Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) Hosts Its 48th Annual General Meeting
Bengaluru, July 3rd, 2025: The Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC), Karnataka’s apex industry body, held its 48th Annual General Meeting in the city today.The prestigious event brought together policymakers, business leaders, and academia to reflect on the Chamber’s achievements and chart a visionary course for the year ahead. Among the key highlights of the event, was the launch of the beta version of BCIC’s mobile application, aimed at enhancing member engagement and accessibility. Esteemed Guests of Honour included Dr. S Selvakumar IAS, Principal Secretary for Commerce and Industries in the Government of Karnataka, Shri Maheshwar Rao M., IAS, Chief Commissioner, BBMP and Managing Director, BMRCL; Smt. Joohi Smitha Sinha, Chief General Manager, State Bank of India, Bangalore; and Shri M. R. Jaishankar, Executive Chairman, Brigade Group. The event also witnessed the release of the BCIC Annual Report 2024–2025.
Delivering his address, Dr. S Selvakumar IAS, Principal Secretary for Commerce and Industries in the Government of Karnataka said, “Karnataka is the number one state in the country for exports and stands number two as a state for contributions in GST and Income Tax. While the state is progressing well, our aim is to increase our footprint in manufacturing. The government of Karnataka is open to collaborating in the maximum possible way with the industry to maximise infrastructure and skill development.”
In his address, Shri M Maheshwar Rao, IAS, Chief Commissioner, BBMP and Managing Director, BMRCL said, “We are expecting the yellow line of namma metro to be functional by August this year, and this should help decongest the silk board junction. We are also working on a lot of other initiatives to improve mobility solutions within the city, which should fructify over the next couple of years. I take this opportunity to request industry for ideas and solutions to address last mile connectivity for metro users.,With initiatives like the expanding Metro network and last-mile connectivity solutions, we are eager to co-create with industry leaders and the vibrant youth of this city. Together, we can build a future-ready Bengaluru that thrives on shared vision and collective action.”
BCIC’s President and Director, Brigade Hospitality, Vineet Verma, outlining BCIC’s contributions to policy advocacy, sustainable development, and industry growth over the last year said, “As we mark BCIC’s 48th AGM, I look back on an incredibly fulfilling year—one that has been transformative for the Chamber and deeply personal for me. Our focus was clear: to corporatize BCIC, drive innovation, and build a more cohesive industry voice. From launching the Council of Associations to give Karnataka industry a unified platform, to nurturing the next generation through the Young Leaders Forum, and digitizing our Chamber, the momentum has been phenomenal. We have recommended that the government establish a Disneyland-style theme park in KWIN City, near Bengaluru International Airport, an initiative that would help position Karnataka as the top investment and tourism destination in India.”
In his incoming presidential acceptance speech, Prashant Gokhale, President Designate, BCIC and Managing Director, Buhler India Pvt. Ltd. said, “It’s an honour to take over the presidency of BCIC. I am deeply committed to ensuring that we continue to be the voice of industry in Karnataka offering valuable insights and suggestions to both the central and state governments to spur industrial growth. My vision is to build on the exemplary work of my predecessor to drive policy enhancement and simplify processes so that we can achieve sustainable development across the state. In a world marked by uncertainty, BCIC remains a beacon of continuity and growth, powered by over 850 members, guided by the legacy of our past presidents, and enriched by partnerships across India and beyond.”
In her address, Smt. Joohi Smitha Sinha, Chief General Manager, State Bank of India, Bengaluru, said that progress is no longer about skill development but rather about synergy between government, industry and financial institutions and SBI has been a key partner in BCIC’s journey as a strategic growth partner.
A highlight of the evening was the felicitation of outstanding contributors to industry and academia, including Col H. S. Shankar, VSM (Retd.) in recognition of his pioneering contributions to Defence R&D and Indigenous Technological Advancements to the Nation wherein his product SkyStriker Drone which came into prominence in a big way during Operation Sindoor. Dr. G. Madhavi Latha, in recognition of her exceptional leadership in pioneering geotechnical designs and enabling successful construction of the World’s Highest Railway Arch, the Chenab Bridge after 17 years of relentless research and Shri C. Vallipappa, Past President of BCIC for the year 1995-96. The Chamber also recognized its Expert Committees and key sponsors whose leadership and support powered BCIC’s initiatives over the past year.
Delivering the vote of thanks by CA K. Ravi, Vice President, BCIC and Director, VR e-Biz Solutions Pvt. Ltd. said that beginning this year, BCIC will introduce a new committee namely, BCIC GCC Committee to advise the government of Karnataka on various issues.