Group Chairman's Message
Dear All,
For a country not too used to laurels other than in cricket, the wonderful feat by PV Sindhu of winning a silver at the Olympics was greeted with unprecedented cheer. The country was submerged in unprecedented enthusiasm. A nation, which is often divided on so many issues, this binding delight was especially heartening.
This was a lesson for all of us that determination and focus can enable you to take mightiest of challenges and ensure success. The glorious performance of Dipa Karmakar and Sakshi Malik were also celebrated with equal zest.
Ever since Prime Minister launched the Clean India Mission in 2014, we have seen rare awareness about cleanliness. While on the ground the change is yet to be visible - with the nature of the task being colossal - but what is good we are all geared to contributing our bit on this count. It was indeed good to see that one of India’s iconic Amar Chitra Katha signed an MoU with Ministry of Urban Development for publishing comic books on the Swachh Bharat Mission. It will contain stories of individuals and organizations that can inspire children with the concept of swachhata. Having said that, it becomes our duty to keep our surroundings clean so that we send a good message to people.
We welcome Ms. Smriti Irani as the new Textiles Minister and I must appreciate that she has been on her job from the word go. This was evident when in an interview soon after her joining the ministry, she raised many challenges that weavers faced and said, “To address the skilling needs of weavers, especially relating to running successful small businesses, the MoT will sign a memorandum of understanding with the ministry or skill development and entrepreneurship to enhance soft skills, entrepreneurship and marketing. This initiative will help weavers run their operations profitably, increasing their ability to compete globally.” Among a slew of very innovative programs, she also informed that to create successful market linkages and ensure that weavers weave garments that are bought by the fashion community worldwide, the Ministry is working with the National Institute of Fashion Technology and professional design groups to identify leading fashion designers to mentor weavers. I take this opportunity to wish Ms. Irani all the very best. As a leading player in this segment, we shall continue to support her endeavors towards transforming and modernizing the sector, besides addressing the many issues that affect us.
As a group, which has stake in the power sector, I am happy to see that the Government has set a target of achieving 40% of installed capacity through renewables and reduce the carbon intensity of the GDP by 30-35% by 2030. The energy requirements of the growing economy would triple by then and hence making the role of research, innovation and development will be key to addressing these issues in a holistic manner. Modern technologies like clean coal, carbon capture and reuse, smart grids are some novel solutions to make power affordable to the common man by 2022, as envisioned by the Prime Minister.
As a business group, we have always been responsive to the society and aligned our business imperatives, as responsibly as possible. You all have been vital to this endeavor and as we get into a new phase of resurgent India, it will be important for us to be alert and agile to adjust to new realities.
I am glad to note that we saw a successful launch of a luxury suitings and shirtings fabric brand Cannello. The Italian inspired brand will be marketed by Mayur Suitings. You are aware this range is designed to cater to the aspirational new-age consumers who are increasingly opting for high-end products.
The new age Cannello has several features like tweed for winter jacketing with warmth of pure wool, polywool for all season fabric for trousers and suits, terry rayon for best high class suits and party wear which gives a super soft and elegant look, and Giza cotton that provides super softness. This product will certainly set new benchmark in the Indian fashion industry.
With the belief that we shall continue to scale new heights together, I wish you all the very best.
Ravi Jhunjhunwala