Early Life and Education
Babasaheb Neelkanth Kalyani was born in Pune, India, on January 7, 1949. His father, Neelakanth Rao Kalyani, was a technocrat and manufacturer of automotive components. Kalyani completed his schooling at Rashtriya Military School, Belgaum and attended Dr. (Mrs.) Erin N. Nagarvala School, Pune. He earned a B.E. (Hons.) in Mechanical Engineering from BITS Pilani in 1970 and later obtained an MS degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Rise to Success
Kalyani's career took off when he joined Bharat Forge in 1972. He became the Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge, which is the flagship company of the Kalyani Group. Under his leadership, Bharat Forge became the world's second-largest forging manufacturer, and he spearheaded its global expansion. He diversified the company into various sectors including aerospace, defense, and renewable energy.
Key Business Strategies
Kalyani's strategies included strategic acquisitions and a focus on technological advancement. He established Kenersys Limited, focusing on wind turbine manufacturing, and was involved in developing solar energy equipment. His leadership also involved forming partnerships, such as a joint venture with Rafael Advanced Defence Systems of Israel.
Philanthropy
Baba Kalyani is known for his philanthropic endeavors, particularly in education and community development. He founded the Pratham Pune Education Foundation, an NGO that provides primary education to underprivileged children. The Kalyani Group also supports initiatives in healthcare and community development.