Resilience, continuous learning and the courage to embrace challenges are the true keys of success, said Afzal Mitha, Chairman and Managing Director of Orient Group of Hotels and Correspondent Diplomat (IODR), Malta Europe, while addressing a Special ‘Global Leadership Talk’ held at Chitnavis Centre in the city recently. The programme, organised jointly by Nagpur First Foundation, and Central Institute of Business Management Research and Development (CIBMRD), was held on the theme ‘The Double Hat Success Formula’. Students, entrepreneurs, academicians and professionals attended the interactive session. Mitha also highlighted Malta’s geography, economy and high per-capita income, while explaining that the country offers promising opportunities for Indians in higher education, business expansion and cultural collaboration.

 

Coming from a timber-business family, Mitha began his career at a small hotel in Wadi, Nagpur. Today, he has developed multiple hospitality properties in Nagpur, Mumbai, Panaji and Pench, demonstrating how perseverance can transform adversity into opportunity. Presiding over the event, Saoner MLA Dr Ashishrao Deshmukh stressed the need to strengthen commercial and cultural ties with Malta so that entrepreneurs from Nagpur can expand globally and create new economic opportunities. On the occasion, Dr Deshmukh signed an MoU with Malta for youth and cultural exchange. Nagpur First India Chair Tanveer Mirza, in his introductory remarks highlighted the city’s growing strengths in agriculture, entrepreneurship, food processing, logistics and innovation, and called for greater investment in skill development.

 

Dr Amishi Arora, Principal of CIBMRD, whose engaging moderation and interpersonal warmth contributed to the event’s interactive and inspiring atmosphere. Dr Krunal Parikh conducted the proceedings. CA Hemant Lodha, Dr Kamal Singh, Dr Vivek Nanoti, Manohar Bhojwani, J P Parekh, Amit Yenurkar, Dr Rashmi Bansal, Dr Santosh Rathi, Dr Richa Sugandh, Ashish Sahasrabudhhe, Nakul Agarwal, Dr Manju Soni have worked hard for the success of the event. Dr Abhay Deshmukh of RTMNU, entrepreneurs, deans and cell members of Anjuman Engineering College were also present.