CICU Organizes Path breaking IPO 2025 Conference – Igniting MSME Growth & Global Aspirations

Ludhiana, September 18, 2025: The Chamber of Industrial & Commercial Undertakings (CICU), under the visionary leadership of its President Upkar Singh Ahuja, organized a landmark event “IPO 2025 – Initial Public Offering Conference” at Muni Lal Dharm Pal Jain Board Room, CICU Complex, Ludhiana. Sponsored by SIDBI and powered by knowledge partner Grant Thornton Bharat LLP, the conference marked a turning point for MSMEs aspiring to access capital markets and scale globally.
The event witnessed the presence of distinguished experts including Sandeep Mehta, a globally experienced Chartered Accountant and CPA (AICPA – USA) with 22 years of expertise in audits, assurance, and advisory; Gaurav Gupta, a Chartered Accountant with more than 22 years of experience in MSME-focused projects and government collaborations; and D.P.S. Kharbanda, Former Secretary-cum-CEO (Invest Punjab) and Director Industries, Govt. of Punjab, who has spearheaded major reforms in ease of doing business and MSME facilitation.
Adding to the strength of the panel, Rajan Gupta, DGM SIDBI, Ludhiana Branch, brought invaluable perspectives as a Chartered Accountant and seasoned banker with over two decades of experience. Currently heading the Ludhiana Branch of SIDBI, he has been instrumental in driving innovative credit policies and supporting entrepreneurs in their financial journeys. His presence as Guest of Honor symbolized SIDBI’s deep commitment to empowering MSMEs at the grassroots level.
In his keynote, D.P.S. Kharbanda, encouraged entrepreneurs to be bold in stepping into capital markets, noting that IPOs are not just financial milestones but transformative journeys for businesses.
The highlight of the conference was the motivational address by Upkar Singh Ahuja, CMD of New Swan Group & President of CICU. With nearly four decades of industrial leadership, he inspired participants by quoting former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee: “Kab tak chaloge kinare-kinare, kabhi to tufan me utrana padega”. He urged MSMEs to embrace the challenges of IPOs, emphasizing that success comes with courage, preparation, and vision. Mr. Ahuja also underlined the 5M Formula – Man, Machine, Material, Method, and Management – as the foundation for IPO readiness.
Adding an emotional dimension, J.S. Bhogal, Organising Secretary CICU, narrated an inspiring story of a Ludhiana-based enterprise that once struggled with limited resources but, by daring to list and grow, transformed into a global player. His message to entrepreneurs was clear: dream big, prepare well, and the capital markets will open doors to limitless opportunities.
The technical sessions enriched the gathering with deep insights:
·         Siddharth Talwar, Partner, CFO Advisory, Grant Thornton Bharat LLP – “Navigating the IPO Journey: Processes and Best Practices.”
·         Gaurav Batra, Chartered Accountant – “Regulatory Requirements and Pitfalls,” drawing from marquee IPO experiences like FirstCry, Vishal Mega - Mart and Aadhar Housing.
·         Abhishek Anand, Director, Grant Thornton Bharat LLP – “Private Equity for Growth & Scale,” highlighting strategies for attracting investors and scaling sustainably.
·         Rajan Gupta, DGM SIDBI – “Key Credit Policies of SIDBI,” guiding MSMEs on financing frameworks designed to accelerate IPO readiness.
The conference concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Sandeep Mehta, who lauded the collaboration of sponsors SIDBI, knowledge partner Grant Thornton Bharat LLP, and the unwavering spirit of MSMEs who form the backbone of India’s economy.
Over 70 prominent industrial leaders attended the event, including Padma Shri Onkar Singh Pahwa (Avon Cycles), Amrik Singh (Nexo Industries), Ajay Bharti (Launchpad Finserve), Satinder Singh (Barnala Industries), Kuljit Singh (K.W. Bicycle), and Gurjit Singh (Ballkings), among many others. Their participation reflected the industry’s strong interest in exploring IPOs as a growth strategy.
The IPO 2025 Conference was not just an event but a clarion call – reflecting CICU’s unwavering commitment to equip MSMEs with knowledge, courage, and opportunities. With this initiative, CICU has once again reaffirmed its role as a true catalyst in empowering industries, creating jobs, and steering India’s growth story.