Over 350 Christian entrepreneurs meet in Mumbai

A meeting of leading Christian entrepreneurs and business professionals in Mumbai has addressed the need for faith in both workplace and marketplace for successful establishments.

Over 350 professionals attended the Jan. 22-23 consultation organised by the International Christian Chamber of Commerce (ICCC), in association with Dimensions, a forum of Christian businesspersons and entrepreneurs.

About 40 eminent speakers covered various topics from Advertising to IT, Legal, Marketing, Microfinance and more, providing the audience with thought-provoking, informative and purposeful sessions.

Among prominent speakers were world renowned Dr. Ravi Zacharias, Mr. Mark Robinson, CEO Citi South Asia, Mr. Brooks Entwistle MD & CEO of Goldman Sachs (India) Pvt. Ltd, Mr. Paul Folmsbee of the US Consulate and Mrs. Orna Sagiv of the Israeli Consulate.

The two-day consultation was inaugurated by Archbishop Oswald Gracias and began with a prayer by Grace Pinto, Director of Ryan International Group of Schools

In his address, Mr. Gul Kripalani, President of International Christian Chamber of Commerce and also President of Indian Merchant Chamber, stressed the need for Christian ethics in business for successful managerial and leadership strengths.

The keynote address was delivered by internationally acclaimed Christian evangelist and apologist Dr. Ravi Zacharias.

Zacharias called for unity and brotherhood among entrepreneurs. "Brotherhood thrives when ego is shunned and one is guided by clear conscience, adhering to hardwork and fair practices," he said.

Freddy Mendonca, co-founder of Dimension and Chairman of the Core Committee, spoke on the need for 'uniting' on a common platform to create an environment of success based on Christian values.

"The purpose of this convention was to enable Christian business persons and professionals from all over India and abroad to come together, network and work for the betterment of all," said Freddy.

According to him, Christian entrepreneurs not only need to be guided to act according to human values but also they must be made aware of their Christian identity.

He went on to say that Christians live a sheltered life protected by the Church, schools and parishes. "Although they work hard and have an education, they are not prepared to do business and build relationships. We are unprepared for the harsh world full of opportunities."

He also added, "Christ was not against enterprise, business or wealth, but did not condone an immoral or unethical use of money."