Good evening everyone,
We all know the corrugated box industry….has no shortage of stories….. of hustle, hardship, and headwinds. But very rarely…do we come across a story…. that has it all — privilege and pain, risk and resilience, innovation and inspiration — all rolled into one…. like a perfectly packed box that defies collapse.
Now imagine this… a young man, still in the prime of his academic years at BITS Pilani…. suddenly finds the ground… beneath his feet disappear — losing both his parents and, overnight, becoming the anchor for four younger siblings.
Most of us would have crumbled…..He chose to construct — brick by brick, box by box. He inherited a humble, loss-making millboard unit — a modest beginning in the paper and packaging space. But with inherited grit…. and a sharp instinct for re-invention, he turned it around…. laying the foundation for a remarkable journey in the box industry.
And let’s not forget his ability… to spot opportunity….. even in casual dinner conversations.
This man could turn a passing complain about a box…. into a case study in packaging innovation.
Whether it was reengineering a 5-ply box to outperform a 7-ply, or honeycombing bulb packaging to save space and cost — this man… didn’t just think outside the box….he redesigned it.
He has inspired not only businesses… but also institutions ….. policies….. and packaging professionals across India and beyond.
But instead of hearing it all… from me — let’s take a short journey through visuals and milestones…. and witness for ourselves… the extraordinary legacy….. of a true gamechanger.
Surely… because bande mein abhi bhi hai dum… the entire corrugation fraternity today… proudly says — Vande Mataram — every time he leads a delegation abroad.
I think I speak for everyone in this room when I say — that was more than just a video. It was a masterclass in courage…conviction….. and quiet leadership. From shaping boardroom strategies….to reshaping box designs….. from helping frame national tax policy … to bringing global attention on to Indian corrugation — his story is not just inspiring…. it’s foundational to the very structure of our industry. He played a crucial role… in the formation of the Asian Corrugated Case Association (ACCA) during the early days of the Asia exhibitions. As President of A.C.C.A from 2003 to 2005, he took Indian corrugation global, earning him a seat on the board of the International Corrugated Case Association — twice. He led the iconic 2010 FCBM Conference, which still holds the record for the highest number of paid delegates — a testament to his ability…. to dream big…..and deliver bigger. He has served on the governing bodies of the Indian Institute of Packaging, the Hyderabad Management Association, the Andhra Chamber of Commerce, and many more — leaving his mark… with dignity and depth. In an industry that respects legacy but thrives on innovation… this man has done both…. with humility…. Foresight….. and fierce commitment. There are people who follow trends… and then there are people who quietly define them.
Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming to the dais — with a heart felt round of applause — the true pioneer… the visionary… Mr. M. L. Agarwal. And now, to present a memento as a token of our deepest appreciation, who better than a stalwart of our own fraternity… A leader who proudly holds the distinction of being the first Indian director on the ICCA
Board in 1989-90, representi ng India at the Board Meeting in St. Martin, West Indies…
A Past President of FCBM (1987-88)… a name synonymous with leadership, foresight, and integrity…
Yes… no points for guessing it right… it’s our very own — Shri Satish Kapoor — SIR… please come on dais and do the honours.
ICCA CHAIRMAN 2025-2027
Mr. Kawamoto passing on the ICCA LEADERSHIP MEDALLION to Mr. ML Agarwal
ICCA LEADERSHIP MEDALLION
Awarded as Outstanding person in the industry of the year At WCA 2025
Presented by 1st Indian ICCA member to 1st Indian ICCA Chairman
