JK Lakshmipat University (JKLU), an initiative of the JK Organisation, honored Shri Deepak Parekh with its prestigious JKLU Laureate Award on March 27, 2024. Instituted in 2014, this annual award ceremony celebrates individuals whose exceptional contributions across diverse spheres have significantly impacted the nation’s advancement, serving as a beacon of inspiration for future generations.
Esteemed figures such as Former President Dr. Pranab Mukherjee, Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Nobel Peace Laureate Mr. Kailash Satyarthi, Former ISRO Chairman Dr. K. Kasturirangan, Lord Meghnad Desai, Bestselling Author Prof. Ram Charan, Former SBI Chairperson Ms. Arundhati Bhattacharya, and Former Director General, CSIR Dr. R A Mashelkar are among the previous recipients of the Laureate Award, recognized for their invaluable societal contributions.
The prestigious event, hosted at the sprawling campus of the university in Jaipur, was graced by the presence of distinguished dignitaries. Additionally, a global audience tuned in via a live webcast on the official JKLU YouTube channel.
Renowned for his pivotal role as the former Chairman of Housing Development Finance Corporation (HDFC), Shri Deepak Parekh propelled HDFC to global acclaim, ranking among the top 10 banks worldwide. Beyond HDFC, he serves as the non-executive chairman of Siemens Ltd. in India and on the board of the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF). Internationally, he has roles on the boards of DP World – UAE and advisory boards of Accenture, Investcorp International Ltd, Warburg Pincus LLC, and Fairbridge Capital Pvt Ltd.
Throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Parekh has received numerous prestigious accolades, including the Padma Bhushan, ‘Bundesverdienstkreuz’ (Germany’s Cross of the Order of Merit), and the “Knight in the Order of the Legion of Honour” by the French Republic, solidifying his legacy as a visionary leader of global stature.
In addition to receiving the JKLU Laureate Award, Mr. Parekh delivered the Hari Shankar Singhania Memorial Oration titled “Viksit Bharat/Vision India 2047: Opportunities for Youth.” In his address, he highlighted India’s forthcoming ascent as a global economic powerhouse, projecting its rise to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027. He further indicated that the country is poised to achieve a 5 trillion-dollar economy by 2027-28, with a stock market valuation exceeding 10 trillion dollars by 2030. Mr. Parekh stressed that this remarkable success is anchored by enhanced institutional governance, a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, and steadfast political leadership.
Speaking at the event Mr. Parekh observed, “Though JKLU is a young university, much of its inspiration is attributed to the futuristic vision of Lala Lakshmipat Singhania, the founder of the Lakshmipat Singhania Education Foundation.” Offering advice to the youth, he emphasized, “Beware of the pitfalls of financial greed and arrogance. Cultivate kindness, for while your work may fade, the impact of how you make others feel will endure. Embrace change fearlessly, and never cease learning. Take time to connect with both the elderly and the young, as they offer invaluable wisdom and perspectives.”
The event commenced with a warm welcome from Dr. Dheeraj Sanghi, Vice Chancellor of JKLU, setting the stage for an inspiring evening. Dr. R.P. Singhania, Pro-Chancellor of JKLU, eloquently highlighted the profound significance of the JKLU Laureate Award. The evening’s highlight was the Shri Deepak Parekh receiving the award, complemented by a poignant film honoring the extraordinary life and vision of Shri Hari Shankar Singhania, the revered former President of the JK Organisation.
“Today, as we pay tribute to Shri Deepak Parekh and commend the accomplishments of exceptional individuals, we embrace the ethos of advancement and ingenuity. With a vision for an empowered India by 2047 and a pledge to cultivate the potential of our youth, we chart a course towards a future brimming with opportunities and transformative progress. Let us forge ahead with unwavering resolve and perseverance, knowing that progress is assured when fueled by dedication and integrity,” noted Dr. R.P. Singhania, Pro Vice-Chancellor, JKLU.
“The Laureate Award symbolizes excellence and distinction, representing JKLU’s most esteemed accolade. It is our privilege to announce Shri Deepak Parekh as this year’s recipient,” remarked Dr. Dheeraj Sanghi, Vice-Chancellor of JKLU. He added, “As a titan in the realm of financial services, Shri Parekh embodies an institution unto himself. When such a personality receives an award, it’s not just about him being honored, but also about him honoring us by accepting the award.”
Speaking on the occasion, Shri H.P. Singhania, Pro Vice-Chancellor of JKLU, expressed, “It is an honor for us to recognize Mr. Parekh amidst this esteemed gathering and to have him graciously accept the JKLU Laureate Award. Our deepest gratitude to him for his distinguished presence here today. We also extend our appreciation to Mr. Parekh for his insightful remarks, particularly his emphasis on embracing change, continuous learning, and fostering diverse collaborations, including his valuable advice to engage with individuals over 70 and below 6 years of age.”
Through this meaningful tradition, JKLU reaffirms its commitment to acknowledging and celebrating visionary leaders who have played pivotal roles in shaping the course of our nation’s journey.
