ET Awards: ET honour most sought after, says L&T’s AM Naik

Anil Manibhai Naik described winning ET’s Lifetime Achievement award as the crowning accomplishment of his professional career. “I had won 89 awards. This is the 90th… The Economic Times Lifetime Achievement Award will be the last,” he said, drawing a cheer from the star-studded audience.

At 81, the grand old man of Larsen & Toubro wears his humble beginnings on his sleeve–recalling the inspirational legacy of his grandfather and father, who served the impoverished. “Their values have been passed down through generations,” he said in his acceptance speech. His father, a teacher and principal, donated funds to support a hospital in the family’s village. That was the only time he asked for any financial help, Naik said. “If you can help, help this hospital,” Naik recalled his father’s request.

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“I found that after 20 years of working, I had only Rs 2.6 lakh in my account and I withdrew the money in my PF account which supported the hospital extension by one more floor.” Moving on to fond memories of his childhood and life’s lessons imparted by them, he shared anecdotes of his grandfather’s visits to villages in rural Gujarat, his home state, with pockets full of candy for the children, who would excitedly wait for such treats. Naik, who was casually attired, explained his sartorial choice.

“For the last eight years, I have not worn a suit because I do not go to the office now but focus on philanthropy and that means connecting with the masses. So a simple T-shirt is enough,” Naik said, citing the hierarchies that formal clothing can reinforce.

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