The Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) marked the beginning of its Golden Jubilee year by honouring four distinguished personalities during its 49th Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in Bengaluru on Saturday.
The Chamber felicitated Padma Shri Dr. Shubha Venkatesh Iyengar, Major General R K Suresh, SC**, SM, Dr. B S Srinath, and Padma Shri Dr. Khader Valli Dudekula, recognising their exemplary service to the nation and society.
The landmark AGM also ushered in a new chapter in BCIC’s leadership with CA K Ravi assuming office as President for 2026–27 and Dr. Prashanth Reddy taking charge as Senior Vice President.
As the Chamber embarks on its Golden Jubilee year, the newly elected leadership will spearhead initiatives focused on strengthening industry-government collaboration, promoting innovation, supporting MSMEs, encouraging global partnerships and contributing to Karnataka’s economic growth.
A major highlight of the AGM was BCIC’s felicitation of four eminent personalities whose outstanding achievements have left an indelible mark on the nation.
The Chamber honoured Padma Shri Dr. Shubha Venkatesh Iyengar, Distinguished Aerospace Scientist at CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL), Major General R K Suresh, SC**, SM, one of India’s highly decorated Army veterans, Dr. B S Srinath, Senior Surgical Oncologist and Managing Trustee of Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, and Padma Shri Dr. Khader Valli Dudekula.
Speaking after assuming office as President, CA K Ravi said, “It is a privilege to lead BCIC at such a defining moment in its history as we celebrate 50 years of service to industry. As we embark on this new journey, our endeavour will be to strengthen industry-government collaboration, promote innovation, support MSMEs, encourage global partnerships and create greater opportunities for businesses across Karnataka.”
Speaking on his appointment as Senior Vice President, Dr. Prashanth Reddy said, “I look forward to working closely with our President, office bearers and members to further strengthen the Chamber’s engagement with industry, government and academia while helping create a more competitive and future-ready business ecosystem.”
Reflecting on his tenure as President of BCIC, Mr. Prashant Gokhale said, “It has been a privilege to serve BCIC during a period of significant engagement with industry, government and our members.”
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. F R Singhvi, Joint Managing Director of Sansera Engineering Limited, shared his perspectives on India’s evolving manufacturing landscape, industrial competitiveness and the opportunities emerging for Indian industry in an increasingly dynamic global economy.
Mr. Singhvi said, “The next twenty years will decide whether we truly become a developed nation. No country has achieved that without a strong manufacturing base. Service creates wealth, but manufacturing creates jobs, innovation, exports and national security. The real wealth we create is not just in the companies we build, but in the values we pass on.”
The AGM witnessed the participation of senior policymakers, diplomats and industry leaders. The gathering included Dr. S. Selvakumar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Commerce & Industries Department, Government of Karnataka; Ms. Khushboo G. Chowdhary, IAS, Commissioner for Industrial Development and Director of Industries & Commerce; His Excellency Mr. Hiroshi Nawata, Consul General of Japan in Bengaluru; and Mr. Chandru Iyer, British Deputy High Commissioner to Karnataka and Kerala and His Majesty’s Deputy Trade Commissioner for Investment, South Asia.