Not born with a silver or a golden spoon; maybe not even a wooden one, but when your aspirations are high and you are determined to bring a change it does not matter how you started what matters is how are you planning to end. An ideal example of this is the enthralling expedition of Mr. Sudhakar Shetty, President, Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) and his stupendous work for the society. He proved that from small beginnings come great things in true sense of the phrase.
In 1971, Mr. Shetty came to Bangalore and kick started his career with his first job as a table busser in a restaurant. Even as he earned for a living he was very passionate about education and learning which led him to join a night college which was a difficult task. Juggling between work and education, to everyone’s surprise he easily passed his examination despite the hardships that he faced. Albeit he possessed a strong desire to learn Mr. Shetty could not continue his education thereafter, due to financial constraints but by this time he was experienced and strong enough to set out on his own venture starting an eatery in the outskirts of Bangalore. Thereon, he continued to spread his wings in the hotel industry making it big as an entrepreneur. He steadily expanded his presence with a series of new ventures which also included journalism as a major one he established himself as a quality hotelier and business leader in local circles going on to be the recipients of several awards and accolades like The Man of The Year Award (2001), Arya Bhata Award (2004), Shikshan Tagn Award (2005-06), The Global Man of the Year Award (2006,) to name a few.
With the same level of passion, dedication and sincerity Mr. Shetty has brought about a transformation as the President of FKCCI, today. The FKCCI was established in the year of 1916 with a sole perspective of serving the interests of business community. After the service they have provided for almost a century, FKCCI stands amongst the five foremost chambers in the country. It has 3000 direct members and 25000 indirect members from all the sectors of trade, commerce and industry spread all over Karnataka. They are a member of global trade associations collaborating trade between Karnataka industries and overseas enterprises. FKCCI represents taxpayers; it is like the apex body of all industrial obligations and trade serving as a bridge between the government and businessman. Providing guidance to businesses, FKCCI helps the manufacturing and industrial sector to grow, eliminating economic impediments.
According to Mr. Shetty, manufacturing sector is the backbone of the economy; hence the government should prioritize the growth of the manufacturing sector in India. One such sector can provide employment for 50 families that will boost employment generation. Firstly, the government should provide proper banking support giving subsidies in interest rates to businesses. Secondly, the government should provide infrastructure with reference to logistics, roads and services. Thirdly the government should reduce some of the importing sectors that will enhance manufacturing produce in India.
With a view to enhance the manufacturing sector in India under the prudent hand of Mr. Sudhakar Shetty, the FKCCI has chalked out a plan for the next fiscal year. Firstly, FKCCI wants to have the maximum industries in Karnataka. In order to facilitate this thought, they plan to organize a national association meet at Bangalore that will encourage B2B meeting from all over India. The FKCCI also plans to host an Asian Chambers of Commerce meet in Bangalore to find opportunities for growth and ways to make Karnataka as a brand for industries on the globe.
They have initiated a program for the youth known as Youth India Forum to increase job opportunities. Additionally, they also have created a Woman Wing to motivate women participation in the manufacturing sector helping them grow and achieve their dreams. The FKCCI is the service providers of the globe and have signed 56 MOUs with different countries. They have represented 38 Boards and Committees by the state and central Government and are committed to take the industrial growth to the next level by global engagements. Mr. Shetty wants to set up 1000 new entrepreneurs before he steps down from his position as President of FKCCI.
Traversing through major industries like hospitality, journalism and now manufacturing; making it big in every field, Mr. Shetty has not only gained accolades and recognition but also blessings of the many lives that he has touched by his good works.
“Until you do not pay back your loan you are not the owner, you are an employee. The initial years are to work hard without expecting profit. Survey the market and present your product rightly. Set targets and be achievers” are a few words of wisdom to the young entrepreneurs from a man who made his aspirations soar higher than his limited means to achieve them, Mr. Sudhakar Shetty.
He always wanted to be an asset to the country; with this thought in mind Mr. Shetty held on to his integrity, his courage and his pure values that are his investments and continued to make it big in every field he set foot in. His values and ethical work practice played a huge role in identifying him as one of the most dignified personality in the country today.
