The Vidarbha Management Association (VMA) hosted an impactful session by noted media professional, author, and acclaimed speaker Sandeep Singh, who currently chairs the Board of Governors at IIM Kashipur. Singh addressed the industry leaders on the theme “Changemakers of India.” Through a powerful storytelling approach, Singh revisited India’s industrial and scientific evolution, highlighting leaders whose vision shaped the nation’s progress. He began with Sir M. Visvesvaraya, describing him as a pioneer who laid the foundations of India’s engineering and industrial rise.

 

From establishing the first charcoal-based blast furnace at Bhadravati Steel Plant to exporting iron to the US and UK at a time when India lacked recognition in global manufacturing, Visvesvaraya proved that Indian capability could rival global standards. Singh also mentioned his role in founding the Indian Institute of Science, influencing national planning policies, designing the Hirakud Dam without compensation, and spearheading Karnataka’s industrialisation. Singh then highlighted Dr Vikram Sarabhai, architect of modern India’s space and management education ecosystem. The session concluded with a strong message: transformative leadership is rooted in courage, purpose, and nation-first vision — values today’s entrepreneurs must embrace. The session was moderated by Niket Agrawal.