After Adani, Hexaware Technologies also withdraws sponsorship for Wharton event

AHMEDABAD: After Adani group, Hexaware Technologies, another Indian company, today withdrew sponsorship for the Wharton India Economic Forum (WIEF) and company chairman Atul Nishar opted out of the event.

The decision follows controversial cancellation of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's key-note address (through video conference) at the Forum by the host, Wharton School of Business.

"Mr Atul Nishar wouldn't be able to attend this Forum due to his other business engagements. The sponsorship matter is a call of the Marketing department and not of Mr Nishar," company spokesperson Sreedatri Chatterji said.

Nishar was to speak at the Forum while his company was a `bronze sponsorer' of the event. The name and logo of Hexaware Technology was removed from the portal of WIEF later today.

On Sunday, the prestigious business school cancelled the Gujarat CM's keynote address, after opposition from a section of university professors and students, triggering reactions in India.

Ahmedabad-headquartered Adani group's chairman Gautam Adani, who was the platinum sponsorer of the event, withdrew the sponsorship, and opted out of the event, citing commitments here.

Shiv Sena leader Suresh Prabhu also cancelled his visit to Wharton, in protest against the decision to cancel Modi's address.

The remaining Indian entities sponsoring the event are Incredible India - Ministry of Tourism and private entertainment channel Colors Viacom.

Post-Godhra riots of 2002 in Gujarat, US has denied Modi visa.