By K.S. Muralidharan
Sri B.R. Ganesh Rao has officially assumed office as the President of KASSIA (Karnataka Small Scale Industries Association) for the term 2025–26. A dedicated industrialist and seasoned leader with over 25 years of active engagement in MSME advocacy, Sri Ganesh Rao, Proprietor, Modern Light Industries, is widely respected for his strategic vision, relentless commitment, and grassroots-level understanding of the challenges faced by small entrepreneurs.
KASSIA, one of the foremost MSME representative bodies in India, has grown into a beacon for micro and small-scale industries, thanks to its strong institutional legacy. With Sri Ganesh Rao now at the helm, the Association enters a new phase focused on futuristic leadership, grassroots support, and impactful policy intervention.
A Vision Rooted in Ground Reality
Sri Ganesh Rao’s approach to leadership is both practical and visionary. His top priorities for KASSIA include:
GST Reforms: Advocating simplified processes and reducing operational hurdles.
Infrastructure Development: Promoting creation of future-ready industrial areas with robust facilities.
Banking & Finance: Strengthening access to timely credit and financial support for MSMEs.
Marketing Support: Building domestic and global market linkages.
Statutory Reforms: Pushing for rationalisation of labour, pollution, and industrial laws.
Technology and Innovation: Driving MSME readiness for Industry 4.0 through AI, R&D, and digital transformation.
These goals are not merely aspirational but grounded in his vast administrative and organizational experience.
Proven Leadership
Sri Ganesh Rao’s leadership journey began at Peenya Industries Association (PIA) – at Peenya, one of Asia’s largest industrial clusters – where he held key positions from Joint Secretary (1998–99) to President (2004–05). During his tenure, he achieved several significant milestones:
* Secured a ₹50 lakh government grant for Peenya Trade Centre.
* Instrumental in PIA office computerization, receiving ₹5 lakh from Canara Bank.
* Championed the PICUP Project to address infrastructure challenges.
* Successfully celebrated PIA’s Silver Jubilee, showcasing the industrial potential of Peenya.
* Led the creation of the PIA Technical Directory, which generated ₹25 lakh in revenue.
* Enabled member welfare by facilitating a land-use MOU with Peenya Gymkhana for club facilities.
* Represented PIA on the Pollution Control Board’s Consent Committee, bridging industry-regulator gaps.
Stalwart at KASSIA
His deep involvement with KASSIA spans nearly two decades:
* Served seven terms as Managing Council Member, from 2004–05 onwards.
* Played active roles as Treasurer (2011–12) and member of the Asset & Finance and Scrutiny Committees.
* As Panel Chairman, led key initiatives like the Membership Drive, Technical Directory, and Founders’ Day Celebrations.
* Personally contributed ₹3.5 lakh to the KASSIA Centre of Excellence and ₹10,000 to Flood Relief, exemplifying his philanthropic commitment.
* Recognised for mobilizing funds and catalyzing meaningful collaborations that benefitted member industries.
Champion of Community Welfare
Beyond his industrial and association work, Sri Ganesh Rao has dedicated over 15 years as President of the Grihalakshmi Layout Welfare Association, leading initiatives such as:
* Financial aid for cancer patients and support for girl child education (₹78,000).
* Organising health camps, blood donation drives, and merit awards for students excelling in academics.
* Fostering cultural unity through annual cultural programs for residents.
* Religious and Charitable Trust Involvement
Through the Smt. Shashikala Ramesh Rao Trust, Chikkamagalur, he has contributed:
* Financial support for school children and surgery patients.
* ₹2.5 lakh donation to the Sri Rama Mandira Temple, Chikkamagalur.
* ₹25,000 annually to the Belur-Halebidu Temple for “Anna Dana,” supporting temple and community feeding programs.
A Transformational Leader
With this stellar background, Sri B.R. Ganesh Rao steps into the President’s role at KASSIA with clarity, conviction, and compassion. His message to members is clear – he will not only preserve KASSIA’s legacy but usher in a bold new era of progress, inclusiveness, and enterprise empowerment.
Backed by his institutional experience, community service, and industrial expertise, Sri Ganesh Rao is determined to make the year 2025–26 a landmark one in KASSIA’s seven-decade journey. He calls upon all members, partners, and stakeholders to join hands in this collective mission for a stronger MSME ecosystem in Karnataka and beyond.
