Led by President Sri T. Sairam Prasad, the 2026–27 team sets its sights on stronger enterprises, connected districts and measurable business outcomes.
By KS Muralidharan
A Chamber’s influence is best measured by the opportunities it creates for the enterprises it represents.
That conviction defines the leadership agenda of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FKCCI) for 2026–27. With Sri T. Sairam Prasad as President, supported by Senior Vice-President Sri B. P. Shashidhar and Vice-President Sri Satish Nagaraj, the new team brings together experience in agricultural commerce, manufacturing, institutional advocacy and international trade.
At the centre of this leadership is a President whose understanding of business has been shaped by more than 32 years in agricultural trading. His Vision Statement—“From Representation to Transformation”—sets a clear direction: strengthen advocacy, facilitate solutions and connect Karnataka’s enterprises with opportunities that translate into growth.
Leadership Grounded in Enterprise
Sri Sairam Prasad’s professional journey is rooted in C. V. Thimmaiah & Co., the family enterprise operating since 1962. Agricultural commerce has given him a practical understanding of the interdependence between farmers, traders, manufacturers and service providers. Reliable infrastructure, timely finance and functioning markets are everyday requirements within that network.
His service as Director of the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) and Secretary of the Bangalore Grain Merchants Association reflects this understanding. Initiatives involving street lighting, concrete flooring, sewage systems and water supply addressed shared constraints affecting hundreds of market stakeholders.
These contributions reveal a leadership approach relevant across sectors: identify the conditions holding businesses back, bring stakeholders together and pursue practical improvements.
His leadership at the Bangalore Grain Merchants Cooperative Bank adds an understanding of the financial needs of traders and small entrepreneurs. Having served as FKCCI’s Vice-President in 2024–25 and Senior Vice-President in 2025–26, he now combines grassroots commercial experience with institutional continuity.
For a Federation representing diverse business interests, this background provides a strong foundation for connecting policy discussions with enterprise realities.
Four Priorities with Statewide Significance
The Vision Statement places tourism, investment, district development and cyber security at the forefront of the Presidency.
Tourism is envisaged as an engine of economic growth, connecting Karnataka’s heritage, spiritual destinations, wildlife, coastline and business centres with investment and local enterprise. Better connectivity, visitor services and coordinated promotion can expand opportunities for hospitality businesses, artisans and suppliers.
Investment facilitation will focus on converting commitments into operational enterprises, employment and supplier opportunities. Industrial land, infrastructure, approvals and implementation bottlenecks will receive attention, alongside connections between incoming investors and Karnataka’s MSMEs.
District development calls for closer coordination among FKCCI, district chambers and affiliate associations. Local strengths and business priorities should inform the State’s wider growth agenda, supported by access to finance, technology, investors and markets.
Cyber security completes these opening priorities. Practical awareness, expert guidance and partnerships can help businesses address payment fraud, ransomware, data protection and business continuity. Secure digital operations are increasingly fundamental to commercial confidence.
An Agenda Built Around Business Results
MSMEs occupy the heart of Sri Sairam Prasad’s vision. Priorities include working capital, cash-flow-based lending, TReDS adoption, delayed-payment resolution, technology upgradation, procurement and export readiness. A proposed MSME Business Facilitation Desk could turn these priorities into continuing member assistance.
“Ease of Running Business 2.0” extends attention across the enterprise lifecycle—from land and electricity to clearances, inspections and grievance redressal. The emphasis on Time-to-Production gives reform a concrete business meaning: faster operations bring forward employment, supplier orders and revenues.
Technology adoption will similarly be guided by measurable value. Proposed clinics and pilots could help enterprises apply AI and digital tools to inventory, maintenance, quality, accounting and energy management, supported by employee reskilling.
The vision also connects export readiness, market diversification and emerging industries with MSME growth. Vendor development can open pathways into semiconductors, aerospace, defence, electronics and advanced manufacturing. Industry-led skills, green competitiveness and investment beyond Bengaluru complete an agenda linking enterprise capability with regional opportunity.
A Team with Complementary Strengths
Senior Vice-President Sri B. P. Shashidhar, an engineering graduate from R. V. College of Engineering and first-generation manufacturer, brings a decade of FKCCI engagement and experience as a former KASSIA President. His work across industry, labour, exports, energy and district outreach strengthens the team’s understanding of MSME competitiveness.
Vice-President Sri Satish Nagaraj, a manufacturer, agro-commodities exporter, trader and mine owner, brings business connections across Karnataka, Africa and West Asia. His district chamber leadership, agro-industry cluster development and educational initiatives complement the Presidency’s regional and international ambitions.
Together, the team’s experience supports five stated outcomes: more competitive businesses, stronger MSMEs, more exports, greater investment beyond Bengaluru and faster resolution of industry problems.
The proposed evolution of FKCCI into a year-round business platform reinforces that commitment. Policy intelligence, buyer connections, expert assistance and sustained follow-up can make membership more valuable in everyday business.
For Team FKCCI, the test of leadership will be the progress of the enterprises it serves.
