Kolkata, 16th December 2024: Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) launched its centenary celebrations with a grand event featuring Padma Shri, Padma Vibhushan and Infosys Founder, Mr N.R. Narayana Murthy, on Sunday, 15th December at the historic Calcutta Town Hall.
The event was attended by leading industrialists, including Dr Sanjiv Goenka, Chairman, ICC Advisory Council and Chairman, RPSG Group; Abhyuday Jindal, President, Indian Chamber of Commerce; Brij Bhushan Agarwal, Senior Vice President, Indian Chamber of Commerce; Parthiv Vikram Neotia, Vice President, Indian Chamber of Commerce; and Dr Rajeev Singh, Director General, Indian Chamber of Commerce.
The ICC, founded during India’s Freedom Movement, enters its 100th year in 2025, solidifying its position as a pivotal force in India’s industrial and economic growth. Over the decades, ICC has supported businesses of all scales—from MSMEs to start-ups—through its extensive network of 15 regional offices in India and representatives in 25 countries. Driving alignment with government objectives, ICC has been instrumental in fostering industrial growth, sustainability and international trade relations, particularly with South and Southeast Asia under India’s “Act East Policy.” It also represents India in major global forums like BIMSTEC, APAC and IMEC. Recognised for its policy advocacy by institutions like NITI Aayog, ICC has consistently promoted trade fairs, export growth, MSME development and start-up scaling, while offering knowledge services such as economic research and export documentation. As ICC embarks on its centenary year, it reaffirms its commitment to advancing India’s self-reliance, global competitiveness and inclusive economic growth.
Speaking on the deep-rooted cultural aspect of India and the pivotal role of Technology in shaping economies, Infosys Founder, N R Narayana Murthy stated, “The true measure of success in any organisation is its longevity. This is why I have such deep respect for those corporations in India that have stood the test of time and continue to grow. This institution we are celebrating today is also a shining example of enduring strength and vision. A legacy like this is not built overnight but through dedication, hard work, and a commitment to excellence. It’s truly inspiring to witness such growth and resilience. I humbly request that we embrace compassionate capitalism. Compassionate capitalism combines the best aspects of free-market capitalism with the compassion found in liberalism and socialism. By doing so, we can create a model for the world—an India that stands as a shining example of how capitalism can succeed while still uplifting the most vulnerable members of society. It’s not just about making our companies famous or wealthier—it’s about making India a better place for everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. Let us build a future where every child born in India, no matter their background, has the opportunity to thrive. Let us show the world that true success is not measured by personal wealth alone, but by how much we contribute to the well-being of others. At this stage, our focus is on setting ambitious targets for the next two and a half years. We have broken down our goals into clear steps, distributed across 15 companies, which will ultimately help us achieve our bottom line. It’s about earning the respect of our peers, our industry, and our country. If we want to be respected, we must consistently exceed expectations. Only then will we have the influence and power to lead effectively. Technology is not just a tool for convenience; it’s a catalyst for growth. It reduces costs, increases revenue, and creates new opportunities. Take the example of AI—it’s revolutionizing industries, especially in sectors like healthcare. AI is already helping to detect diseases like cancer far more effectively than traditional methods. Looking ahead to Bharat 2047, as we approach the 100th year of independence, we must ask ourselves what role we can play in achieving a prosperous and financially strong nation. It’s not just about being successful in business, but about how we can contribute to the national economy and elevate India on the global stage. As far as the role of technology, it’s undeniable that India must embrace it fully. We are already seeing the impact of AI, automation, and data analytics in various sectors. These technologies can help solve some of the country’s most pressing problems, from healthcare to infrastructure. We cannot afford to wait—we must act now to adopt these technologies and integrate them into every aspect of our businesses and public services. Lastly, Seek respect, not just for personal gain, but to uplift your society. If you are respected, customers, employees, investors, and even bureaucrats will follow. The path to success is paved with respect, and that respect comes from consistent, high-quality work and integrity.”
Emphasising on the momentous occasion, and celebrating the century-long legacy of the oldest chamber of commerce Sanjiv Goenka, Chairman, ICC Advisory Council & Chairman, RPSG Group stated, “It is indeed a momentous occasion as we gather here to celebrate the century-long legacy of the Indian Chamber of Commerce. A century of excellence, collaboration, and commitment to the cause of Indian industry. This evening is made even more special by the presence of a truly exceptional individual.”
Setting the tone of the evening and highlighting on the exceptional work, and collaboration of Indian Chamber of Commerce over the years Abhyuday Jindal, President, Indian Chamber of Commerce, stated, “For a century, ICC has been a symbol of excellence, collaboration, and commitment to fostering economic growth in India. This evening is a reflection of the hard work and dedication that has shaped the organization into what it is today. The story of ICC began back in 1925, under the leadership of G.D. Birla, when 62 Indian businessmen came together to form India’s oldest Chamber of Commerce. At a time when India was under colonial rule, the ICC played a pivotal role in advocating for policy reforms to protect Indian businesses and create opportunities for industrial growth. During those challenging times, the ICC campaigned for the protection of Indian businesses and worked towards fairer tax policies, including fighting against the excessive taxation on salt. It even played a vital role during the 1943 Bengal famine by organizing the transportation of food grains from Punjab to Bengal, offering a lifeline to millions in need. With economic liberalization, ICC advocated for greater trade relations with neighbouring countries and championed the development of critical infrastructure—ports, railways, airports, particularly in the eastern part of India—which has helped unlock new opportunities for growth. In a century of mapping dreams and charting progress, ICC has been at the forefront, laying the foundations for modern India. With over 25 international offices today, the Chamber continues to empower businesses and entrepreneurs across the country and beyond. Together, we can ensure that the next century is one of even greater growth, opportunity, and prosperity for all.”
Delivering the vote of thanks, Senior Vice President, Indian Chamber of Commerce, Brij Bhushan Agarwal commented, “Today, we commemorate 100 years of excellence, commitment, and resilience in shaping the future of Indian industry. Collaboration, vision, and an unwavering commitment to progress have guided ICC throughout the years, and your leadership serves as a beacon for us all. As we celebrate this centenary, let us look to the future with the same vision that has propelled both ICC and Infosys to their respective heights. Together, we align with India's broader vision of Becoming a Global Economic Power by 2047, one that is inclusive and sustainable”
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