A New Year Resolve: What really keeps you steady is the foundation. As I meet leaders, big thinkers, builders, risk-takers, and passionate professionals, one truth stands out clearly: the ones, who last, never rely on talent alone. They stand on something deeper — a foundation that brings out the best in them. And most importantly, it’s a foundation they build on purpose.
For years, many of us have been told that success comes from doing more — more hours, more grinding, more plate spinning. I believed that too for a long time. But over time, I learned a truth that is rarely taught: Real power often comes from the parts of life that never show up on a resume. Your habits. Your values. Your discipline. Your character. Your mindset when no one is watching. Everyone loves to talk about motivation, hacks, and mindset. But here’s the reality: motivation means nothing if the foundation underneath is weak. Motivation comes and goes. Some days you feel unstoppable, and some days you don’t. But commitment and discipline keep you steady. They hold you up when motivation fades. And like anything strong, a foundation needs maintenance. Just like a house — you repair it, reinforce it, and rebuild pieces when life cracks them. So strengthen your foundation. Protect it. Keep checking the cracks. Keep tightening the bolts. And when necessary, add support beams. Because a strong foundation gives you something priceless:
- The freedom to take risks
- The confidence to grow
- The courage to be bold
As we enter 2026, take a moment to reflect:
What are you built on?
What keeps you steady when life shifts?
What keeps your humanity intact?
At MMA, we strongly believe that the secret lies in building and sustaining a strong foundation — not just for success, but for peace. The combination of authenticity, a non-judgemental space, and empathy, is what makes our community special and integral to who we are — and who we become. That belief is reflected in everything we do — from our thoughtfully curated programmes, to the use of technology, to publishing outstanding collections of articles and insights. Our two-volume series, “Turning Points: Management Lessons from Legends,” is a must-read for management professionals and students who want to build a foundation with purpose — for both achievement and inner steadiness. I also encourage you to watch inspiring talks by Mr. Kanwal Rekhi, Mr. N. Srinivasan, Ms. Devina Mehra, and others in January 2026—powerful voices that remind us what true leadership looks like.
As we step into the New Year, here is my wish: A very happy and prosperous New Year to each of you.
Keep strengthening your foundation; keep building with purpose; and, build a life that lasts.
Build your foundation, and the future will take care of itself.
MMA Annual Convention 2026 — A Conversation on India’s Future
I am delighted to share that the MMA Annual Convention 2026, on the theme
“India @ 2035: Driving Progress in a Changing Global Paradigm,”
is scheduled to be held on Wednesday, 11th February 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at Hotel Taj Coromandel, Chennai.
The year 2035 may seem distant, but the decisions we make today — as leaders, managers, entrepreneurs, and professionals — will shape the India we live and work in tomorrow. In a world that is increasingly dynamic and interconnected, progress is no longer linear. It is influenced by shifting economic forces, evolving technologies, changing global partnerships, and emerging leadership expectations.
This year’s theme promises to be thought-provoking, timely, and deeply insightful, offering fresh perspectives on how India can continue to drive progress amid a rapidly changing global paradigm.
We are also happy to share that a stellar line-up of eminent speakers has confirmed their participation. Their presence will ensure a rich, engaging, and future-focused experience for all delegates — one that combines vision, strategy, and practical insights.
Young Managers Competition — A Prelude with Purpose
As a meaningful prelude to the convention, MMA invites young managers to participate in a competition based on the convention theme. This is an excellent opportunity for emerging talent to:
- Showcase ideas and leadership potential
- Represent their organisations with pride
- Learn from the process of research, reflection, and presentation
- Win attractive cash prizes
We encourage organisations to nominate their young managers and provide them this platform to think, speak, and contribute to India’s future readiness.
Click here to view the Young Managers Competition Brochure and send your nominations soon.
The participation fee for the convention is highly subsidized, making it accessible to a wider audience. We look forward to your active participation in the Convention and to shaping a conversation that truly matters — for organisations, industries, and for India’s journey toward 2035.
As the world changes faster than ever, India’s next decade will define its destiny.
When policy opens doors, opportunity follows
India has taken a significant step toward reshaping its clean energy future with the passage of the SHANTI Act — a landmark legislation that not only opens the door for private participation in India’s nuclear power sector, but also actively encourages it. With this, the Government hopes to accelerate progress toward its ambitious goal of achieving 100 GW of nuclear power generation capacity by 2047.
Globally, interest in nuclear power is witnessing a revival, driven by a growing recognition of the role it can play in climate action and energy security. For India, nuclear energy offers a compelling pathway — reliable base-load power, low-carbon generation, and the potential to complement renewables in meeting future demand.
However, laws alone do not create transformation. The true impact of the SHANTI Act will depend on what follows: investment, innovation, and execution. Equally important will be regulatory clarity and certainty, which can build confidence among private players, encourage long-term commitment, and ensure safety remains paramount. If implemented effectively and supported by robust governance, this Act could prove transformative as it unfolds on the ground. In this context, MMA is organising a timely event on: “100 GW by 2047: India’s Nuclear Roadmap and the New SHANTI Act” This will be followed by an expert panel discussion on: “What Business Models Will Work for Private Participation in Nuclear?”
The event will be held on 29th January 2026, and we are pleased to share that Mr. Hans Raj Verma, IAS (Retd.), along with other domain experts, has agreed to participate and share insights on the evolving technology landscape, policy direction, and emerging business opportunities.
We invite you to join us in person or watch the live session online.
Click here to view the invite.
As India charts its progress toward 2047, conversations like these matter. Because the future of energy will not only be about megawatts — it will be about strategy, innovation, partnerships, and leadership.
The New Labour Code: From Adoption to Action
India’s labour ecosystem is undergoing a landmark transformation with the transition from 29 central labour laws to four unified labour codes. This is not merely a legal change — it represents a shift in how organisations will approach compliance, workforce strategy, industrial relations, and employee well-being in the years ahead.
In this context, MMA organised a masterclass on “The New Labour Code – Adoption to Action.” The sessions provided a comprehensive and practical understanding of the four codes covering:
- Wages
- Social Security
- Industrial Relations
- Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions
The sessions also highlighted the key nuances and implications of each code, helping participants understand what these reforms mean for employers, employees, and HR leaders in real operational terms.
Watch the full recording here: [Insert link]
I am also delighted to present, in this issue, a well-curated article summarising the most valuable insights shared by our experts — with an embedded video. I urge you to read it closely, as it offers clarity and context that can support better understanding and stronger compliance readiness.
As the nation moves from policy to implementation, staying informed is not optional — it is essential. This is a change that every organisation must prepare for, and every professional must understand.
Karakuri Kaizen: Low-Cost, High-Impact Innovation for Superior Operational Efficiency
India’s start up ecosystem appears to be in the midst of a historic intellectual property boom. Patent filings by start-ups have crossed 13,000 since 2021, and trademark filings have exceeded 44,000. On the surface, this surge looks like an innovation renaissance. But the shine wears off when we look beyond the numbers.
Recent data suggests that a significant share of Indian start up patents never reach the examination stage and do not get granted. Many others are quietly withdrawn — or “die” before they truly come to life. This signals an important truth: filing activity alone is not innovation. What India needs now is a renewed focus on strengthening R&D capabilities, cultivating problem-solving depth, and building a culture where innovation is defined by impact, execution, and sustained value creation. As our innovation ecosystem evolves, depth must replace decoration. This is the mindset shift we need — where a patent boom signals innovation that can be counted upon, not just counted. In this context, MMA is organising a thought-provoking talk by Mr. Kanwal Rekhi — Entrepreneur, Investor, Mentor, Thought Leader, and Co-founder of TiE — on: “The Ground Breaker: Risks, Rewards, and Lessons from a Legendary Entrepreneur”
This will be followed by a Conclave on: “Karakuri Kaizen: Leveraging Low-Cost, High-Impact Innovation for Superior Operational Efficiency.”
Karakuri Kaizen is a powerful approach that demonstrates how organisations can achieve meaningful operational improvements through simple mechanical ingenuity, low-cost solutions, and high-impact process innovations — often without large capital investment. Participation is complimentary for MMA members.
We invite you to join us and be inspired by ideas that combine innovation with practicality — and entrepreneurship with enduring relevance.
Click here to view the invitation. Watch it live online at:
GDP Growth: When India Outruns Expectations
The Indian economy posted a surprisingly strong growth rate of 8.2% in the July–September quarter, exceeding expectations — including the RBI’s. Several factors appear to be driving this momentum: a stronger pace of growth in manufacturing, financial services, and consumption, along with a significant statistical lift from a low base effect and subdued inflation. Importantly, India’s growth continues to outpace most major global economies, reinforcing confidence in the resilience of our economic engine.
At MMA, we have been privileged to host some of the nation’s most respected voices on India’s economic journey. One particularly thought-provoking perspective shared by Dr. Arvind Subramanian was that, even more than 75 years after independence, India still remains a relatively poor country. Several nations that began at comparable starting points have surged ahead — not only in per capita GDP, but also in the quality of life for their citizens. Many of the deep economic and social ruptures inherited at independence, he observed, remain unresolved.
He also offered an important reminder: economics often tends to look beyond immediate adjustment pains and underestimates the political and social costs that arise in the interim. The challenge for policymakers and political leaders is to anticipate how these costs will play out — and determine whether the reforms are worth pursuing. Those with vision, he noted, are willing to consider the “unborn votes” — the future generations who will benefit from long-term choices.
Continuing this forward-looking conversation, Mr. Amitabh Kant delivered the R.K. Swamy Memorial Lecture to MMA members on
“The Road to a $30+ Trillion Economy by 2047.” With multiple sectors of the economy showing strength, it is reasonable to view these indicators as early signs of renewed “animal spirits” returning to the economy. Consumption remains robust, and private investment shows encouraging signs of revival — both critical for sustaining long-term growth.
In this issue, I am delighted to present the transcripts of three brilliant lectures — featuring Mr. Amitabh Kant as our cover story, along with incisive insights from Dr. Ravindra H. Dholakia and Dr. Arvind Subramanian on the Indian economy, GDP dynamics, and what lies ahead. The numbers tell a story — but the insights tell us what to do next.
I invite you to read the article, watch the embedded video recordings, and explore the deeper forces shaping India’s economic progress.
Beyond the Buzz: Investing with Clarity in 2026
The present market calls for balance rather than bravado. After years of frenzy, 2025 delivered a loud and valuable lesson: valuation matters — and buying a stock at the right price matters even more. High P/E stocks can fall sharply, punishing investors who ignore stretched valuations. Many retail investors also experienced first-hand that market movements are cyclical — reinforcing the importance of diversification and discipline.
As we step into 2026, the message is clear: keep expectations moderate and stay grounded. Go beyond the buzz. Avoid being swept up by short-term narratives. Instead, prioritise companies with:
- credible business models
- sustainable growth potential
- strong governance and fundamentals
- reasonable valuations
In a time when market noise is high, steady investing is a competitive advantage.
In this context, MMA is delighted to host a special session with Ms. Devina Mehra, Founder & CMD of First Global, on: “From Lucknow to Wall Street: Leadership Lessons from Building a Global Research Powerhouse.” Ms. Mehra is also the author of the widely discussed book, “Money, Myths and Mantras: The Ultimate Investment Guide.”
We invite you to join this exclusive session featuring Ms. Devina Mehra in conversation with Mr. Chandu Nair and Mr. Shyam Sekhar, as they share insights on markets, mindset, and investing with clarity.
Click to view the invitation. Join us in person at MMA or watch it live here:
India’s Data Centre Boom: Can Growth Stay Sustainable?
As India accelerates its digital transformation, data centres are fast becoming critical national infrastructure — powering everything from financial services and e-commerce to cloud storage, AI, and public digital platforms. Their growth reflects the scale of India’s digital ambition.
However, experts caution that building data centres at scale must be supported by careful strategic planning and stronger regulation, especially to reduce dependence on conventional energy and to manage rising water consumption. Data centres also generate heat and processing-related emissions, raising important questions about the sustainability of such power-hungry infrastructure.
One key concern, in particular, deserves greater attention: water used in some data centre cooling systems cannot always be easily reused or recycled to freshwater suitable for human consumption. In a country where water stress is increasingly becoming a strategic issue, this makes responsible planning not only desirable, but essential.
To understand this fast-evolving ecosystem better, MMA organised a visit to the CtrlS Chennai Data Center — a state-of-the-art facility in Chennai on 22nd December 2025, in two groups. Our members thoroughly enjoyed the visit and gained valuable insights into how modern data centres operate, the technologies involved, and the challenges of scaling them responsibly.
We look forward to hosting more such knowledge-driven visits and immersive learning experiences in 2026 — helping our members stay ahead in understanding the infrastructure shaping India’s digital future.
As always, we would be happy to hear your views, comments and suggestions.
Happy Reading…. And a brilliant New Year!!!
