As 2024 draws to a close, leaders
from diverse industries have shared their reflections on the year gone by and
their outlook for 2025. The year has seen both resilience and growth across
sectors, from real estate to technology, education, and industrial
manufacturing. With advancements in sustainability, technological integration,
and economic recovery driving sectors forward, industry experts are optimistic
about the future. Here’s what some of the leaders had to say:
Mr. Domnic Romell, Director,
Romell Group and President, CREDAI-MCHI, the Apex Body for Real Estate in the
Mumbai Metropolitan Region:
2024 has been a transformative
year for the Indian real estate sector, marked by resilience and robust growth.
The residential segment experienced a significant surge in demand, with a
year-on-year increase of 12%, and a record 4.5 lakh units sold across major
cities, including Mumbai. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) alone accounted
for over 35% of these sales, underscoring its continued dominance in the
market.
Luxury housing stood out as a
top-performing segment, registering a 30% increase in sales compared to last
year, driven by investments from HNIs and NRIs. Government initiatives,
particularly the emphasis on infrastructure projects such as the Mumbai Metro
and the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, have further accelerated the sector's
growth.
Commercial real estate also
demonstrated remarkable resilience, with office space leasing projected to
reach an all-time high of 50 million sq. ft. nationwide, reflecting a strong
post-pandemic rebound in the business environment. Furthermore, integrating
technology, green building certifications, and adopting ESG principles have positioned
the sector for sustainable and responsible growth.
As we conclude the year, the real
estate sector continues to be a cornerstone of India’s economy, significantly
contributing to GDP and employment. The outlook for 2025 remains optimistic,
with anticipated policy initiatives poised to further strengthen the sector’s
growth trajectory.
Mr. Rohit Gera, Managing
Director, Gera Developments -
The sales momentum of the past few
years continued to 2024, marked by an increase in both, home prices and apartment
sizes. Developers responded to the enhanced affordability of customers by
offering larger-sized apartments at higher price points. Sales were robust
during the first three quarters. However, as we approached the final quarter,
it became evident that we may have reached the limit of affordability for
consumers. Currently, inquiries have slowed marginally, and I believe this is
primarily due to affordability constraints.
Looking ahead to 2025, the market
could move in either direction. On one hand, a robust increase in salaries
could boost affordability and drive growth. On the other hand, there is a
possibility of a downturn if the market experiences oversupply. As we step into
2025, we do so with cautious optimism, hoping for an upward trend. However,
only time will tell which direction the market will take.
Mr. Harishchandra Gupta,
Chairman & Managing Director, Roto Pumps Ltd. - With more than 56 years of
experience in the industrial pumps sector, Mr. Gupta is a true industry
veteran, possessing unparalleled expertise and
insight into the field.
“The industrial pumps sector in
2024 has demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of global
challenges, driven by increasing demand from key industries like water
management, renewable energy, and manufacturing. At Roto Pumps, we have
achieved significant milestones, including launching innovative new products,
entering emerging sectors, and expanding into key global markets. We have not
only navigated supply chain disruptions and rising input costs but also
leveraged innovation to deliver value to our customers. These achievements are
bolstered by supportive government initiatives aimed at promoting industrial
growth and sustainability.
Looking ahead to 2025, we see
tremendous opportunities in sustainability-focused technologies, green energy
projects, and infrastructure development.
Our unwavering focus on innovation and strategic expansion positions us
for robust growth and a pivotal role in shaping the future of the industrial
pumps industry."
Mr. Anurag Gupta, Jt. Managing
Director, Roto Pumps ltd.
"In 2024, India's pump
industry experienced significant growth, propelled by increased demand across
various sectors. The agricultural pump segment, in particular, saw revenue
growth of 8-10% in the current fiscal year, driven by resilient domestic demand
for conventional pumps and a surge in the adoption of solar pumps under the PM
KUSUM scheme and Jal Jeevan Mission.
Looking ahead to 2025, the
industry is poised for continued expansion. CRISIL Ratings projects a 7-9%
revenue growth for agricultural pump manufacturers, with solar pump volumes
expected to increase by 20% year-on-year, supported by anticipated reductions
in pump prices and ongoing government initiatives.
Additionally, India's Biogas
sector is set to attract over Rs. 2000 Crores in investments over the next
year, reflecting the nation's growing demand for green energy.
These developments underscore a
positive trajectory for India's pump industry, with technological advancements
and supportive policies fostering sustained growth in
the coming years."
Mr. Hemant Sapra, President,
Global Sales & Marketing, KARAM Safety
"2024 saw significant
advancements in the safety industry, with a strong focus on technology
integration and holistic occupational health and safety. We anticipate
continued growth in 2025, driven by stricter regulations, increased safety
awareness, and the adoption of innovative solutions like AI-powered
safety systems."
Mahesh Ravaria, Co-founder and
CEO, Beauty Garage Professional
Looking ahead to 2025, the Indian
hair care industry is set to see many 'Make in India' brands reach
international standards with proper quality and standardization. This will help
India become a trendsetting market in the global hair and beauty sector. The
industry, worth about USD 5.85 billion in 2024, is expected to grow quickly due
to increasing demand for effective and wellness-focused products. With a growth
rate of 8.8%, there will be more products that protect against pollution and improve
hair health. Digital platforms, e-commerce, and social media will significantly
influence consumer choices, making personalized hair care more accessible. The
outlook for 2025 offers great potential for innovation for India.
Siddharth Rajgarhia, Chief
Learner and Director: DPS Varanasi I Nashik I Lava Nagpur I Hinjawadi
Co-Founder:
Equanimity Learning
As 2024 draws to a close, it fills
my heart with pride and gratitude to reflect on a year of remarkable
achievements. From witnessing our students emerge as zonal toppers in board
results and securing countless victories in sports to one of our own making it
into the Guinness Book of Records—this year has been nothing short of
extraordinary. Our young authors showcased their brilliance, and we welcomed a
new chapter with the opening of Delhi Public School Hinjawadi, nurturing a
success mindset and creating boundless opportunities for the changemakers of
tomorrow.
Ending the year with a meaningful
milestone, I co-founded Equanimity Learning, a platform committed to redefining
education by fostering 1% daily improvements for a better society. As we step
into 2025, I wish everyone a year filled with learning, growth, and success.
Let’slet’s continue to provide transformative experiences for young minds to thrive
and build a Viksit Bharat.
Mr. Siddharth Agarwal, Founder
and Managing Director at Mobicule Technologies says: As we reflect on the past year, it's evident that the debt
collection and fintech industry has undergone transformative changes. At Mobicule,
we've been at the forefront of this evolution, delivering flexible,
plug-and-play solutions that seamlessly integrate with existing bank systems.
Our commitment to security, compliance, and innovation has enabled financial
institutions to connect with borrowers more effectively and redefine the debt
resolution process.
Looking ahead, we're optimistic
about the future. The new year presents exciting opportunities to further
enhance our solutions, adapt to emerging trends, and drive meaningful impact. Our
vision remains clear: to build the future of debt resolution, one
innovation at a time.