In the past, succeeding generations were expected to join the family business as they came of age – which they often did without question.

However, owing to the immense exposure and myriad opportunities that contemporary India offers, newer generations have become fiercely independent: unafraid to pursue interests beyond the family business. Even those who choose to continue the family business prefer to chart new courses within the given paradigm.

The diamond industry’s growing difficulties in recent years have given rise to a serious and widespread concern about whether the younger generation must look beyond the industry. In other words, should the younger generation be discouraged from joining the industry?

The Inspiration Series brings you a Panel Discussion which explores the issue: “Family Businesses: Continue the Legacy or Break Free?” The participants will present both sides to the issue by recounting their own choices and experiences.

Parag Shah of K. Girdharlal & Co will moderate the discussion.

Date: Sunday, August 23rd, 2015
Time: 10.15 am
Venue: Sophia Bhabha Hall, Sophia College, Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai.

(Seats available on a first-come-first-served basis)

Last date for receiving confirmations – Tuesday August 18th, 5.00 pm

Please click here to register online

Please click here to download registration form

About the Participants

Bharat Sheth
Deputy Chairman and Managing Director, The Great Eastern Shipping Co. Ltd.
After obtaining his Bachelor of Science (Economics) Degree with Honours from St Andrews University, Scotland, in 1981 Bharat Sheth joined the family business -- The Great Eastern Shipping Co. Ltd., India’s largest privately owned shipping company. In the initial years of his career, he worked very closely with his colleagues and gained expertise in chartering and Sale & Purchase activities. He was inducted onto the Company's Board as an Executive Director on July 1, 1989 and became Managing Director of the Company on April 1, 1999. On August 12, 2005, he was appointed as the Deputy Chairman and Managing Director of the company.

Dinesh Vazirani
Co-Founder, Saffronart
Dinesh has a Bachelor's degree in Fine Art and a Master's in Industrial Engineering, both from Stanford University. He also holds an MBA degree with Honors from the Harvard Business School. In 1994, he returned to India to join his family’s businesses, WMI Cranes and WMI Power. He was instrumental in growing them and leading M&A efforts with WMI's German partners. In 2000, Dinesh took a sabbatical from his family business to work on developing Saffronart. Since then, there has been no looking back and he stayed on to make Saffronart a leader in the art world.

Rohan Shah
Managing Partner, Economic Laws Practice
Rohan Shah, who hails from Palanpur, departed from his family's tradition to become a lawyer. He has a law degree from the Government Law College of the Bombay University. He worked with Crawford Bayley and Co, Advocates and Solicitors, Mumbai for a brief spell. In 2001, Shah founded Economic Laws Practice (ELP). He is well known for his expertise in advisory, policy and controversy issues related to indirect taxes (excise, service tax, VAT and customs), domestic and international taxation in India.

Ankit Mehta
Partner, H. Dipak & Co
With a Masters in Business Education, Ankit joined the family business in 2007. He is known for infusing the company with progressive ideas and processes. Since he joined the company, he has contributed to building new efficiencies across departments by building a whole new IT platform. He’s also responsible for the modernisation of rough manufacturing systems across various levels and expansion into jewellery manufacturing.