National Events
FLO Interstate Meet Celebrating 30 years: Together We Can
Commemorating the 30 years of FLO’s existence, the Annual Interstate Meet was organized in Delhi for the first time in the history of FLO. The theme of the Interstate Meet is “Delhi 2013.Together we can”.
The Meet was a grand success with 178 members participating actively from Delhi and 10 chapters across India. This has been the biggest number of members registering in any Interstate Meets held in the preceding years.
The Interstate Meet provided a wonderful networking opportunity for pan-India members as also provided a platform to bond at a personal level.
The highlights of the event were high excellent sessions and workshops varying from Educational, Social, Arts & Crafts to Health and Exhibition of Lifestyle products, with stalls from Delhi and other Chapters.
A rare blend of social events including Retro night, Sufi music, with Gala dinners was lined up for the members, which gave them an experience that could be cherished forever!
DAY I : December 19, 2013
Morning Session:10:15 am – 11:00 am
Interaction with Mr Arjun Vajpai, Youngest Indian to ever climb Mount Everest
Chair: Divya Oswal
The first session was an interaction with Mr Arjun Vajpai, who is the youngest Indian to climb Mount Everest. Anjun shared his experiences about this most thrilling journey of his life.
Picasa link: Interstate Meet 2013- Dec 19, Morning Session- Interaction with Arjun Vajpai
Inaugural Session: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
The Inaugural Session of the Interstate Meet opened with the Address by FLO President Malvika Rai, who briefly updated on the event and declared it officially open. The programme commenced with the rendition of Saraswati Vandana by Rekha Lahoti, FLO member from Hyderabad Chapter.
Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Hon’ble Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Government of India was the Keynote Speaker. In his Address, Dr. Tharoor said that India needs to educate and empower women, enlighten men to change society’s mindset towards women.
Picasa link:https://picasaweb.google.com/101240681714973397920/InterstateMeet2013Dec19MorningSessionInteractionWithArjunVajpai?feat=email
Inaugural Session: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
The Inaugural Session of the Interstate Meet opened with the Address by FLO President Malvika Rai, who briefly updated on the event and declared it officially open. The programme commenced with the rendition of Saraswati Vandana by Rekha Lahoti, FLO member from Hyderabad Chapter.
Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Hon’ble Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Government of India was the Keynote Speaker. In his Address, Dr. Tharoor said that India needs to educate and empower women, enlighten men to change society’s mindset towards women.
Picasa link:https://picasaweb.google.com/101240681714973397920/InterstateMeetDecember19InauguralSessionWithDrShashiTharoor?feat=email
Signing of Pledge: 12:00 pm- 1:00 pm
“Creating a Climate of Respect – Keeping Women Safe”
FLO took a step forward on the recommendations made by the FICCI & FLO Industry Task Force on Women Safety, by starting a movement on keeping women safe by signing a pledge on the morning of 19th December, Creating a Climate of Respect: Keeping Women Safe’.
FLO partnered with Microsoft India and launch its application on women safety ‘The Guardian’ at the session.
Besides Dr. Shashi Tharoor, other dignitaries who Addressed the members and signed the Pledge are: Mrs Naina Lal Kidwai, President FICCI, Mr Raj Biyani, MD, Microsoft IT India & Ms Usha Ananthasubramanium, CMD, Bharatiya Mahila Bank
Picasa link:https://picasaweb.google.com/101240681714973397920/InterstateMeetDecember19SigningOfPledge?feat=email
Plenary Session: 2:30 pm – 3:15 pm
A conversation with Jay and Jagi Panda & Shri Vijay Goel, Delhi State President, BJP, Moderated by Dilip Cherian
Chair: Neeta Boochra
The plenary session with Baijayant “Jay” Panda, Lok Sabha MP; Jagi Mangat Panda M.D. of Ortel Communications Ltd; Vijay Goel, Delhi State President, BJP & Prof. Preeti Goel, Delhi University – as the speakers, was moderated by Dilip Cherian, ‘Image Guru’ of India, co-founder of Perfect Relations.
Picasa link:https://picasaweb.google.com/101240681714973397920/InterstateMeetDecember19PlenarySession?feat=email
Educational Sessions Session 1A: 03:30 pm – 04:15 pm
“Healing Through the Power of the Mind” with Dr. Ashwani Chopra
Chair: Vinita Bimbhet
The session on Healing Through the Power of Mind with Dr. Ashwani Chopra was highly appreciated by the members. Dr Chopra, a renowned gastroenterologist and Director of Aashlok hospital in south Delhi, has smoothly combined Reiki and yogic healing with allopathy with stupendous results. He concedes that alternative healing has been effective where modern diagnostic procedures have failed.
Session 1B: 03:30 pm – 04:15 pm
“How To Construct An Investment Portfolio That Does Not Need Frequent Tinkering” by Murali Kadaba
Chair: Ranjana Agarwal
Murli Kadaba, who has over 25 years of banking experience, with proven expertise in general management, marketing & product development across consumer banking, wealth management, consumer lending and payment products, enlightened the members on various aspects of risk managements while getting the mix of investments right.
Picasa link:https://picasaweb.google.com/101240681714973397920/InterstateMeetDecember19SigningOfPledge?feat=email
Session 2A: 4:15 pm to 5:00 pm
“Women & Music in India by Vikram Lall
Chair: Shilpi Arora
Vikram Lall, an educationist, author, patron of art & culture and an award winning architect, spoke on a very interesting topic- Women & Music. The session was highly appreciated by the members as Vikram interpreted and illustrated the connection between women & music in a very unique manner.
Picasa link:https://picasaweb.google.com/101240681714973397920/December19WomenMusicWithVikramLall?feat=email
Session 2B: 4:15 pm to 5:00 pm
Workshop on Family Business Management by Sunil Munjal
Chair: Deepikaa Jindal
The workshop on Family Business Management by Sunil Munjal, Joint Managing Director of Hero MotoCorp Ltd was a huge success. It was a very enriching interactive session, wherein Mr Munjal highlighted on the various ways to leverage the strengths of family business management and effectively implement practices that promote optimum performance, growing businesses and simultaneously maintaining healthy family relationships.
Session 3A: 5:00 pm to 5.45 pm
“Opening the Heart: A powerful tool for transforming Relationships” by Simran Bhargava
Chair: Vasvi Bharatram
The session by Simran Bhargava on “Opening the Heart: A powerful tool for transforming Relationships” was very interesting. Simran, who hosts a shown on NDTV called “One Life to Love”, presented a very unique perspective to Relationship building and management by making the most of the power of love.
Session 3A: 5:00 pm to 5.45 pm
“Public Speaking: Art of Confident Communication” by Jyotika Bedi & Aparna Balasundaram Chair: Sajani Dua
Ms. Aparna Samuel Balasundaram & Ms. Jyotika Bedi, two very dynamic and energetic Life Skill Trainers were the speakers for the session.
It was a very enriching and informative workshop, wherein the speakers gave an insight to effective public speaking, which is a prerequisite for a successful professional as well as personal life. The participants were highly benefitted from the session, which provided a wonderful platform for introspecting on the strengths and weakness while communicating at a public platform.
Zumba Session:
Members unwinded after a hectic day of back to back sessions with a fun filled and energetic Zumba dance session. Lively music added with groovy dance moves pepped up everyone.
Picasa link:https://picasaweb.google.com/101240681714973397920/InterstateMeetDecember19ZumbaDanceSession?feat=email
Exhibition of lifestyle products during Interstate Meet December 19, 2013 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Chair: Mukta Nandini Jain
Co-Chair: Ritu Vadehra
An exhibition of lifestyle products was organized on the sidelines of the Interstate Meet, on December 19, 2013 at Nandiya Gardens, ITC Maurya New Delhi.
The exhibition received an overwhelming response from the members as also non members. The stipulated number of stalls was filled up within a week of opening the registrations and there was a waiting list of others, who were equally keen to be a part of it.
This exhibition brought together 28 exhibitors from pan-India , showcasing different lifestyle products from the different corners of India, ranging from home decors, jewellery, books , recycled gift items, garments amongst others. It was also an initiative towards the beginning and building of e- commerce within our members.
Rumiana – an evening of Sufi Music, Fashion Show, and Awadhi Dinner Cuisine at Meera & Muzaffar Ali’s heritage home – “Kotwara House”
December 19, 2013: 8 pm onwards Chair: Sangita Gupta
Co – Chair: Priyanjili Goel
After a day of dynamic and energetic sessions during the day, the members were bestowed with a memorable and mystical night with Sufi Music followed by Awadhi dinner at Kotwara House- which is the heritage house of the famous designer duo- Meera & Muzzafar Ali.
The highlight of the event was the Felicitation of the Past Presidents of FLO, who are the pillars of strength of the organisation and who have contributed each in her own way to its growth.
Picasa link:https://picasaweb.google.com/101240681714973397920/InterstateMeetDecember19RUMIANASufiNight?feat=email
DAY II: December 20, 2013
Morning Session 1: 8.15 am to 9.00 am
‘Know Thyself – Celebration of the Spirit” by Joyotshna Datt
Chair: Monisha Baruwa
The 2nd Day of the Interstate Meet began with an interaction on “Know Thyself- Celebration of the Spirit”. Joyotsna Datt, who has been practicing Saheja Yoga – Know Thyself for the last 30 years and has benefited immensely from it. She said that she wanted to share her experiences and help the members celebrate their own lives and spirit by turning difficult times into a bed of roses.
Session with Shri Arun Jaitley: 10.15 am to 11.15 am
Chair: Namita Gautam
Shri Arun Jaitley, Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha was the Keynote Speaker in the Session. Shri Jaitley, in his Address, said that bringing the investment cycle back and giving a decisive leadership will be the first priority of BJP if voted to power in the upcoming general elections in 2014.
Picasa link:http://ficciflo.com/events/fdel/2013-14/19-20dec.html#
Felicitation and Presentation of Awards to Outstanding Achievers of FICCI FLO 2013-14
11.15 am to 12.30 pm
Chair: Archana Garodia Gupta
As FLO celebrates 30 years of its existence, FLO commemorated this august occasion, by felicitating 30 members, for their achievements, from the different walks of life; such as- Business Excellence; Social & Humanitarian; Public Service; Professional Excellence; Politics; Media; Education; Visual & Performing Arts; Fashion & Literature
This initiative was conceptualized with the objective of recognizing the achievements of FLO members, who are the greatest assets of the organization. The nomination process was opened up to pan-India members and the Awards received an overwhelming response from Delhi and 10 chapters.
The jury for the awards comprised of three Past Presidents of FLO – Ms Usha Krishna, Ms Namita Gautam & Ms Anuradha Goel. It was a very challenging and difficult choice for the Jury members for selecting 30 members out of the illustrious applicants. FLO is indeed privileged to have such illustrious entrepreneurs & professionals as members.
Shri Shekhar Gupta, Editor-in-Chief -India Express was the Chief Guest at the Felicitation Ceremony.
DELHI
SUDEVI BERIWAL
In 1995, Sudevi launched Kanpur’s first Finishing and Hobby School – The Image Workshop on the lines of a Swiss Finishing School, but tuned to Indian sensibilities.
In 2005, she moved to Delhi and set up The Image Workshop successfully. With creativity in abundance, a chance request from a friend gave her exposure to the world of packing. A small beginning has now become the country’s biggest brand in trousseau packing- MAGNIFICENCE. Working in a highly unorganised market, she trained uneducated women and created vendors from a pool of crafts persons that she identified. This in turn has created livelihoods.
DR. MADHU CHITKARA (FROM CHANDIGARH BUT A DELHI FLO MEMBER)
Madhu Chitkara is the co-founder of Chitkara Educational Trust. She first established Chitkara Institute of Engineering and Technology (CIET) in Punjab, affiliated to the Punjab University. Success with CIET gave her confidence to start professional colleges in other disciplines such as architecture, pharmacy, management, healthcare, hospitality management, journalism, mass communication and education. Today the trust has two Universities and an International school under its wings, due to her vision, dedication, skill and hard work.
She has ensured that education is affordable to all and accessible to the underprivileged, girls and students from rural areas. All admissions are strictly on merit.
VEENA DASS
Veena Dass is the doyen of Japanese Culture in India. She has been a pioneer in exposing Indians and helping them appreciate various aspects of Japanese culture like ikebana, origami, bonsai, and doll making in India. Having lived in Japan, she has studied extensively the Ikenobo , Ohara and Sogetsu Schools of Ikebana . She has been teaching and propagating the art of Ikebana since the early sixties. She has been visiting, teaching and giving demonstrations and conducting workshops in India and abroad, which have been very well received.
NINA GILL
Nina Gill sells high fashion accessories and garments under her own label “Nina Gill” worldwide with companies incorporated in Paris and India. She has been associated with garment exports since 1976. With large scale factories in Noida and Gurgaon, she has been the pioneer in introducing embroideries from India to couture houses such as Gianni Versace, Giorgio Armani, Yves St Laurent and many others. Ms Gill is highly determined to remain a socially-conscious employer.
HARJINDER KAUR
In the 1990s, when no one had thought that IT could bridge the gap between citizens and the government, Harjinder Kaur made it possible through her project Twins in Andhra Pradesh. In 2000, when the project was showcased to President Bill Clinton on his visit to India, he said ” I wonder if this could be replicated in the US”. She is MD & CEO of Comvision (India) Pvt. Ltd., an e-governance company and MD & CEO of Comvision Q Free Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd., a tolling & intelligent transport Solutions Company.
DEEPMALA MOHAN
Deepmala Mohan is a renowned Sufi & folk music singer. Trained in Hindustani Classical music, she has given numerous performances in India and abroad and also performed for many charitable and social organizations. She has worked hard in reviving the dying form of folk music in the interiors of India.Deepmala is a member of various Government Boards like the Indian Film Censor Board and, has received several prestigious awards for her outstanding talent.
RAJYALAKSHMI RAO
Inspired by Ralph Nader, a well Know Consumer Activist in the US, Rajyalakshmi chose the unconventional path of Championing consumer rights in India, at a time when there was little awareness of this field. She is the only person to have served in all three tiers of the consumer forum- the district forum, the state forum and the national forum and delivered many landmark judgments that have shaped the jurisprudence of consumer protection laws in the country. Her book “Consumer is King” has been translated into 12 regional languages.
She is an active member of many chambers of commerce and NGOs and travelled to Kargil after the war and Cuddalapore after the tsunami to help affected families. Currently, Rajyalakshmi has been appointed by the Reserve Bank of India in a six member committee to give a report on consumer services in banks.
LIPIKA SUD
Lipika has been practicing Interior Design for the past two decades.
She undertakes large projects like Hotels and Showrooms and with her Companies Lipika Sud Interiors pvt ltd and Art ‘n Aura, she has designed several prestigious projects in India and abroad.
She is a visiting faculty for several Educational Institutions and has been on the jury for major national and international design awards. Currently she is President of the Guild of Designers and Artists.
Lipika has won many awards for her excellent work in interior design.
AHMEDABAD CHAPTER
VANDANA AGGARWAL
Alumni of the prestigious School of Planning and Architecture, Vandana started her career as an architect working on affordable housing and researching on mud architecture. Restless in her artistic pursuits, she experimented with painting in different mediums successfully. Not satisfied, she translated many books into Braille and made audio cassettes of books for a talking library for the blind.
For the past 18 years she has been associated as a Trustee, Mentor and designer with Manav Sadhna, Gramshree and Grassroots- an NGO in Ahmedabad. She designs, trains and assists in manufacturing products made by women and children.
BANGALORE CHAPTER
CHYTRA V ANAND
Chytra is an internationally renowned Cosmetic Dermatologist and a sought after speaker in the International Lecture circuit. Trained in the UK and the US, Chytra’s dream was to start a chain of world standard skin and laser clinics in India. She is the founder and CEO of Kosmoderma Clinics and Medispas. In 2007, she founded the International Academy of Aesthetic Medicine to trains doctors in the field of Cosmetic Dermatology.
She writes articles for various mainstream publications like Times of India, Femina, DNA etc, and appears on Television channels as an expert speaker.
SNEHAL MANTRI
Mrs. Snehal Mantri, a rare woman in the field of real estate dominated by men, has been leading the marketing at Mantri Developers. In just 14 years, Mantri Developers has delivered over 6,000 homes and built over 10 million square feet. She is also instrumental in setting up the Indus Community School in Bangalore, for children from BPL families. The school has many facilities like cricket and soccer grounds, an amphitheatre, and every student from grade 1 onwards is given a Laptop.
BOMBAY CHAPTER
MINALI THAKKAR
Minali studied fine arts at the Sir J.J. School of Arts and is a Fine Arts Consultant. Her firm Art Approach is an art advisory offering a full range of art consulting services to her clients ranging from sculptures, paintings to mixed media. Her passion lies in creating designs and sculptures using different types of material including recycled material.
Taking art out of galleries, she has created Art Installations at public places to connect people and create awareness of various social issues. Recently she depicted a waterfall using plastic bottles to bring awareness over their misuse and at the Rub-Expo she used rubber products for creating designs. Minali has won many awards for her work.
CHENNAI CHAPTER
SHALINI BISWAJIT
Shalini Biswajit is a painter and sculptor, and also director of Forum Arts Gallery. At Forum, Shalini delivers a holistic art experience – art exhibitions, art consultations, art education and art therapy. Shalini has exhibited widely in India and abroad. Her paintings and sculptures can be seen at public collections all over Tamilnadu, like the Madras Race Club, Madras club, Savera Hotel, Apollo Hospitals and ABN Amro Bank. Her sculptures have commissioned and installed at Kongu Engineering College and the IT highway in Tamilnadu. Shalini has curated close to 100 shows and has illustrated a children’s book.Shalini is also an avid trekker.
REHANE YAVAR DHALA
Rehane’s designs have put Chennai on the Fashion map. In 1996, Femina awarded her the prestigious “Designer of the Year” award. In 1998, she opened her flagship store “Rehane” in Chennai. In 1999, she added another feather to her cap when she was chosen to lend her design innovations in the field of surface ornamentations and avant garde embroidery to a niche market of international buying houses. A believer that fashion should be accessible to all, her Pret a Porter collection retails in stores like Westside and Lifestyle.Rehane’s collections which are synonymous with a blend of Indian heritage and European haute couture now retail in high fashion stores across the Middle East , South East Asia, Europe, USA and India.
RADHA PARTHASARTHY
Radha Parthasarthy is a crafts activist and as member and then Vice President of Crafts Council of India for 6 years, she was actively involved in reviving languishing craft, fund raising and in the education of artisans ‘children.She adopted her family’s Village Thandalam, poverty stricken and arid, and turned it around by training the village women and providing them a platform to make and sell food products like idli powder, etc. Today, its annual turnover is a whopping 64 lakhs. Dilapidated temples have been restored, the school has been rebuilt and total sanitation provided in the Village.
Radha, with her huge efforts have made Thandalam into a Model village with street lights, water pumps and cement roads and given a new life to the villagers they couldn’t dream of.
GEETHA PREMKUMAR
23 years ago, in 1990 Geetha set up her own manufacturing unit of power electronic products. A known expert in her field and as 1st generation women entrepreneur, she has received many awards for her work, both in India and Abroad.She is also external faculty for many Schools & Colleges and has been invited as a speaker for numerous Conferences. She is actively connected with several Chennai based Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Geetha is also active in social work promoting woman empowerment and education of the girl-child. She is a well known Counselor for women related issues, has organized TV programs, written a book on –entrepreneurship and Financial Planning for women and many articles on vital social issues.
K. SRILAKSHMI MOHAN RAO
Srilakshmi is a skilled handicrafts teacher and active social worker. She has set up innumerable centres and trained girls and women in handicraft, especially as a means of livelihood. She has set up centres in her own capacity as entrepreneur, for private and government institutions and for NGOs. She even trained families affected by the tsunami.
Currently, she is the secretary of Andhra Mahila Sabha, Luz, which runs five subsidiary units like a vocational training institute, working women’s hostel, primary school and IPD Ortho dept.
Srilakshmi has held many leading positions in NGOs and institutions and won awards for her work.
COIMBATORE CHAPTER
J. MOHANASUNDARI
J. Mohanasundari is the Managing Director of Sharp Electrodes Pvt Ltd & Proprietrix of Kayjay Sharp Trendys, companies manufacturing welding electrodes & mini monobloc pumps. Taking over the business after the sudden demise of her husband, she surmounted the many obstacles she had to face to make the business successful.
Both companies are ISO 9001:2008 accredited companies and export nearly 90% of their production. Her Companies have received many awards for their performance and High quality both in India and Abroad.
HYDERABAD CHAPTER
REKHA PRASHANT LAHOTI
Rekha Lahoti is the owner of Kalakriti Art Gallery in Hyderabad and runs the Krishnakriti Art and Culture festival, a five day event, where many celebrated and young artists are invited to work.
All the proceeds from the festival’s sale of art have gone into scholarships to almost 300 students who were underprivileged but exceptionally talented in fields such as engineering and medicine.
She is trained as a fashion designer and also runs “Sarang”, her signature boutique in Banjara Hills. She has designed for Mrs. India, contesting for the Mrs. World Pageant in L.A.
RATNA D. REDDY
Having found her niche in education, Ratna specialized in child education and founded CHIREC – Children’s Recreation Centre. Starting with a summer camp which proved to be a resounding success, she went on to establish a Higher Secondary school which has changed the face of education in Hyderabad. A day boarding school with latest facilities, it has a fleet of 77 buses which speaks volumes for its size and popularity. Ratna, other than her above achievements has also started a Students Exchange Program and set up Finishing Schools under the name ‘Chrysalis’
JAIPUR CHAPTER
ALKA BATRA
Alka is the founder of Aegis Jobs Pvt Ltd, an HR solutions and Placement firm, famous for finding the right person for the right job. Aegis is also engaged in corporate training, immigrations, campus placements and custom HR services.
Recipient of many prestigious awards like Beti Shristi Ratna, Youth Icon Of Rajasthan and listed as one of the most significant personalities in Rajasthan by India Today, Alka’s real passion lies in Badminton. She has represented the State of Rajasthan in six nationals and is the Joint Secretary Jaipur Badminton Association and core member for events of Rajasthan Badminton Association.
NISHA JAIN GROVER
NIsha has been working for the last 15 years to help children with learning disorders in Jaipur. She has promoted Vatsalya Legacy, now a team of 23 educators working with almost 21 schools in Jaipur and 10 schools in other cities to train teachers to educate special children. Till date, she has trained 6800 teachers of various schools and counseled almost 10,000 parents and students. Her students are today successful musicians, teachers, businessmen and artists.
DR. GUNJAN JAIN
Dr Gunjan Jain started her career in the field of infertility in 1990, a hitherto unknown and upcoming super – specialty field in gynaecology. She trained in USA and Germany and she became the first female infertility expert to open her own IVF centre in northern India – “Jain Fertility & Mother Care Hospital” at Jaipur. She has helped more than 10,000 couples so far. She was awarded the ” Rajiv Gandhi Award” by Prime Minister in 1999 for her work in the field of infertility and IVF.
KULSUM MALIK
Kulsum Malik spent her childhood in deprived circumstances, but is today the owner of a chain of 12 beauty parlours and beauty training institutes in Jaipur, created by her business ccumen, and sheer hard work. She also owns a Herbal Cosmetics Factory. The owner and director of Kaya Kalp Herbal Ltd, Kulsum is not just a beautician and teacher, but also a messiah for scores of young girls from under-privileged backgrounds who learnt the means to earn a respectable livelihood from her. She trains poor girls and deaf and dumb girls for free, to set them up in a good career