Top industry stalwarts share business survival strategies during challenging times at PHDCCI interactive session

New Delhi: Covid-19 has disrupted normal life all over the world and as we emerge from lockdown, it is clear that  the challenges brought by the pandemic are here to stay.  Businesses across all sectors are struggling to survive and trying to adjust to what could be our ‘new normal’ for some time.  At this point of time, business leadership is essential to guide on new strategies to navigate this unprecedented crisis. To understand what successful business leaders were doing to survive and accelerate development during present crisis, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, organized an interactive session on Leadership in Challenging Times today where eminent industry leaders - Padma Shri Awardee- Mr. Rajinder Gupta, Chairman, Trident Group and Mr. Deepak Agarwal, Managing Director, Bikaji Foods International Ltd. shared their unique survival strategies with the participants.
 
Addressing the session, Mr. Rajinder Gupta said that people should not lose heart and remain resilient in all situations.  He said that while every individual faces adversity at one time or the other but due to covid-19,  we are facing collective tough time for the first time when  health and wellness are a challenge. Uncertainty is the greatest worry of people. Therefore, people should come forward to help the needy and give hope and optimism.
 
Self conviction, perseverance and patience are always required for success in all spheres of life including business and same is true during the present crisis also. He advised to be fair and just and face the truth.  He added that each region and country has its own peculiar problems and solutions. He said disruptions are good as we learn new things.
 
He added that India is moving towards becoming a manufacturing hub as we have good workforce with high ethics although we need to improve in power & energy and banking sectors.
 
Interacting with participants, Mr. Deepak Agarwal said that tough times don’t last long but tough people do. He said that leadership comes from within with self motivation. One can find new opportunities by identifying his strengths. He shared that the lockdown was an opportunity to explore new markets and connect with maximum people as everyone was available.  He said that the pandemic has opened new opportunities in many sectors including health, IT and agri sectors.
 
He said that the present crisis is an opportunity to make India a manufacturing hub as many investors are waiting to invest in the country.  The country produces a  wide variety of agri crops. There are growth prospects in manufacturing products that are part of routine life. The focus should be to generate new employment opportunities.
 
Earlier, welcoming the speakers and participants, Mr. Karan Gilhotra, Chairman, Punjab State Chapter, PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry said that all businesses are facing challenges and require guidance from industry experts.
 
Thanking Mr. Rajinder Gupta and Mr. Deepak Agarwal for sharing useful and valuable thoughts, Mr. RS Sachdeva, Mentor, Punjab State Chapter, PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry said that great industry leaders like them are inspiration for all of us. He said that both of them are champions of Make in India. He also shared that Mr. Rajender Gupta has done great service to the nation by donating free PPE kits during the lockdown. 
 
Mr. Simarpreet Singh, Co-Chairman, Punjab State Chapter, PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry moderated the Session and posed insightful questions to panelists.