C. K. Birla
Chandra Kant Birla | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1955 Kolkata, India |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, benefactor |
| Known for | Chairman of CKA Birla Group |
| Spouse | Amita Birla |
Chandra Kant Birla (born 1955) is a prominent Indian entrepreneur and benefactor. He serves as the chairman of the CKA Birla Group, previously known as the CK Birla Group.
Early life
Birla was born in 1955 in Kolkata. He completed his education at La Martiniere for Boys and pursued an economics degree at St. Xavier's College, Kolkata. He is the son of industrialist Ganga Prasad Birla and the grandson of Braj Mohan Birla, who played a significant role in guiding his business acumen.
Career
As the head of the CKA Birla Group, Birla manages a wide range of enterprises across India. His leadership extends to chairing several group companies such as AVTEC (an automotive components manufacturer), BirlaNu (formerly HIL Limited), Neosym, National Engineering Industries Limited (makers of NBC Bearings), Orient Electric, and Orient Paper & Industries. Additionally, he holds a board position at Birlasoft.
His involvement in corporate governance includes serving on the board of the Commonwealth Business Council, chairing the board of governors at the Birla Institute of Technology, Ranchi, and acting as trustee for The Calcutta Medical Research Institute. Moreover, he participates in the National Committee of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and formerly led the board at the Indian Institute of Management, Udaipur.
Birla has also been a board member of Century Textile and Industries through Pilani Investment and Industries Corporation, a family-owned holding firm. In 1997, he took on the role of chairman at Hindustan Motors, a position he relinquished along with his directorship in 2013.
Philanthropy
His philanthropic efforts focus on healthcare and education, supporting institutions such as the B.M. Birla Heart Research Centre and Calcutta Medical Research Institute in Kolkata, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra in Ranchi, Modern High School for Girls in Kolkata, and Rukmani Birla Modern High School in Jaipur.
He also oversees entities including the G. P. Birla Archaeological Astronomical and Scientific Research Institute (GPBAASRI), BM Birla Science Centre, and Hyderabad’s Space Museum.
In April 2020, Birla, together with his wife Amita Birla and the CKA Birla Group, pledged ₹35 crores towards COVID-19 relief initiatives. Out of this amount, ₹25 crores were directed to the PM CARES Fund while the remainder was allocated for procuring equipment for state governments.
Personal life
In 1975, Birla married Amita Birla, daughter of Raj Kumar Bagri, who co-founded the London Metal Exchange. The couple has two daughters.
Recognition
Birla was recognized by the World Economic Forum in Davos as a Global Leader for Tomorrow. Furthermore, the Rajasthan Foundation honored him among its "Legends of Rajasthan" within the business sector.