Germany honours Baba Kalyani with highest individual award
08 Nov 2012
Germany has conferred the 'Cross of Order of Merit', the highest honour awarded to individuals for their services to the country, to Indian industrialist and Bharat Forge's chairman and managing director Babasaheb N. Kalyani.
The recognition is granted to those who make a significant contribution in social, intellectual, economic or political departments.
''Kalyani is an individual who has played a major role in strengthening the business and economic ties between India and Germany. He has made significant contributions in setting up business operations in Germany and collaborating with German Universities to develop next generation technology, which has and will continue to benefit both of our countries and global customers alike. He is a true world citizen; at the same time he has remained a true Indian. Kalyani is a living role model for initiative, creativity and business vision,'' Ambassador Steiner said.
''It is a great honour and privilege to be recognised by the Federal Republic of Germany with the ''Cross of the Order of Merit''. I would like to thank all the members associated with this award. Our association with Germany was a logical decision given its technological prowess, technical education and innovation, large markets and well-qualified workforce. A decision which has proven to be beneficial to all in the long run,'' Baba Kalyani said.
Bharat Forge's relationship with Germany began when it acquired the German operations of Carl Dan Peddinghaus GmbH & Co. KG (now renamed as CDP Bharat Forge GmbH) in early 2004. In just a span of 8 years, CDP Bharat Forge has plants in Ennepetal, Daun and the Bharat Forge Aluminiumtechnik facility is at Brand-Erbisdorf, making some of largest forging footprints in Germany.
Bharat Forge is the flagship company of the $2.5-billion Kalyani Group, which has significant presence in the key sectors of the Indian economy.
The recognition is granted to those who make a significant contribution in social, intellectual, economic or political departments.
Kalyani was honoured by the German Ambassador to India Michael Steiner at a function organised in Mumbai on Wednesday.
