Encourage Entrepreneurship And New Business Opportunities, Particularly Among The Younger Generation highlight speech by Hon. Speaker JCD Prabhakar
Praveen Kumar Tatia Elected President of Hindustan Chamber of Commerce for 2026–27
New Office at Raheja Towers Virtually Inaugurated
The Hindustan Chamber of Commerce (HCC) marked a significant milestone in its history with the celebration of its 80th Annual Session at Hotel Taj Connemara, Chennai, where Mr. Praveen Kumar Tatia was unanimously elected as the President of HCC for 2026-27 at the 80th Annual General Meeting.
The following Office Bearers have also been elected along with the President for the year 2026–27: Mr. Praveen Kumar Tatia – President, Mr. Hiren B. Shah – President-Elect, Dr. Geetha Premkumar – Vice President, Mr. M. Gopinath – Vice President, Mr. Narendra Srisrimal – Treasurer, Annual Review 2025–26 Released. Another highlight is the chamber has elected Dr. Geetha Premkumar as the first woman senior Vice president this year too.
The Annual Session was also marked by the virtual inauguration of the Hindustan Chamber of Commerce’s new office at Raheja Towers, adding significance to the Chamber’s 80th year celebrations. The new office marks an important step forward in strengthening the Chamber’s Secretariat, enhancing member services and creating a more contemporary platform for its continued engagement with trade and industry.
The new office at Raheja Towers was virtually inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Thiru J. C. D. Prabhakar, Hon’ble Speaker, Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, Government of Tamil Nadu and Dr. GSK Velu, Chairman & Managing Director, Trivitron Healthcare / Neuberg Diagnostics Group of Companies, as the Guest of Honour in the presence of outgoing President Mr. Ramesh Dugar. The inauguration symbolised the beginning of a new chapter for the Chamber as it moves forward from its eight decades of institutional legacy.
The year 2026 marks a landmark occasion for HCC as it celebrates 80 years of service, growth and commitment to the business community. Over the decades, the Chamber has provided a platform for business leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals and policymakers to come together for constructive dialogue and collaboration.
Key Points from the Address of Hon’ble Thiru. J.C.D. Prabhakar, Speaker of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly
- Emphasised the importance of industrial growth and sustainable economic development in Tamil Nadu.
- Highlighted Chennai’s position as a major manufacturing and educational hub, and the need to further strengthen its industrial ecosystem.
- Stressed the importance of transparency in governance and greater awareness of government initiatives among the business and industrial community.
- Spoke about the need for closer interaction between industry and the Government to address industry concerns and support a conducive business environment.
- Highlighted the importance of Government policies that facilitate ease of doing business and enable enterprises to grow.
- Underlined the significant role of MSMEs as the backbone of the economy, while drawing attention to the challenges faced by MSMEs and the need to understand the reasons behind business closures.
- Emphasised the need to encourage entrepreneurship and new business opportunities, particularly among the younger generation.
- Called for greater participation of youth and women in economic and entrepreneurial activities, going beyond participation merely as voters.
- Spoke about the importance of sustainable development alongside industrial and economic growth.
- Highlighted the role of the Hindustan Chamber of Commerce in representing industry concerns, facilitating Government–industry interaction and supporting the growth of businesses.
- Appreciated the Chamber’s initiatives and its efforts towards strengthening the business community and contributing to the State’s economic and industrial development & concluded his speech.
Mr. Praveen Kumar Tatia – President, HCC:-Mr. Praveen Kumar Tatia is a businessman and community leader with several decades of experience in business and organisational activities. He has been associated with the Hindustan Chamber of Commerce for several years and has served the Chamber in leadership capacities before being elected President.His association with business, trade organisations and community institutions has provided him with broad exposure to the concerns and opportunities faced by the business community. He has also been associated with initiatives in the areas of healthcare, education and community development.As President of HCC, Mr. Tatia will lead the Chamber during the year following its landmark 80th anniversary, with a focus on strengthening member engagement, enhancing communication and services to members, promoting business networking and facilitating constructive interaction between trade, industry and Government.
New Office Bearers for 2026–27
Another highlight of the Annual Session was the release of the HCC Annual Review 2025–26, presenting an overview of the Chamber’s activities and initiatives during the year. An audio-visual presentation showcasing the activities of the Chamber during 2025–26 was also presented to the gathering.
In his acceptance address, Mr. Praveen Kumar Tatia, President, HCC, outlined his commitment to taking the Chamber forward and strengthening its engagement with members and the wider business community.
The occasion also provided an opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of Mr. T. Ramesh Dugar, who completed his tenure as President of the Chamber. He was felicitated during the Annual Session in recognition of his contribution and leadership.
The 80th Annual Session thus marked both a celebration of the Chamber’s rich institutional legacy and the beginning of a new phase, with new leadership and a new office at Raheja Towers, as HCC continues its commitment to serving the interests of trade, industry and its members.
