MMA Annual Convention 2025
The Republic Day commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution. The preamble reflects the core values that the country is built on and encapsulates the aspirations of a nation striving for equality and growth with purpose. Over the last few years, India has made major strides in various fields, including technology, data science, and food security. By the end of this year, India’s GDP is projected to reach USD 4.34 trillion.
In an era where “Nari Shakti “is being emphasized, it is fitting that President Droupadi Murmu, a woman from one of India’s tribal regions, is now the first citizen of the country. Her leadership signifies India’s commitment to one of the core constitutional values—equality. India’s journey from a fledgling republic to a global powerhouse reflects its resilience, innovation, and dedication to equity. In today’s landscape, building resilience is more important than ever as we move towards the vision of Viksit Bharat.
In this context, the MMA Annual Convention on “Foundations for Building a Resilient India” will focus on strengthening India’s resilience, considering the evolving geopolitical landscape, the pivotal role of small and medium businesses, advancements in technology, skill resilience, talent management, and mental health. The convention will also emphasize the importance of integrating both urban and rural progress in this journey.
I would like to congratulate Mr. Lakshmi Narayanan, Chairman of the MMA Convention Committee, and our knowledge partner, McKinsey & Company, for their tireless efforts over the last few months in making this convention a grand success. I also extend my gratitude to our sponsors for their support in organizing this event.
Budget 2025
The Union Budget 2025 is a bold initiative aimed at transforming India into Viksit Bharat, focusing on reforms that will act as catalysts for growth while ensuring inclusivity remains the guiding spirit. Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of India’s economic structure, contributing nearly 30% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), 45% to exports, and generating employment for over 75 million people. The 2025-26 budget takes decisive steps to address structural challenges and fuel growth in alignment with India’s vision of self-reliance. By lowering financing barriers and easing operational hurdles, it aims to position MSMEs as the second engine of economic growth. India’s MSMEs can emerge as a global force, driving domestic employment, industrialization, and reinforcing India’s aspiration of becoming an economic powerhouse.
Skill India
Budget 2025 presents a crucial opportunity to align financial priorities with human capital development. India’s journey towards becoming a $5 trillion economy hinges on its workforce’s ability to adapt to automation, artificial intelligence, and emerging industries. However, the skill gap remains a significant challenge—currently, only half of India’s graduates are deemed employable. This gap not only affects individual career aspirations but also limits the competitiveness of industries striving to excel in the global market. Addressing this issue is critical to ensuring that India’s economic momentum is sustained and inclusive.
Internship Scheme 2025
The Internship Scheme 2025 sees a significant boost in the 2025-26 budget, with a sharp increase in funding for 2026. The government aims to offer 10 million internships across the country’s 500 largest firms over the next five years. This initiative is designed to enhance youth employability, ensuring that graduates acquire the industry-specific skills necessary for the evolving job landscape. As work is continuously reshaped by technology, bridging the gap between academic learning and industry expectations is more crucial than ever.
Budget 2025 reflects a strong commitment to economic resilience, skill development, and inclusive growth. These measures collectively set the stage for a more robust and globally competitive India.
Trump 2.O
The era of Trump 2.0 has begun, and the world is actively analyzing the multiple policy shifts that U.S. President Donald Trump has introduced since his re-election in November. As global dynamics shift under this new administration, the question remains: how should India adapt to a Trumpian world order?
India must navigate this evolving landscape strategically—avoiding rigid trade agreements that could limit its autonomy while capitalizing on emerging business opportunities and strengthening mutually beneficial ties. The overarching goal remains clear: advancing India’s interests while maintaining a balance between cooperation and self-reliance. Alongside the rest of the world, India must prepare for the broader implications of Trump’s policies on trade, geopolitics, and global stability.
In this context, MMA is organizing an exclusive discussion with an elite panel on “Trump 2.0: What Does It Mean for India and the World?” on 14th February 2025 at the MMA Management Center. This insightful session will delve into the potential economic and diplomatic shifts under Trump’s second term and their impact on India and the global order. Watch it live here.
Regulatory Impact Assessment
In a recent conference, the former SEBI Chairman emphasized the need for heightened regulatory impact assessment at a time when capital markets are experiencing significant growth. He further noted that corporate governance in Indian companies has improved, with independent directors increasingly voicing their opinions in boardrooms. However, external factors beyond India’s control continue to shape the economic landscape, introducing complexities that were non-existent a decade ago. Rigorous studies on the impact of regulations, policies, and taxation can play a crucial role in enhancing market efficiency.
To address these evolving challenges, MMA organized a conclave under the MMA CFO Forum on “The CFO’s Role in Integrating Governance, Sustainability, and Value Creation” at the MMA Management Center on 14th December 2024. This event provided a platform for finance leaders to discuss the intersection of governance, sustainability, and long-term value creation in today’s dynamic business environment.
I am delighted to present in this issue an article on the presentation and discussion on “Impact of Revised SA 600 Proposed by NFRA on the Industry and Sustainable Finance” by Mr. M.P. Vijay Kumar, Executive Director & Group CFO, Sify Technologies Ltd. Please read the article to gain deeper insights, or click here to watch the embedded video of the CFO conclave.
Mental Health
Despite growing awareness, few companies have formal policies to support employees’ mental well-being and work-life balance. While more workers are prioritizing mental health and some firms are introducing initiatives like additional leave days for staff to rest, the question remains—is it enough?
Although conversations around mental well-being have increased, many organizations have yet to implement structured policies to help employees manage stress and achieve a sustainable work-life balance. If companies want their workforce to remain productive and perform at their best without compromising health, they need to adopt long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes.
I am delighted to share that an exclusive session on Mental Resilience featuring leading experts has been scheduled during the MMA Annual Convention 2025. This session promises invaluable insights and practical strategies for fostering mental resilience in the workplace.
Not to be missed—click the link to watch!
Technology Resilience – AI: Separating Hype from Reality
These are uncertain and complex times. Not only are we grappling with climate change, societal aging in major economies, and rising geopolitical tensions, but AI is also poised to reshape the world as we know it. If AI is used for automation, it may replace workers. However, if leveraged to enhance decision-making and provide better information, it can increase the demand for skilled workers and, consequently, their earnings. The key to ensuring that AI benefits humanity lies in investing in education and training at all levels.
AI applications tailored to India’s unique needs are crucial, but stopping there would be short-sighted. To fully capitalize on this technological revolution, we must create products and technologies with global appeal. We must not let the fear of rapid change or short-term investment losses deter us from embracing innovation. While some progress has been made, India must join the AI race in earnest. The remarkable success of DeepSeek—which leveraged old chips and minimal resources to compete with big tech—demonstrates that innovation is not solely dependent on vast financial investments.
An exclusive session on this subject featuring leading experts at the MMA Annual Convention 2025 will provide deeper insights, sparking thought-provoking discussions and inspiration.
MMA Women Managers Convention 2025
Come March, our women members step up their efforts in engaging with thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and corporate executives at the Annual MMA Women Managers’ Convention. This event is a true celebration of the spirit of women and the diverse roles they play in shaping society. At MMA, we firmly believe that Women’s Day is not just a symbolic gesture but a meaningful occasion to honor and empower women in all walks of life.
The focus of this year’s convention is to inspire and guide women toward growth in every aspect of life. The theme, “Empowering Change, Inspiring Leadership”, will explore bold and impactful ideas through engaging discussions on breaking societal norms, embracing individuality, and balancing tradition with modernity to craft visionary leadership. The convention will highlight the nuances of authentic leadership by showcasing the synergy between vulnerability and strength. It will also emphasize mentorship as a cornerstone for building a legacy of empowerment, fostering collaboration, and shaping future leaders.
The MMA Women Managers’ Convention is scheduled to be held on Saturday, 15th March 2025, at the MMA Management Centre. The event, spearheaded by the convention committee led by Ms. Meera Nair and supported by our knowledge partner, EFL, promises an enriching experience featuring a distinguished lineup of speakers. The content and structure of the convention have been thoughtfully curated to meet the aspirations and expectations of our women delegates.
We look forward to welcoming women delegates in person at the convention on 15th March 2025, and for those unable to attend, you can also watch it live here.
As always, we would be happy to hear your views, comments and suggestions.
Happy Reading!
