Ajay Piramal

“Everywhere in the world, when you travel, you see structures that stand out. Historic structures and new structures. But in India, I don't see anything that stands out.”

“We always set ambitious goals in our group, and I have found that if you set your mind to it, you can do it ,and sometimes all the circumstances will play in your favour.”

“Disabilities and misfortune can make you stronger.”

“In any technology, one has to be very careful to ensure that it is good and has enough safeguards.”

“I am humble enough to understand there are many people who know much more than I do on many subjects, so I listen to them. Integrity is also critical to leadership, so I believe there must always be alignment between what you think, say, and do.”

“I think public sector banks need to have greater private participation of people who have skin in the game.”

“I think my greatest virtue is that I have the courage to take tough decisions. As for my greatest fault, I guess I should be a little tougher. The feedback I get always is that I am not as tough and demanding as I should be.”

“There are very few who have the privileges I have, and, therefore, it is essential that we give back to society.”

“The Internet can bring us much closer to the developed world.”

“In any merger, when you have large organisations coming together, there will be challenges in terms of culture.”

“Spirituality permeates all aspects of your life and business is just one part of your life.”

“We've always been influenced by some of India's greatest minds.”

“It is very clear for us; we will do whatever is in the best interest of Shriram shareholders.”

“In the pharma space, we have been growing both organically as well as through acquisitions.”

“Indians are very intelligent - of that, there is no doubt - but we are not necessarily hard working.”

“Innovation means taking risks, and that is where the private sector can play a role.”

“In pharma, we continuously look for acquisitions... if it makes strategic sense and if there is any value.”

“If you concentrate on action and forget the results, you actually perform much better, because then you are not worried what will happen.”

“In a crisis, you separate the men from the boys.”

“People say values are expensive, but I say they create economic value.”