Corporate Connections India’s two-day Big Hairy Audacious Forum concludes in Surat

Surat: Corporate Connections India’s national forum “Big Hairy Audacious Forum (BHAF)” recently concluded in Surat. Held on March 13 and 14, the forum brought together leading entrepreneurs, founders and business leaders from across the country, who shared insights on leadership, entrepreneurship and the future of business.

The event featured keynote addresses by Union Minister for Jal Shakti CR Patil and Bollywood actor Arjun Kapoor, both of whom delivered inspiring messages on distinct themes.

In his address, CR Patil emphasised the urgent need for water conservation. He said that urban residents consume an average of 135 litres of water per day, with annual household consumption reaching approximately 1.50-2 lakh litres. He questioned whether sufficient water would remain for future generations if the resource continues to be consumed at the current rate.

The Union Minister said India receives approximately 4,000 million cubic metre (MCM) of rainfall annually, while the country’s requirement is around 1,120 MCM. However, with water storage capacity at only about 750 MCM, there is increased dependence on groundwater, leading to declining water levels. He urged industrialists and entrepreneurs to adopt rainwater harvesting systems, noting that such measures can play a significant role in replenishing groundwater levels.

Speaking at the forum, Arjun Kapoor said that the true strength of any artist lies in the emotional connection they build with the audience. He said that while not everyone watches every film, even a brief personal interaction can leave a lasting impression. Sharing his perspective on business and entrepreneurship, he said that while artists may know how to earn money, managing it effectively is a skill that must be learned.

National Directors of Corporate Connections India, Gaurav VK Singhvi and Yash Vasant, noted that the platform is not merely a networking initiative but a means to strengthen trust and collaboration among entrepreneurs.

The forum also featured discussions by industry leaders on leadership, strategy and the future of entrepreneurship. Notable speakers included Hitesh Doshi, CMD of Waaree Group, Amit Jain, Co-founder & CEO of CarDekho, Ravi Kant, Former CEO & MD of Tata Motors, and Vaishali Wagle, Founder & CEO of Zenesse. A highlight of the event was a panel discussion titled “Scaling from Rs. 100 crore to Rs. 1000 crore.”

The forum concluded with a grand gala night and awards ceremony, celebrating the achievements and contributions of members across the Corporate Connections India community.

With over 120 active members in the Surat region, Corporate Connections has emerged as an important platform for promoting new ideas, partnerships and business opportunities.