March 07, 2024: The Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) felicitated the descendants of 33 past presidents from 1927 to 1959 during their 97th Foundation Day on March 7, 2024, in Mumbai. Mr. Ajit Gulabchand, Chairman of HCC, was felicitated as descendant of the sixth president of FICCI, Shri Walchand Hirachand (1931).
Addressing the ceremony in Mumbai, Dr Anish Shah, President of FICCI, said, “FICCI Foundation Day is an inspiring tribute to our visionary leaders. It is an honour to felicitate the Presidents from 1927 to 1959 and commemorate their pivotal role in India’s Economic rise. As we stride towards FICCI’s centenary in 2027, let’s uphold their governance values and advance towards a progressive future.”
KV Kamath, Chairperson, National Bank of Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID), in a conversation with FICCI President Dr Sha, noted, “Typically, we look at only the young people being the driver of the demographic dividend,
but I will add that it will also be the older people who will drive the demographic dividend because they are going to skill/upskill themselves.”
On occasion, Mr Harsh Pati Singhania, Past President of FICCI, said, “FICCI’s history is closely linked with India’s struggle for independence, followed by the path of industrialisation and subsequent liberalisation that has culminated in India emerging as a significant player in the global economy.”
Concurrently, FICCI organised its second National Executive Committee Meeting (NECM) for 2023-24, attended by over 125 industry members. The meeting focused on four key pillars. President Dr Shah encouraged attendees to share transformative ideas for accelerating India’s development and urged sector committee chairs to align industry action with government priorities while incorporating the viewpoints of MSME sector leaders.
As India becomes the world’s third-largest economy, FICCI reaffirms its commitment to the nation’s inclusive growth and global integration. The focus for 2024 and beyond rests on four key pillars: championing indigenous manufacturing and innovation through ‘Make in India’, empowering farmers and boosting agricultural productivity, fostering women’s entrepreneurship and leadership, and promoting sustainability and green growth.