Kolkata Mayor and senior minister Firhad Hakim has embarked on a significant outreach initiative, holding meetings with some of West Bengal's most prominent industrialists and cultural icons over the past two days. The move is part of a broader engagement programme by the state government to connect with key stakeholders.
High-Profile Meetings with Industry Titans
The minister held detailed discussions with captains of industry, apprising them of the developmental strides made in West Bengal over the last 15 years under the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The meetings were not just monologues but involved active dialogue on the state's economic trajectory.
Among the notable business leaders Hakim met were:
- Sanjiv Goenka, Chairman of the RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group.
- Harsh Neotia, Chairman of the Ambuja Neotia Group.
- K K Bangur, the owner of Graphite India.
Connecting with Cultural Legacy
Beyond the corporate world, the outreach also extended to the realm of culture. Firhad Hakim called on Gaurav Chatterjee, the grandson of legendary Bengali cinema icon Uttam Kumar. This gesture underscores the government's aim to engage with influential personalities across diverse sectors of Bengali society.
According to sources, the mayor's schedule includes plans to meet several other notable personalities in the coming days, indicating that this outreach drive is an ongoing and concerted effort.
Discussing the Road Ahead for Bengal
The core agenda of these interactions was twofold. Firstly, to highlight the progress and development achieved in the state since 2011. Secondly, and perhaps more crucially, to solicit suggestions and discuss the way forward for West Bengal's growth. Hakim actively sought inputs and perspectives from these industry leaders, focusing on collaborative strategies to bolster the state's economic landscape.
This initiative signals the state government's continued focus on fostering a direct dialogue with the private sector and cultural ambassadors, aiming to build partnerships for future development.