FKCCI Confers Prestigious Sir M. Visvesvaraya Award 2026 on Geethanjali Vikram Kirloskar.

Sept. 15, 2026-

FKCCI Confers Sir M. Visvesvaraya Award 2026 on Mrs. Geethanjali Vikram Kirloskar
The Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) conferred the prestigious Sir M. Visvesvaraya Award 2026 on Mrs. Geethanjali Vikram Kirloskar, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the Economic Development of Karnataka.

The award was conferred at a special event held today at the Sir M. Visvesvaraya Auditorium, FKCCI, in the distinguished presence of Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka. Ms.Uma Reddy, President, FKCCI along with Mr.T Sairam Prasad, President-Elect, Mr.B P Shashidhar, Senior Vice-President-Elect, Mr.M G Balakrishna, Imm. Past President, Mr.K Lakshman, Past President and Chairman, Sir M V Jury Committee participated in the conferring of the Sir M V Award.

Along with the above, the distinguished guests included Members of the family of Bharat Ratna Sir M Visvesvaraya, Members from Toyota Kirloskar Industries, Consul Generals, Industry Leaders, Past Presidents, Managing Committee Members and Members of FKCCI
The Sir M. Visvesvaraya Award is instituted in honour of the illustrious engineer, statesman and visionary industrialist Bharat Ratna Sir M. Visvesvaraya, whose pioneering contributions to nation-building, industrialisation and economic development continue to inspire generations. FKCCI, which was founded on May 1916, has a long-standing association with promoting the ideals of Sir M. Visvesvaraya and advancing the interests of industry, trade and services in Karnataka.
Mrs. Geethanjali Vikram Kirloskar has made significant contributions to the Indian business and industrial landscape through her leadership, entrepreneurial vision and commitment to sustainable economic development. With her strong association with industry and her contribution to Karnataka’s economic progress, she has emerged as an influential voice in promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and inclusive growth.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Uma Reddy, President, FKCCI, stated that the award recognised not only individual excellence but also the spirit of enterprise, innovation and service to society that Sir M. Visvesvaraya represented. She highlighted the importance of recognizing eminent personalities whose contributions have strengthened Karnataka’s industrial and economic ecosystem.
The presence of Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka, added significance to the occasion and reflected the importance of collaboration between the Government and the business community in driving sustainable economic growth and development.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka, spoke about the remarkable achievements and enduring legacy of Bharat Ratna Sir M. Visvesvaraya. She emphasized that, apart from knowledge, innovation and enterprise, strong ethical values were essential for building and sustaining a successful business. She observed that the principles and values demonstrated by Sir M. Visvesvaraya continued to remain relevant to the business and industrial community even today.

Speaking on women’s empowerment and gender parity, Dr. Shalini Rajneesh referred to an IMF study which indicated that achieving gender parity in labour force participation could potentially increase India’s GDP by 27 per cent. She stressed the need to create greater opportunities for women to participate in the workforce and contribute meaningfully to economic growth.
She further highlighted the Government of Karnataka’s vision under the leadership of the Hon’ble Chief Minister and Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister to enhance the State’s export potential to $20,000 Million. She noted that engineering goods constituted a significant component of this potential, with an estimated export potential of around $9200 Million followed by other high-potential sectors, including electronics and semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and food processing, marine products, chemicals and allied sectors.
Dr. Shalini Rajneesh also emphasized the importance of strengthening the manufacturing and industrial sectors to accelerate Karnataka’s economic growth and enhance its competitiveness. In this context, she expressed concern over the observation that nearly 30 per cent of engineering seats remained vacant and stressed the need to examine whether the courses and subjects being offered were aligned with the evolving requirements of industry.
Ms.Geethanjali Vikram Kirloskar in her acceptance speech thanked FKCCI for conferring on her the prestigious Sir M V Award 2026. She said she is accepting the award with great humility and reiterated her commitment for the Industry as envisaged by Sir M Visvesvaraya.
The award ceremony brought together prominent representatives from industry, trade, business, professional organisations and other stakeholders, who joined FKCCI in celebrating the achievements and contributions of Mrs. Geethanjali Vikram Kirloskar.
FKCCI reiterated its commitment to honouring individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the State and the nation, while continuing its efforts to promote Karnataka as a leading destination for enterprise, investment, innovation and sustainable economic development.