Industry titan Shyam Sundar Kanoria passes away

Eminent industrialist and economic thinker Shyam Sundar Kanoria passed away on Thursday morning at his Kolkata residence. Founder chairman of Kanoria Chemicals and Industries, the country’s leading manufacturer of intermediate chemicals, Kanoria was also credited with many path-breaking work in sugar and jute industries. 

Elected president of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry in 1971-72, Kanoria’s tenure was distinguished by his efforts to create goodwill and understanding between the government and business when it was largely missing. As FICCI president, he prevailed upon the business community to hold the price line during the Indo-Pakistan war, which earned him praises from the government and the community at large. Ahead of the war with Pakistan, Kanoria went to Germany at the instance of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi as leader of an economic delegation where he had a highly fruitful meeting with Chancellor Willy Brandt. 

He represented India in many international forums with distinction. He was president of the Indian national committee of International Chamber of Commerce. Kanoria made significant contribution as member of committees such as Central Advisory Council of Industries, Board of Trade and Direct Taxes Central Advisory Committee. Kanoria had the distinction of becoming the youngest ever president of Indian Sugar Mills Association at the age of 28 in 1956-57. 

He in that capacity pioneered the export of sugar from India and also promoted an enduring partnership between sugar factories and cane growers for sustainable growth of the agro-based industry. Kanoria believed that the traditional jute mill industry must make a break with the past to stay relevant in present times.