CEO SPEAKS

Introduction Today, as I set out for my routine grocery shopping, the streets felt alive—each small shop a testament to the dreams and resilience of local entrepreneurs. My mission was clear: support local, live local—a simple philosophy but one that forms the backbone of ‘Vocal for Local’. It’s not just about business for me. It’s about building a stronger, kinder community, one humble decision at a time. When Kindness Meets Business The morning sun hadn’t warmed the day yet when I reached a tiny stall run by an old lady. She smiled nervously, admitting she didn’t have cash change, nor did she use GPay. As her very first customer for the day, she asked if I could pay later—a gesture of trust in a world that sometimes forgets the value of faith. In that moment, I realized that this was not just a transaction. It was a chance to create hope. I decided not to purchase on credit. Instead, I handed her a crisp Rs. 100 note and told her I’d come back for the balance. What happened next touched my heart deeply. She held the money with both hands, eyes moist, offering a prayer in gratitude—it was her first income for the day, and it was more than coins; it was recognition, dignity, and a new beginning. The Ripple Effect of Empathy As a CEO, automation and ROI often dominate my day-to-day decisions. But today, empathy became my strategy. That smile, that prayer—it reminded me there’s power in small gestures. Supporting local vendors isn’t just about boosting the economy; it’s about fueling hope for those who depend on these micro-moments to survive and thrive. Her happiness became my motivation for every purchase that morning. Every rupee spent at local shops carried a part of this story. I am not just driving commerce; I am nurturing a culture of compassion and making every transaction count beyond numbers. Being ‘Vocal for Local’ isn’t a slogan—it’s a movement powered by empathy. Why CEOs and Citizens Must Care Entrepreneurship is more than profits—it’s about values. Small acts, like choosing local businesses, build trust and create chains of kindness that ripple through society. For every local entrepreneur, a customer’s faith is the fuel to endure tougher days. Emotionally, today’s experience reaffirmed my belief: true leadership means building hope, not just wealth. I urge everyone—leaders, citizens, dreamers—to look beyond price tags and recognize the hearts behind each transaction. Choose to make someone’s day. You never know whose silent prayer you might answer. My Commitment: From Heart to Habit Today was more than groceries. It was about living the values I wish to see multiplied—a helping heart, a CEO’s perspective, a local entrepreneur’s smile. I will continue supporting local businesses, not just for economic growth, but because it uplifts lives in ways that go far beyond a spreadsheet. Because in the end, happiness is contagious. And sometimes, the smallest gestures create the biggest impact.

A passion for being an Indian. The feeling that’s growing within me is not just a personal choice—it’s a movement. As an Indian, I feel an immense pride in the strength of our people, our products, and our potential. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi echoed this sentiment, calling on all of us to proudly say: “I buy Swadeshi, I sell Swadeshi.” I’ve taken this to heart. I’m making the switch from my American Express credit card to my Indian bank cards—SBI, ICICI, and Kotak. It’s a symbolic step, but it’s the first of many. My next car will be a Mahindra or a Tata—an Indian brand that reflects the ingenuity of our own industries. This decision is backed by something larger. Prime Minister Modi reminded us of the Swadeshi movement that fueled our freedom struggle. Today, it fuels our economic independence. By choosing local products, we’re supporting the artisans, workers, and entrepreneurs who pour their heart and soul into each creation. Prime Minister Modi’s recent appeal came alongside major GST reforms that are making goods more affordable for all of us. The vision is clear: a Viksit Bharat by 2047, built on the foundation of self-reliance. Every time we buy something made in India, we’re helping a family earn their living, and we’re creating opportunities for the next generation of youth. For me, this is about more than just transactions. It’s about a connection. A connection to the soil of our nation, to the sweat of our people, and to the spirit of self-reliance that defines us as Indians. Whether it’s the comb in my pocket or the car I drive, I want it to be crafted by our own hands. We’ve faced challenges, from global economic uncertainties to trade tensions. Yet, these challenges have only strengthened my resolve. Like Gandhiji’s call for Swadeshi during the freedom struggle, today’s call is about economic freedom. It’s about building a nation that stands tall, powered by its own innovation and hard work. So here’s my pledge: to take every Indian … Swadeshi a way of life. To choose Indian products, to support Indian services, and to inspire those around me to do the same. It’s not about being against anyone—it’s about being for India.To every Indian reading this: let’s come together in this movement. Let’s make every purchase count. Let’s celebrate the brilliance of our nation, and let’s walk the path that takes us to a truly Atmanirbhar Bharat. Jai Hind…