07.04.2026-Address on the occasion of the FICCI Foundation Day
Address by Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra on the occasion of the FICCI Foundation Day to be held at Hotel Trident, Nariman Point, Mumbai at 3.30 PM on April 07, 2026
Shri Jaykumar Rawal, Minister for Protocol
Shri Anant Goenka, President, FICCI and Vice Chairman, RPG Group
Dr. Prashant Narnaware, Secretary to the Governor
Shri Vijay Sankar, Sr. Vice President, FICCI & Chairman, Sanmar Group
Shri S. Ramamoorthy, Joint Secretary to the Governor
Past Presidents of FICCI
Smt. Jyoti Vij, Director General, FICCI
बहनो और भाईयों,
प्रणाम और Good Afternoon !
महाराष्ट्र में पदभार ग्रहण करने के पश्चात यह मेरा दूसरा प्रमुख कार्यक्रम है।
हम त्रिपुरा वासियों के लिये महाराष्ट्र हमेशा प्रेरणा भूमि रही है।
महाराष्ट्र यह छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराज की पावन भूमि है।
यह धर्मवीर छत्रपती संभाजी महाराज की वीरभूमि है।
महात्मा जोतिबा फुले और सावित्रीबाई फुले की यह कर्मभूमि रही है।
संविधान के निर्माता भारत रत्न डॉ आंबेडकर, लोकमान्य तिलक तथा वीर सावरकर की भी यह महान धरा रही है। महात्मा गांधी की भी महाराष्ट्र कर्मभूमि रहा है।
आज के इस अवसर पर इन सभी महान विभूतियों को नमन करता हूँ।
It gives me immense pleasure to address this eminent gathering of Captains of Industry at the 99th FICCI Foundation Day.
I am happy to know that FICCI is celebrating its Centenary Year in the year 2027.
I congratulate FICCI, the largest, oldest and the apex Business Chamber in India on its Foundation Day.
FICCI has had a remarkable journey since its inception in 1927.
I was delighted to know that it was formed in Mumbai at the instance of Mahatma Gandhi.
FICCI has had the distinction of witnessing pre – independence and post-independence changes in terms of regulatory control and post liberalization, market led growth.
The Federation’s contribution in making Mumbai, the economic power engine of the country has been commendable.
In its 99 years of journey FICCI has empowered countless entrepreneurs, witnessed success stories and even faced challenges.
I am glad to note that the Ladies Wing of FICCI has also been very active for the past few years and it also deserves our wholehearted compliments on this occasion.
Under the guidance and leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi, India is advancing towards becoming a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.
FICCI should continue to stand as a trusted partner in achieving this goal.
The success of ‘Viksit Bharat’ rests on the foundation of ‘Viksit States’.
As a leading contributor to India’s economy and largest contributor to direct taxes, Maharashtra plays a pivotal role in advancing this aspiration through industrial strength, innovation, and human capital development.
Maharashtra’s one-trillion-dollar economy vision reflects its ambition to emerge as a global hub for manufacturing, services, innovation and inclusive growth.
I was pleased to note that this vision of the State came out of a FICCI report published in 2017.
As the constitutional head of the State, my office has consistently emphasised the importance of industry participation, innovation and investment in addressing complex public challenges.
As Governor, I also happen to be the Chancellor of 29 state universities.
These include more than a dozen large traditional universities, 4 agricultural universities, 1 Medical Science University, 1 Technological University, 1 University of Distance and Open Learning and 1 University of Animal Sciences and Fisheries.
I will call upon universities to work closely with FICCI.
I will also urge FICCI to collaborate with the State and also with State Universities to create a constructive platform for dialogue, partnership, and implementation across priority areas of socio-economic development.
I am glad that the Ladies Wing of FICCI is already working with Lok Bhavan for the empowerment of university and college girl students through the initiative Swayam Siddha.
We need FICCI to create apprenticeship and internship positions for our graduates so they get work experience in diverse areas.
Ladies and gentlemen,
The Federation is entering its Centenary year at a critical global juncture.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has already impacted the economies of nearly all countries in varying degrees.
It has directly or indirectly impacted every single person on this planet.
While our governments are taking all necessary measures to safeguard India’s interests – particularly in the area of energy security – it would be both timely and appropriate for FICCI to commission comprehensive studies assessing the overall impact of the conflict on different sectors of the Indian economy.
We need to find out how can we mitigate the suffering of the poorest and the marginalised people, who are getting affected by the war.
Such assessments should include the likely effects on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), as well as the implications for the Indian expatriate community residing in the Gulf region.
There are already reports of major IT firms announcing large-scale layoffs, underscoring the need for careful analysis.
We need suggestions from you how we can skill, reskill and upskill our workforce to help them stay relevant and earn a decent livelihood.
I am so happy that FICCI is felicitating its distinguished Past Presidents today.
I take this opportunity to congratulate them for their contributions to our country and the State of Maharashtra.
Once again, I congratulate FICCI as it marches towards its Centenary Year and wish all of you success in your future endeavours.
Thank you !
Jai Hind ! Jai Maharashtra !!