The KS Narayanan Oration 2018
New Delhi: The 3nd KS Narayanan Oration – 2018, was held in Chennai with the theme “Doing business in India Today – Does it call for Compromises?” The main speakers at panel discussion were Mr. Uday Kotak, Executive Vice Chairman and MD, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Ms. Anu Aga, Director, Thermax Ltd. This was moderated by Mr. Adit Jain, Executive Chairman, IMA India Pvt Ltd.
Mr. Uday Kotak, Vice Chairman and MD, Kotak Mahindra Bank explained how being transparent with customers and business partners helped in the growth of his business. “A majority of the losses of banks are from lending to big businesses. Five decades back banks had been nationalised because they had only supported businesses but now the situation is not much different, he added“
Ms. Anu Aga, Director, Thermax Ltd said “Businesses which are most susceptible to constant government intervention are likely to be corrupt. politically sensitive Indian sugar industry with its roots in agriculture is one such industry wherein successive governments have routinely intervened in every aspect from the price of cane to the selling, marketing and distribution of sugar. Unless there is a “drastic clean up” nothing can be achieved”
She further added, “Thermax has concentrated on globalising operations with nearly 40 per cent of its businesses coming from international operations. More than half its business is from repeat orders, as there are enough business houses keen to adopt transparent policies”
The oration’s main objective is to bring together people from diverse backgrounds to spend an evening of learning and bonhomie representing the core spirit of KSN’s personality. During the inaugural edition, the oration was dedicated to the sport of Cricket, as it was a part of the celebration of the SANMAR family’s association with Jolly Rovers Cricket club for over 50 years. The Captain of the English Cricket Team David Gower spoke on the topic of “Lessons from the Cricket Field” after which a discussion on “Whither Cricket?” with Former Indian Test Cricketer Aakash Chopra was held.
This oration was to remember Mr. KS Narayanan, Chairman Emeritus, The SANMAR Group. KS Narayanan was an astute entrepreneur, quick to sight opportunities, had an excellent understanding of technology, superior people skills, wisdom and wit in the face of challenges. His wide interests travelled beyond business and included a keen passion for sports such as cricket and Tennis.
Mr. N. Sankar, Chairman, and Mr. Vijay Sankar, Deputy Chairman, The SANMAR Group were present.