Shyam Saran
Shyam Saran is a Honorary Senior Faculty and Member of the Governing Board at Centre for Policy Research. He is a former Foreign Secretary of India and has served as Prime Minister's Special Envoy For Nuclear Affairs and Climate Change. After leaving government service in 2010, he headed the Research and Information System for Developing Countries, a think tank focusing on economic issues (2011-2017) and was Chairman of the National Security Advisory Board under the National Security Council (2013-15). He is currently Life Trustee of India International Centre, Member of the Governing Board of the Institute of Chinese Studies, a Trustee at the World Wildlife Fund (India) and Member of the Executive Council of the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2011 for his contributions to civil service.
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Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
Nalanda University adds 4 new PG courses, V-C says reinforcing its role as centre of high learning
Nalanda University Vice-Chancellor Sachin Chaturvedi has announced four new postgraduate courses in economics, hindi, mathematics and philosophy, taking the total PG programmes to 12. Chaturvedi, who is also the Director General of Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), joined as the university's V-C last month. He said, 'Expansion of courses are meant to expand academic scope and reinforce NU's role as a premier centre of research and high learning.' The new courses are in consonance with the blended vision of ancient and new Nalanda universities to focus on mathematics and philosophy. Meanwhile, Hindi has been added as part of the Central government's thrust to promote mother tongue, and economics is added as per the V-C's vision. 'The spirit of Nalanda has evolved as a vibrant expression of continuous engagement with eternal values and the civilisational ethos of the east. It embodies a rich intellectual tradition, marked by openness, inclusivity and a globally oriented outlook. Building upon this legacy, the vision for the new Nalanda is shaped by a forward-looking blueprint rooted in integrative wisdom. It draws inspiration from an eastern worldview in which faith, intellectual inquiry and material well-being are not regarded in isolation, but as deeply interwoven dimensions of holistic human existence.' The previous PG courses included historical studies, ecology and environment studies, Buddhist studies, comparative religions, Hindu studies (Sanatana Dharma), world literature, archaeology, international relations and peace studies, and MBA in sustainable development and management. NU, established under Nalanda University Act, 2010, started functioning from 2014 with two PG courses having only 12 students. PM Narendra Modi formally inaugurated NU campus — spread over 455 acres at Rajgir foothills — last year. Santosh Singh is a Senior Assistant Editor with The Indian Express since June 2008. He covers Bihar with main focus on politics, society and governance. Investigative and explanatory stories are also his forte. Singh has 25 years of experience in print journalism covering Bihar, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. ... Read More
India.com
2 days ago
- India.com
Meet man who was once richer than Mukesh Ambani, Adani, Ratan Tata, now lives in a rented flat due to..., his name is..., business was...
There was a time when Vijaypat Singhania was one of the most well-known and respected businessmen in India. He was not just rich, he was a symbol of success, power, and fame. People looked up to him as an example of what it meant to be truly wealthy and influential. But life took a painful turn. Today, at the age of 86, Vijaypat lives alone in a small rented flat in Mumbai, far away from the luxury and status he once had. Made Raymond a global name Vijaypat Singhania was born into the famous Singhania business family. His uncle, G.K. Singhania, had started the Raymond Group, but it was Vijaypat who turned the brand into a global success. He became the chairman of Raymond in 1980 and led the company until 2000. Under his leadership, Raymond became one of the top names in premium suiting fabric not only in India but around the world. He gave Raymond its iconic identity as 'The Complete Man', a campaign that made the brand relatable and aspirational. A true business legend Vijaypat built an empire worth thousands of crores and made Raymond a brand that every Indian was proud of. But despite his huge success, things didn't end well for him personally. Disputes within the family and changes in business control left him with little to his name. A Father-son relationship gone sour The turning point in Vijaypat Singhania's life came when he tried to divide his business between his two sons, Gautam and Madhupati. Madhupati had already moved to Singapore and stepped away from the business. In 2015, Vijaypat transferred his shares and control of Raymond Group to his son, Gautam Singhania, believing it was the right step for the family business. However, this decision backfired as a bitter dispute erupted between father and son. After getting control of the business, Gautam slowly began distancing his father from company matters. In 2018, Vijaypat was removed as Chairman Emeritus of Raymond, severing his ties with the company he once built. What hurt even more was that Vijaypat was eventually asked to leave his ancestral home where he had spent much of his life. This is the same man who once owned private jets, luxury bungalows, and had an army of staff at his service. Today, he lives all by himself in a small rented apartment in Mumbai. An award-winning aviator Many people know Vijaypat Singhania as the man behind the success of Raymond, but few know that he is also a professional aviator. His love for flying came from none other than JRD Tata, the legendary founder of the Tata Group and a pioneer in Indian aviation. Vijaypat broke records and earned national honors. In 1994, he made a world record by flying a hot air balloon to a height of 69,852 feet above sea level. His passion earned him the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award in 2001, followed by the prestigious Padma Bhushan in 2006. That same year, he was also appointed as the Sheriff of Mumbai, and the Indian Air Force honored him with the title of Honorary Air Commodore. No regret about life, but… Even after all the ups and downs in his life, Vijaypat believes that money is never permanent and what truly lasts are a person's values and actions. In a heartfelt interview, he admitted that he deeply regrets trusting his son and giving away all his wealth. That decision cost him not just money, but also family and peace. Today, he finds himself completely alone. But despite the heartbreak, he still sees himself as a fighter. He says, 'I've seen everything in life…. the top and the bottom. What I've learned, no business school can teach.' While Vijaypat now leads a modest life, his son Gautam Singhania enjoys an ultra-luxurious lifestyle. Gautam owns JK House, a towering mansion worth Rs. 6,000 crore (USD 81 million), located on Mumbai's Altamount Road, just beside Mukesh Ambani's Antilia—one of the world's most expensive homes.
Mint
3 days ago
- Mint
National Awards for Manufacturing Competitiveness 2025 Celebrates India's Industrial Growth
June 14, 2025 | ITC Maratha, Mumbai India's most influential gathering of manufacturing minds convened on June 14, 2025, at the ITC Maratha, Mumbai, to celebrate industrial excellence at the annual National Awards for Manufacturing Competitiveness (NAMC) presentation ceremony. The evening marked a significant milestone in the country's journey toward global manufacturing leadership. The awards ceremony was held immediately after the 7th edition of the Manufacturing Thought Leaders' Summit (MTLS), an event that has come to symbolize the spirit of knowledge exchange and innovation among India's industrial visionaries. Padma Bhushan Dr. A. Sivathanu Pillai, one of India's most distinguished scientists and technocrats, graced the event as the Chief Guest. In recognition of his monumental contributions to science and nation-building, Dr. Pillai was conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the International Research Institute for Manufacturing (IRIM). The award was presented by Mr. Ravi Kant, former Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Tata Motors, in a moving and celebratory ceremony. The evening was further elevated by the presence of distinguished special guests from some of India's leading industrial houses: Mr. Satish Agrawal – President, Ajanta Pharma Ltd Mr. Saurabh Khedekar – President and CEO – Hindalco Alumina Business, Hindalco Industries Limited Mr. Lokendra Raj Singh – Chief Operating Officer, JSW Steel Mr. Lakshminarayana Neti – Chief Operating Officer, Biological E. Ltd Mr. Shirish Bhide – Operations and Supply Chain India Lead, Cummins India Limited Mr. Nirupam Sahay – CEO, Hindware Limited Mr. Rajendra Chunodkar – President – Manufacturing Operations, Lupin Limited Mr. Vikas Garg – Chief Manufacturing Officer, Superform Chemistries Ltd. (UPL Group Company) Mr. P R Bhaskar Reddy – Director, Hetero Labs Limited Mr. Amit Gupta – Director – Infrastructure, Energy and Materials Business, Dassault Systèmes Mr. Praveer Kumar – Executive Director, GAIL Mr. Vijay Kumar Bindlish – Senior Vice President, Jindal Stainless Limited The summit featured compelling keynote addresses and thought-provoking discussions by some of India's most respected minds across industries. Esteemed speakers included: Dr. Anil Khandelwal, former Chairman and Managing Director, Bank of Baroda Dr. Ganesh Natarajan, former Chairman, NASSCOM Mr. Rajesh Srivastava, renowned author and leadership expert Dr Sibichen Mathew, renowned author and bureaucrat Mr. Barath from Zoho, who shared insights on a simplified approach to developing customized business solutions, highlighting the importance of agility and adaptability in today's digital landscape Speakers from Dassault Systèmes, the Technology Partner for the summit, also captivated the audience with powerful case studies showcasing scientific software solutions and their application in real-world manufacturing environments. Their presentations demonstrated how advanced modelling and simulation tools can accelerate innovation and improve product and process efficiency. The summit's Knowledge Partner, Deloitte India, brought deep insights into the digital transformation of manufacturing. Mr. Jayakumar, Partner at Deloitte India, emphasized the necessity of digital adoption to enhance global competitiveness. Ms. Sudeeptha Veerapaneni, Chief Innovation Officer, spoke about the critical need for gigafactories and hyper-connected supply chains. Mr. Rahul Ghosh discussed the application of digital twins to optimize operations and unlock efficiencies on the shop floor. The NAMC Awards ceremony saw the convergence of over a hundred participating factories, celebrating the rigor, innovation, and operational excellence demonstrated across the manufacturing sector. Business leaders who accepted the awards on behalf of their respective units praised the transparent, technical, and robust assessment methodology adopted by IRIM in identifying the winners. This year, 118 factories were evaluated, and 91 units were recognized across various categories for their outstanding performance. The most coveted title, the NAMC 2025 Trophy, was claimed by the Vijayanagar Works of JSW Ltd. The First Runner-up award went to Tata Motors Electric Mobility Unit, Sanand, while JSL's Hisar Unit secured the Second Runner-up position. As India aims to become a global manufacturing powerhouse, the NAMC Awards and the MTLS platform serve as a beacon, celebrating excellence, encouraging innovation, and reinforcing the nation's commitment to building a resilient and future-ready industrial ecosystem. Note to the Reader: This article is part of Mint's promotional consumer connect initiative and is independently created by the brand. Mint assumes no editorial responsibility for the content.
