The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) kicked off the highly anticipated Mumbai International Week with a curtain raiser held at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Mumbai. The Panel discussion, themed "Mumbai Through Different Lenses," brought together eminent personalities from the fields of business, government, and art, highlighting Mumbai's rich cultural fabric and its pivotal role in India’s socio-economic future.

Visionary Leaders on Mumbai's Future as a Key Urban Center

R Mukundan, Vice President of CII and MD & CEO of Tata Chemicals, shared his insights on Mumbai's urban potential. “The future of our nation will be shaped by our cities, and Mumbai has the potential to be among the leading urban centers,” he stated, advocating for data-driven governance and the empowerment of ward-level officials to expedite project implementation. He projected that by 2050, 70-80% of India's wealth and working population would be concentrated in about 20 cities, with Mumbai at the forefront.

Exploring Mumbai's Cross-Cultural Essence and Socio-Economic Potential

This featured a panel discussion moderated by Arun Nanda, who emphasized the uniqueness of Mumbai's cross-cultural diversity. He highlighted the city's renewed focus on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the synergy between business and art that the Mumbai International Week aims to foster. "Mumbai's diversity is unlike anywhere else in the world, offering an opportunity to integrate business and art like never before," said Nanda.

Nidhi Choudhari, IAS, Director, National Gallery of Modern Art, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, underscored Mumbai’s peaceful environment and its significant contributions to economic growth. “Mumbai’s future is bright, with a host of infrastructure projects poised to transform the city’s landscape in the coming years,” she noted, adding that the city remains a hub of business opportunities.

Fine artist and Hon. Chair of the Kala Ghoda Association, Brinda Miller, highlighted Mumbai’s cultural vibrancy, advocating for tourism growth across cultural, religious, and medical sectors while preserving heritage. "Mumbai holds endless possibilities in the realms of art and culture, making it an ideal destination for diverse forms of tourism," she said.

Dr. Vithal Venkatesh Kamat, Executive Chairman and Managing Director of Kamat Hotels (India) Ltd, stressed the importance of skilling, entrepreneurship, sustainable practices, and infrastructure development to position Mumbai as a key growth driver for Maharashtra and India.

A Celebration of Mumbai's Artistic Legacy

The event concluded with a showcase of artworks capturing Mumbai’s dynamic cityscape and cultural diversity. The display featured renowned artists, celebrating the city’s vibrant energy and architectural beauty.

With the Mumbai International Week now underway, this curtain raiser set an inspiring tone, underscoring Mumbai's role as a catalyst for growth and innovation. The week promises to bring together diverse stakeholders, sparking discussions and collaborations across business, culture, and socio-economic domains.