Que: Could you tell us about your professional journey and what first drew you to the renewable energy sector?

Ans: I have been associated with the Pagariya Group for the last 16 years, and it has been a wonderful learning journey for me. UTEX Industries is a Pagariya Group venture, and as President, I look after the business and its growth.

We are into manufacturing industrial safety products like safety harnesses, lanyards, ropes, and other fall-protection equipment. Over the years, I have learned a lot about manufacturing, business development, customer relationships, and managing teams.

I also travel extensively across India and different countries, which gives me an opportunity to understand international markets, meet people, and learn how businesses are growing around the world.

Now, we are taking a new step by entering the renewable energy sector through UTEX New Energy. We are planning a 20 GW BESS assembly plant, a 10 GW solar cell manufacturing plant, and a green data centre, all in Nagpur, Maharashtra.

I believe renewable energy is going to play a very important role in India's future. For us, this is an opportunity to grow into a new sector, contribute to India's manufacturing capabilities, and be part of the country's clean-energy journey.

Que: As a woman leader in the energy industry, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?

Ans: Being a woman in manufacturing and industrial business comes with its own challenges. Sometimes, you have to work harder to prove yourself and make people confident in your decisions, especially in industries where most leadership positions have traditionally been held by men.

Over the years, I have learned that confidence, patience, hard work, and consistency make a big difference. I believe in understanding things properly, listening to people, taking responsibility, and standing by my decisions.

My 16 years with the Pagariya Group have taught me a lot about handling challenges, building relationships, and staying focused on my goals. Travelling around the world has also helped me understand different people, cultures, and ways of doing business.

At the same time, I feel this is a very exciting time for women. There are so many opportunities in manufacturing, renewable energy, technology, and business leadership.

My advice to women is to believe in themselves and not be afraid to take on new responsibilities. You may not know everything in the beginning, but you can always learn. Be ready to work hard, take calculated risks, and step out of your comfort zone. I believe women are equally capable of leading businesses and taking important decisions.

Que: How has India's renewable energy industry changed, and where do you think it is heading?

Ans: India's renewable energy sector has grown tremendously, and I believe we are entering an exciting phase. Renewable energy is no longer just about solar panels and windmills. Battery storage, advanced manufacturing, and energy-efficient infrastructure are becoming equally important.

At UTEX, we see a lot of potential in this sector, which is why we are entering it through UTEX New Energy. We are working towards a 20 GW BESS assembly plant, a 10 GW solar cell manufacturing plant, and a green data centre in Nagpur, Maharashtra.

I believe India has a great opportunity to become a major manufacturing hub for clean-energy technologies. We have the talent, the market, and the ambition to grow, but we must also focus on technology, quality, skilled people, and strong supply chains.

My international travels have helped me see how quickly industries are changing in different parts of the world. I feel Indian companies should learn from global developments while building their own capabilities in India. For me, the future is about growing our businesses while also contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable country.

Que: Which technologies do you think will have the greatest impact on the energy transition?

Ans: I believe battery energy storage systems and solar technologies will play a very important role in India's energy future. I also see a growing opportunity in green data centres.

Solar energy is growing rapidly, but the sun does not shine throughout the day. Battery energy storage systems can store electricity and make it available when it is needed. This can help make renewable energy more reliable.

Solar cell manufacturing is also important because India needs to strengthen its domestic manufacturing capabilities and reduce its dependence on imported products.

Another area I find very interesting is green data centres. With the growth of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital services, the demand for data centres is increasing. These facilities need a lot of electricity, so energy efficiency, renewable power, and better cooling systems will become increasingly important.

Our plans at UTEX New Energy include BESS assembly, solar cell manufacturing, and a green data centre, all planned for Nagpur. We believe these are important areas for the future.

Of course, every technology must be commercially viable and reliable. The real opportunity lies in adopting the right technologies and implementing them successfully.

Que: What needs to be done to make India's power system more flexible and capable of handling more renewable energy?

Ans: As India increases its use of solar and wind energy, we will also need better ways to store electricity and manage its supply.

Battery storage will be important because it can help balance the difference between when electricity is generated and when it is needed. We also need better transmission infrastructure, improved technology, and proper planning to manage the power supply.

At the same time, we must focus on manufacturing these technologies in India and developing the skills required to support them.

With our planned BESS assembly plant and solar cell manufacturing plant, we want to contribute to this growing sector. Our green data centre plans also reflect the growing need for reliable and energy-efficient digital infrastructure.

I believe that government, industry, manufacturers, and technology companies must work together. If we focus on the right infrastructure, quality, and innovation, India can build a stronger and more reliable energy system.

Que: What qualities are most important for leaders navigating India's energy transition today?

Ans: I believe a leader should be confident, open to learning, adaptable, and willing to take responsibility.

My 16-year journey with the Pagariya Group has taught me that business growth takes patience, teamwork, and consistent effort. As we enter a new sector through UTEX New Energy, I know there will be new things to learn and new challenges to handle.

I travel around the world, and every trip gives me an opportunity to learn something new. Meeting people, understanding different markets, and seeing how businesses work in other countries helps me look at opportunities with a broader perspective.

I also feel that women should take more opportunities in manufacturing, energy, technology, and other industries. Sometimes, we hesitate because we think we are not ready. But I believe we learn and grow by taking responsibility and facing challenges.

My philosophy is that leadership is not about having all the answers; it is about having the confidence to ask the right questions, the courage to make decisions, and the determination to take responsibility for the outcomes.

Through UTEX and UTEX New Energy, I want to help build a strong business that contributes to India's manufacturing and clean-energy growth. I would also be very happy if my journey encourages other women to believe in themselves and take up leadership roles.

As we build the next phase of UTEX's journey, my aspiration is to contribute to India's industrial and clean-energy ambitions while encouraging more women to believe that they, too, can lead transformative businesses. I firmly believe that when ambition is supported by knowledge, teamwork, and execution, meaningful progress becomes possible.