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Pratik Vaidya appointed head and convenor at India SME Forum
MUMBAI: When it comes to decoding India’s new labour codes, Pratik Vaidya is ready to be the guiding compass for MSMEs across the nation. Karma Management Global Consulting Solutions Pvt. Ltd. chief vision officer and managing director Pratik Vaidya, has been appointed head and convenor of the HR compliance & labour committee at the national level for the India SME Forum. In this role, he will champion practical, transparent, and business-friendly compliance practices for the country’s vibrant MSME sector.
With over 20 years of experience, Vaidya has transformed Karma Global into an internationally recognised powerhouse, launching high-profile ventures in Canada, U.S., and U.K., where he serves as chairman and managing director. His global footprint also includes representing India at prestigious platforms such as the Select USA Summit, the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, and Canada’s Collision 2023, where he forged partnerships and explored innovative solutions to strengthen business and compliance practices.
Vaidya is an active voice in industry bodies including Nasscom, Assocham, the Indian Chamber of Commerce, and the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce. Beyond boardrooms, he shares his insights through weekly and monthly publications, offering guidance on HR and compliance strategies.
Commenting on his appointment, Vaidya said, “India’s MSME sector is entering a pivotal phase with the new labour codes. My goal is to help businesses navigate these changes smoothly and adopt robust compliance systems without slowing growth.”
With his extensive global experience and deep industry insight, Vaidya is set to steer the MSME community towards smarter compliance and sustainable growth, making the complex world of labour regulations more accessible and business-friendly than ever.
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.
