MUMBAI
A.M. Naik, who led the transformation of Larsen & Toubro into a global construction, engineering, manufacturing, technology and services conglomerate, was conferred India’s second highest civilian award — the Padma Vibhushan — by the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, at a ceremony in the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2009.
Accepting the Padma Vibhushan, Naik, Group Chairman, L&T said, “I have always considered myself fortunate to be in a position of service to India and to millions of my fellow countrymen. To receive such a high national honour is a matter of utmost joy for the L&T Group.”
He added, “For me, the Padma Vibhushan is an acknowledgement of the contributions made to the nation, industry and society by Larsen & Toubro – the company I am proud to have served for over five decades and led for the last two. I thank the Government of India for this honour and take this opportunity to congratulate my fellow awardees who have won recognition in different fields.”
In a glittering career spanning more than 50 years, Naik spearheaded some of the country’s landmark and marquee projects, setting new benchmarks in infrastructure both in India and abroad. Under him, L&T ascended the value chain, providing solutions in critical sectors – Defence, Nuclear Power, Aerospace, Infrastructure, Water and Effluent Treatment, Hydrocarbon and Financials Services. He led the company’s foray into new age businesses like Information Technology and Engineering Services.
Deeply committed to social upliftment of the underprivileged, Naik plays an active role in meeting the health, educational and vocational needs of these sections of the populace. In recognition of his services in this segment, he was recently appointed as the Chairman of National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India.
This honour is a well-deserved recognition of Naik’s extraordinary record in serving the Indian industry and fulfilling the twin objectives of building the nation and creating value for all stakeholders.
