When Sri M.G. Balakrishna assumed office as the President of the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FKCCI) on July 1, 2024, he did so with humility, reverence, and a deep sense of duty toward the legacy of Sir M. Visvesvaraya, the Federation’s illustrious founder. Now, as he completed his term recently on September 27, 2025, FKCCI stands stronger, more dynamic, and more influential than ever before — a testament to his leadership marked by purpose, inclusivity, and progress.
A Vision Rooted in Legacy
“For me, this position was not merely an honour bestowed, but a divine blessing,” Sri Balakrishna had declared at his induction. His vision was anchored in eight strategic focus areas — economic growth and competitiveness, innovation and technology, green economy, MSME empowerment, trade expansion, skill development, women’s entrepreneurship, and policy advocacy.
In the spirit of Sir M. Visvesvaraya’s ideals, FKCCI under his stewardship became a crucible of ideas, partnerships, and policy transformation. The year 2024–25 witnessed an unprecedented spectrum of events, collaborations, and outcomes that propelled Karnataka’s industry, trade, and entrepreneurship ecosystem to new heights.
Flagship Initiatives: Driving Innovation and Inclusion
Among the marquee initiatives of his tenure, MANTHAN 2025 stood out as a resounding success. The 17th edition, chaired by Dr M.C. Sudhakar, Hon’ble Minister for Higher Education, drew an astounding 569 business plans from across Karnataka’s districts and academic institutions. After rigorous evaluations, the top 11 innovators were honoured — a celebration of Karnataka’s entrepreneurial talent and its future-ready youth.
The Founder’s Day celebrations this year became a landmark moment when the Sir M. Visvesvaraya Memorial Award was conferred upon Dr C.N. Manjunath, MP (Lok Sabha) and distinguished cardiologist, in the presence of His Holiness Sri Sri Dr Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji of Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math. The ceremony symbolized FKCCI’s continuity of excellence — honouring science, service, and sacrifice.
In keeping with FKCCI’s growing role in sustainability, the CSR & Sustainability Conference and Awards 2025 honoured Sri Abhishek Ranjan, Senior Director & Global Head – Sustainability, Brillio Technologies, as the ESG Person of the Year, recognizing his exemplary leadership in embedding sustainability within corporate strategy.
Green Growth and Smart Partnerships
Under Sri Balakrishna’s leadership, FKCCI deepened its engagement with the green and renewable energy sectors, collaborating with Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Ltd. (KREDL) to organize the Renewable Energy Summit. This event reinforced FKCCI’s commitment to advancing Karnataka’s clean-energy transition.
Similarly, FKCCI’s proactive participation in the Intralogistics & Warehousing Expo 2024 spotlighted the critical role of logistics in industrial growth. Through the Agri-Tech Expo and International Networking Summit on Grain & Flour Milling, FKCCI promoted cutting-edge agri-innovation — AI, IoT, and smart farming — empowering farmers and ensuring food sustainability.
Empowering MSMEs and Women Entrepreneurs
One of the crown jewels of his tenure was the India MSME Conclave 2025, co-hosted with KASSIA and the Peenya Industries Association (PIA). The event was graced by top leaders including Smt. Shobha Karandlaje, Shri H.D. Kumaraswamy, Shri V. Somanna, Sri Siddaramaiah, and Sri D.K. Shivakumar, symbolizing national unity for MSME upliftment.
The Conclave offered up to 100% subsidy for enterprises led by women and SC/ST entrepreneurs and 80% for UDYAM-registered MSMEs. As Sri Balakrishna observed, it helped small industries “move from the ICU to the general ward” — an apt metaphor for revival through empowerment.
Equally inspiring was FKCCI’s ‘She-Inspires’ Exhibition on International Women’s Entrepreneurship Day. With 50+ women-led stalls and award recognitions, the initiative embodied inclusivity, resilience, and women’s leadership in business.
Policy Advocacy and Legal Victories
Throughout his presidency, Sri Balakrishna positioned FKCCI as a credible and constructive voice of Karnataka industry. FKCCI actively collaborated with the State Government in shaping the New Industrial Policy 2025–30, incorporating FKCCI’s recommendations for a digital-first single-window system and ease of doing business reforms.
FKCCI also signed a landmark MoU with Japan’s Organisation for Small and Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation (SMRJ) — creating unprecedented global B2B linkages for Karnataka’s SMEs.
A major legal milestone was achieved when the Karnataka High Court ruled in favour of FKCCI’s plea against taxation of fixed charges in energy bills — a long-contested issue led by Sri M.G. Prabhakar and Counsel Shri M.S. Raghavendra Prasad. This victory brought substantial financial relief to industries across the state.
Another moment of pride came when FKCCI’s water conservation drive earned recognition from Dr V. Ram Prasath Manohar, IAS, Chairman, BWSSB, for contributing to Bengaluru’s Guinness World Record achievement of over 5.3 lakh water-saving pledges.
Employment, Skills, and Global Reach
The Udyoga Utsava 2025 marked another milestone, connecting 6,000+ job seekers with 250 companies. Complementing this, overseas job fairs and skill development initiatives in Dabaspet enhanced employability and prepared youth for global roles.
FKCCI also played a pivotal role in the South India Utsav, promoting tourism and regional investment. Under the Beyond Bengaluru initiative, FKCCI continued to channel growth opportunities to tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
Notably, FKCCI organized a national dialogue on One Nation, One Election (ONOE), chaired by Hon’ble Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Former Vice-President of India, and Shri P.C. Mohan, MP, Bengaluru Central. The deliberations underscored how synchronized elections could spur governance stability and accelerate economic decision-making.
Celebrating Culture and Kannada Pride
The Federation, under Sri Balakrishna’s stewardship, never lost sight of its cultural roots. At the 69th Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations, FKCCI conferred the Kannada Rajyotsava Award on Padma Shri Dr C.R. Chandrashekhar, reaffirming the Federation’s dedication to promoting Kannada pride and heritage alongside industrial progress.
Advocacy Amid Challenges
Despite the achievements, Sri Balakrishna’s presidency was not without challenges. FKCCI voiced serious concerns over power tariff hikes, rising fuel and milk prices, property tax revisions, and minimum wage increases that strained MSMEs, particularly in Peenya and other industrial clusters.
FKCCI’s persistent advocacy resulted in responsive action from the Government. Chief Minister Sri Siddaramaiah promptly addressed grievances on GST notices for exempt goods, waiving arrears for small traders — a move that reflected the government’s partnership spirit and FKCCI’s influence.
A Tenure to Remember
In every sense, Sri M.G. Balakrishna’s presidency has been transformative — blending vision with action, advocacy with empathy, and growth with inclusivity. He leaves behind a Federation that is financially robust, globally connected, policy-relevant, and socially conscious.
As he handed over the reins, his words ring with optimism and purpose:
“Together, we can do wonders. Together, we will turn challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality.”
Indeed, his tenure at FKCCI will be remembered as a time when industry found its voice, MSMEs found their strength, and Karnataka found its stride in the march toward a brighter industrial future.
