Professional Career: Tata Group, A.T.E. Group.
Education: Bachelor in Textiles from Mumbai University with 1st rank in 1979; Masters in Textiles by research in 1981; Post-graduation in Management in 1984. Also completed strategic courses from IIM, Ahmedabad and IIM, Bangalore.
Role Model: In life, Shri APJ Abdul Kalam, former president of India for the inspiration he gave to Indians that anyone can succeed in life with a very modest background. What you need is a dream which does not allow you to sleep. In business, Shri Narayana Murthy, former chairman of Infosys for his simple living and sticking to his philosophy and principles in spite of being rich.
Most Admired Business Leader: Shri Ratan Tata for his simplicity and humility as well as love for the country. Also, for his vision for the Tata Group and commitment to social causes.
Words of Wisdom: Trust is the core of business which I learnt in my life repeatedly. In many big business deals where I faced equally formidable competition, the business deals could be won on a simple formula of ‘where comfort and trust is….business surely finds its way there’. Trust and comfort only come from well-nurtured relationships. I learned this lesson at an early age and focused on building long-term relationships with people. The same formula helped me join hands with many European companies and work with them for a long time.
Hobbies/Passion: Reading books on management and finance, fitness regime including yoga and pranayam.
Favourite Sport: Cricket, favourite players Virat Kohli (present) and Sandeep Patil (past).
Favourite Book: The Monk who Sold his Ferrari’ by Robin Sharma and ‘Who Painted my Money White’ by Sri Iyer.
Social Initiative: I am involved with academics, working closely with a leading engineering institute called VJTI as a member of the board of studies. I also work closely with an NGO, MSSI (Multiple Sclerosis Society of India). Secret of Success: Life is simple….don’t make it complicated. Be humble. Humility and honesty are the biggest assets which make successful leaders. Relationships are the core of business, nurture them for a lifetime.