Interview with President of Gujarat Dyestuff Manufacturers Association

BANGALORE,INDIA.

Shankerbhai Patel, President, Gujarat Dyestuffs  Manufacturers Association is an achiever in himself. A successful businessman and a President of an organization whose initiatives have brought about tremendous growth and development in the Dyestuff segment, is a role model for the community. In conversation with Aparna S on the journey to the top.

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What struck me in this discussion with Mr. Patel is his passion he has and the commitment he has given to the growth and development of the SMB sector. He has believed in assigning the important goals and objectives and getting after them until it is achieved.

The Association, GDMA, has addressed various issues like Government and impacting policy matters, addressing issues with the Excise and Custom Department, Various infrastructure and development related matters. In this, the Association acts as a representative and voice of the community, playing a key liasioning role to ensure that all the required goals are met. And this overall ensures the growth and development of the members.

The Association meets regularly to discuss and prioritize all issues pertaining to the SMB members. The Association also has regular meetings, seminars, conferences and a couple of entertainment and bonding activities. This ensures that the group is well connected and the bonding increases between the members. Prior to each of these meetings, the agenda is outlayed and shared, wherein the members are asked to prepare well in advance and discuss only the key and critical matters.

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One key aspect of growth for these organizations, Mr. Patel feels is the overall technical know-how, business acumen, information and equipping them with the right decision making abilities is one of the key roles for the Association drivers. These are very small organizations and may not have the required knowledge and business advantage. This Association is No.2 in the state and supports policy making and addresses many other critical imperatives of this sector.

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When asked on how he manages such a hugely challenging portfolio while running his own Business, Mr. Patel attributed this to a highly disciplined life, an organized method of working and a great commitment to the work he does. His advise to upcoming leaders is that it is important to be focused, work hard, be truthful and success will follow.

2011 is a great year for Mr. Patel and one of his key focus areas include creating a fine balance of Economy and Ecology where he would like to take up initiatives on Environment Protection and Climate Change. Mr. Patel also fondly recalls a signifcant achievement in his life, on July 30th, when 80000 trees were planted under his leadership. An absolutely laudable achievement.