Apparel November 2019 Apparel November 2019 issue | Page 9

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK
Having said that, we still have a long way to go. I have the
reassurance that CMAI will be now led by one of the most dynamic
Entrepreneurs in the Industry, Rakesh Biyani. I am absolutely certain
that he will lead the Association to much greater heights.
One of the privileges I have enjoyed during my tenure is the
opportunity of working with some of the most outstanding Members
of the Industry, both within and outside the Managing Committee.
I have had the honour of working with Seniors like Parsubhai
Amersey, Shantibhai Shah, Kantibhai Doshi, Bangera Seth, Shantibhai
Kubadia, my ‘Kachori’ friend Hiten Shah, and Ramesh Hingorani,
who mentored me and held my hand in my formative years. I have
been lucky to get the guidance of Peers such as Premal Udani, Ashok
Rajani and Harakchandkaka, the help and support of my Committee
Members especially Babubhai, Jayesh Shah, Rohit Munjal, Ankur
Gadia, the ever-reliable Mohan Sadhwani, and my alter ego Rajesh
Masand, and be the recipient of the infectious enthusiasm of the
youngsters in the Committee.
Industry Captains outside the Committee have also stood by me,
supported me, and tolerated me. There was no way CMAI could have
achieved what it has without their support. Nagesh, Kishore Biyani,
Sanjay Lalbhai, Noel Tata, Ashish Dixit, Suresh, Govind Shrikhande,
Gaurav Mahajan, Siddharth Bindra, Vasanth Kumar, Anil Biyani—
these are just a few of the people I knew I could always count on
whenever there was need, and they never disappointed.
I must also mention here the one person who has been an incredible
source of encouragement and support. She was instrumental in the
Government recognising the importance of the Domestic Sector,
and the role played by CMAI in this Sector. Her grasp, insight, and
understanding of issues is something one can only marvel at.
My sincere thanks to the Honourable Minister of Textiles Smriti Zubin
Irani for being one of the strongest supporters of CMAI and me
personally. Thank you, Ma’am.
So once again, thank you all. It has been a terrific journey, and it was
great to work with all of you. God Bless.
RAHUL MEHTA
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