Mangaluru: The Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) hosted the seventh edition of its flagship KCCI Conclave at the Dr TMA Pai International Convention Centre on August 14, bringing together business leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals from Dakshina Kannada and beyond for an evening of business insights, ideas and industry interaction.

Now in its seventh year, the KCCI Conclave has emerged as one of the region’s prominent business gatherings. The event reflected KCCI’s 86-year legacy as an apex chamber working towards sustained economic activity, employment generation and inclusive growth in Dakshina Kannada.

KCCI highlights its role in regional development

Welcoming the gathering, KCCI President P. B. Ahmed Mudassar reflected on the Chamber’s 86-year journey and its evolving role in the region.

He noted that KCCI’s work, which initially focused on infrastructure advocacy, has expanded to include policy representation, sustainability initiatives and international engagement.

The President also highlighted KCCI’s Industry–Academia Interconnect, under which the Chamber has signed MoUs with more than 30 educational institutions in the region.

He further spoke about the ongoing Brand Mangaluru initiative, which seeks to showcase the city’s industries, culture and opportunities to a global audience.

He welcomed the speakers for the seventh edition of the Conclave and acknowledged the support of KCCI’s Past Presidents, Directors, sponsors and members.

Dr Thumbay Moideen speaks on global healthcare

The first session featured Dr Thumbay Moideen, Founder and President, Thumbay Group, who spoke about building sustainable and large-scale models in education and healthcare across the Gulf region.

Dr Moideen was introduced to the gathering by KCCI Honorary Secretary Ashwin Pai Maroor.

During the session, Dr Moideen spoke about how his Mangaluru roots shaped his values of hard work and humility. He also reflected on the decision to enter education and healthcare, sectors that were outside his earlier professional background in timber and real estate.

He highlighted the importance of resilience in overcoming setbacks and credited the consistent support of his family throughout his entrepreneurial journey.

Dr Moideen also discussed the global outlook of the Thumbay Group and highlighted the role of strategic international partnerships in its growth from a single institution into a diversified network spanning education, healthcare and research across the Gulf.

The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session with the audience. KCCI President and office-bearers subsequently presented a token of appreciation to Dr Thumbay Moideen.

Arjun Ranga discusses building a family business

The second session featured Arjun Ranga, Director, NR Group, in an in-conversation format with CA Srinivas S. Kamath, Past President of KCCI.

The session was introduced by Divakar Pai Kochikar, Vice-President of KCCI and Convenor of KCCI Conclave 2026.

The discussion explored the challenges and opportunities involved in taking a family business into its third generation.

Mr Ranga spoke about the discipline, values and business practices passed down by his grandfather and father and how these continue to influence the functioning of NR Group.

The business, known for its Cycle Pure Agarbathi brand, has expanded from its origins as a Mysuru-based agarbathi manufacturer into a diversified enterprise with interests including fragrance, aerospace components and defence manufacturing.

Balancing legacy with new opportunities

During the conversation, Mr Ranga spoke about the responsibility of carrying forward a family legacy while remaining open to new opportunities and businesses.

He highlighted the importance of trust and unity in sustaining a multi-generational enterprise and discussed how the group has evolved while retaining the values that shaped its foundation.

The conversation also touched upon NR Group’s social initiatives, including its work towards empowering tribal women in Gadchiroli and its longstanding support for the Ranga Rao Memorial School for the Differently Abled.

A short film showcasing these social initiatives was screened during the session.

The session concluded with an audience interaction, following which tokens of appreciation were presented to Mr Ranga and CA Srinivas S. Kamath by the KCCI President and office-bearers.

Sponsors acknowledged for supporting Conclave

KCCI also placed on record its appreciation for the sponsors whose support contributed to the organisation of the Conclave.

Union Bank of India and Bharath Group were the Principal Sponsors, while MRPL and Gadiyar Group were the Major Sponsors. The event was also supported by sponsors from across the region.

Networking brings Conclave to a close

The Conclave concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by KCCI Honorary Secretary Jeethan Allen Sequeira.

A group photograph featuring KCCI’s Past Presidents and Directors was followed by a networking dinner for the delegates, providing participants an opportunity to continue discussions and strengthen professional connections.

The seventh KCCI Conclave once again provided a platform for the region’s business community to engage with experienced entrepreneurs and industry leaders, while exploring themes of entrepreneurship, family business, global expansion, innovation and social responsibility.

About KCCI

Established in 1940, the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry is an apex chamber body in Dakshina Kannada working with its members and affiliate organisations to foster a thriving and globally recognised business community.

KCCI maintains close engagement with government departments to keep the trade, commerce and industry sectors informed about regulatory developments and works towards balanced and inclusive economic growth for the region.