A Good Manager is a Good Human Being: Governor Arlekar

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
The ultimate test of managerial efficiency in any domain, including corporate affairs, is whether one can manage situations in a way that ultimately benefits the society, Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said today.

The Governor was delivering the inaugural address to the two-day annual management convention of Trivandrum Management Association (TMA), TRIMA 2025, setting the stage for engaging conversations by thought leaders from multiple sectors.

“Leadership for an emerging world: Navigating technology, entrepreneurship & social wellbeing” is the central theme of the conclave.

“Achieving excellence in any area of activity basically comes from one’s own humanity, which one cannot learn from textbooks,” the Governor said.

Noting that management aspirants can gain invaluable insights by studying the lives of great personalities like Shivaji Maharaj, Mahatma Gandhi, Sree Narayana Guru and Shankaracharya, Shri Arlekar said the exceptional managerial skills displayed by them essentially sprang from their humanity.

“Leadership is not a windfall that suddenly comes in your way or something that could be inherited dynastically. Leadership is all about skills that are to be acquired gradually by dedication, hard work and a deep sense of service to fellow human beings,” he said.

The Governor said that Operation Sindoor was a good example of how well situations could be managed and results delivered.

Delivering the key-note address, Air Marshal Manish Khanna, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), Southern Air Command, Indian Air Force, said strategic leadership is vitally important in a world faced with complex problems and disruptions.

Capabilities and skills of leaders are put to test when crises arise. The critical components in managing such situations are communication, collaboration, cooperation, commitment and trust, Air Marshal Khanna said, citing case studies.

Welcoming the gathering, TMA president G Unnikrishnan said over the years TMA has played a vital role in shaping the business management ecosystem in the state. The topic of this conclave is of special significance since its focus is on what kind of leadership is needed in a situation marked by complexity and disruption.

Laying out the goals and objectives of the conclave, TRIMA Chairman Dr M Ayyappan said the meet will come out with a roadmap for establishing an Institute of Leadership.

The insights and perspectives emerging from the deliberations of the convention will be factored in for launching a knowledge platform and engaging with educational institutions for conducting leadership programs and case studies aimed at embedding the theme into curriculum, Dr Ayyappan, former CMD of HLL Lifecare, added.

Unnikrishnan Gopinath, Secretary TMA and General Convener TRIMA 2025, presented the activity report of TMA.

On the occasion, the Governor gave away the TMA annual awards.ESAF Small Finance Bank received the TMA–NIMS CSR Award while Intellioak Technologies Pvt. Ltd. Got the TMA–Adani Startup Award.

TMA–KIMSHEALTH Theme Presentation Award, acknowledging academic excellence, was given to a team of students of the CET School of Management.

As a platform for interdisciplinary exchange cutting across science, management, technology, and societal development, the discussions and presentations at the event spotlights on leadership models tailored to volatile and complex global landscape which promises opportunities along with challenges.

Established in 1985 and affiliated with the All-India Management Association (AIMA), TMA is one of India’s premier management forums.