one single fact that the business growth shouldn’t stop and tries her best to keep the ball rolling in the right direction. She spends day and night innovating and at the same time, motivating the staff to contribute to the success of the enterprise.

She has gained great love and admiration from the staff for her leading by example approach.

FOSTERING ACADEMIC BRILLIANCE

Professor Sasmita Samanta is the Chairperson of Sustainable Outreach and Universal Leadership (SOUL), an organisation that advises clients on sustainable strategies for business transformation. The accomplished academician comes with over 25 years of experience in enhancing professional and technical education. Her accomplishments in strategising excellence make her a highly respected figure in the education and research domain

“EXHIBITING REMARKABLE LEADERSHIP DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, PROFESSOR SAMANTA LED MASSIVE COMMUNITY SERVICES”

Professor Sasmita Samanta is a distinguished individual with an impressive academic background. She is an esteemed Stanford LEAD Alumna and Stanford Distinguished Scholar, and holds a PhD in Management. Additionally, she has achieved distinctions as a Post-doctorate in Indigenous Leadership from Taiwan, which reflects her commitment to cross-cultural understanding. She has been conferred with the prestigious honorary doctoral degree from the Catholic University of New Spain, Miami, Florida. Her expertise spans diverse areas, including education, organisational behaviour, human development, Indian Commerce Association development, spiritualism, and leadership. Also, she has been honoured as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA, UK) and a Fellow of the Computer Society of India (FCSI, India). Her leadership training from the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO), USA, and participation in the CSC Leaders programme by the Common Purpose Charitable Trust and Commonwealth Secretariat, UK have contributed significantly to her well-rounded capabilities.

Professor Samanta is a multifaceted visionary, researcher, motivator, teacher, author, and masterful orator. She has been at the helm of prominent professional bodies in the country and abroad, holding esteemed positions like being the member of the Advisory Council of the Association of Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP) and Council Member of The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) representing Constituency II (Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka). She is also among the members of the Advisory Council Member of Amazon Web Services (AWS) Education Advisory Council. She also served as the President of the Indian Commerce Association and the Operations Research Society of India, Bhubaneswar Chapter. In addition, she has been the driving force behind the foundation of several institutions, including the Business Incubation Centre, and has spearheaded initiatives like Education for All, Rehabilitation Training for Displaced Workers, Occupational Health and Safety, and Public Policy.

Professor Samanta is the Founder-President of World Leadership Academy, which aims to provide global leaders with a forum where will be able to address issues from diverse domains with intellectual freedom. As part of its objective, the organisation promotes diverseness in research, teaching and publication from all researchers and scientists. It intends to engage with the government, NGOs, institutions and businesses and provide solutions to diverse issues and create a positive impact on the globe.

Professor Samanta is a prolific public speaker, having delivered over 1,000 keynote addresses and lectures spanning diverse fields of education and human development at various conferences, seminars, and faculty development programs, including Human Resource Development Centres of UGC. Her scholarly contributions include numerous journal articles, conference papers, book chapters, and editorials. She has edited nine books and authored five books that were published by leading publishers such as Springer International Publishing, Lincoln Research and Publishing Limited (Australia), Lambert Academic Publishing, etc. To date, Professor Samanta has published 12 patents, while many more are in the pipeline.

VISION FOR GROWTH

Professor Samanta envisions a future where she fosters an ecosystem placing importance on research that is socially relevant and beneficial to people. Her long-term plan is to create an academic environment that is attuned to societal demands. The visionary leader prioritises the creation of a student-centric ambience, ensuring that student’s needs and interests are at the forefront of decision-making processes. Furthermore, she promotes transparent and participative governance, ensuring that all stakeholders have a voice in policy-making bodies.

GLORY ALL THE WAY

Professor Samanta has received numerous prestigious awards and accolades for her outstanding contributions to the fields of Education and Leadership. She was honoured with ‘Promising VC Providing Excellence and Innovation in Education Sector in Eastern India’ Award at ‘Times Power Women East 2022,’ ‘Debadutta Award of Excellence’ at the Annual function of Child and Women Development Society (CWDS) presented by Hon’ble Governor of Odisha Prof. Ganeshi Lal Ji, ‘Inspirational Leaders of Asia 2022’ Award at the White Page Leadership Conclave 2022, AICTE Lilavati Award 2021-22, and many more laurels. Since 2012, she has held esteemed positions as a Council Member and Executive Committee Member of the Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA). She was honoured with the title of Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) in 2016. In 2020, she achieved the distinguished title of Fellow of the Computer Society of India (FCSI).

A DISABILITY RIGHTS’ CHANGE-MAKER

A social worker with a difference, Dr. Mallika Nadda, the Chairperson of Special Olympics Bharat, has been dedicated to the mission of building an inclusive society. For the last 30 years, she has been associated with the cause of women welfare and empowerment, and the rights of the disabled. The Professor of History at Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, trusts initiatives like Special Olympics to help create awareness and remove barriers for persons with intellectual disabilities, and drive change in society.

“IN A WORLD WHERE MOST JUDGE OTHERS BY APPEARANCES AND BACKGROUNDS, DR. MALLIKA NADDA GIVES THE MESSAGE OF LOOKING AT A PERSON’S TALENT, CONFIDENCE AND HARD WORK. TO HER, THE “ABLED SOCIETY” NEEDS THE DIFFERENTLY ABLED AS THE DIFFERENTLY ABLED NEED THE ABLED SOCIETY”

Born in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Mallika Nadda got from her parents the inspiration to selflessly engage in social service. In particular, she learned a lot about Special Olympics Bharat from her mother, who was a politician. The inspiration not only helped her choose the path of service, but also a vision to empower many in need. She became associated with several causes during her student days. Her election as the Student President of Jabalpur College enabled her to associate with more causes and make real change. In 1991, she founded the Viklang Seva Bharti, a Jabalpur-based social welfare organisation that works for all-round development of the disabled. Even today, it serves children affected by mental disabilities, hearing impairment, bone disruption, and cerebral palsy.

Dr. Nadda’s journey as a social worker was interesting, as there were visible and not-so-visible challenges, like coming from a political family. In India, it is not easy for the next generation of political families, as people have expectations and try to see one’s potential and work on the basis of their families’ influence and politics. But, Dr. Nadda refused to get disturbed by this pressure. Certain issues were always a priority for her, like the girl child, and she made a conscious decision to not get involved in active politics, but to build her grassroots work to enable change.

COMMITTED TO SOCIAL SERVICE

In 1991, after her marriage to Jagat Prakash Nadda — an Indian lawyer and politician now serving as the President of Bharatiya Janata Party — Dr. Mallika Nadda settled in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. In 1999, she set up in Bilaspur a non-governmental organisation called Chetna, with an aim to reach the inaccessible sections of society living in the rural areas of the state. She realised that the persons with disability (PwDs) are generally misunderstood because of their inconspicuous nature, and not even 2% of them are reached or covered by any kind of rehabilitation models. It presented an opportunity to her organisation to make a change.

Chetna began its operations with the goal of providing equal rights and opportunities to PwDs, also ensuring their full participation along with giving them a barrier-free environment through available rural resources to transform their lives. This organisation, which started from 10 Panchayats of Bilaspur in 1999, is working in more than 150 Panchayats today. In addition to Chetna, Dr. Nadda is associated with various social service initiatives with a number of organisations in Bilaspur, Shimla, Delhi and other cities.

In 2002, Dr. Nadda established the Himachal Pradesh Chapter of Special Olympics (SO) Bharat. Special Olympics Bharat is a national sports federation recognised by Special Olympics for the conduct of sports and development programmes in India. Since 2006, the organisation has been organising sports for people with intellectual disabilities, and has more than 1.5 lakh registered athletes. During her tenure at Himachal Pradesh Chapter of SO Bharat, Dr. Nadda played a prime role in organising snow sports and winter sports. Soon, Special Olympics encouraged differently-abled athletes to participate in competitions in the World Winter Games, where Indian sportspersons displayed their outstanding sporting talent. In 2021, Dr. Nadda took over as the Chairperson of Special Olympics Bharat. She assumed the role with the challenge of preparing the SO Bharat contingent for the Kazan Winter World Games 2022 amidst a global pandemic. She believes that initiatives like Special Olympics help create awareness and remove barriers for persons with intellectual disabilities. Her vision is that India should have 750 accessible sports centres in all of its cities and at least one disabled accessible stadium in every state. To her, this is not overly ambitious, and can be definitely accomplished with the cooperation of state governments, public sector undertakings and grassroots training centres in every district.

A DISABILITY-RIGHTS ADVOCATE

Persons with disabilities have special functional abilities and a unique identity of their own. Such capable players of our country have time and again presented tough challenges to the players of the world with their talent. However, there are only a few who recognise their talent and dedication, and bring to light their relentless efforts to not only empower many like them, but also to give a bigger message that life is a constant struggle to beat the odds. Dr. Nadda is one of the rare few. In a world where most judge others by appearances and backgrounds, she gives the message of looking at a person’s talent, confidence and hard work. She believes that the “abled society” needs the differently abled as the differently abled need the abled society

As no two children are the same, it is wrong to expect all the children to perform uniformly. One must also know that children are emotional beings, and not only physical and intellectual beings. The problem is not in their abilities, but our uniform expectations from them. The PwDs may simply require resources different from those required by the abled children – like Braille books for those with limited or no vision and hearing aids for those who cannot hear properly – to show their true abilities. The shortcoming is with our understanding, and not their capabilities. With this approach, Dr. Nadda attends to every need of these children. The meaningful steps she is taking for their welfare are commendable for every individual and a lesson that if we consider the disabled as an important part of our society, then we can also become a part of their happiness.

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

An educator by profession, Dr. Nadda is working as Professor of History at Himachal Pradesh University. The dynamic leader dedicated to putting her vision to work also plays the role of a wife and mother equally well, becoming an inspiration for women of all walks of life.

For her relentless work for the welfare of underprivileged children and Divyangs, Dr. Nadda has been recognised with many national and international honours. The Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India, awarded her with the Rajiv Gandhi Manav Seva Award in 2010 for her exemplary work in the field of child development. She was also awarded the Derozio Award in 2011 for her exceptional contribution in the field of education, and the Rotary Shreyas Award for her exemplary services in the social sector in 2015-16.

Dr. Nadda ranks prominently in the Fame India – Asia Post Survey of 25 empowered women. ICFAI University, Sikkim, has honoured her with an Honorary Doctorate of Literature.