Address of Shri Ishwinder Singh, President FIGSI at the 40th Annual General Meeting on 12th October 2023 at The Lalit Ashok Bengaluru.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”
Good morning everyone. With that quote from American anthropologist Margaret Mead, I welcome you all to the 40thAGM of FIGSI today. This is where our growing community of thoughtful and committed members gets together to serve the industry and the country. And I believe, we are changing the world for the better, stone by stone.
The presence of so many industry veterans and rising stars at the AGM reflects the dedication of the members towards the industry.
In the words of Queen Elizabeth II, “Like all the best families, we have our share of eccentricities and family disagreements.” But we always seek strength in our differences, and companionship in our synergies. That is what makes FIGSI special.
We all come together as one team that leaves no stone unturned for the progress and prosperity of the industry. It is an honour for me to associate with such a committed industry fraternity that has wholeheartedly supported and guided me during my term as President at FIGSI.
This has been one of my life’s greatest privilege to have been given the opportunity to serve the Federation.
These past two terms came at a pivotal time in our journey as an industry. While we’ve had to deal with many successive important events and situations, we’ve also stepped up with some unprecedented initiatives for our industry.
For me, it has been one of the most eventful period. Challenging at times, but immensely rewarding in terms of the progress we’ve made together. I thank you all for truly getting behind the collective dreams we chase at FIGSI.
I do not intend to list out all that we have accomplished. That is all in front of you and like they say, actions speak louder than words. Rather, I take this opportunity to share some of my impressions on how things have fared in the many works of the Federation.
What first comes to mind is the extremely strong and active engagement of the Federation in significantly advancing the industry, all around the world.
During my tenure the world faced an unprecedent time with the Covid pandemic bringing all economic activities to a stop. Our stone industry went through a terrible crisis in particular.
Faced with this situation, the Federation stood like a solid rock behind the community. It showed that whenever there is unity of purpose and the strive for consensus, we have the capacity to timely address issues.
That experience brought a crucial learning for us. While we need to prepare and build capacity to address any such urgent situations, we also need to strengthen our industry from within and build a self-reliant and robust eco-system.
In the words of writer Allama Iqbal, “Khudi ko kar buland itna ke har taqdeer se pehle khuda bande se khud pooche, bata teri raza kya hai.” I dream of a FIGSI and an industry that is as buland – a strong and self-reliant force in the world.
Our engagement must be more than just a one-shot exercise. And for that, we must ensure that the common resolve we express is followed up with concrete and consistent actions. Only then can we together create long-term positive impact.
This is my last official speech as President of FIGSI as my term comes to an end. I am deeply overwhelmed by the warmth and affection bestowed on me by all the honourable members of FIGSI.
FIGSI has been my home, and you are all my family.
I’ll always cherish the memories during my term as I learnt a lot from each and every one. Each hurdle has been a stepping stone for our collective success.
All of you, my dear friends and FIGSI members have given me strength to lead better. You have all inspired me to think bigger. I assure you, with everyone’s support, we will make India a Stone Superpower. We are already moving on that path.
The Annual report gives the entire happenings of FY 2022-2023 and all the progress and activities have been reported in the Indian Stone Magazine from time to time.
STONA 2023
We started 2023 with a spirit of resurgence. 15th STONA – International Granite and Stone Fair was organised by FIGSI at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre from 15th to 18h February 2023.
The 4-day fair had a footfall of 21,167 visitors. It was spread over 26,000 square meters with 2,900 stalls. 360 exhibitors from all over the world participated in the fair.
The fair was co-sponsored by the Government of Karnataka and sponsored by M/s SDP Machines as Platinum Sponsors, M/s Shri Bhagwati Machines Private Limited, and M/s Karm Machine Tools (P) Limited as Gold Sponsors.
M/s Aro Granite Industries Limited, M/s PRP Granites Exports Madurai, M/s SK International, M/s Diacore, M/s Madhusudan Marble, M/s Vinayak Diamond Tools Pvt Ltd, M/s Shuru Stones, M/s Petreplus as silver sponsors. And M/s Ugama Enterprises and M/s Maheshwari Rocks (I) Pvt. Ltd as other sponsors.
During the Fair we had the Geological Seminar and the Architects Seminar. We also organised Shilpgram for stone artisans from different parts of the country.
As is customary we also hosted the FIGSI awards: Life time achievement awards, FIGSI-FIMI-Model Granite Quarry Award - 2021-22, FIGSI-FIMI-Model Marble Quarry Award - 2021-22, Export Excellence Award - 2021-22 in Granite and Marble, Export Excellence Award - 2021-22 in Other Stones, Best Indian Granite Machinery Manufacturer Award, Architects Award for use of Natural Stones in their projects for the year 2021-22, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award for 2021-22, Meritorious Awards to students from different parts of the country.
My impression is that at STONA, we set a new global benchmark. Despite the effects of the pandemic over the preceding years, our industry came out strong with resurgence. The global community showered love as well.
We believe we generated business of over Rs 1000 crore. New business relationships were formed and old ones were nurtured.
FIGSI Documentary
FIGSI has prepared a documentary video to showcase the diverse wealth of Indian natural stones and to shine light on the thriving stone clusters of the country.
The documentary includes an overview of the industry and FIGSI. We have got a good response.
The documentary team had visited many locations in Rajasthan, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Going global
FIGSI also participated in many National & International Fairs for promotion of the Natural Stone Industry. Details of these are given in the Annual Report.
FIGSI events and seminars
1. Seminar cum Interactive Meeting on “ACCELERATING ECONOMIC GROWTH AND CONTRIBUTION OF NATURAL STONE SECTOR” was held on 5th August 2022 at Hotel Lakend, Udaipur.
Sri Ashok Chandna, Hon’ble Minister of State for Skill (Independent Charge), Sports & Youth Affairs (Independent Charge) Government of Rajasthan inaugurated the seminar.
Shri. Rajiv Arora, Chairman, The Rajasthan Small Industries Corporation Limited was the Chief Guest and Dr. K.B. Pandya, IAS, Director, Department of Mines and Geology, Government of Rajasthan was the Guest of honour.
2. Interactive seminar on skilling in the stone industry “New Challenges for the Indian Stone Industry in the current International Environment” on July 21, 2023 Hotel Visthara, Shoolagiri Hosur, Tamil Nadu.
Sri Anil Taneja was the Chief Guest from LITOS, Spain and he spoke about the global challenges of the STONE industry.
Sri Muthurajan, President IMMA, Sri N Ashoken, Past President IMMA, and the IMMA team participated in the seminar. Smt Swetha Chaudhary, Architect, Jaipur gave a presentation on skilling at the seminar and also handled interactive session which was noteworthy.
Interactions with the government:
GMDC Meeting:
FIGSI has been in touch with the Ministry of Mines, GoI for fixing meetings of the sub-committee of GMDC to finalize the amendments to the GCDR rules 1999.
The second meeting of the Sub-Committee constituted under Granite and Marble Development Council (GMDC) was held on 07.06.2023 under the chairpersonship of Dr. Veena Kumari Dermal, Joint Secretary, Policy (Mines). Shri Guru Shastrimath and Shri S Shankaranarayanan attended the meeting in New Delhi and submitted recommendations from FIGSI.
Proposal to Tamil Nadu Government for policy making:
The 2nd Stakeholders’ workshop of “Framing of Natural Resources Management Plan” and “Sustainable Mining Policy” was held on 18.04.2023 at Chennai wherein FIGSI submitted its suggestions.
MoU with Korean Association
FIGSI signed an MOU with the Korea Stone Association for the development of the industry, trade and skill exchanges between the two countries.
MoU with SAPTI, Ambaji
FIGSI signed an exploratory MoU between the Stone Artisan Park Training Institute (SAPTI), Ambaji, Gujarat wherein FIGSI envisions an educational partnership with focus on skilling and training for the stone industry.
Digital transformation of FIGSI
FIGSI's digital presence has been significantly upgraded with the launch of the FIGSI Digital Hub. This is served via an integrated website, digital platform and mobile apps.
FIGSI’s presence has also been amplified on social media, with consistent and engaging industry content.
The FIGSI Hub digital platform includes information on various stones, FIGSI news and updates, a digital member directory, a digital forum, microsites for members, and monthly email newsletters, among other features.
Skilling for success
Skilling has been my pet subject. Our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji often talks about the need for reducing the skill gap. Without the required skills we are not be able to compete internationally.
It’s something we’ve closely observed in our industry as well. There is a non-availability of required skill sets. The skill gap has to be reduced if we are to make our mark globally.
This need was identified by stone visionaries long ago as well and we’ve all discussed this in great detail. During this term, we took that further with time-bound and efficient execution.
Unveiling of the Skill Center at Jaipur:
We unveiled and started operations at the Skill Centre at the Centre for Stone Excellence at Mahindra SEZ, Jaipur in Rajasthan on 18th September 2023. Many FIGSI members participated and the center was appreciated by one and all.
I am extremely happy to inform you all that we successfully launched five short-term courses and received a very good response. On the day of the unveiling 60+ admissions were registered.
The construction work at the Center of Skill Excellence, Hosur is in final stages and that will be ready and inaugurated shortly.
This initiative is already being termed a game changer for the industry.
I’m reminded of a quote by master investor Warren Buffett, “Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” These Centres will become those trees at the core of the robust stone industry ecosystem of tomorrow.
They will be home to structured programs on skill development for the stone industry, providing trained manpower to not just Indian businesses, but also extending the benefit of upskilled human capital to our international partners.
Courses have been formalised on stone mining and processing operations, accounting and trade regulations and digital marketing. The institutes will also house an incubation hub dedicated to startups working on new technology and solutions for the industry.
These institutes will spark new ideas. Not only will our industries progress, but our processes will also become more efficient. We’ll improve our recovery rates.
The Centres at Hosur and Jaipur will also have state of the art Stone Museum and a Hall of Fame of FIGSI to showcase the evolution of the Indian stone industry and to honour the leaders and visionaries who have led and contributed on this journey.
Growing the industry sustainably is our core objective, but we do that with the intent of serving the nation and humanity at large. Our heart is in stone dear audience, but it still beats with love and compassion.
At this 40th AGM I would like to specially thank Shri R Veeramani ji our Founder President, Shri R Sekar ji Immediate Past President, Shri Manoj Kumar Singh ji Vice President, Shri Krishna Prasad-Ji General Secretary and all the Executive Committee Members of FIGSI without whose cooperation it would not have been possible for me to perform my task.
Last but not the least I would like to thank the administrative support and staff at the FIGSI Secretariat for their wholehearted commitment and cooperation in carrying out the day to day activities of FIGSI.
I shall always be with you and shall be contributing to the growth of FIGSI. I am forever committed to the growth of the Industry and the Nation.
I end my speech with these lines by author William Arthur Ward, “The adventure of life is to learn. The purpose of life is to grow. The nature of life is to change. The challenge of life is to overcome. The essence of life is to care. The opportunity of life is to serve. The secret of life is to dare. The spice of life is to befriend. The beauty of life is to give.”
Thank you my dear colleagues and friends for supporting me on each of those facets of life.
We think together, we resolve together, we move together. And together, we take this Federation and Nation forward.
Thank you one and all.
JAI HIND JAI BHARAT!
