CII Launches Vikram Kirloskar Series on Green Themes

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has launched a lecture series in memory of Vikram Kirloskar, a visionary leader who championed the cause of green mobility and green fuels in India. The series aims to provide a platform for industry experts, policymakers and researchers to share their insights and perspectives on the emerging trends and challenges in the field of sustainable transportation.

The inaugural lecture of the series was delivered by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport and Highways, on December 12, 2023, at the CII EXCON 2023 in Bengaluru. The minister highlighted the government’s initiatives and policies to promote the adoption of alternative fuels such as ethanol, biodiesel, methanol, hydrogen and electricity in the transport sector. He also urged the industry to invest in research and development, innovation and skill development to create a competitive and self-reliant green economy.

Geetanjali Vikram Kirloskar, wife of Vikram Kirloskar and chairperson of Toyota Tsusho Insurance Broker India Pvt Ltd, also addressed the audience at the event. She shared her husband’s vision and passion for transforming the mobility landscape in India through green technologies. She also thanked CII for instituting the lecture series in his honour and hoped that it would inspire more people to follow his footsteps.

Vikram Kirloskar, who passed away on October 14, 2023, was the chairman and managing director of Kirloskar Systems, and vice-chairman of Toyota Kirloskar Motor. He was also the president of CII for 2019-20 and played a key role in shaping the industry’s agenda on sustainability, innovation and competitiveness. He was a strong advocate of green hydrogen as a clean and abundant energy source for various applications, including mobility.

The CII Vikram Kirloskar Lecture Series on Green Themes will be held annually and will feature eminent speakers from India and abroad who will share their views and experiences on various aspects of green mobility and green fuels. The series will also serve as a tribute to Vikram Kirloskar’s legacy and contribution to the industry and society.