Ladies and gentlemen,
Elections are over and, in this endeavor, I would like to thank Shri Veeramani Ji, Founder President and Father Figure of the Dimensional Stone Industry, Shri R Sekar, Past President and Chairman of Election Committee, Shri Ishwinder Singh Ji, Immediate Past President, All the Past Presidents of FIGSI, Vice President, General Secretary, Treasurer, Office bearers & Executive Committee Members on this momentous occasion.
Congratulations to all the newly elected EC members and office bearers who have been elected for the term 2024/26.
I stand before you today with immense gratitude and a profound sense of honor as I address you as the newly elected President of the Federation of Indian Granite and Stone Industry (FIGSI). This is a momentous occasion not only for me but also for our entire granite industry. I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to all of you who have placed your trust in me and bestowed upon me this great responsibility.
I can feel the special feeling which all my respected predecessors have felt while they earlier stood before you on this podium as the Presidents of FIGSI. I can resonate with their then state of high spirits and happiness; those special feelings of joy and motivation to serve the federation; the special feeling of carrying further the legacy of the Federation; the feeling of being more responsible; the feeling of being privileged to have been bestowed this prestigious position.
My primary goal shall be to actively engage for increased visibility and branding of our Federation while upholding the values that define us. Togetherness and Interdependence would be the key words in my journey and as President, my goal shall be to work alongside all of you, to strengthen our Federation.
As we gather here today, it is essential to acknowledge the significance of the granite industry in our society. Granite, with its timeless beauty and durability, has been an integral part of our architectural and artistic heritage for centuries. It has adorned our homes, buildings, and monuments, standing as a testament to human ingenuity and craftsmanship.
The Federation of Indian Granite and Stone Industry, as the representative body of this noble industry, holds the key to its growth, sustainability, and progress. And as your President, I pledge to lead this federation with unwavering dedication, commitment, and a vision that upholds the best interests of our members and the industry as a whole.
First and foremost, my focus will be on fostering unity and collaboration among our members. The granite industry encompasses a diverse range of stakeholders, from quarry owners and manufacturers to distributors and retailers. By creating a platform for open dialogue and cooperation, we can collectively address challenges, share knowledge and resources, and drive innovation. Together, we will forge a stronger, more cohesive granite community.
Secondly, I firmly believe that the strength of any industry lies in its workforce. Our granite industry is no exception. We must prioritize the well-being and professional development of our workers. By investing in their training, safety, and welfare, we will not only enhance productivity but also create an environment where our workers can thrive and take pride in their craft. Let us foster a culture that values the skills and expertise of our workforce and offers them opportunities for growth and advancement.
Another crucial aspect of my presidency will be promoting sustainability and responsible practices within our industry. As custodians of the Earth's resources, it is our duty to ensure that our granite extraction and manufacturing processes are conducted with the utmost care for the environment. By embracing sustainable technologies, reducing waste, and minimizing our carbon footprint, we can contribute to a greener future while preserving the integrity of our industry.
Furthermore, I will actively advocate for the granite industry on regional, national, and international platforms. By raising awareness about the economic and cultural significance of granite, we can garner support, attract investments, and expand our market reach. I will work closely with government bodies, regulatory agencies, and other relevant organizations to create an enabling environment that promotes the growth and competitiveness of our industry.
My vision for this term 2024-26 will be as follows:
- Digitalization of FIGSI Membership records etc/Making it paperless
- Process orientation -
* Laying a process for FIGSI office, adopting ISO 90001 standards, orgcharts/rules/description/design
- Taking forward Skill Development process in Hosur and Jaipur and reaching out strategy
- Conducting Regular Seminars/Events in States(5 Mining States)
- Process for STONA (Document) - A Blue Print to be prepared
* STONA Hosted Buyers Programme – Improving effectiveness and benefits to members
* Process for Foreign Trips during ‘STONA’ promotions.
- Coordination with various Chambers of Commerce & Industry
- Policy making and coordination with State/Central Government
- Opening of a Research Cell – to provide market data to FIGSI members
- E-Commerce Website
* Members to display their materials on website
* Giving access to Architects/Civil engineers on website
* E- Commerce website suggested to be named ‘e-STONA’
- Migrating to Electronic Voting
- Cost saving measures like Hybrid Executive Committee, Hybrid AGM
- Migrating from physical Magazine to ‘e Magazine’
- Opening material testing labs and integrating with Skill Centers.
- Empowering Sub-Committees
- Interacting with FIGSI Members / Industry
- Migrating to Internet Banking
In conclusion, I want to express my profound gratitude for the trust you have placed in me to lead the Federation of Indian Granite and Stone Industry. I am acutely aware of the challenges that lie ahead, but I am also filled with optimism and determination. Together, let us build a granite industry that stands as a paragon of excellence, sustainability, and unity.
To the dedicated team of other members who serve alongside me on the executive committees, thank you for your commitment and hard work. It is through collective efforts that we can steer the Federation of Indian Granite and Stone Industry towards greater success and impact.
I look forward to collaborating with you to drive positive change and propel the journey of our federation to new heights.
Thank you once again for this incredible opportunity. I look forward to working hand in hand with all of you as we embark on this transformative journey for the granite industry.
Long live the Federation of Indian Granite and Stone Industry!
JAI HIND JAI KARNATAKA!
Thank you.
