CII Gujarat has launched its innovative initiative, ‘Breakfast with Champions,’ under the CII Gujarat Taskforce on Strategic Initiatives & Engagements. The inaugural session featured Sanjay Lalbhai, Chairman and Managing Director of Arvind Limited, who shared his valuable insights and vision for Gujarat’s industrial future.
Moderated by Sameer Sinha, Chairman of the CII Gujarat Taskforce on Strategic Initiatives & Engagements and Founder and Managing Director of Savvy Group, the event provided a unique platform for industry leaders to gain wisdom from one of Gujarat’s most respected business figures.
Lalbhai’s interaction blended personal stories and professional advice, reflecting his deep-rooted values. He fondly recalled lessons from his grandfather, emphasizing the importance of punctuality and respecting others’ time. “It is not good to make people wait. Value other people’s time,” he quoted, highlighting a principle guiding his approach to life and business.
He discussed the unique challenges and privileges of managing a legacy family business, stressing the family’s commitment to equal rights, especially for women, and the importance of planned leadership. His insights into balancing personal values with professional responsibilities resonated with the audience.
Lalbhai also shared the evolution and future vision of Arvind Limited, particularly its pioneering role in the textile industry. He recounted establishing India’s first denim manufacturing plant in Ahmedabad in the early 1980s, which ignited the denim revolution in India. “Arvind played a pivotal role in bringing denim jeans to India and making them a popular fashion trend,” he noted, emphasizing the company’s innovative approaches like rope dyeing and projectile looms that set industry benchmarks.
Addressing the textile revolution in Gujarat, Lalbhai detailed how Arvind Ltd. set up India’s first denim manufacturing plant, marking the beginning of the denim revolution in India. “Recognizing the global popularity of denim, Arvind brought this trend to India,” he said. This strategic move not only catered to the growing domestic market but also positioned India as a key player on the global stage. Arvind’s production and fabric quality innovations set it apart as a leader in textile technology.
Lalbhai emphasized the textile industry’s role as a significant engine for employment generation. He advocated for policies encouraging skill development and vocational training to equip the workforce with the necessary skills. Highlighting the potential of man-made fibers, he emphasized the need for diversification and investment in research and development to innovate and improve quality, positioning India as a leader in this segment.
Discussing real estate, Lalbhai stressed the need for reforms in land laws and reduced compliance requirements to stimulate development. He stated that easing regulations would benefit the real estate sector and create a ripple effect across the economy, enhancing infrastructure and generating employment. Simplified land acquisition processes and streamlined regulatory frameworks are essential to attract investment and expedite projects.
Concluding his address, Lalbhai underscored the importance of collaborative policymaking. He praised CII’s efforts to integrate more stakeholders into the development process, advocating for a paradigm shift involving government, industry bodies, and the private sector working together. By fostering a culture of cooperation, he believes more comprehensive and effective policies can be developed, driving sustainable growth and innovation.
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