Anas Ali Mirza

Anas Ali Mirza

SETTING NEW BENCHMARKS IN BUSINESS CONSULTING

ANAS ALI MIRZA, HEAD OF REVENUE AT A&A ASSOCIATE, A PREMIER BUSINESS SETUP ADVISORY AND AUDITING FIRM IN THE UAE, IS CELEBRATED FOR HIS PEOPLE-CENTRIC APPROACH AND SHARP BUSINESS INSIGHT. HIS LEADERSHIP HAS DRIVEN THE COMPANY TO SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS, ESTABLISHING IT AS A PREFERRED CHOICE IN THE INDUSTRY

FOSTERING COLLABORATION FOR GROWTH

Anas believes in making business setup solutions accessible and transparent, ensuring clients receive the highest value. He has driven A&A Associate to new heights through a hands-on leadership style, significantly expanding the sales team and achieving consistent 10% month-on-month growth. With open-office policies and real-time problem-solving, the company thrives on collaboration and spontaneity. Anas’s vision is to set up businesses efficiently and create a healthy and fun work environment for employees where achievements are recognised and celebrated regularly.

A JOURNEY OF INSPIRATION AND SUCCESS

The driving forces behind Anas’s leadership are the values taught by his late mother, who bravely fought cancer for seventeen long years while showing exceptional resilience, patience, and strength. Her resolute spirit shaped Anas’s outlook on life and leadership and helped him build a work culture that values compassion, fortitude, and growth, alongside continuous learning. His career trajectory at A&A Associate has been equally inspiring. Promoted three times within two years, Anas has consistently set new records, crediting his success to trust from the company’s chairman and the freedom to take decisions. His belief that the right resources and support can unlock any achievement has guided his team toward continuous success.

INNOVATIVE GROWTH STRATEGIES

A&A Associate stands out in a highly competitive market by ensuring transparency and quick delivery of business licenses and services. Anas’s forward-thinking leadership focuses on developing a seamless process for clients and expanding the company’s market share. With a 65-member team, he emphasizes individual growth, ensuring every employee feels heard and empowered.

COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY IMPACT

For Anas, corporate social responsibility is not just a word but an integral part of his philosophy. Although relatively new to A&A Associate, he has already initiated efforts to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs, sharing knowledge about business operations and setup. The company contributes to building a new generation of entrepreneurs equipped to succeed in the UAE’s dynamic market through these initiatives. In the short term, Anas plans to solidify A&A Associate’s position as the leading business setup firm in the UAE, while his long-term goal is to make the company a household name in business consulting

PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS AND HONOURS

For Anas Ali Mirza’s leadership, A&A Associate has earned the company several prestigious awards. In 2024, the company was honoured with the Global Business Outlook Award for being the “Best Business Setup Consultancy in the UAE,” cementing its reputation as an industry leader. It also received the Superbrands Award 2024, which is known for acknowledging companies offering innovative and extraordinary quality services. A&A Associate’s dedication to fostering a positive work environment was recognised with the “Great Place to Work” award in the GCC and the “Best Place to Work.” Additionally, the company was featured among the “Top 10 Corporate Business Consultants in Asia 2023” by Asia Business Outlook. The “Upcoming Brand Award” from Gulf Business further acknowledged the company’s outstanding growth. A&A Associate’s consistent efforts to excel have also positioned it among the Top Channel Partners Across Major Free Zones, affirming its excellence in business consulting.

Anirban Chakraborty

MAKING GREAT STRIDES

Under Mr. Anirban’s able leadership, TFCI has been making progress by leaps and bounds. Established as a premier tourism financing institution, TFCI has acted as a catalyst in creation of infrastructure in hospitality segment in over 3 decades of its existence. Mr. Anirban is responsible for charting out growth strategies for the firm, de-risking its business portfolio, ensuring its net interest margin, besides increasing its overall income and intends to make it a major player in the financial services sector. Under his leadership, TFCI is diversifying in segments like healthcare, pharma, education, logistics, packaging, etc.

He was born in a family of academicians. His father was a headmaster in a government school, and his mother was a school teacher. After completing B. Tech from the University of Kolkata in 1993, he pursued a postgraduate degree in Financial Management from the Mumbai University. He also completed a management development programme from the IIM Ahmedabad.

AN ILLUSTRIOUS CAREER

Mr. Anirban embarked on his career in Voltas in the year 1993. He was also associated with IFCI from 1999 to 2003, where he advised corporates across sectors on assignments spanning different products and services related to financial advisory, project appraisal, due diligence, capital restructuring, loan syndication, and credit monitoring. Thereafter, he joined Axis Bank & worked his way up as EVP in 2014. He headed various divisions from SME, Relationship Management Group, Capital Market and Structured Finance. He has also served as the Deputy CEO of Axis Capital Ltd. where he developed Transformational Roadmap from the ECM-focused Investment Banking house to an advisory led Investment Banking model.

A FOCUSED LEADER

His leadership reflects a commitment to make an impact. In a short period, he has successfully managed to overhaul the various processes of TFCI such as appraisal, monitoring mechanism, business development, IT systems, HR policies, and much more. Currently, he is focussing on setting up an advisory-led investment banking process at TFCI.

He believes that work-life balance plays a key role in boosting one’s productivity, morale, engagement, & innovation. He enjoys reading fiction and listening to classical Hindi music & Rabindra Sangeet.

Harsh Goenka

Harsh Goenka

Scripting and Chiselling Success

A fifth-generation entrepreneur from one of India’s best known business families, harsh Goenka practices a modern management philosophy, is passionate about people and promotes pioneering people practices across the group

“A strong advocate of innovation and creativity at the workplace, he is also an ardent collector of contemporary art and is known for his encouragement to young artists”

This fifth-generation entrepreneur belongs to the Vanshita Ramani family, which is a Marwadi community of tradesmen, hailing originally from Rajasthan in western India. The beginning is fascinating as quite early in the 19th century, an enterprising member of the family, Ramdutt Goenka, started his business in Kolkata, which used to be the capital of India at that time before independence, and also used to be a major commercial hub of the British Empire. Thus, the Goenka business family has been at the forefront of business in India for over a hundred years.

Having been settled in Kolkata for several generations, Harsh’s great-grandfather, Sir Badridas Goenka, had been the first Indian Chairman of the Imperial Bank of India. Harsh’s father, Rama Prasad Goenka, was a very successful businessman and founder of the RPG Group, with business interests spanning the music industry, automobile tyres, power transmission, and plantation estates.

As the family prospered in its traditional vocations of money-lending and trade for about three generations, it was a revolutionary step when a scion of the family, Rama Prasad Goenka, decided to expand the family’s wealth and business and diversified into a variety of industries and corporate ventures, creating a ready-made business conglomerate in the process.

Understanding the prevailing business situation well and taking due advantage to fuel his passion and vision to create a larger and much diversified group, RPG started taking over those companies that did not do well either under the socialistic policies and the license raj, which was the policy in India at that time, or because of disagreements within the families of their owners as was also the case with several of them. Thus, these takeovers allowed RPG to acquire several companies at a relatively cheaper cost, and this gave him an unparalleled advantage as he utilized his financial resources and business acumen to turn these same companies immensely profitable and in sync with his vision and functioning.

This proved to be a very profitable business strategy as by the end of the 20th century, RPG had transformed itself into a powerful business empire. However, establishing an empire with a high amount of diversity is not easy, but that’s what RPG is renowned for: none of their major ventures were founded by them as all of them were taken over at some time; however, these diversified businesses have always been in perfect sync with each other and have never posed a challenge to each other.

Taking over from his father, Mr. R. P. Goenka, Harsh Goenka has quite dynamically managed RPG, which under his able leadership, has grown into a major player in domains like power generation & distribution, information technology, infrastructure, tyres, plantations, and pharmaceuticals.

Thus, becoming the Managing Director of CEAT in 1983 at the age of 24, Harsh Goenka has proved time and again that age doesn’t have to do anything with success; it all depends on how strong you are in your mind and what kind of decisions you take in your business. Before taking the responsibility as MD of CEAT, he had also worked briefly with a textile company right after completing his education in Bengaluru.

His impressive educational background includes a BA in Economics from the University of Calcutta and an MBA from the International Institute of Management Development (IMD), Lausanne, Switzerland. Incidentally, he also serves on the Board of IMD, Switzerland.

Using his immense experience and proving he is a man of multiple responsibilities at the same time, he is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of KEC International, CEAT, RPG Lifesciences, Raychem RPG, Spencer International Hotels, and a Director of Bajaj Electricals. In addition, he is a member of the Executive Committee of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and a past President of the Indian Merchants Chamber.

A strong advocate of innovation and creativity at the workplace, he is also an ardent collector of contemporary art and is known for his encouragement to young artists. He has one of the most prominent collections of contemporary art in the country, embracing several genres and styles, and transcends several generations of artists from all regions. He likes to host art exhibitions and has been doing so in Mumbai for a decade and continues to support and encourage young artists.

RESTRUCTURING FOR SUCCESS

Times change and so do people, and Rama Prasad ‘RP’ Goenka faced a similar situation which had made it easy for him to acquire companies initially several decades earlier, and he was faced with the challenge of formally dividing his business empire between his two sons: Harsh and Sanjiv. Thus, the responsibility of managing several companies fell on Harsh Goenka’s shoulders at an early age.

Though most of these companies were at their prime, this restructuring was taken well by Harsh Goenka, as the values they had learnt and adopted because of the legacy they hold in their heart taught them to face all challenges with positivity. Thus, he inherited the responsibility of helming RPG Enterprises founded by his father in 1979. From pioneering organized retail to running the country’s first private sector power-generating plants, the Group has also forged successful alliances with several of the world’s leading corporations.

Group company KEC International is also one of the largest power transmission EPC companies in the world. CEAT is amongst the leading tyre companies in the country and also a leader in Sri Lanka. CEAT (Cavi Elettrici e Affini Torino) Ltd. is the flagship company of RPG Enterprises and was established in 1924 in Turin, Italy. Today, CEAT is one of India’s leading tyre manufacturers and has a presence in global markets. CEAT offers tyres to all segments and manufactures radials for trucks and buses, light commercial vehicles, earthmovers, forklifts, tractors, trailers, cars, motorcycles, scooters, as well as auto-rickshaws.

WEARING MANY HATS

Used to big responsibilities at a young age, Harsh Goenka has also been the youngest President of the Indian Merchants’ Chamber, where he formulated and drove economic agenda for the industry through various institutions. He is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), India’s premier industrial association.

He is a member of the Board of Governors of the National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE), one of the leading technical educational institutes in India. He also serves as a trustee of the Breach Candy Hospital Trust in Mumbai, as he has a vast experience in the field of management.

He is a member of the National Art Advisory Committee for the National Gallery of Modern Art and a member of the Council of the National Culture Fund, Ministry of Culture. Holding a keen interest in cricket, he promotes the CEAT cricket ratings for international and domestic cricket, which is a rating system that rewards outstanding cricketers around the world. He was also a co-owner of the Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS) Team in IPL 10.

Vikash Kumar Vikash

Vikash is a member of the 2004 batch of the Indian Police Service, Karnataka Cadre. After starting his career in the Indian Police Service as Assistant Superintendent of Police at Bhatkal, he served as Superintendent of Police in Bangalore Rural and the districts of Haveri and Chikmagalur in Karnataka. In addition, he served as Deputy Commissioner of Police in Bangalore City Police and Superintendent of Police in State Intelligence & Internal Security. Following his promotion as Deputy Inspector General of Police, Vikash served as Commander for Anti Naxal Operations, Director of the Centre for Counter-Terrorism, Executive Director in the Police Housing Corporation, and Commissioner of Police for Mangalore City. Furthermore, he has served in government departments outside the Police Department as Director of Youth Empowerment and Sports Department and the Commissioner of Social Welfare.

Presently, he holds the post of Managing Director for Mysore Sales International Ltd. (MSIL), on deputation to the Commerce and Industry Department of the Government of Karnataka. MSIL was founded in 1966 to address Karnataka’s marketing needs. It offers a diverse range of products and services through ground-breaking marketing tactics. The organization operates numerous divisions throughout the state of Karnataka, ranging from beverages, pharmaceuticals, and paper to chit funds and solar energy.

Since taking on the role of MSIL’s Managing Director, Vikash, with his business acumen, has maintained the company’s authenticity and brand value with utmost perfection. Despite COVID-19’s significant impact on business expansion, MSIL managed a 35% increase in profit growth margins with respect to the previous financial year. Additionally, the company has also built its portfolio under his stellar leadership.

Vikash’s first act at MSIL was to take stock of the situation. During the first month of his assignment, he collected adequate data to learn more about the company, its history, and how it can be structured for the future. His efforts led him to focus on a few specific areas where he could really contribute to MSIL’s growth, and he succeeded in doing so. His solid analysis skills have helped him introduce fundamental changes to help the company thrive in all domains.

A DISCIPLINED INDIVIDUAL

A former Mangalore Police Commissioner, Vikash is well-qualified to lead large scale initiatives. He has been able to introduce new services and usher in revolutionary transformations only because of discipline. He says, “To run an organization well and maintain tangible growth and increased influence, you must be a disciplined leader.” He adds, “It is equally important to create a system that percolates automatically instead of being forced on people, whether it is an organizational discipline or self discipline within the organization.”

Additionally, Vikash can bring out the best in others. He works relentlessly to encourage his teammates to do their best. He finds and assesses his team members’ strengths and provides adequate opportunities for them to capitalize on those strengths. Likewise, his mantra for success is to maximize the strengths of the organization he runs. Chit funds and liquor have become the most significant revenue models for MSIL, and Vikash has doubled its potential to reach the far end of Karnataka. Chit funds at MSIL are run exclusively in-house due to the nature of microfinance. Additionally, as mandated by the state government, KSBCL provides the company with liquor. Also, the company maintains very close ties with other divisions’ key suppliers like solar and paper.

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

The values-driven leader also believes in leading by example. As a practical individual, he ensures the company complies with all regulations. He takes every possible measure to mitigate risks and prevent misconduct by having a robust, coordinated compliance strategy in place.

The entire organization is committed to the compliance strategy. He emphasizes the importance of regulatory compliance in business, saying, “We have an obligation as a government entity to adhere to 100% regulation because we are an example to others.”

A GOAL-DRIVEN LEADER

Vikash is a goal-focused individual who strives to ensure the achievement of deadlines. He believes in sustaining high performance levels, and his primary focus is on the productivity and performance of the department and team he leads. He has devised some sure-fire expansion strategies for MSIL in the current fiscal year, which are projected to yield even better and sustainable outcomes in the coming years.

Under his leadership, MSIL has thrived under harmonious partnerships. The leader seeks to collaborate with private suppliers in order to use each other’s capabilities and rapidly scale businesses.

According to him, private suppliers are outstanding in terms of quality and compliance. He says, “If they are falling short of reaching the level needed to take them forward, they have the option to join us. We strive to find a win-win solution.”

REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

Under his supervision, MSIL’s Chit Funds Division grew by about 15% in the last fiscal year and has been doing quite well as a social tool as well as a financial instrument to assist small businesses and the unorganized sector of society. Moreover, because of his winning strategies, MSIL Chit Fund received the SKOCH-2022 award for its financial & social commitment and contributions.

As soon as Vikash took over as MD of MSIL, the company achieved a profit of close to 32 crores [A$5.8 million] in 2020. The company had a profit of a whopping 54 crores [A$9.8 million] in 2021. In 2022, the astute leader implemented some stringent revisions and took a conservative approach to a few issues. As a result, he achieved a profit of around 91.1 crores [A$16.85 million], which could rise to 200 crores [A$36.3 million] this fiscal year.

Derwin Hunt

VISION FOR A SAFER WORLD

In the fast-paced world of entrepreneurship, few stories encapsulate the essence of persistence, creativity, and a strong desire to make the world a better place. One such story is that of Mr. Derwin Hunt, Founder and CEO of Hunt Innovations LLC, a supply company that revolutionised bathroom safety. With over 30 years of experience, Mr. Derwin’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to improving lives have earned him global recognition and numerous accolades. His unique business approach has created a positive global impact through thoughtful design and community engagement.

“BEYOND HIS PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS, MR. DERWIN IS DEEPLY COMMITTED TO GIVING BACK TO HIS COMMUNITY. HE IS AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION, A NONPROFIT ORGANISATION THAT OFFERS RESOURCES, SERVICES, AND BENEFITS TO BUSINESSES, EMPLOYEES, AND RETIREES”

Mr. Derwin’s academic journey began at Sullivan Business School, where he earned associate degrees in business and marketing, forming a solid foundation for his future achievements. A humble leader by nature, he has consistently shown a sharp eye for identifying everyday challenges, with an undying resolve to find practical solutions that improve the lives of those around him.

FROM SALES TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Mr. Derwin’s path to success was not always straightforward. Before founding Hunt Innovations LLC, he built a solid foundation in sales, starting with a job at a retail mall. His career took a significant turn when he entered the car business—a field he had never initially considered. Over the course of 26 years in this field, he refined his professionalism, communication abilities, and business acumen. His interactions with individuals from diverse backgrounds inspire him to appreciate the diverse paths people follow in life; this inspiration, in turn, fuelled his curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit.

Mr. Derwin’s ambition extended far beyond the transactional nature of sales; therefore, he ventured into mortgage financing, a field he pursued for five years. His foray into this sector coincided with the global economic downturn, which forced him to reconsider his career path. This period of uncertainty proved to be a turning point for Mr. Derwin. Instead of being discouraged, he embraced his innovative spirit and sought to develop a product that would serve the greater good. The desire to create something lasting and meaningful eventually led him to establish Hunt Innovations LLC. The company, under his leadership, has pioneered breakthroughs in bathroom safety. Its success is evident in its expanding client base, with over 450 products sold and 362+ happy clients.

THE “EUREKA MOMENT”

In a moment of inspiration—what he refers to as a “eureka moment”—Mr. Derwin conceived an idea that changed his career forever. His entrepreneurial journey began with a seemingly ordinary observation while visiting his brother’s home. He noticed a shirt drying on the edge of the bathtub, much like how hotels often display branded towels. This prompted him to reflect on the effectiveness of such practices, as towels frequently end up on the floor and fail to achieve the intended brand visibility. Additionally, he recalled his own experiences of slipping and injuring himself on bathtub edges, leading him to question the safety of these areas. This moment of introspection sparked his entrepreneurial spirit. It also inspired him to create a solution that would not only improve safety but also present a new branding opportunity for businesses in public spaces.

REVOLUTIONISING BATHROOM SAFETY

Mr. Derwin developed SoftSide, a patented bathtub cushion that addresses the safety concerns of individuals with mobility issues and offers a solution to a common issue—bathtub discomfort and the risk of falls. This innovative cushion not only enhances comfort but also provides an extra layer of safety for families, caregivers, and individuals across various age groups. His entrepreneurial journey, marked by resilience and adaptability, demonstrates the importance of embracing change, continuous learning, and grabbing opportunities as they arise. What sets SoftSide apart from other safety products is its combination of practicality, aesthetics, and advanced technology. Mr. Derwin meticulously designed every aspect of the product, from its U-shaped foam cushion to its non-slip coating, for ease of installation. The product’s key features include superior surface security, advanced splash and drip absorption, unmatched impact absorption, and a timeless aesthetic. Its unique design ensures a firm grip and prevents slips and falls, while its advanced features provide added safety and comfort. Furthermore, its aesthetic appeal enhances the look of any bathroom and transforms it into a safer, more stylish space. The result is a safer, more comfortable bathing experience for people in households and professional care environments alike. SoftSide’s durability and ease of maintenance have made it a staple in households and care facilities for years.

GLORIOUS ACHIEVEMENTS

Mr. Derwin’s entrepreneurial achievements have not gone unnoticed. His efforts have earned the company over 10 prestigious awards. His innovative contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including being named Top CEO and Inventor of the Year by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP). IAOTP is a highly selective organisation that recognises professionals for their contributions to their fields, academic achievements, leadership abilities, and community involvement. Mr. Derwin’s inclusion in this elite group of honourees underscores his influence as a visionary thought leader. Mr. Derwin has also been featured in Marquis Who’s Who for Top Executives, a distinction that highlights his impact as an entrepreneur and inventor. In addition, he earned the Hall of Fame Award & the Most Innovative Product for Medical and Hospital Services Award, further solidifying his reputation as a trailblazer in his field. Later this year, he will be considered for a feature in Top Industry Professionals (TIP) Magazine. He will also be honoured at the IAOTP annual gala in Nashville for his selection as Top CEO & Inventor of the Year.

GIVING BACK TO SOCIETY

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Derwin is deeply committed to giving back to his community. He is an active member of the National Small Business Association, a nonprofit organization that offers resources, services, and benefits to businesses, employees, and retirees. His humanitarian efforts are a natural extension of his desire to improve everyday living conditions for people with mobility challenges. He envisions his patented product, SoftSide, becoming a household staple, ensuring safer living environments for people across the globe.

PRIORITISES WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Mr. Derwin loves spending quality time with his family. He attributes his success to his wife, LaWanda, and their three daughters, Lauren, Sequoia, and Mya. Looking ahead, he hopes to build a lasting legacy for his family, particularly for his daughters, whom he hopes will carry on his commitment to innovation and community service. His dream is to see his name included in the renowned American Inventors book.

Lal Abdul Salam

Lal Abdul Salam

LEADING BY EXCELLENCE

Mr. Lal Abdul Salam is the CEO and Managing Director of Esselar. Motivated to give back to the community, he combined technology and nature to implement sustainable, innovative manufacturing solutions to bridge the gap between economic and environmental resilience

STELLAR CREDENTIALS

Mr. Lal Abdul Salam completed a B.Tech in Chemical Engineering from TKM College of Engineering, Kollam. Thereafter, he started his career as a junior engineer at the Kerala State Pollution Control Board. He spent four years in this position before moving to Abu Dhabi, UAE, as a Sales Engineer at Testron International. Throughout his time in the UAE, he gained experience working with companies such as Future Pipe Industries and Hyder Consulting. In 2000, he joined the Abu Dhabi Pipe Factory, where he worked for 14 years.

After that, he also joined companies like Frontline Industrial Engineering Services, Composite Technology DWC-LLC, and OrgiChemie FZ LLC. All these experiences played an important role in shaping his career. As the CEO and Managing Director of Esselar, he has been instrumental in establishing Esselar as a leading company in green and innovative composite manhole covers. Esselar manhole covers have had a solid reputation in the GCC market for over eight years due to their superior quality and reduced carbon footprint in production. Upholding the qualities of honesty, trust, and hard work, he is on a path to create a lasting change in society.

QUALITY AT ITS BEST

Mr. Salam is very stringent regarding quality standards and ensures that the products meet high expectations. He has incorporated advanced technology and top-notch machinery to maximize production and reduce waste. Additionally, he has hired a dedicated team of around 180 employees with extensive experience and training in the composite fiberglass industry. He also has cutting-edge testing and quality control equipment that adheres to ISO 9001, 14001, and 18001 standards. Mr. Salam ensures that the covers are designed to be lightweight for easy and safe manual removal while maintaining their load-bearing capacity. He consistently upholds the highest manufacturing standards by maintaining an effective supply chain network. Mr. Salam’s commitment to quality has helped him gain the trust of his clients.

CARING FOR THE NATURE

The central concept behind Mr. Salam’s efforts has always been to establish a sustainable ecosystem. His vision for all his projects is “meeting the needs of present generations without sacrificing the needs of future generations.” He consistently incorporates the ‘Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle’ principle in developing new technologies and manufacturing solutions. He actively fosters an inclusive society by promoting workforce diversity, collaborating with local communities, and implementing measures to minimize the environmental effects of the industry.

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

Mr. Salam was recognised with prestigious accolades for his outstanding leadership abilities. In 2022, he won the “Best Businessman 2022” award at the World-Wide Achiever’s Forum and the Master Vision International Excellence Award. Furthermore, he was awarded the esteemed Golden Achievement Award. These honours underscore his leadership skills, innovative ideas, and visionary outlook for the industry.

ENVISIONING A BRIGHT AND SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

Mr. Salam’s vision is to create a robust business that attains excellent profits without sacrificing quality or customer satisfaction. He is also focused on creating a sustainable future and decreasing the company’s carbon emissions, while reducing operational expenses.

Education as the Foundation for a Developed India: Dr. Shruti Sharma’s Vision for Viksit Bharat 2047

Education as the Foundation for a Developed India: Dr. Shruti Sharma's Vision for Viksit Bharat 2047

India is on the path to tremendous growth and transformation, with its sights set on becoming a developed nation by 2047, the centenary of its independence. Dr. Shruti Sharma, CEO of Brindavan Group of Institutions plays a pivotal role in the educational reform, innovation, and inclusivity as major drivers for India’s Viksit Bharat 2047.

Viksit Bharat 2047: Dreaming Big, Learning Bigger

The vision of Viksit Bharat is to build an affluent, equitable, and developed India. The nation wants to lead globally in technology, economy, and society by 2047. Education—a transformative tool that builds skills, knowledge, and mindsets for national progress—is vital to this objective. The National Education Policy introduced in 2020 emphasizes critical thinking, experiential learning, and digital literacy to support this transformation. Tutelage of educational leaders like Dr. Shruti Sharma is needed to implement these concepts and infuse real transformations.

Shaping India’s Brightest Minds for Tomorrow

Dr. Shruti Sharma is dedicated to quality education and student development. Her leadership has transformed the institution into a leader in academics, research, innovation, and holistic development. Her forward-thinking leadership falls in line with India’s 2047 goals.

Under Dr. Shruti’s guidance, students can explore, think critically, and perform major research. She believes education should include real-world applications to solve India’s major problems, and to further this vision, Brindavan College is training India’s future problem-solvers and innovators via practical learning, interdisciplinary research, and industrial relationships.

Empowering the Next Generation

India’s prosperity depends on comprehensive education for all, especially those who are underprivileged. Dr. Sharma wants to lead with inclusive education for students from varied socioeconomic backgrounds, including international students who come to India in search of quality education.

Her efforts to integrate international perspectives into the curriculum and foster campus cultural diversity reflect a globalised India ready to take its position on the world stage.

Innovate, Inspire, Lead: Blueprint for 2047

Innovation is important to India’s development strategy, and education encourages it.
Dr. Sharma is helping to create an innovation-driven economy where academic institutions can solve climate change, healthcare access, and sustainable development by encouraging students and faculty to work on real-world projects. Hence, research and development at her institutions is a priority for Dr. Shruti Sharma. She believes that India must invest in cutting-edge research to become a developed nation by 2047.

Smart Minds, Smart India

A developed India needs ethical leadership and technological and economic success. Leadership and ethical responsibility are part of Brindavan’s curriculum under Dr. Shruti Sharma, ensuring that students graduate with both technical competence and a sense of social responsibility. Her conviction in extracurricular activities, leadership programmes, and community engagement helps students become well-rounded, ethical leaders.

Dr. Shruti Sharma’s dedication is not only changing lives but also helping India become a developed nation by 2047 —with knowledge, innovation and purpose.

Yousuf Fakhruddin

Yousuf Fakhruddin

INNOVATION IN SUSTAINABILITY

MR. YOUSUF FAKHRUDDIN, THE CEO OF FAKHRUDDIN PROPERTIES, IS A DYNAMIC AND PASSIONATE LEADER KNOWN FOR HIS EFFORTS IN CREATING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE. THROUGH HIS EXPERTISE, A KEEN EYE FOR DETAIL, AND EXCEPTIONAL LEADERSHIP ABILITIES, HE HAS TURNED FAKHRUDDIN PROPERTIES INTO A GLOBAL COMPANY

ROBUST BEGINNINGS

Mr. Yousuf Fakhruddin was born and raised in Dubai. He went to London to pursue his undergraduate degree at the London School of Economics and Political Science. He has a strong bond with Dubai and a keen interest in designing remarkable living environments, which led him to join his family’s business in 2002. Initially, he began working with Fakhruddin Trading, the family’s established business, before expanding into Real Estate development and property management.

Established in 2003, Fakhruddin Properties is a top Real Estate developer in the United Arab Emirates, providing end-to-end solutions for property development, property management, brokerage, and hospitality management. The Real Estate sector has seen Fakhruddin Properties as a trendsetter, owing to Mr. Fakhruddin’s leadership and dedication to quality. He has grown the company’s Real Estate development operations in the UK, Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.

PIONEERING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Focused on sustainability, Mr. Fakhruddin has invested in state-of-the-art technologies in four key areas: waste recycling, water management, air quality monitoring and purification, and energy optimisation to build smart homes. These features are included in all new Real Estate developments by this company. Mr. Fakhruddin strongly emphasises managing air quality by implementing advanced ventilation systems and thorough monitoring procedures. His team has introduced Airocide, a unique air purification technology based on NASA-developed technology that efficiently eliminates air pollutants.

In addition, his team members have integrated a patented air purification system called SAHU, which effectively removes CO2, VOCs, and excess humidity. Mr. Fakhruddin prioritises efficient water management. He has implemented innovative water filtration technologies that minimise waste, plastic use, and carbon footprints from transportation, and reduce microplastics infiltration. Waste management plays a crucial role in Mr. Fakhruddin’s commitment to sustainability, leading him to ensure the provision of recycling bins and composting facilities in each new Real Estate development. His company implements recycling programmes and encourages waste reduction efforts to help minimise landfill waste and bring the concept of a circular economy into effect.

His brand ‘Treppan Living’ represents his philosophy of sustainable development, redefining serviced luxury by creating comprehensive housing environments that support, enable, and promote a sustainable and healthy lifestyle.

HONOURS AND RECOGNITIONS

Mr. Fakhruddin has received numerous accolades, including the 2023 ‘FEDA Green Building Award’ for his green practices and commitment to sustainability. He was also honoured with the ‘Key Contributor to the Real Estate Industry’ Award by Forbes Middle East. Under his direction, his company has won several prestigious awards, such as ‘Gulf Business Sustainability Company of the Year’ in 2022, ‘Green Building Product of the Year’ in 2022, ‘Climate Control Award’ in 2022, ‘ADDA Rise High Award’ in 2023, ‘Green Developer of the Year’ in 2024, and ‘Pillars of Real Estate Award’ in 2024, among others. Additionally, he serves as a board member of Fakhruddin Holdings LLC and AKIDA Holdings LLC.

ENVISIONING A HEALTHY FUTURE

Mr. Fakhruddin envisions his company leading the UAE market in developing realistic, sustainable lifestyles. He hopes to lead the way in Real Estate development and encourage cultural and behavioural changes that will lead to a sustainable and healthy future, in line with climate change objectives of limiting global warming to below 1.5°C at national and international levels.

Prof. Dr. R.P. Banerjee

Prof. Dr. R.P. Banerjee

DEDICATED TO HIGHER PURPOSE & SPIRITUAL FULFILMENT

Prof (Dr.) Rama Prosad Banerjee, Chairman and Director of EIILM-Kolkata, is a visionary with a forward-thinking outlook. The leader is an eminent figure in the global business arena who takes a special interest in the upliftment of the less fortunate. Anyone who comes into contact with him is motivated by his charisma.

“AS A LIFELONG LEARNER, DR. BANERJEE KEEPS UP WITH THE LATEST ADVANCEMENTS IN THE BUSINESS WORLD AND EDUCATION. HE HAS ENTHUSED THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY WITH HIS EXCEPTIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND EXCELLENCE WHICH HAVE EARNED HIM SEVERAL PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS”

Dr. Banerjee has dedicated his life to establishing pathways for students to help them realize the meaning of life so that they can unleash their inherent potential and become their best selves. Especially upsetting to him is the fact that a substantial section of society is deprived of quality education due to a lack of resources and the exorbitant cost of higher education. Therefore, through merit and need-based scholarships, he is dedicated to ensuring that no deserving student is denied a promising future.

Over the years, Dr. Banerjee has earned a respected and prestigious position in the Indian education and publishing industries as a genius academician, an accomplished writer, and a renowned teacher. He holds a Ph.D. in finance from the University of Calcutta and has done his Post-Doctoral Research at Stockholm University, Sweden. He has served the industry for more than a decade through serving and teaching at premier B-Schools in India, including IIM Kolkata, University of Calcutta, IISWBM, IFIM, Bangalore, and many others. His passion has always been to create learning environments with real-world implications for the students. By creating trails of innovation, he has laid further pathways for students and entrepreneurs to contribute to the advancement of humanity.

As the Chairman and Director of EIILM (Eastern Institute for Integrated Learning in Management) – Kolkata, an institution that offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral management programs, he has helped the institution chart its own course of success. Under his exemplary stewardship, EIILM – Kolkata has grown exponentially to become the second-best B-school in Kolkata, after IIM, Joka. His consistent guidance has helped the institution to make huge strides.

BRIMMING WITH WISDOM

More than a dozen university campuses have had the pleasure of listening to Dr. Banerjee’s words of wisdom in the USA, Europe, and Asia, including Pennsylvania State University, Arlington State University, Stockholm University, Texas University, University of Hamburg (Germany), Tarleton State University, Texas Woman’s University, University of Kansas (USA), Western University (Switzerland), IIM Kolkata, University of Calcutta, and many others. Because of his deep understanding of multiple disciplines, he is regularly invited to speak at various conferences, including the World Education Congress held in Hotel Pan Pacific Singapore. He was also the opening speaker on Education for Global Consulting held in North Western University, Zurich, in Switzerland. In 2012, he was also the keynote speaker at the Global Conference held at Pennsylvania University (USA). The keynote address delivered by him at the 2010 GCEC Conference titled ‘Entrepreneurship – Impact through Networks’ held at The Pennsylvania State University, USA, has lasted throughout time and left an indelible mark on entrepreneurship in general and on the importance of networking in particular. Furthermore, the well-versed leader has conducted national and international Management Development Programs, both as a course director and as a faculty member, as well as in-house training for organizations in India and the West.

A GIFTED WRITER

The leader has authored 9 books. Among his popular editions are ‘Mother Leadership,’ ‘Working Capital Management,’ ‘Ethics in Business and Management,’ ‘Stress Management through Mind Engineering,’ ‘Ved Vijnaner Gabhire: Tatwe, Prokashe,’ ‘Kautilyer Arthashastra: Hindu Arthanitir Prastabana,’ ‘Living Divine Life,’ ‘Art and Science of Self-Management and Self Leadership,’ and ‘Art and Science of Management in the Digital Era.’ In addition, he has published more than 200 articles/papers in journals both nationally and internationally. Furthermore, he is a guest editor of the International Journal of HRD and Management special issues. His writings delve deeply into the field of thoughts and practices.

LEADING A SPIRITUAL LIFE

In addition to being an accomplished writer and a distinguished visionary & philosopher, Dr. Banerjee is a spiritual person. As a deeply spiritual person, he is fiercely driven to succeed in his challenges and is determined to make a meaningful impact on the world. He believes that divine and limitless potentials reside within humans, which can be tapped through a spiritual transformation of collective human consciousness.

GLORIOUS ACHIEVEMENTS

As a lifelong learner, Dr. Banerjee keeps up with the latest advancements in the business world and education. He has enthused the entire community with his exceptional knowledge and excellence, which have earned him several prestigious awards, including the Outstanding Contribution to Education Award under National Education Awards 2018 from ABP News. He is also the recipient of the “Most Dedicated Teachers of India” award presented by the 6th Edition of World Education Congress in November 2017; Thought Leader Award presented by CIMA in July 2015; and Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Award received for Outstanding Contribution to Teaching at the 20th Business School Affaire & Dewang Mehta Business School Awards presented by Hindustan Unilever Limited in 2012. Under his guidance, EIILM, Kolkata, was honored with a commendation for the Best Placement among B-Schools in the East by ZEE 24 Ghanta, Kolkata, in August 2020.

AN EPITOME OF COMPASSION

A philanthropist at heart, Dr. Banerjee has an incredibly generous spirit. He is dedicated to the cause of helping the underprivileged and has championed multiple charitable projects. Serving the greatest good for the greatest number of people in need has always been his mantra. Thus, he began his mission to help the poorest of the poor through Towards Life Foundation (TLF). As its Chairman, he has been caring for 1,000 street children in Kolkata at its different centers, providing them with health, education, and other services and empowering them and their families through micro-finance.

He has also set up the Ramakrishna Educational & Organizational Society Trust, through which he provides charitable medical services to the needy in and around South 24 Parganas. He has teamed up with the South Asian Federation of Environment on a huge mission of planting nearly 1 lakh tree saplings in and around Kolkata.

Arvind Jain

Arvind Jain

CREATING A FOUNDATION FOR YOUR DREAMS

MR. ARVIND JAIN, MANAGING DIRECTOR AT THE PRIDE GROUP, HAS A PROVEN TRACK RECORD OF WORKING IN THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY. SINCE THE COMPANY’S FOUNDING IN THE 1990, HE HAS BEEN A PIONEER IN CREATING COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS, CONSTANTLY RESHAPING THE URBAN LANDSCAPE OF PUNE, MUMBAI, AND BANGALORE

A HUMBLE BEGINNING

Mr. Arvind Jain, a management graduate with no prior experience in Real Estate, was driven by his ambition to explore the world of infrastructure development. In the 1980s, his family moved from Madhya Pradesh to Bombay. Mumbai’s large buildings, particularly the breathtaking SR Towers, always fascinated him with their stunning glass exterior. After earning a diploma in Hotel Management, he relocated to Pune to work at the Pride Hotel. But he never lost sight of his ambition to create something entirely different. As soon as he got the opportunity to enter the infrastructure world, he grabbed it with both hands and never looked back. He founded Pride Group of Companies and laid a vision for a stronger, brighter future. His visionary leadership has guided the company through various challenges and opportunities in the infrastructure sector. Under his capable direction, Pride Group has executed iconic development projects like Pride Silicon Plaza, Pride Panorama, Park Street, Pride Aashiyana, Pride Picassa, Pride Enchanta, Pride Hulkul, Prime Corporate Park, and Park Royale. The company has constructed properties over 60 million square feet and generated an annual turnover of over Rs. 750 crore. Arvind believes in increasing the standards of living to improve the quality of life. He is dedicated to exceeding expectations, promoting a forward-thinking work environment, fostering a strong work ethic, and facing challenges with determination.

SETTING THE BAR WITH LARGE-SCALE INITIATIVES

Arvind considers three key projects—Pride Silicon Plaza, Park Street, and Pride World City—critical to Pride Group’s success. Pride Silicon Plaza, one of the first IT parks in Pune, saw an almost immediate sell-out on its launch day. With Park Street, Arvind ventured into a futuristic location for the first time, creating a mini-township and a better lifestyle for all the residents. Pride World City is Arvind’s most ambitious project, slowly coming to life. It is a 400-acre township project located in Charholi, Pune. This residential sanctuary combines modern luxury with traditional charm in a unique way. Arvind’s goal is to complete 200 million square feet of construction by 2030. He envisions Pride Group achieving national recognition and rising to become one of the top five construction firms in India.

Strong Commitment to Social Responsibility

Recognizing the critical role of labourers in the real estate sector and the need to enhance their living conditions, Arvind has implemented superior facilities at the Pride World City project and across other developments. These facilities include well-built accommodation, clean drinking water, playgrounds, and a well-maintained school for their children. In addition, Arvind holds the position of Vice President on the CREDAI-Pune Metro Managing Committee. Fostering a culture of innovation, he is always open to new ideas. As a visionary leader, he is dedicated to giving back to society and is particularly supportive of emerging and growing real estate leaders. He encourages them to visit the projects under his leadership to share and learn from the innovative practices and approaches being implemented.

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES

Arvind’s leadership has earned the group numerous accolades, including the Apex India Gold Award 2023, Best Facility Gold Award 2023, Best Programme for Female Workers Award, Best Safety Innovation Award, Best Crèche Facility Award, and Best Medical Facility for Workers Award by CREDAI Pune Metro. Similarly, the Group also received the Best Premium Residential Project of the Year 2022 for Pride Pegasus by ET Achievers 2022 Karnataka, the Best Landscape Award 2018, the “Developer of the Year” award from the Real Estate Awards 2018, and more.