ET Awards: India Inc celebrates corporate excellence under luminous lotus in Mumbai

When, on a balmy Mumbai evening, India Inc's coolest set comes to gather under a giant glowing lotus-shaped chandelier at the Jio World Convention Centre, you know an extraordinary event will be underway. Which is what the ET Awards indeed was.

The country's boardrooms morphed into one Lotus Ballroom. Soothsayers in suits and saris did not just listen to the august guests in April-they included Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, as well as stalwarts of industry like Uday Kotak, Anish Shah, Arundhati Bhattacharya and Sajjan Jindal-but they filled the air with conversation, chatter and laughter.

While the world continued to be shaky outside, inside the luminous hall filled with luminaries, everyone was a peacenik. Because everyone in the room knew that peace and tranquillity are essential ingredients not just for a gathering of bon vivants but also for good business.


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Winners were lauded, their achievements rolled out as a reminder of things to come. ET Business Reformer of the Year Naidu even joked about how he would be using his award for one singular purpose: "To get investments in my state." Sitharaman quipped about her need to add so many caveats to every statement she made lest it be inadvertently turned into a headline. Manfully manning the stage, Cyrus Sahukar, played part-James Bond, part-Oscar-host, peppering his master of ceremonies duty with characteristic wit and wisdom.

The roundtables in front of the stage were power-packed. As was the hall adjoining the main venue, where a sumptuous spread awaited those who wanted to supplement their appetite for knowledge with even more taste. Especially talked about was the Japanese 'Nikkei Stage' buffet, with guests marvelling at the fare that included Nikkei Style Crispy Cottage Cheese and other vegetarian fine dining delights.

In keeping with goings-on in the world, the 'Kitchen of Lebanon' food station was a particular hit. Classic Falafel Bullets, Hummus and Garlic Toum were sought after, along with Spicy Sabiche and Batata Harassment. And for those thirsty for further social lubricants, there was a special line at the bar for Scotch Mule-whisky with lime juice and ginger ale.

If there was any proof needed that India's economy and business ecosystem are abuzz, it was there for anyone listening in on the conversations at the tables over plates of avocado with kokum sauce at the bottom, or miso-glazed celeriac fondant. Mixing an evening of conversation and celebration, the ET Awards night was a heady cocktail.

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Far from the likes of Hormuz and false starts to negotiations, this was an electric evening that showcased not just India's finest and brightest minds, but also provided ample evidence that, under the brightest of lights on a Mumbai Saturday, there was no sign of any energy shortage.