Dubai: The Indian Business & Professional Council (IBPC Dubai) signalled a bold new chapter in its institutional evolution with an exclusive, high-level engagement for its platinum members, the first in a series of curated platforms aligned to its renewed strategic vision. 
The invite-only gathering brought together corporate leaders in a powerful reaffirmation of IBPC Dubai’s mission to drive bilateral economic collaboration and elevate member value through influence, innovation, and insights.

The event represents a deliberate shift in the Council’s positioning from community convenor to strategic catalyst as it recategorizes its membership tiers and deepens sector-focused engagement. 

“With over 100 targeted events annually, IBPC Dubai is now anchoring its programming on marquee conferences, focused roundtables, premium networking forums, and flagship series such as Capital Connect. This strategic realignment underscores IBPC’s intent to move beyond conventional networking into the realm of ecosystem building, with curated opportunities for learning, leadership, and legacy creation,” said Dr Sahitya Chaturvedi, Secretary General, IBPC Dubai, in his introductory address. 

A central highlight of the evening was the keynote address by Ravi Kant, former CEO and Vice Chairman of Tata Motors. In his thought-provoking talk, “A New Paradigm - Leading from the Back,” Mr. Kant examined how the very foundation of leadership is being reshaped by technological disruption, demographic change, and shifting values.

“Leadership is no longer about command and control. In this new era of drones, AI, and social transformation, we must lead with purpose, humility, and empathy,” said Mr. Kant. “Corporates can no longer be driven solely by profit, but they must reclaim values, equity, and trust.”

He identified three urgent leadership challenges: the unpredictability of global disruption, the inadequacy of legacy leadership models, and the demand for authenticity from a new generation of stakeholders. “Younger generations will not follow leaders who aren’t real. They want purpose, not hierarchy,” he added, delivering a message that resonated deeply with the audience of industry pioneers, entrepreneurs, and institutional leaders.

The evening also celebrated outstanding contributions to the Indian business diaspora. IBPC’s Lifetime Diamond members were felicitated by IBPC Dubai Vice Chairman Sunil Sinha for their long-standing support and impact. These included Skandan Mahalingam, Founder & MD, Ideal Capital; Governor, IBPC Dubai, Abdul Ghafoor, Partner, Fine Tools Trading LLC, and Sujith Matthew, Partner, ALB Mathew and Excello Law.

The Council also paid tribute to the enduring legacy of the late Dr. Ram Buxani, a founding force in the Indian business community, with his daughter Chetna Buxani attending the ceremony. Representatives from DP World, Dubai Customs, Oracle, and other strategic institutions were also present, underscoring the Council’s cross-sectoral relevance.
This inaugural Platinum & Diamond members’ engagement sets the tone for a series of high-impact initiatives, including the continuation of Capital Connect. The most recent edition, featuring the CEO of BSE, drew over 1,000 participants and the expansion of community-led programs such as the IBPC Corporate Quiz, saw a record surge in female participation, all underscoring IBPC Dubai’s relevance and reach. 

IBPC’s transformation remains rooted in a singular vision: to lead with substance, engage with purpose, and drive Indo-UAE collaboration through strategy and insight.
“We are not just organizing events; we are architecting an ecosystem,” said Skandan Mahalingam, who delivered the vote of thanks. “This marks the beginning of our new paradigm where IBPC evolves from a platform to a force for regional influence and global connection.”