As we turn the page following this year’s MMA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the Managerial Excellence Awards, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. The event stood out not only for its impeccable organisation but more so for the vibrant participation of our members, whose continued support fuels MMA’s journey of excellence.
A key highlight was the address by Dr. Suneeta Reddy, President, AIMA & Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals. Her bold call to shift from efficiency to evolution challenged us to pursue breakthrough innovation, purposeful risk-taking, and a recalibrated growth mindset to unlock India’s true potential. Complementing this vision was Mr. Kamal Bali, President & MD, Volvo Group India, who offered thought-provoking insights on reimagining India’s trajectory through purpose-led leadership, trust, sustainability, and collaborative progress.
The AGM also marked the launch of several landmark initiatives: Volume 2 of “Turning Points,” a special issue of Business Mandate, and MMA’s new Learning Management System (LMS)—each designed to enrich our members’ experience and engagement. The response was overwhelmingly positive.
This edition features an article capturing the essence of the Chief Guest’s address, along with a link to the full video. We also invite you to revisit the video presentation from the AGM, spotlighting MMA’s key initiatives and milestones in 2024–25—a collective achievement made possible by our dedicated members and Managing Committee.
Change of Guard
A new chapter has begun at MMA with the announcement of the Managing Committee for 2025–26 during the Annual General Meeting held on July 4, 2025. It is both an honour and a privilege to collaborate with this distinguished team of leaders.
At the helm is our new President, Mr. Lakshminarayanan Duraiswamy, Managing Director, Sundaram Home Finance Ltd. He is joined by a dynamic mix of seasoned professionals and fresh entrants, each bringing a wealth of corporate experience and a shared commitment to excellence. Their collective wisdom and leadership will be instrumental in steering MMA toward even greater accomplishments.
As we step into this new term, we do so with renewed purpose and unwavering determination. With the continued support of our valued members and well-wishers, we are confident in our ability to achieve our goals—and exceed expectations.
Jobs, Opportunities & Up-Skilling – A Unique MMA Initiative
The India Employment Report 2024 paints a stark picture—83% of India’s unemployed are youth, and two-thirds of them hold secondary or higher education qualifications. Paradoxically, the unemployment rate among college graduates is nearly 30%, far exceeding that of illiterate youth. This troubling mismatch between education and employability, compounded by the fact that less than 5% of youth receive formal vocational training, underscores the urgent need to reform our education-to-employment pathways.
In this context, MMA has been actively championing skill development through a range of initiatives—especially for students in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Our Learning Management System (LMS) empowers learners to upgrade their skills at their own pace, with curated programs like The Nurturing Quotient, The Future of Mobility, and How to Be the Best Leader. These efforts reflect our commitment to bridging the employability gap and promoting both career readiness and leadership growth.
India stands at a critical juncture. Without bold interventions in education, vocational training, and digital literacy, millions will remain locked out of meaningful employment. At MMA, we remain steadfast in our mission to deliver high-quality, industry-relevant programs that foster continuous learning and future-ready talent.
India’s Trade Diplomacy: Learning from the UK Agreement
The recently signed India–United Kingdom Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) reflects a pragmatic and strategic approach to bilateral trade between two large economies with mutual interests. The agreement illustrates the delicate balance of give-and-take required when nations of comparable economic size negotiate long-term trade partnerships.
What makes this deal particularly significant is that it could serve as a template for India’s future negotiations with larger global blocs such as the European Union and the United States. The pattern observed in such negotiations is clear—the larger the counterpart economy, the deeper the concessions expected. Having made certain allowances to the UK, India may now face demands for even greater market access or regulatory alignment in its discussions with the EU and the US.
As India steps up its role in the global economic landscape, this deal signals a new phase in trade diplomacy—one that calls for strategic alignment of domestic priorities with global expectations. The India–UK FTA may well be a curtain-raiser for more complex negotiations to come in future.
Hackathons and Healthcare: A New Era of Medical Innovation
The world of medicine is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, digital health, and personalized care. Yet, ironically, many medical professionals remain on the periphery of this innovation revolution. As engineers and entrepreneurs increasingly shape the healthcare landscape, doctors often find themselves relegated to service delivery, rather than leading as innovators.
This paradigm must change. The white coat should symbolize not just clinical excellence, but also visionary leadership in shaping the future of healthcare. To this end, MMA, in collaboration with Apollo Hospitals, is proud to launch the National Infectious Disease Hackathon—a first-of-its-kind initiative in India that puts clinicians at the center of innovation.
Focused on real-world, hospital-priority challenges in infectious disease management, the hackathon aims to deliver cost-effective, scalable, and directly implementable solutions across domains such as infection control, clinical workflows, patient education, and digital upskilling. This path-breaking initiative not only strengthens MMA’s role in healthcare thought leadership, but also paves the way for meaningful member engagement, multi-sectoral collaboration, and impactful societal change.
New Income Tax Law: Reform with Responsibility
The proposed new Income Tax Bill has been broadly welcomed by Indian taxpayers for its intent to simplify and modernize tax governance. However, it has also sparked concerns—particularly over digital privacy and the implications of Section 247, which many fear could infringe on individual rights.
To maintain public confidence, it is imperative that safeguards are built into the system. Section 247 must not become a tool vulnerable to misuse. The threshold for search and seizure operations must be set high to uphold the spirit of the reform—anchored in the five-letter foundation of the proposed law: TRUST.
In this context, MMA has launched a dedicated lecture series under the MMA CFO Forum to keep members informed and empowered. The first in the series—“Capital Gains Rewired: What You Must Know Before Filing ITR for FY 2024–25”—featured expert insights from Mr. M P Vijayakumar, Executive Director & Group CFO, Sify Technologies, and CA T G Suresh, Partner, Suresh and Balaji. For a deeper understanding of capital gains provisions and updates, we encourage members to read the analysis and watch the session recordings.
AI and the Art of Learning: MMA Empowers the Next Generation
Artificial Intelligence is a powerful tool—but in education, its use must be judicious, purposeful, and ethical. While AI can enhance learning, it must not replace the intellectual struggle that lies at the heart of meaningful knowledge development. We must encourage students to think critically, act responsibly, and engage deeply with content—not merely consume or replicate it. AI must be a support, never a substitute.
It is imperative that students must be exposed to the emerging tools, skills, and technologies shaping the future of work. In this spirit, MMA is proud to present the 24th All India Management Students Convention, scheduled to be held on Monday, 27th October 2025 at the IIT Research Park Auditorium, Chennai. The convention aims to equip future leaders with the agility, mindset, and digital readiness needed to thrive in a fast-evolving world.
As a prelude, several competitions have been launched, offering students a platform to showcase their potential and win accolades. We especially invite students to compete in the prestigious “Chanakya – The Mastermind”, with a grand prize of ₹1 lakh. We urge you to peruse the convention brochure, register early, and make the most of this highly subsidized, high-impact learning opportunity.
A Grand Victory for Indian Chess: Divya Deshmukh Creates History
Indian chess celebrated a landmark moment as 19-year-old Divya Deshmukh triumphed at the prestigious FIDE Women’s World Cup held in Batumi, Georgia. In a thrilling all-Indian final, Divya defeated the legendary Koneru Humpy in the tiebreakers to clinch the title—becoming India’s first-ever Women’s World Cup winner.
This remarkable achievement is not only a personal milestone for Divya but also a proud chapter in India’s growing dominance in global chess. Her poise, strategic brilliance, and resilience under pressure are a testament to the depth of talent emerging from the next generation of Indian sport.
Congratulations, Divya! Your victory inspires a nation and opens the door to many more to follow in your footsteps.
In this issue, I am delighted to bring you a diverse collection of thought-provoking articles: “Four Essential Ingredients for Marketing Success”, “Creating Safe Spaces – Empowered, Stronger Communities”, and “The Greatness Guide: Maximize Your Gifts.” Each piece offers valuable insights and inspiration—please read on, reflect, and be inspired.
Penalty by Design? Trump’s Tariff Test for India
In a move that could reshape the contours of Indo-US trade relations, US President Donald Trump has announced a 25% tariff on imports from India, effective July 2025. While the headline figure may appear manageable, Trump’s remarks hint at a deeper blow—an additional but unspecified “penalty” that could complicate matters further.
This unexpected move appears less an act of pure protectionism and more a strategic push to expedite a trade deal. However, any rush into an asymmetrical agreement may compromise India’s long-term trade interests. It is imperative for India to weigh its options carefully and not succumb to pressure tactics dressed as diplomacy.
A breakthrough now seems unlikely in the near term. But as India formulates its response, it must ensure that sovereign decisions — especially concerning key sectors like jewellery and energy — are guided by national interest, not by shifting currents in Washington.
As always, we would be happy to hear your views, comments, and suggestions.
Happy reading!
