Business community confident of progressing India

Dubai - "Things are different now. Authority with responsibility is what prime minister Modi is talking about."

Today, India is celebrating its 70th Independence Day. It is estimated that Indians in the UAE constitute the largest part of population of the country. Both the countries enjoy log-established political and economic relations.
Khaleej Times spoke to top Indian businessmen and industry specialists on the occasion and they all are united to wish the leaders and people of India, peace, prosperity and dynamic growth at all times.
Yusuffali MA, chairman of LULU Group International, said: "As India celebrates 70th Independence Day, I wish to congratulate all Indians and well-wishers from around the world. Today, despite its many issues, which are expected of any country that has more than 1.2 billion population, India is a shining example of cultural diversity, democratic rights and economic prosperity.
Yusuffali added: "Under the able leadership of prime minister Narendra Modi, India is on a fast track to claim its rightful place in the global spectrum, in terms of becoming a hottest investment destination, skill development centre, production hub, etc. On this historic day, I sincerely hope the renewed cooperation between India and the UAE further strengthens the centuries-old ties between both countries."
Dr B R Shetty, executive vice-chairman and CEO of NMC Healthcare, said: "I would like to extend my best wishes to everyone on this occasion. Like every year, this is a special day for all of us. It is a day of celebrations and reflections. We proudly celebrate the achievements of the time gone by and simultaneously look ahead at the many years of growth and prosperity yet to achieve as a country. This auspicious day also provides an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by our forefathers so that we may continue to enjoy the fruits of our hard fought freedom."
Dr Azad Moopen, chairman and managing director, Aster DM Healthcare, said: "India, the largest democracy in the world, is on the threshold for a great take off. Over 69 years after Independence, it has achieved the stability and momentum to take the 1.2 billion people on a steep growth trajectory. A country which is a mosaic of varied languages, religions and cultures, it has survived the test of time proving that unity in diversity is possible. I wish my great motherland and fellow citizens a very happy Independence Day."
ITL-Cosmos Group chairman Dr Ram Buxani said: "Sixty nine years back when Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru unfurled the Tricolor on Red Fort, I, around five at that time, was being made ready to accept my new status as refugee. People enjoyed the independence but the country remained behind several nations in progress like Japan and Korea which also became independent almost the same time like India."
Dr Buxani added: "Things are different now. Authority with responsibility is what prime minister Modi is talking about."
Kulwant Singh, president of Indian Business and Professional Council, said: "As we celebrate the 70th Indian Independence Day, let us stop and commemorate the countless patriots who fought and suffered to win us the freedom we are enjoying today.
"For freedom is as much one's responsibility as one's right, today is a good occasion as any to reflect on our patriotic duty to the country and to remind ourselves to be responsible citizens contributing to the collective goals of our society and bringing honour to the motherland whether we are residing in India or elsewhere," added Singh, who is also chief executive officer and managing director of Lama Carfare Groups.
Zubin Karkaria, chief executive officer of Kuoni Group and VFS Global, said: ""For the last seven decades since Independence, a free and modern India has given us a lot to be truly proud of. The nation and its people are brimming with self-belief and confidence to shape their destinies, often in the face of incredible odds. That, to me, is symbolic of the mature, global player that India has become in virtually every aspect of business, politics, culture or sport.
Karkaria added: "The entrepreneurial spirit of India is coming to the fore and will take the nation to greater heights in the years to come. I wish every one of my Indian compatriots a safe, secure and blessed Independence Day."
Joy Alukkas, chairman & managing director of Joyalukkas Group, said: "Congratulations to India on its 70th Independence Day. I salute my motherland on this momentous occasion and wish the leaders and people of India, peace, prosperity and dynamic growth at all times. India is one of the most wonderful democracies of the world and a great example of what real independence is to all nations. This dynamic nation has been the birth land of great leaders and entrepreneurs who people around the world look up to and try and emulate."
Shamlal Ahamed, managing director for International Operations at Malabar Gold & Diamonds, said: "It makes my heart beat with pride to see how far my country has come. Let us value the sacrifices made by all those people so that we could live a happy life. On this special day, let us all come forward and make a promise to take our nation to the path of prosperity."
Danube Group chairman Rizwan Sajan said: "I feel extremely proud to witness my country celebrating the 70th Independence Day. We have come a long way since independence and have managed to make remarkable progress. All the sacrifices our forefathers have made, has led up to this day making India a country that exhibits peace and harmony."
Adeeb Ahamed, CEO, Lulu International Exchange, said: "On the occasion of the 70th Independence Day of India, I would like to extend my heartiest congratulations to all my fellow Indians back home and around the world.
In the last seven decades, India has grown by leaps and bounds to become a global leader and has secured a unique and respected place in the fields of health, science & technology, energy and infrastructure."
Anthony Peter, director, Corporate Communications and Operations Division at Panasonic Marketing Middle East and Africa, said: "Each one of us has an obligation towards our predecessors for their struggle to achieve independence and must ensure that we pass on a legacy of peaceful coexistence to the future generation, thus upholding the values that our forefathers strongly believed in."
abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai