CII's Tarun Das retires

Wed, Nov 4 02:05 AM

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on Tuesday announced the retirement of chief mentor Tarun Das. Das has held the post since 2004, prior to which he was director-general for three decades. "Under Tarun's leadership, CII has been instrumental in managing and initiating changes that shaped the socio-economic environment of the country over several decades," said CII president Venu Srinivasan.

Although Das may be ending a chapter with an organisation that he has become synonymous with for 35 years, few expect him to lead a life of tranquil retirement. Indeed, as a prominent figure at the World Economic Forum's India Economic Summit, he will be present at the forthcoming conference, which begins from November 8, working his formidable international relationships.

Under the stewardship of Das, who turned 70 earlier this year, CII rose from being a small engineering association to a high-profile lobby group. Said past president Subodh Bhargava, who has worked closely with Das for many years: "CII is where it is today because of his personal vision and support."

However, Hero Corporate Services and another CII past president Sunil Kant Munjal says Das's involvement went beyond just industry. "He contributed to issues like track-II diplomacy and social sector reforms much before any industry association took up such causes anywhere in the world," Munjal told FE.

Having witnessed the metamorphosis of Indian industry with liberalisation from the vantage point of the apex body, Das will now watch from the sidelines as his protégé helps India Inc spread its wings globally. "I have no doubt that CII would continue to be the single-most important point of reference for industry," says Das.

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