A n entire day of learning and dis- cussion was capped by a unique event in the evening – the ET Felicitation for leaders in infrastruc- ture. A bevy of illustri- ous industry leaders were honoured for their contribution to the sector. The evening started with an opening ad- dress by Hemant Kano- ria, Chairman and Man- aging Director SREI In- frastructure Finance Limited, who spoke at length about the chal- lenges facing the infra- structure sector today, while also suggesting a few solutions to adopt for the coming days. His address was fol- lowed by a traditional lamp lighting ceremony. After this, Chief Guest for the evening, Ashok Gajapati Raju, Hon. Minister for Civil Aviation, Government of India, addressed the gathering and felicitat- ed Gajendra Singh, the Hon. Minister for Pow- er, Rajasthan, and DJ Pandya, ACS and Chair- man, GSBC Gas Com- pany. After this, several industry leaders in in- frastructure were recognised for their im- mense contribution to the sector. AN ET EDGE INITIATIVE ET INFRA LEADERS MEET The 2nd Edition of the ET Infra Focus Summit hosted and felicitated key industry leaders in a glittering ceremony. LEADERS’ CORNER "We currently have lots of possibilities for logistics growth in India with two third of Infrastructure all over the country still to be developed. We need multi-modal solutions to address these constraints and boost infrastructure development in the country. A unified transport authority encompassing road, rail, ports, shipping including coastal shipping and inland waterways is a must for in-tandem planning and reducing logistics cost." BVJK SHARMA, JMD and CEO, JSW Infrastructure "Smart cities need futuristic buildings which are sustainable, safe and aesthetic as well as ecofriendly. For that, one would need 'future ready' building material products that fulfil all the necessary requirements. More importantly, India should adopt active disaster management practices within construction processes from cities across the world. " NITIN GOVILA, Managing Director, Onduline - Asia Pacific "India is poised for a resurgent economic growth in coming years, under the leadership of our Prime Minister. With infrastructure and manufacturing being the primary focus areas, India's industry across varied sectors will witness new opportunities along with revival in demand. Logistics, the backbone of India's economy, will play an important role in bringing the much- needed efficiency and competitiveness in making India the preferred global trade hub." SHASHI KIRAN SHETTY, Executive Chairman, Allcargo Logistics "PPP needs to evolve to 4P model where 'P' as People's participation is mandatory and not just desirable. In water distribution and wastewater reuse, great potential exists to create value for all stakeholders by improving efficiency. Innovative models like Nagpur 24x7 water supply project are viable today in these sectors, and Government should encourage private participation." ARUN LAKHANI, CMD, Vishvaraj Infrastucture "Rapid urbanisation calls for major changes in the way urban development is designed and managed. As young India takes on the challenge of building technology-driven 'smart' cities, policy makers have to look beyond sustainability, giving mobility and safety top priority while designing and developing cities around people. Future cities require effective utilisation of technology and integration with city architecture, enforcement agencies, corporations and individuals to support the needs of a growing population and safeguard its social and physical infrastructure against potential risks and hazards." SURESH SUGAVANAM, MD, UL India FELICITATION WATCH THE TELEVISED SHOW ON ■ Sat 18th October 4.30 pm ■ Sun 19th October 5.00 pm RECOGNISING INDUSTRY STAKEHOLDERS ● ● ● SHRI. GAJENDRA SINGH, Hon'ble Minister of power, Government of Rajasthan ● ● ● RAJESH CHATURVEDI, Principal Secretary & Resident Commissioner, Government of Madhya Pradesh ● ● ● S. RAHEJA, Chairman, AAI ● ● ● N. N. KUMAR, Chairman, JNPT ● ● ● D. J. PANDIAN, ACS & Chairman, GSPC Gas Company ● ● ● G. V. SANJAY REDDY, Vice Chairman, GVK ● ● ● RATUL PURI, Chairman, Hindustan Powerprojects ● ● ● ARVIND MEHROTRA, President, Infrastructure Management Services, NIIT Technologies ● ● ● RAHUL SHARMA, Partner and ED, IBM "Amidst the cacophony of emerging needs emanating for better management of technology infrastructure, there are three trends which stand apart as current market inflection points. These are adoption of cloud, reduction of islands of automation and application landscapes - Hard data centre vs soft data centre and resolving the agility vs stability paradox." ARVIND MEHROTRA, President, Infrastructure Management Services, NIIT Technologies > Chief Guest address by Shri. Ashok Gajapati Raju Pusapati, Hon'ble Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India “The infrastructure growth and potential of this country is immense. In the 1500s, the Grand Trunk Road from India to present-day Pakistan was built; it was the first highway for the nation. After that, we have hibernated. It is our fault that we have not lived up to our own potential, especially in infrastructure, which contributes to all sectors. The Government wants to address all the concerns of all stakeholders and investors, because getting growth back into the country will help us economically uplift people.”