Ratan Tata is living embodiment of an institution by himself, says Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais

Pic/Twitter@maha_governor

Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais on Sunday hailed industrialist Ratan Tata, the first-ever recipient of the 'Udyog Ratna' award instituted by the state government, as an "institution".

"Ratan Tata is not just an individual person, but he is an institution by himself. Ratan Tata transformed the Tata Group of Companies into a global conglomerate foraying into innumerable verticals including tea, salt to steel, automobiles, information technology (IT), aerospace and hospitality. He is a dynamic walking university of entrepreneurship, innovation, startups and social consciousness. Shri. Tata has enhanced the prestige of the Maharashtra government by accepting the first 'Udyogratna' award of the state of Maharashtra, even enhancing the stature of the award itself," Maharashtra Governor Ramesh Bais said.

The 'Udyog Ratna', 'Udyog Mitra', 'Udyogini' and 'Outstanding Marathi Entrepreneur' awards announced by the Maharashtra Department of Industries were conferred at a function held at the Jio World Convention Centre on Sunday where Governor Bais was speaking. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, Industries Minister Uday Samant, Chief Secretary Manoj Saunik, Principal Secretary Industries Department Harshdeep Kamble among other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

Chairman of the Tata Group of Companies Chandrashekharan accepted the Udyog Ratna Award on behalf of Padma Vibhushan Ratan Tata who was conferred the Udyog Ratna award at another function on Saturday. The Udyogimitra Award was presented to Aadhar Poonawala while Gauri Kirloskarwas conferred the first Udyogini Award and Vilas Shinde was honoured with the Best Marathi Entrepreneur Award at the hands of special dignitaries. The 'Udyogratna' award comprises Rs. 25 lakhs, a medal and a certificate. The 'Udyogimitra' award carries a Rs 15 lakh, badge and certificate. Similarly, the 'Udyogini' award of Rs 5 lakh, badge and certificate and 'Best Marathi Entrepreneur' award of Rs 5 lakh, badge and certificate encompass the newly instituted special recognition by the Maharashtra government that was started this year.

Governor Bais congratulated the Maharashtra government and the Industries Department for instituting such 'Udyog Awards'. "India today has an unprecedented opportunity as a young nation that boasts of the largest population in the world. Many developed countries of the world are looking up to India to fulfill their requirements of (skilled) labour supply. Maharashtra must give utmost importance to skill development and entrepreneurship and take advantage of these opportunities," he said while also suggesting to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde that a blueprint for Maharashtra's industrial development over the next 25 years could be prepared through the setting up of a high-powered committee to include businessmen, industrialists and heads of the various chambers of commerce.

Governor Bais further said, "The Serum Institute, under the leadership of Aadar Poonawala, has made the country proud by developing the vaccine 'Covishield'. Kirloskar has been a famous name in the Indian industry. The 'Udyogini' award given to Gauri Kirloskar will serve as an inspiration for all women entrepreneurs. The Marathi Entrepreneur Award given to Vilas Shinde, Managing Director of Sahyadri Farmers Producers Company is an award for recognizing progressive farmers of Maharashtra."