Shri Sajjan Bhajanka: The wise council sent guidance to take our chamber to greater heights . As the chairman of both committee of our chamber , he shared his thoughts and vision with the former presidents and office bearers of the chamber and helped us to give a safe to the blueprint and roadmap of our chamber . It is a pity that he breathed his last before the completion of our chamber 's dream project of having our own premises at Syed Amir Ali Avenue . Personally , I have learned a lot about managing the organisation from Ajay Kumarj i , and due to his untimely death , our learning curve as a chamber has suffered a setback .

Shri Sajjan Bhajanka: I have always wondered how Ajay Kumarj i , despite the facing requirements of business , would devote time to provide leadership not only to our chamber , but also the apex bodies like FICCI , AIOE , International Chamber , as well as various institutions , and also many philanthropic institutions . He was a warm -hearted , simple , humble , and selfless individual . Despite his huge accomplishments and important position that he held , starting from a very young age , his faith in God and honesty guided him in facing challenges and taking bold decisions . In his personal life , whether at home or at office , Ajay Kumarj i greeted everyone with a smile and always maintained his pleasant temperament .

Shri Sajjan Bhajanka: I have no word to express the deep gratitude that Bharat Chamber of Commerce holds to Ajay Kumarji for the guidance and support provided for nearly four decades . In his demise , our chamber has truly lost one of its principal elders . His passing away will leave a deep void , not only in our chamber , but also in the mining industry and the industrial landscape in this part of our country . I pray to the Almighty that the soul of late Ajay Kumarji , rest in eternal peace in his heavenly abode . Thank you .

MC: I request the Consulate General of the USA in Kolkata , Helen LaFave , to speak a few words on Ajay Kumarji .

Ms. Helen LaFave: Good afternoon . It certainly says something about this man that so many people come out on a Monday afternoon to pay tribute to him both on the stage and also in the audience . I noticed that it 's standing when only at this point , and I think that speaks very positively about how well- thought of he was by everyone here in Kolkata . It is my honour to be here . I represent both myself and my country , and also the Consular Corps of Kolkata , of which he was a long-time member as the Honorary Consul for South Africa , which is a beautiful country. It 's right that a beautiful country would have a certainly commendable and impressive man who represented them here in Kolkata .

Ms. Helen LaFave: I know that I have known Mr . Rungta less long than anybody here in the world . I only met him in 2013 when I came to Kolkata . But I do know that he has a profound effect in Kolkata for many decades in his business workings , as well as his workings for the chambers , including , of course , Bharat Chamber and FICCI , and other organisations that have already been mentioned , and I 'm sure will be mentioned again . I think it is incredibly telling that somebody so busy in his business also found time to be busy and effective outside of his business in the community , and I think that is something commendable . I would also , as the representative for the Consular Corps , like to make sure and remind people the Consular Corps ' appreciation for some of the things that he did for the Consular Corps of Kolkata as an organisation .

Ms. Helen LaFave: My understanding is that he was the organiser of a well -appreciated and well -attended golf tournament , which I believe that went over very well with the membership a number of years ago . I also know that he was involved in bringing some very distinguished speakers to speak to the Consular Corps of Kolkata , including one who was already mentioned here today , Mr . Rudra . Certainly the ability to get people to come , like he got people to come here today , and Mr . Rudra , who 's been returning to other distinguished people various times in his career , speaks well to him . My feelings with Mr . Rungta are a little bit different than most of yours , because I 'm not a business person , I 'm a diplomat . I know when I would see him , we would always talk a little bit about South Africa . As I 've already mentioned , it 's a beautiful country , and we talked about both of our travels there .

Ms. Helen LaFave: But we also talked about a topic that is near and dear to my heart , and near and dear to his heart , which was education . He was somebody who was dedicated to education . Besides his business dealings , he was very involved with some educational institutions here in India , including , I want to get the name of the school right , because there 's one I 'm not as familiar with that 's here in Kolkata , Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management , which is one he was involved with . But he was also involved with the founding of the Rajiv Gandhi IIM in Shillong . I don 't know if you 're familiar with this , but I had the opportunity to visit the Shillong IIM a couple of months ago . It was very obvious that it counted on and relied upon the commitment of him and others to make it into a really wonderful part of the Indian educational system . I think that , again , speaks well for him .

Ms. Helen LaFave: But more personally , we always talked about education because we shared , through his granddaughter , an educational link . That link was that his granddaughter is attending a school in the United States , the same university that I went to . He always had a good opportunity to talk about the wonderful experience she was having there , how much he enjoyed hearing about the experience . I think he talked at times of having visited Massachusetts to see it , and always brought back fond memories from me . I 'm glad to have that link that I will share through the years with him and his family , of having assurance here , and spent time at college in Massachusetts .

Ms. Helen LaFave: I know that it 's already been spoken . We have several more speakers this evening , and I 'm not going to say much longer . But it 's already been mentioned that he was somebody who brought a smile to people 's faces . That is precisely when I look down upon things , I don 't think myself . I 'm very glad to hear that other people felt the same way . I know when I think about him , I think about him and I smile . It means very much , that honour to be here today , to be able to share these thoughts with you , and commemorate this very , very impressive , very loved man . Thank you very much .

MC: Here in the channel, Additional Chief Secretary , commerce [inaudible 00:08:23] .

Shri C M Bachhawat: President Bharat, Chamber of Commerce , all the distinguished guests on the dais and distinguished guests . I had met Ajay Rungta Ji on various occasions in Bharat Chamber of Commerce only , and I cannot forget my one memory . It was actually in Dhanbad [inaudible 00:08:59] . We detected a sense of when we found , whenever I met him , and we all got , as the others also said , highly impressed by his approach . He very humbly graced and took due justice to the various motions here in various chambers of commerce , that is , Bharat Chamber of Commerce , International Council of Arbitration , Federation of Indian Mineral Industries , and various financial organisations , by his forthright and bold approach , including interest of the country , industry , and people . We all believed in his vision , and emulating his vision in a self -suffice and a true honest view . I pray to the Almighty that he rest in eternal peace .

MC: Mr . Deepak Rudra , retired IAS , who had some experience in sharing some governing more examples with Shri Ajay Kumarji .

Shri Deepak Rudra: Mr . Bhajanka , President of the Bharat Chamber of Commerce , distinguished members of the chamber , the distinguished dignitaries on the dais , and random admirers , well -wishers assembled here on this occasion , I feel very privileged to have been almost resonated from oblivion to come and speak on an occasion like this .

Shri Deepak Rudra: When Ms . Sharma , your secretary , rang me up and asked me to speak a few words on this occasion , I was , of course , surprised , but I was also feeling quite overwhelmed with the sense of both nostalgia and sadness at the passing away of Ajay Ji . I really was almost as old as he , rather he was almost as young as me . We were separated probably one year . He was one year older than me . I think I first met him in 1970 or so , when I was about 30 years old . I was District Magistrate and had joined the district of Howrah when I first met him . I think I 'd met him … Although he was associated with Rotary most of the time , but it was a function organised by the Lions Club of Howrah . We were opening a hospital in the vicinity of the centre of the city . It was being inaugurated by Mother Teresa . She had [inaudible 00:12:26] common education . I still remember , Ajay Ji escorted Mother Teresa to that location , brought her there .

Shri Deepak Rudra: The first time I met this very handsome , really arresting personality . He would stand out in a crowd , both , of course , with physical appearance and because of his personality . I was very impressed to meet him . I think that was the beginning of our friendship , which was marked by long generations . But we would frequently get together , and we would forget the intervening years . I think the next time I met it was when I was in Delhi . I was in the Commerce Ministry . I was a specialist with the commerce minister . At that time , among the things that I used to look after was the activities related to imports and export , and the export bulk , the preparation of the Grey Book or the Red Book as it was called . The rules and regulations governing our import and export trade . He was a frequent visitor at the time . Always used to be [inaudible 00:13:40] every year . I was sitting down with him , and he was not only a visitor of the mining industry , for which , of course , he was …

Shri Deepak Rudra: Although at that time , Tyagi Ji was very conversive with the problems of the industry . But he was a great help in clearing our minds up , especially those of us who are in government . The conflicts that usually settle into the minds of people , of bureaucrats , of people who don 't have any touch with the reality of the ground . He was a great help in that . He was a very clear -side in person . They would be very forthright without being offensive, and he would also speak his mind very clearly and leave no doubts in the mind of anybody around him about what he meant .

Shri Deepak Rudra: Then after , of course , I went to be in Germany . I think I went in Germany once . I was in Frankfurt for three years , looking after the Government of India 's office out here . I was a [inaudible 00:14:44] for the Train Development of [inaudible 00:14:45] . I think I met him on two occasions once at the Hanover Fair . Another time , it was , I think , a fair organised in Berlin by … It was called Partners for Progress . He had come there on behalf of a group of companies . I still remember the pleasure of having met him there and being able to accompany him back to Frankfurt . We came back together on a train , so flying out or driving down . And all we talked about was Calcutta , and our friend who live in Calcutta .

Shri Deepak Rudra: These are the early memories , but then after I came back to the stage and I worked in various departments , I also got to acquire a reputation of being industry -friendly . [inaudible 00:15:43] . I have a lot of friends , especially in the families that are the sheet anchor of industry , evolving sheet anchor of industry in those days , but also later on , the years that have passed . In fact , the families that Mr . Rungta belong to , and the family that he married him to . S everal of his relatives I know , includes me , too . I constantly met him on family functions , marriages , and other locations . He always came through as a person who was always projecting himself , trying to go beyond himself , trying to help people and try to get close to people . We spent quite a few years as trustees of an organisation in Kolkata , known as the Dr . Nihar Munsi Eye Foundation , which was being run , still being run by , I think , P . K . Munshi , who was a common friend of [inaudible 00:16:48].

Shri Deepak Rudra: But I also remember that after a few years , I think it was around the middle of this period from 2000 to 2015 , early , around 2004 or '05 . Suddenly , one day , he came and said , "I want to give up a few things . I 've been working on too many things . I can 't do that . I can 't do everything ." Very quietly and very humbly , he said , "I don 't think I 'll be of much use any more if I stay on ." H e came and told Praveen , came and told me . He said , "With your permission , I want to take your permission . I will withdraw from the trusteeship , but I will continue to be of assistance , or be of any help that you want me to give you ."

Shri Deepak Rudra: This was the personal image that I have of him . Apart from this physical attractiveness , he always had a straightforward , extremely engaging mind , a curious mind , a mind who was open to new ideas and was always to communicate his own ideas , his own experiences with a great deal of clarity and a great deal of , let me say , pleasantness , if I were to go there without being inclusive , but he stayed extremely pleasantly to put across a point .

Shri Deepak Rudra: Over the last few years , especially after the death of his wife , I don 't think I 've met him very frequently because he was gradually withdrawing from public appearances if I would put it that way . But I still used to meet him occasionally , but he was always smiling , pleasant person that he always was . He would not project this personal turmoils or the anguish that he bore in his heart , ever externally . He would always meet you with a smile , always inquire after you rather before you could inquire about him . That is the person he was . Have been privileged to have been invited here today to share a few words about my personal association with Shri Ajay Ji .

Shri Deepak Rudra: I convey my best wishes , [inaudible 00:19:23] , and also my very best wishes to your Chamber . I 'm sure his guiding spirit will be with you . I hope that he finds peace in the other world and in the arms of God . [inaudible 00:20:41]. Thank you very much for giving me this opportunity. [inaudible 00:20:41]

MC: [inaudible 00:20:41], former president, Chamber of Commerce and Industries.

Shri Atmaram Sonthalia: [foreign language 00:20:42]

MC: Dr. Somendra Chandra Nandy, [inaudible 00:20:42] former president of the International Chamber of Commerce and Industries, and district governor [inaudible 00:20:42].

Dr. Somendra Chandra Nandy: [inaudible 00:20:42] Chamber of Commerce, the day we met is when I realised, [inaudible 00:20:44] ladies an gentlemen. I didn't expect to stand here today because it is most painful for [inaudible 00:20:42] . My relation with Ajay was a little more than official . Probably you are aware that we don 't really [inaudible 00:25:00] is the first public law in Asia . In the year 1973 , we created a new post of joint secretary to which I was elected . My job was to look into the cards of the new members , and that was the name of Ajay Kumar Rungta, and that rang a bell . That rang a bell because we have been working in the Chaibasa region in Shingo from 1919 , and our closest neighbour , almost having the same border , is the Rungta Mines . We have very good relations with the Rungta family also . As early as 1939 , when my father went to that area , Mr . Rungta , who was there , aims for his reception . Since then , the Rungta 's were almost a family . When I saw Ajay , I asked him whether he belonged to the same family . He said , "Yes ." I said , "Well , you are home . You don 't have to feel the stranger in the Rotary Club of Delta ." Since then , he worked very closely with us .

Dr. Somendra Chandra Nandy: In 1973 , we—the younger Rotarians at that time—were trying to renovate the club , and we always welcomed persons , young persons , who would come and work with us . Ajay immediately joined us and participated in whatever we did , and he carried out whatever responsibility was given to him . He was so efficient in his job that he was given more and more responsibilities . And he was made a director of the Golden Jubilee Board of Directors in 1969 , 1979 , '80 . He went on doing good work . And in 1998 , '99 , he became the President of the Rotary Club of Chappaqua . He did a lot of work .

Dr. Somendra Chandra Nandy: Then as a senior Rotarian , we always referred to him when there was any problem in the club . Any problem , any new project to be taken up . We always referred to Ajay , he came , participated in the discussions , and we always heard so many positive things from him . He used to call me "Dada ," all the time , and it 's like he was the elder brother . Therefore today , it 's very painful to me to come and talk about him . He lost his wife in 2013 , and I wish that the children who are already grown up will learn from his father 's career , and we 'll have a very strong motive of going forward . I hope the members who have come in today will remember you as a fine person who never shared work . Thank you .

MC: Shri Hashwal Loda , chairman , Zilla Corporation .

Shri Hashwal Loda: If you could all rise , ladies and gentlemen . I think generally when you 're supposed to speak about somebody , and you 're one of the major speakers , it becomes a pretty tough ask . But in the case of Mukherjee , I can assure you , it 's not safe . Ajay , your man , was loved and respected by all . I start at the very beginning . When you see him , he was always naturally turned out , tight in place , nice handkerchief , coordinated and beating out of his pocket . I don 't think in my many years of association with him , I 've ever seen it in any way unkempt , so much so that I don 't think ever I 've seen even a stand -off there out of place with Mr . Rungta . He was always so well -turned out . Actually , as he was in his appearance , he was immaculate in his behaviour also . He is a senior or a junior . I would qualify maybe old enough as his son or whatever . But he always treated me as an equal , and he spoke to me , and he guided me , and motivated .

Shri Hashwal Loda: I think Dr . Nambi said , "Sir , that you took [inaudible 00:30:40] ." I would like to recall that he went [foreign language 00:30:43] , when he was President , or he was an office labourer . He broke the unwritten law of having speakers by seniority, and on many occasions , he not only asked me to speak out of turn , there was a huge gap —normally agency , he and myself , and publicly also— and sometimes privately also , placed what I had to say , we agreed with it . The second part was his politeness , his statesmanship , and for want of a better word , I use an ending term , his part of fun , the way he thought about doing things . Even if he did not agree with your point of view , I have never seen him raise his voice . He would try to make his points with clarity and conviction and leave the rest to your own sensibilities . I think Indian industry and the changes have indeed lost a gem of the human being .

Shri Hashwal Loda: Another facet of him , which I would like to highlight , was in -depth knowledge on a wide variety of subjects . It was not only because he was a good party speaker , but his depth of knowledge was something that always attracted me . Whatever be the subject , be it finance , tax , industry , or corporate law , he would go into the details of the subject and give very , very constructive suggestions to the government from the chamber and I think all of us respect him for that and remember him for that .

Shri Hashwal Loda: FICCI and Mar chamber have a lot to be looked at . I think during this period and even after he gave up his office as President . He continued to contribute substantially to the development and growth of these organisations . I remember during his year as President of FICCI , he really believed in the power of interview with the team , believe that we would make the organisation . And he strengthened the secretariat at FICCI , including getting Dr . Ahmed Mitzra all the way from America to start off as a secretary general of FICCI . And I must say , in my own humble way , that FICCI has never looked back ever since .

Shri Hashwal Loda: Similar things he has done at the other chamber . And this is the soft infrastructure . Even when you come to the physical infrastructure , I do remember the year he was President FICCI , the whole look of FICCI House , Federation House , changed . The committee meeting group became much more inviting . Then the dull , rad , brown , wooden tables that they had , he generated it , and he made the other infrastructure also up to speed to serve the business and industry at that time much more appropriately .

Shri Hashwal Loda: I think all of us would have a very fond memory of Ajay . I would like to say that I do believe that we have lost him very , very suddenly because I 'm indeed very , very unfortunate . I never knew he was ill , or he 'll leave us so fast . But what he has left is his greatness for all of us to cherish and the family to take forward . I think all of us at our chamber and FICCI , and all of us who have been associated with him would remember him as an extremely kind , generous , and helpful with the being . May his soul rest in peace . Thank you .

MC: [inaudible 00:34:33] , the former president of the Parliament , [inaudible 00:34:36]

Shri Dhirendra Kumar: My guest , our guest , [foreign language 00:34:48] . I stand before this office gathering to give my respect and regards to the departed soul of Ajay , Mr . Rungta . A humble person I knew for nearly 50 years as Ajay . His wisdom and love for mother -jean work enhanced the prestige and honour of this chamber , and his absence with me and every group we 've lost , all of us . His voice still rings in my ears , always soft and filled with wisdom . There was something charismatic about it , as his advice was always very appropriate and very worthy .

Shri Dhirendra Kumar: Initially initiated by the Pav Bhaji , a few of us , including Ajay , used to meet for lunch , practically at the quarter of the event at the bar for them . We always look forward to these informal lunches . After [foreign language 00:36:00] demise , Ajay was the main force for continuing this togetherness . I found him to be a friend in need . Any advice I wanted , not only me , but every other person that I know got very good advice from him , and he was never forceful in his attitude . I miss these small personal get together , always . May God give his family the courage to continue from strength to strength , as Ajay had always inculcated among them . Thank you .

MC: Shri Sitaam Sharma , a committee member of our chamber , and the monarchy Council of [foreign language 00:37:10] , and the author of the book that we 're going to read . May I invite Shri Sharma to read an extract from his book , on [foreign language 00:37:25]?

Shri Sitaam Sharma: President Shri [inaudible 00:37:32] . I 'm more than ready for the [inaudible 00:37:38] . I did buy a gift from [inaudible 00:37:57] . He said we had a post chamber , that we had a post -government connection . I found him on great quality , [inaudible 00:38:15] good character, then we had the capacity to call this great history . And it is in this context that we said , we were like , offer a book on Mr . Ron . Mr . Ron Ji fellow , taking challenges from Mr . Rukha last year .

Shri Sitaam Sharma: I mentioned right instance concerning GAA . It was in 1934 when we did a holiday , [inaudible 00:38:52] . We decided to organise a conference on prospects and problems of the [inaudible 00:39:03] . This we were organising in collaboration with the government of … In collaboration to become a [inaudible 00:39:15] . I had invited Shri Jyoti Basu to inaugurate the seminar . Hearing the date of the seminar , a date inquiry was made by the industry department as to who would be delivering the QIRO address on behalf of the testing . I did not take this inquiry was seriously , I definitely informed the government that the various names are being considered .

Shri Sitaam Sharma: Before we could finalise in May , the Department of Commerce and Industries proposed a panel of three industries . All of them were known to be pro -government businessmen . I let this feature under condition to make an independent statement . I finally decided on quickly [inaudible 00:40:23] . When I spoke to you about the new [inaudible 00:40:30] at this seminar . He said , "Have you got my name here by the government ? The program is being organised , driving you the [inaudible 00:40:45] , and that too , at the assembly house ."

Shri Sitaam Sharma: I have known critic of these , the policies of the government of SEEMO . I told him that even though his name has not been cleared as such , and I have not been showing it to them , but I did not anticipate the problem . I made discreet inquiries and was given a hint that if Mr . Shreya Rungta was invited , Shri Jyoti Basu might not enter your Shanta . I found it difficult to believe . I discussed the matter at the appropriate level and was assured . As expected , Shreya Rungta , as a figure investment made critical references to the industrial policy of the [foreign language 00:41:49] , to which Shri Jyoti Basu responded suitably , not forgetting to refer to the shortcomings in the films . If I were to discuss next day tells the story on the cover page , Basu , [foreign language 00:42:06] , Clash Over State Prospects , quoting to see Ajab Barmonika as saying , "How do we expect them , the foreign investors , to believe that the doors will be open to them in this state , where the state government happens to be a staunch opponent of the centre 's opening of policies ."

Shri Sitaam Sharma: The report , however , added and that was a very significant addition that Shri Jyoti [inaudible 00:42:36] , praised the [inaudible 00:42:39] government , the SEEMO [inaudible 00:42:40] government , and especially Dr . [inaudible 00:42:43] for some of their rules and the policies . As well , also welcomed the initiation of de -licensing as without it be , he said , there would be discrimination between the states . Referring to [inaudible 00:42:59] Chief , and then we 'll just mention that industrial strikes was coming to this part of the country , particularly because of labour problems and low productivity . He was assured that the state government was aware of these untoward incidences , and serious action will be taken . I was happy that the workshop had served its purpose of hosting an open and friendly discussion on both the prospects and the project of the industry . That 's why I say that we never lose the groups . It will give the industry , and all it 's paid is paid . Thank you very much .

MC: I now request on the good minister , Shri Subrata Mukherjee , to speak a few words and [inaudible 00:44:35] .

Shri Subrata Mukherjee: [foreign language 00:44:57]

MC: I now request [inaudible 00:44:38], a former president of the Chamber to move to condolence resolution .

Shri Pavan Poddar: The resolution reads , and I quote: This meeting , organised by the Bharat Chamber of Commerce , under the chairmanship of Honourable Shri Subrata Mukherjee , Minister of the Government of West Bengal , and several other dignitaries today , the 9th March 2015 , places of record profound grief and sorrow at the sad and subtle demise of Ajay Kumarji Rumta , an outstanding visionary , distinguished industrialist , and a business leader par excellence of Kolkata . He breathed his last in the forenoon of February 24 , 2015 , at the age of 76 , at his residence at Kolkata . Having inherited the entrepreneurial vision of his forefathers , with his depth of knowledge and power of expression , Ajay Kumarji pursued economic development with a rare , rationalistic approach . He epitomised resilience , self -sufficiency in enterprise , and transparency in decision -making , which helped him to resolve conflicts and complicated issues .

Shri Pavan Poddar: His legendary leadership at various national and international organisations has left a trade that would be written in golden letters in their annual of history . These organisations include : The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI ), international Chambers of Commerce (ICC ) India , Indian Council of Arbitration , All India Organisation of Employers , Federation of Indian Mining Industries (FIMI ), and Steel Wire Manufacturers Association of India . Elected in the year of the celebration of the Platinum Jubilee , of Bharat Chamber of Commerce , Kolkata as its specimen , Ajay Kumarji 's dynamic and diverse leadership qualities , raised the Chump chamber 's functioning to greater heights . His revered leadership continue even after his retirement from the president ship of the chamber and will remain a permanent source of inspiration at the organisation .

Shri Pavan Poddar: Well known for his benevolence and philanthropic attitude , Ajay Kumarji 's personality was characterised by simplicity , humility , honesty , and yet frankness and forthrightness . His sudden death is a great loss to the industry and business , as well as for people of Kolkata . The void created by his untimely death can never be filled at the Target Chamber of Commerce . We pray to the Almighty to bless the departed soul of Ajay Kumarji with eternal peace at his heavenly abode, and to provide fortitude to bear this irreparable loss to the members of their immediate family, unquote . May I now request you all to stand and observe [inaudible 00:51:08]. Thank you .