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CNBC’s Managing Brainstorm V: topic triggers for growth
MUMBAI: CNBC India in association with Sun Microsystems and Wipro Infotech held the fifth session of its managing Brainstorm series in Mumbai yesterday.
Proceedings were coordinated by TV 18 promoter Raghav Bahl and the speakers included Godrej Group chairman Adi Godrej, Cummins chairman Ravi Venkatesan, Shipping Corporation of India CMD PK Srivastava, Essar Group chairman Shashi Ruia and Phillips vice chairman Ramachandran. The forum focussed on the barriers to economic growth by identifying problem areas.
One of the conclusions reached was that India will continue to operate in a narrow range. Therefore we see neither a sudden growth spurt nor a sharp downward spike.
Ruia said that developing the export market could be one of the triggers for growth. India should concentrate on labour intensive exports and for this to happen more broad based thinking was needed. The total world export market is $ 1.5 trillion notwithstanding the downslide in the international market conditions, he said.
Ramachandran said that industry needed to adopt a long-term outlook. In the last 10 years the best sustainable growth was seen in 91-92 and 95-96. Since 1996 manufacturing has seen a steady decline, he pointed out. Consistency has a trigger effect but it has been conspicuous by its absence. There is a need for companies to start benchmarking themselves against how the same industries are performing in other countries instead of comparing our performance to the previous year, he said.
The basic underlying theme was that though the last couple of quarters had been good for companies one swallow did not make a summer. The industry remains cautiously optimistic but has managed to fend off major crisis.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
