– Bhupenderabhai Patel, Chief Minister, Gujarat
This year, the CAPSI Security Leadership Summit 2023 was held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, at the Narayani Heights Hotel & Resort during 24-15 November. The event was inaugurated by Gujarat’s Chief Minister, Bhupendrabhai Patel. The two-day summit, organized in partnership with the Security Association of Gujarat (SAG) and Rashtriya Raksha University, focused on addressing critical security concerns and exploring the changing security scenario in India. Vikram Mahurkar, Vice Chairman, CAPSI & President, Security Association of Gujarat (SAG) delivered the welcome address.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel highlighted, “World leader and a successful Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has made Gujarat a role model for development by ensuring peace and security in the state.
Prioritizing peace, safety and security is crucial in the developmental journey of any state or nation. In Gujarat, a state known for industrial and manufacturing prowess, private security plays a pivotal role in ensuring industrial security and labor harmony.”
The conference was presided over by Kunwar Vikram Singh, Chairman CAPSI & APDI. Expressing his heartfelt gratitude to the Gujarat Chief Minister, Bhupenderbhai Patel for accepting CAPSI’s invitation and inaugurating the Summit, the Chairman said that private security sector is making an important contribution to the country’s economy and there is a huge potential of growth in this sector but there is a great need to embrace modernity. He added that in last 18 years, CAPSI has been working in tandem with the Union and State Governments and getting their support. Private security guards form the second largest force in the world and also the second largest sector offering employment in the country after the construction sector. CAPSI has also been working with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Rashtriya Raksha University to plan strategy for the training to the security guards and to the senior officials in our sector as well as planning rehabilitation for Agneeveers – this will be a game changer.
Talking about his new initiative, he added, “In fostering a National Security Culture, we are committed to creating a supportive atmosphere that nurtures growth. Through this, we cultivate a collective mindset that values vigilance, adaptability, and cooperation. This proactive stance empowers us to identify potential risks and implement measures to mitigate their impact, safeguarding not only the physical safety but also the overall well-being and prosperity of our esteemed citizens and the nation.”
The event was graced by dignitaries including Lt. Gen. A.B. Shivane, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd.), Ex-DG Mechanized Forces Indian Army and Strike Corps Commander; Bhagwan Shankar, IAS, Former Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Sikkim, Former Joint Secretary, MHA and Advisor, CAPSI; Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel, Vice-Chancellor of Rashtriya Raksha University; Prakash Vermora, Member of Legislative Assembly, Gujarat; Dr. Shamsher Singh, DG of Police (Law & Order), Gujarat State; Anil Pratham, IPS, DGP Police Reforms; HH Maharani Radhika Raje Gaekwad of Baroda; Kanti Bhai Patel, President, Federation of Industries & Association, Gujarat; amongst others. Approximately 500 participants, including representatives from the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, convened at the Summit.
HH Maharani Radhika Raje Gaekwad of Baroda graced the conference as the esteemed Guest of Honour. She graciously extended her support to CAPSI for its upcoming endeavours, particularly in the promotion of ‘women in security.’
Dr. Shamsher Singh, DG of Police (Law & Order) advocated for the establishment of a Security Guard Welfare Fund, mirroring the support provided to police and military personnel.
The summit also witnessed the announcement of two ground breaking welfare measures for security guards. Yatra.com, a prominent travel platform, joined forces with CAPSI to offer ticket booking concessions for one crore security guards and their families.
In a parallel initiative, CAPSI forged a partnership with RC Infra in Uttar Pradesh to construct 500 homes for security guards under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). This strategic move aims to provide dignified living conditions for security personnel and their families, setting a precedent for similar projects across India.
The summit witnessed a panel discussion on ‘Integrated Risk Management for Building Resilience in Global Organisations’ which was moderated by Lt. Col. Vishal Mathur Head of Security, Risk Consulting, Lancer Risk Consulting who welcomed the participants to the panel discussion. The Panellists included Yashwant Mahadik, President & Global CHRO, Co-Lead Business Transformation, Lupin; Firoze Zia Hussain: Director Security, Delhivery; Col. Rahul Chauhan, Chief Security Officer, Emerging Business, Adani Group; Col. Prakash Sanjay: Chief Security, Tata Steel, Kalinganagar & Meramandali; Col. Shivprasad Cherkupalli, Vice President, Head Security, Adani Power and Adani Energy Solutions Limited.
Another Panel Discussion on Technology & Insurance Investigation was moderated by Shivindra Pratap Singh, Managing Director, Lancers Risk Consulting, and was enriched by the perspectives of Sanjeev Dwivedi, Dr. Sanjay Tiwari, Head, Internal Control & Loss Minimisation (ICLM); and Ian Fraser. They delved deep into the trans-formative role of technology in shaping modern insurance investigations. The discourse underscored the pivotal influence of technological innovations like artificial intelligence, data analytics, and automation in revolutionizing the landscape of insurance investigations.
At the Summit, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendrabhai Patel, awarded individuals and organizations for their exceptional contributions to the private security sector. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Colonel R. K. Kurup, CMD, Group 7 Guards India Pvt. Ltd. and Maj. R.S. Tiwari (Retd.), Proprietor of Newgen Security Services. Other awards included Security Personality of the Year to Mahesh Chandra Sharma, CMD of GDX Group of Companies; Security Personality of the Year (South) to C. Bhaskar Reddy, Managing Director, Excel Security Services, Andhra Pradesh. Various other individuals were also recognized in categories such as Security Professional of the Year Lt. Col. J S Paul Award to Manish Dahiya, Head Corporate Security & Laison, Lalit Suri Group, Delhi in Hotel Security, Nand Kishore Bhatt, Chief Security Officer, Sesa Goa, Vedanta Ltd., Gujarat in Iron Ore Industry; Prakash Purohit, Unit Security Head, UPL Limited., Ankleshwar, Gujarat in Chemical Industry; Maj. Rakesh Rattan Kotwal (Retd.), Country Security Head, Wipro Ltd., Bangalore, Karnataka in Information Technology Industry; Col. Kanwal Kishore, Head Security, Multiple Facilities of Jio world in Corporate Security; Dr. Ravichandran D, Regional Manager, Protection, Risk & Security, Bosch India, in Cyber Security.
Best Man Guarding Company of the Year was awarded to Vikram Mahurkar, CMD, Checkmate Group of Companies. Other Award categories were Security Personality of the Year, Security Professional of the Year, Security Entrepreneur of the Year, Young Security Entrepreneur of the Year, Brand Protection Professional of the Year, Risk Consultant of the Year, and Best Training Center of the Year.
The Association of Professional Investigators and Detectives (APDI) celebrated the prestigious appointment of R. P. Chauhan as the President of the World Association of Detectives (WAD). To commemorate this remarkable achievement, they honoured him with a felicitation ceremony. Toine Goorts, President of Council of International Investigators, USA was also felicitated at the occasion.
Second day, the first session of the event unfolded with impactful discussions focused on corporate security. Key topics encompassed the impact of the ‘New Arms Licensing Policy on Safeguarding Corporate Assets’ by Bhagwan Shankar, IAS, Former Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Sikkim, Former Joint Secretary, MHA and Advisor, CAPSI. Col. Kanwar Kishore, Head of Security, Jio World Center, provided an in depth presentation on Future Trends in Corporate Security.
Additionally, a thought-provoking panel discussion scrutinized the standards and service delivery of CAPSI certified companies, underscoring the significance of upholding high-quality security services was organized in which Anil Puri, Group Chairman, AP Securitas played the role of moderator while the panellists included V. V. Katti, President, CAPSI; Sudhir Bhasin, MD, Elite Facilities & Systems Pvt. Ltd.; Vikram Mahurkar, Chairman & Managing Director, Checkmate Group of Companies; D. P. Singh, Advocate High Court, Patna; Sameer Trivedi, MD, Cosmos Manpower Pvt Ltd.; and Brigadier Mayank Awasthi, MD, Peregrine joined.
Delving further, a session explored maritime security, identifying new business prospects for private security firms. An exceptional perspective on security within the realm of sports diversified the discussions. The event culminated on a high note with the presentation of Golden Guard awards to exemplary Security Personnel, acknowledging their outstanding contributions to the field. Mahesh Sharma, Secretary General of CAPSI & APDI, expressed gratitude, followed by a networking lunch, facilitating connections and collaboration among participants.
Toine Goorts President of Council of International Investigators, USA , in his presentation discussed The Dark Side of Fake Products. He emphasized the societal repercussions of counterfeit goods, particularly among younger demographics.
“Many perceive counterfeiting as a minor offense. However, the underlying stories, such as the use of child labor by manufacturers and the detrimental impacts without any benefits, need more attention,” he emphasized.
In addition to spreading awareness about counterfeits, Mr. Goorts shared his intentions to establish personal security training centers in India. Leveraging his experience in combating human trafficking, he stressed the importance of exchanging knowledge and ideas in this critical field.
Ian Fraser, Director of Strategic Accounts representing Clearspeed, talk revolved around leveraging technology to accelerate risk identification and enhance security decisions. The speaker quoted PwC, emphasizing the growing risk landscape due to environmental, geopolitical, financial, and social pressures. The impact of these risks is observed across various sectors, including education, sports, and government.
In summary, the Security Leadership Summit 2023 represented a crucial turning point for Gujarat’s private security sector, showcasing initiatives that transcend regional boundaries. The collective effort involving government entities, private businesses, and educational institutions reflects a comprehensive approach aimed at bolstering the sector’s abilities, safeguarding its personnel, and fostering contributions to the nation’s economic and social progress. As Gujarat sets an example, the private security sector emerges as a significant contributor in India’s pursuit of self-reliance and national prosperity.
