Babasaheb Neelkanth Kalyani is one of India’s most impactful industrial leaders and the driving force behind Bharat Forge, the world’s second-largest forging company after Germany’s ThyssenKrupp. Trained at BITS Pilani and MIT, he transformed Bharat Forge from a regional auto-parts manufacturer into a global engineering behemoth with a presence across automotive, aerospace, defence, energy, and infrastructure.
Under his leadership, the Kalyani Group pioneered innovation with strategic global partnerships—including alliances with Israel’s Rafael, Sweden’s Saab, and Alstom for power systems—while expanding into clean energy through Kenersys (wind turbines) and collaborations on solar and hybrid technology successstory.com.
A visionary in defence manufacturing, he spearheaded the creation of Kalyani Strategic Systems (KSSL), delivering cutting-edge AI-enabled weaponry—ranging from ATAGS to ultra-light howitzers—and significantly boosting India’s defence exports with over 100 artillery guns sold in 2024.
His contributions extend beyond industry: he founded the Pratham Pune Education Foundation, transforming primary education for underprivileged children in Pune, and leads Bharat Forge’s CSR and sustainability efforts.
A recipient of the Padma Bhushan, his excellence has been recognized internationally: through honors like Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun, Germany’s Cross of the Order of Merit, Sweden’s Polar Star, and France’s Legion of Honour.
Babasaheb N. Kalyani’s legacy is built on innovation, globalization, and social responsibility; making him a true architect of India’s industrial renaissance and a revered figure in modern business leadership.