Kolkata, Dec 19: Marking a defining chapter in its storied journey, the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) commemorated 100 years of century-long contribution to India’s economic and institutional growth with a prestigious Centenary Session held in Kolkata. The milestone celebration was distinguished by the presence of legendary cricketer and 1983 World Cup-winning Indian team captain Mr. Kapil Dev, Padma Bhushan awardee, alongside Ms. Mithali Raj, former Indian cricketer and Padma Shri recipient and Dr. Rajeev Singh, Director General, Indian Chamber of Commerce. The session was expertly moderated by acclaimed sports broadcaster Mr. Jatin Sapru.
Addressing the audience in the ICC Centenary Session about honesty and good leadership, Padma Bhushan Mr. Kapil Dev said, “In the 1983 World Cup, belief was not an individual idea; it emerged only when the entire team began believing collectively, and that shift occurred midway through the tournament. Once that happened, leadership was no longer centered on the captain alone but became a shared responsibility. From that point, my role was less about personal performance and more about managing people, supporting players who were struggling, understanding individual strengths, maintaining honesty and transparency, and keeping the team united under pressure. A captain’s responsibility extends beyond tactics or skill; it is about creating an environment of trust and comfort where individuals feel confident to express themselves and perform to their potential. Honest communication is central to leadership, as teams quickly recognise whether a leader is genuine, and clarity exists only when honesty is present. Public praise helps build confidence and morale, while constructive feedback should be given privately with the intent to improve rather than criticise. Leadership also requires respect for seniors, teammates, and every individual within the group, as authority must be balanced with humility. Equally important is the willingness to listen and continue learning, especially from younger players who bring new perspectives, because progress depends on openness to change. Ultimately, leadership is about keeping belief alive, bringing people together, and building a culture of trust, honesty, and shared responsibility, which allows consistent performance and long-term success to follow naturally.”
Speaking on this occasion, Ms. Mithali Raj, former Indian cricketer and Padma Shri recipient said, “Indian cricket has always been driven by belief, faith, and determination, and that belief is what has shaped its most defining moments. The historic achievements of our teams reflect the idea that India can succeed at the highest level, a conviction that has guided generations of players. Kapil Dev’s all-round contribution to Indian cricket, with over 5,000 Test runs and more than 400 Test wickets, remains a benchmark for excellence, resilience, and leadership, and his impact continues to influence how Indian cricket approaches performance and responsibility. My own journey has reflected the evolving landscape of women’s cricket in India, from becoming the highest run-scorer in women’s ODI cricket to being the first woman to score seven consecutive half-centuries, the first to cross 2,000 runs in T20 Internationals, and the only player to captain India in two Women’s ODI World Cup finals. Over an international career spanning more than two decades, leadership, consistency, and adaptability have been central to achieving landmark Test victories, Asia Cup titles, and building a competitive team culture. Beyond records and statistics, the progress of women’s cricket has been about creating opportunity, visibility, and belief for the next generation, and the foundation laid alongside players like Jhulan Goswami has contributed significantly to India’s rise on the global stage. Communication and storytelling also play a vital role in shaping sport, connecting audiences, and strengthening institutions, just as strong leadership and shared purpose do. As the Indian Chamber of Commerce marks 100 years of contribution to the nation’s economic and institutional growth, the values of performance, discipline, leadership, and progress resonate strongly with the journey of Indian cricket and the responsibility to continue building towards a stronger and more empowered future.”
Welcoming the audience at the centenary celebration of ICC, Mr. Brij Bhushan Agarwal, President, Indian Chamber of Commerce said, “As the Indian Chamber of Commerce completes 100 years since its establishment in 1925, we reflect with pride on a century of shaping India’s industrial growth, influencing trade policy, and strengthening economic institutions—through the freedom movement, post-independence reforms, and today’s era of digital and sustainable progress. Marking this milestone alongside icons of national sporting excellence such as Shri Kapil Dev and Ms Mithali Raj embodies the values of leadership and sheer perseverance that define both sport and enterprise. As we step into our second century, ICC remains firmly focused on cultivating enterprise growth, enhancing competitiveness, and delivering enduring economic impact for the nation.”
Mr. Parthiv Neotia, Sr. Vice President, Indian Chamber of Commerce, in his closing address quoted, “Completing 100 years is a reflection of the Indian Chamber of Commerce’s enduring role in shaping India’s economic and institutional landscape since 1925. This centenary session draws a powerful parallel between sport and institution-building—where belief, discipline, integrity, and collective leadership define sustained success. The insights shared by icons like Kapil Dev and Mithali Raj reinforce values that have guided ICC for a century and will continue to steer us as we contribute to India’s long-term growth and competitiveness.”