Speech by the ITC chairman, Y C Deveshwar, at the 103rd Annual General Meeting on 30th July, 2014
I have great pleasure in welcoming you to the 103rd Annual General Meeting of your Company.
A new government: New hopes and aspirations
In the best traditions of democracy, a new Government was elected with a resounding mandate. Shri Narendra Modi's clarion call for Development through Good Governance touched a special chord in the hearts and minds of people. His vision and persona has ignited new optimism among almost all sections of society. There is renewed hope that a new resurgent India will be built over time, bringing pride and dignity to all. The spirit embodied in ''Sabke Saath, Sabka Vikas'' indeed holds a promise of inclusive and participatory growth.
This is potentially a turning point in history and an opportunity to collectively script a new destiny for the nation. As a Company deeply rooted in India's soil, ITC is committed to realising the Vision of a dynamic, prosperous and self-reliant India. It is your Company's avowed mission to be a world-class Indian enterprise serving national priorities. This is manifest in your Company's determination to go beyond the confines of business to create enduring value for the larger Indian society. It is with this strength of conviction in your Company's Values and Vitality that I once again pledge ITC's fullest support to the new Vision for fulfilling our shared goal of a new India of our dreams.
It is indeed heartening that, despite the constraints of time and a challenging economic environment, the Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley, has presented a comprehensive maiden Budget addressing key reforms with a welcome focus on physical and social infrastructure. This should lay the foundation for long-term growth whilst meeting some of the critical needs of the weakest in society.
ITC: Triple bottomline performance
As in earlier years, let me first share some of the highlights of your Company's triple...