International relations could become more and more transactional: Anand Mahindra 

Despite odds people can visualise and manifest a better life and a better world, Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra said in a letter to the group’s employees. 

Globally, the last few years have been full of shocks, changes, uncertainties and we are seeing a shifting world where interdependencies and a flat world may well be things of the past, driven strongly by national interest and national muscle-flexing,” Mr. Mahindra said.

“But India is well positioned to more than fend for itself. It is no longer the 99-pound lightweight on the beach. It can demonstrate military might. India can enhance its economic potential, by seizing the opportunity offered by shifting affinities and alliances to become a keystone in the global supply chain system,” he added. 

Emphasising that India will be less affected by capricious global winds than many other countries, he said in that context, the Mahindra Group should have no dearth of opportunities for growth, both domestic and international.

Stating that a New Year is traditionally a time for hope and optimism, he said he found it interesting that the Cambridge Dictionary has chosen “Manifest” as the word of the year. 

“Manifest” not in its traditional meaning of ‘’to show or demonstrate” but in its current, modern connotation of visualising aspirations and actively bringing them into reality, he opined. 

“That tells me that no matter how uncertain the world is, how unpredictable the ‘slings and arrows of outrageous fortune’ are, people still believe that they can visualise and manifest a better life and a better world,” Mr. Mahindra said. 

“We in the Mahindra Group, have long believed that we can Rise to take charge of our own destiny. 2024 has showcased our ability to convert visualisation into reality. May that long continue,” he added. 

Highlighting the achievement of the Group’s Automotive business, he said Mahindra & Mahindra both literally and figuratively electrified Indian customers with the launch of two world-class premium electric vehicles. 

“It’s difficult to exaggerate the positive reaction these EVs have evoked, surpassing even our own expectations. Which makes me question what is it that lies at the heart of this surge of interest and goodwill?,” Mr. Mahindra stated. 

“I believe two things have resonated with our enthusiasts - audacity and innovation. It takes audacity for a traditional SUV company to make a big bet on the future of electric vehicles in an uncertain world,” he said. 

“It takes audacity to explore fresh, bold styling.”

“And it takes a deep commitment to innovation to forge cutting-edge technology, design, and performance into vehicles that have unique offerings, I hope this will be a portent for the future of every company within the Group,” he emphasised.

Reaffirming the importance of the bedrock of integrity on which the Mahindra Group is founded, he said audacity has brought the group far and will surely take it further. 

“But I want to emphasise strongly that we do not measure our success in terms of sheer financial growth. Our audacity can never be at the cost of our integrity,” he concluded.