The Top 50 SMEs Awards presented by Axis Bank and an initiative of India SME Forum, brought together distinguished leaders, policymakers and industry stalwarts to recognise the achievements, resilience and entrepreneurial excellence of India’s SME sector.

The event commenced with the ceremonial lamp lighting by Kamleshbhai Rameshbhai Patel, Minister of State for Finance; Ms. Kshipra Suryakantrao Agre, IAS; K C Sampat, IAS; Munish Sharda, Executive Director, Axis Bank; Sanjeev Moghe, Group Head – Branch Banking, South, Axis Bank; and Pralhad Kakar, Chairman, India SME Forum, followed by the National Anthem.

Welcoming the gathering, Ms. Sushma Mortania, Director General, India SME Forum, emphasised that business is built not merely on transactions, but on courage, credibility, hard work and trust, values deeply rooted in Gujarat’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Vinod Kumar, President, India SME Forum, underlined Gujarat’s position as the natural launchpad for the Top 50 SME Awards series, reflecting its deep entrepreneurial culture and the strength of its diverse SME ecosystem.

A fitting beginning to an evening dedicated to recognising exceptional enterprises for their contribution to innovation, economic development and the wider business ecosystem.

A celebration of businesses demonstrating vision, resilience, innovation and leadership, while setting new benchmarks across the SME landscape.