The “Winners”, during a crisis, get a few things right: They protect and even reinvent the core of their activities with agility; they trim fat and add muscle. MMA too has undergone a transformative change with the conduct of its activities. I firmly believe that the impression that India has reached the Corona peak in September suffers from fallacy of inference. The conclusion is based on limited inputs; the number may rise again, with all our shambolic systems and amusing statistics. It is a pity that our shifting strategies are based on mathematical models of a limited theoretical frame. The MMA Committee has taken a conscious decision to wait for few more days before we could take a call on offline activities at MMA. But not to worry, the Covid-19 experience has indeed turned out to be a long-term gain for MMA to present outstanding events with the participation of speakers and viewers from around the world.
Covid has been a wake-up call for India. It will be quite some time before we understand the full impact of the pandemic. Even during severe economic downturns and restrictions, a few companies are able to gain advantage. A shock like Covid-19 can bring about lasting changes in consumer behaviour; and those firms that are quick enough to spot consumer changes, have already modified their business models to reflect them. They are not reluctant to make investments in innovation to reap rich dividend. The market research firm, Nielsen, said it recorded 1897 product launches in the health and hygiene portfolio since March 2020 compared to 102 in the previous six months’ period till February 2020. Companies and individuals, however, need to be cautious about how consumer demand shapes up for most innovations once the pandemic subsides.
CavinKare-MMA Chinikrishnan Innovation Awards
Innovation leads to progress. It has propelled India to a higher plane. We are now in the top 50 league in the Global Innovation index. We are indeed privileged to play a small role in catalysing people responsible for stunning innovations. In this context, I am delighted to share with you that the CavinKare-MMA Chinikrishnan Innovation Awards Function is scheduled to be telecast on a national television channel at 06.00 pm on 10th October 2020.

The market research firm, Nielsen, said it recorded 1897 product launches in the health and hygiene portfolio since March 2020 compared to 102 in the previous six months’ period till February 2020. Companies and individuals, however, need to be cautious about how consumer demand shapes up for most innovations once the pandemic subsides.

We strongly believe that for innovative products to succeed in India, we must address the pain points of the majority who are poor. Late Mr Chinnikrishnan, the father of Mr C K R, too believed that for products or services to scale they need to innovate along with the end-user or customer. Most importantly innovations need to be affordable, scalable and sustainable. The award is our way to encourage small scale industries. Please do watch the telecast and get inspired.
For women entrepreneurs
The only one challenge that every women entrepreneur faces too often from parents, friends and even spouse: Doing something about it! But the spirit with which they have taken it is what matters. When women go out there to change the narrative, the journey is excruciatingly difficult but the reward is extraordinarily satisfying. In this context, MMA launched a new initiative—guided by Mr V Balaraman, Past President, MMA—with the forming of “MMA Women Business Council” to showcase women achievers and their incredible feats. Listen to Ms Zia Hajeebhoy share her inspiring story of entrepreneurship.
Of health…
The International Heart Day was observed on 29th September, and it has come as a reminder that it is more important than ever to pay due attention to our health, and in particular, to our heart. Another issue increasingly becoming a cause of concern is mental health. More so, in India, given our poor awareness and stigma associated with mental illnesses and inadequate health infrastructure, we strongly believe that the first step towards solving this lies in enabling mental health literacy among stakeholders. MMA is organizing a series of lectures by outstanding thought leaders in association with Buddhi Clinic, NHRD and KAS.
The legend is gone, but his legacy will live on…
Fans around the world mourn the demise of one of India’s greatest playback singers of all time, lovingly called SPB by all. One keeps wondering why is it that millions feel that they have lost one of their family members and what is it that differentiated him from other great singers. A true leader displays humility in success, remains humane in approach, and always appreciates team members. This is what has earned him legions of fans.
MMA is fortunate to have hosted him for an event to pay tribute to late MSV. I still remember that during this event his eyes always expressed only kindness and admiration for all the achievement of others. As a tribute to late SPB we present to you the talk by him to the Members of MMA from our archives—Watch SPB share his experiences and relive his greatness by clicking the link here.
Thank you so much for reading—and all the very best for managing whatever the rest 2020 has in store for us!