Biography of Arvind Khanna's : Business Inception & Entrepreneurial Genesis:
Biography of Arvind Khanna:
Arvind Khanna, born on May 29, 1967, is a multifaceted
individual known for his roles in politics, business, investment, and
philanthropy.
Business Ventures:
In the business realm, Khanna founded the ASAS group of
companies in 2008, with interests spanning defense, aerospace, technology, software,
and telecommunications equipment industries. He also established TSL Defence
Technologies in 2001, a pioneering private sector defense manufacturing company
in India.
Influence and Allegations:
Khanna's influence extended to the defense industry, where
he was perceived as a powerful businessman. Allegations of wielding undue
influence over Indian defense deals surfaced, but investigations found no
evidence of wrongdoing, and the allegations were dropped.
The Story of Ronnie Screwvala: A Trailblazer in Indian Media
and Business
Ronnie Screwvala is widely recognized in India, born on
September 8, 1956. He's not just an entrepreneur but also an investor and a film
producer, earning accolades from Esquire, Time Magazine, and Fortune Magazine.
Growing up in Mumbai, Ronnie Screwvala left a mark in the
media and entertainment industry by establishing UTV Software Communications, a
conglomerate partnering with major names like Disney and Fox.
Ronnie Screwvala: From Childhood Dreams to Entrepreneurial
Success
Born into a Parsi family in Mumbai, Ronnie Screwvala
attended Cathedral and John Connon School and later Sydenham College. His
passion for theater blossomed during his school days.
Ronnie's childhood in Grant Road, Mumbai, though modest,
instilled in him valuable entrepreneurial lessons, observing the hustle of
adults in his neighborhood. His first taste of entrepreneurship came at the age
of ten when he organized successful local events.
The Personal and Professional Life of Ronnie Screwvala
Now residing in South Mumbai, Ronnie Screwvala is married to
Zarina Mehta, who co-founded UTV with him. He also has a daughter named Trishya
from his previous marriage, who runs her own non-profit organization.
In his early ventures, Ronnie Screwvala showcased his knack
for seizing opportunities, particularly in introducing cable TV to India and
hosting a popular quiz show.
The UTV Era: Ronnie Screwvala's Media Empire
Establishing United Television (UTV) in 1990, Ronnie
Screwvala transformed the Indian media landscape. UTV expanded into a
conglomerate, including a movie studio, games studio, and content company,
eventually being acquired by Disney in 2012.
Ronnie Screwvala's Ventures Post-2013: Making a Difference
Ronnie and Zarina founded The Swades Foundation, aiming to
uplift communities out of poverty. They are also involved in upGrad, USports,
RSVP Movies, and Unilazer Ventures, contributing to various sectors.
Arvind Khanna: Setting Sail in Business
Entrepreneurial Genesis: Arvind Khanna's Business Inception
Arvind Khanna embarked on his business journey in 1991,
focusing on industries like defense, aerospace, technology, software, and
telecommunications equipment. He gained a reputation as a powerful businessman
due to his ventures' success and influence.
TSL Defence Technologies: Pioneering Private Sector Defense
Ventures
In 2001, Khanna established TSL Defence Technologies, one of
India's pioneering private sector defense companies. It was among the first
nine Indian private sector companies to secure a defense manufacturing license.
TSL Defence Technologies specialized in producing simulators, electronic warfare
equipment, and airborne radars, contributing to India's defense capabilities.
ASAS Investments: Bridging Markets and Cultivating Growth
In 2008, Khanna expanded his business empire by founding
ASAS Investments. This venture operated in both Indian and foreign markets,
providing market research, analysis, and advisory services. ASAS Investments
also made strategic investments in startups and businesses, offering capital,
strategic guidance, and networking opportunities. Additionally, Khanna founded
several other ASAS group companies, including ASAS Global Services, ASAS Tec,
ASAS Tech Solutions, ASAS Aviation, and ASAS Projects. These companies
diversified the group's interests and contributed to its growth.
Arvind Khanna: Expanding Ventures and Diverse Investments
Arvind Khanna: Spearheading Technological Advancements
Arvind Khanna, through his ASAS group of companies,
collaborated with foreign entities to introduce advanced technologies to
India's defense, aerospace, and telecommunications sectors. He held shares in
Indian defense and aerospace firms like Defsys Solutions, Defsys Technical
Services, and Realism Technologies, all of which had offset agreements with
foreign manufacturers.
Diverse Ventures: From Defense to Social Development
In addition to his defense ventures, Khanna founded various
other companies, including Root Invest, Umeed Urban Solutions, and Umeed
Projects, focusing on social and economic development. He also ventured into
sports marketing, co-owning the Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab) Indian
Premier League cricket team.
Expanding Horizons: Real Estate and Hospitality Investments
Beyond his core businesses, Khanna diversified his portfolio
by investing in real estate and hospitality. In collaboration with businessman
Gursamarjit Singh, he invested in a hotel development project in Delhi, which was
eventually sold in 2012. Singh managed Khanna's real estate investments,
although their last business interaction was reported in 2018.
Singh's association with the Conservative Party in the UK
and his social media posts about Khanna sparked speculation, but Singh's
lawyers clarified that their relationship was purely personal. Despite the
diverse range of investments and associations, Khanna's business acumen and
commitment to growth remain evident in his ventures.
Khanna's Alleged Role in Defense Deals
Khanna's Influence in Defense Industry
Arvind Khanna's father, Vipin, was purportedly one of
India's largest and most influential arms dealers. Throughout his career,
Khanna himself was seen as a significant figure in the Indian defense industry,
with reports suggesting he wielded considerable sway over defense deal
approvals. Despite being investigated and accused in multiple arms deals,
Khanna and his family were never convicted or found guilty of any wrongdoing.
Allegations and Investigations: The Barak Deal
One notable case involved a purchase order placed by the
Indian Navy in 2000 for Barak anti-missile defense systems and missiles from
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). In 2007, Khanna and his family faced
accusations from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) of influencing the
deal in IAI's favor and receiving kickbacks. However, due to insufficient
evidence, the case against them was eventually dropped.
Controversies Surrounding the Denel Deal
Another incident revolved around a deal with Denel, a South
African defense company, to supply bunker buster anti-material rifles to the
Indian Army in 2003. Khanna and his family were accused of facilitating the
deal and receiving commissions to influence the Ministry of Defense's Price
Negotiation Committee. Despite the allegations, Khanna and his family denied
involvement, and the case was dropped by the CBI due to lack of evidence.
Legal Disputes: Khanna's Clean Slate
In 2009, Israel Military Industries (IMI) received a
contract from the Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) to set up a factory for making
artillery charges. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) accused Arvind
Khanna's company, TSL Defence Technologies, and its employees of influencing
the contract selection with senior OFB members on behalf of IMI. However, the
Delhi High Court later acquitted Khanna and his company of all charges and even
fined the Ministry of Defence for falsely implicating them in the case.
Biography of Arvind Khanna's : Business Inception & Entrepreneurial Genesis / Investor Arvind Khanna's : / Politician Arvind Khanna's :/ Investor Arvi
Questionable Involvement: Defsys Solutions Saga
From 2012 to 2015, Khanna, through various companies he
owned, held shares in Defsys Solutions. This company was linked to corruption
allegations regarding India's procurement of 36 Dassault Rafale fighter
aircraft in 2016. Despite being a major defense deal, none of the shareholders
of Defsys Solutions faced investigations for alleged corruption. The Supreme
Court of India upheld the purchase of the aircraft in 2019 and allowed the
withdrawal of a public interest litigation seeking an inquiry into the deal in
2022. Khanna himself was never implicated in any wrongdoing related to the
Rafale deal.
Political Affiliation and Roles:
Khanna is a prominent member of the Bharatiya Janata Party
(BJP) in Punjab, having joined the party in January 2022. He holds senior
leadership positions within the BJP Punjab, serving as the vice-president since
December 2022. Additionally, he is an integral part of BJP Punjab's core committee
and finance committee.
Political Career:
Khanna's political career began as a member of the Indian
National Congress (INC), where he served as a member of the legislative
assembly (MLA) from Sangrur (2002-2007) and Dhuri (2012-2014). His tenure in
the INC saw him hold significant positions, including General Secretary of the
Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) and PPCC treasurer.
Transition to Politics:
In 2022, Khanna divested all his business interests to focus entirely on his political career, marking a significant transition from business to politics. Overall, Arvind Khanna's journey reflects a blend of political acumen, business prowess, and a commitment to public service and philanthropy.
Arvind Khanna: A Commitment to Social Welfare and Sports
Administration
In 1997, Arvind Khanna embarked on a philanthropic endeavor
by founding the Umeed Foundation, a prominent non-governmental organization
(NGO) in Punjab. The foundation has since played a pivotal role in various
social welfare initiatives, striving to make a positive impact on the lives of
individuals and communities.
Beyond his philanthropic efforts, Khanna has also made
significant contributions to sports administration. He served as the president
of the Professional Golfers Association of India, demonstrating his commitment
to promoting and developing sports in the country. Through his involvement in
sports administration, Khanna has worked to foster growth and excellence within
the sporting community, contributing to the advancement of athletics in India.
Shifting Priorities: Khanna's Move into Politics
In 2022, Arvind Khanna decided to step away from all
business engagements to focus on his political career.
Umeed Foundation: Bringing Hope to Rural Punjab
A Beacon of Hope: Establishment of the Umeed Foundation
In 1997, Arvind Khanna established the Umeed Foundation, a
non-governmental organization (NGO) based in Sangrur, Punjab. Translating to
"hope" in Hindi, the Umeed Foundation has become one of the largest
NGOs in the state. Over the years, it has extended its reach to 550 villages
and positively impacted the lives of 12 million individuals. The foundation's
core initiatives revolve around empowering women economically and socially,
providing healthcare, and generating employment opportunities.
Empowering Women and Enhancing Healthcare
One of the primary focuses of the Umeed Foundation is the
empowerment of women. Through various programs, it aims to uplift women by providing
them with skills training, employment opportunities, and support networks.
Additionally, the NGO is dedicated to delivering primary healthcare services to
rural communities in Punjab, ensuring access to essential medical care for
those in need.
Collaboration and Support: Partnerships for Progress
The Umeed Foundation has garnered support from various
organizations, including the Council of People's Action and Rural Technology
(CAPART), Medanta, Cipla, and the Australian High Commission in India. These
collaborations have enabled the NGO to expand its reach and enhance its impact
on the ground.
Investing in Education: The Satya Bharti School Initiative
In partnership with the Bharti Airtel Foundation, the Umeed
Foundation laid the foundation stone for the Satya Bharti School in Sangrur in
2008. This initiative aimed to provide quality education to children from
underprivileged backgrounds, setting the stage for their brighter future.
Showcasing Talent: Uplifting Underprivileged Women
In 2012, the Umeed Foundation showcased products created by
underprivileged women from rural Punjab at the New York International Gift
Fair. This platform allowed these women to display their talents and generate
income, contributing to their economic empowerment.
A Resumed Commitment: Umeed Foundation's Renewed Focus
After a brief hiatus, the Umeed Foundation resumed its
operations in 2023 with a renewed focus on healthcare, employment, and
education for the underprivileged population of rural Punjab. The NGO continues
to make strides in improving the lives of individuals and communities,
particularly through the formation of women's self-help groups and vocational
training initiatives in villages.
Khanna's Influence in Golf and Sports Administration
A Leader on the Greens: Khanna's Impact in Golf
Arvind Khanna's involvement in golf spans both competitive
play and administrative roles. Notably, he competed in various golf tournaments
across India and held the prestigious position of president at the Professional
Golfers Association of India (PGI). Khanna's leadership played a pivotal role
in advancing and popularizing professional golf within the country,
contributing significantly to its growth and recognition.
Mentoring Talent: Khanna's Support for Young Golfers
Khanna's commitment to the sport extended beyond the course
as he actively supported and mentored young Indian golfers seeking
international acclaim. In the 1990s, he provided financial assistance to
professional golfer Smriti Mehra during her participation in tournaments in the
United States. Additionally, Khanna sponsored Gaurav Ghei, a fellow golfer and
close companion, through one of his companies. Together, they promoted and
elevated the stature of Indian golf on the global stage.
Driving Change: Khanna's Role in Sports Administration
In addition to his contributions to golf, Khanna also made
significant strides in sports administration. He served as the president of the
Fencing Association of India and held the position of Secretary-General at the
Punjab Olympic Association. Through these roles, Khanna actively contributed to
the development and governance of sports within the country, advocating for the
advancement of various athletic disciplines.
A Personal Touch: Khanna's Family Life
On a personal note, Arvind Khanna is married to Shagun
Khanna, a lifestyle blogger, and together, they share a family life with their
two sons, Adhiraj and Suryaveer. Beyond his professional endeavors, Khanna
finds joy and fulfillment in his family life, balancing his passion for sports
with his personal commitments and responsibilities.
Timeline:
Entrepreneurial Genesis: Arvind Khanna's Business Inception
- 1991: Khanna initiates his business ventures, focusing on defense, aerospace,
technology, software, and telecommunications.
TSL Defence Technologies: Pioneering Private Sector Defense
Ventures - 2001: Khanna establishes TSL Defence Technologies, a groundbreaking
private sector defense company in India.
ASAS Investments: Bridging Markets and Cultivating Growth -
2008: Khanna expands his business empire with ASAS Investments, operating in both
Indian and foreign markets.
Expanding Horizons: Real Estate and Hospitality Investments
- 2006: Khanna diversifies his portfolio by investing in real estate and
hospitality industries.
Khanna's Alleged Role in Defense Deals - Various years:
Khanna faces allegations and investigations related to defense deals,
ultimately cleared of charges.
Political Affiliation and Roles: - 2022: Khanna joins the
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Punjab, assuming senior leadership positions within
the party.
Political Career: - 2002-2014: Khanna serves as a member of
the Indian National Congress (INC) and holds significant positions within the
party.
Shifting Priorities: Khanna's Move into Politics - 2022:
Khanna divests from all business activities to focus entirely on his political
career.
