Gujarat’s Chief Minister, Honourable Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, highlights the significant contribution of the private security industry to the nation’s economic development during his inaugural address at the recently concluded CAPSI Security Leadership Summit 2023 in Gujarat.
The CAPSI Security Leadership Summit 2023 commenced on November 24th and 25th in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, hosted at the Narayani Heights Hotel & Resort. The event was inaugurated by Gujarat’s Chief Minister, Honourable Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel. This two-day summit, a collaboration between the Security Association of Gujarat (SAG) and Rashtriya Raksha University, focused on tackling pressing security issues and examining the evolving security landscape in India.
Shri Vikram Mahurkar, Vice Chairman of CAPSI and President of the Security Association of Gujarat (SAG), delivered the welcome speech.
Kunwar Vikram Singh, the Chairman of CAPSI, presided over the conference. During his address, he expressed deep gratitude to Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupenderbhai Patel for accepting CAPSI’s invitation to inaugurate the Summit. He highlighted the significant role of the private security sector in the country’s economy, stressing the substantial growth potential within the sector but also emphasising the need for embracing modernity.
He also pointed out that private security guards constitute the world’s second-largest force and represent the second-largest employment sector in the country after construction. CAPSI has actively collaborated with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Rashtriya Raksha University to devise strategies for training security personnel, from entry-level guards to senior officials. Additionally, plans for the rehabilitation of Agneeveers (a term used for retired security personnel) were highlighted as a potential game-changer within the sector.
Discussing his latest initiative, he emphasised, “In our pursuit of establishing a National Security Culture, our aim is to foster an environment that encourages growth. This approach helps us build a collective mindset that appreciates vigilance, adaptability, and collaboration. By taking this proactive stance, we equip ourselves to identify potential risks and take action to lessen their impact. This safeguards not only the physical safety but also the overall well-being and prosperity of our citizens and nation.”
The event welcomed dignitaries such as Lt. Gen. A.B. Shivane, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (retd), former DG Mechanised Forces Indian Army and Strike Corps Commander, Shri Bhagwan Shankar IAS, Former Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Sikkim, Former Joint Secretary, MHA, and Advisor to CAPSI. Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel, Vice-Chancellor of Rashtriya Raksha University, Sh. Prakash Vermora, Member of Legislative Assembly, Gujarat, Dr. Shamsher Singh, DG of Police (Law & Order), Gujarat State, Sh Anil Pratham IPS, DGP Police Reforms, HH Maharani Radhika Raje Gaekwad of Baroda, Sh Kanti Bhai Patel, President Federation of Industries & Association, Gujarat, and others graced the occasion.
HH Maharani Radhika Raje Gaekwad of Baroda honoured the conference as the esteemed guest of honour. Her presence was invaluable, and she generously extended her support to CAPSI for its upcoming initiatives, particularly in promoting “women in security.” We express our sincere gratitude to HH Maharani Sahib for her generosity and dedication to this cause.
During the event, Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel emphasised, “India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a global leader, has positioned Gujarat as a benchmark for progress, securing peace and stability in the state. Emphasising peace, safety, and security is vital in the developmental path of any region or country. In Gujarat, renowned for its industrial and manufacturing capabilities, private security holds a crucial position in maintaining industrial security and fostering labor harmony.”
In a video message, Gen. (Dr) V.K. Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways as well as the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, remarked, “The private security industry stands as the nation’s largest contributor to security. I extend my best wishes to CAPSI for organising this significant summit in Gujarat. The private security sector provides extensive support to the government, including employment opportunities and alleviating the burden on law enforcement agencies.”
Dr. Shamsher Singh, DG of Police (Law & Order), pressed for the creation of a Security Guard Welfare Fund, akin to the assistance offered to police and military members. He suggested an annual commendation initiative, supported by both CAPSI and law enforcement bodies, aimed at acknowledging exceptional security guards. Singh underscored the importance of a change in societal attitudes, urging the public to grant security guards the recognition they rightfully merit.
The summit also marked the introduction of two groundbreaking welfare initiatives for security guards. Yatra.com, a prominent travel platform, teamed up with CAPSI to offer discounted ticket bookings for one crore security guards and their families. This collaboration aims to ease the financial strain on security personnel, acknowledging their crucial role in societal welfare.
Simultaneously, CAPSI initiated a partnership with RC Infra in Uttar Pradesh to construct 500 homes for security guards as part of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). This strategic endeavour aims to provide dignified housing for security personnel and their families, establishing a model for similar projects nationwide.
Lt. Col Vishal Mathur, Head of Security, Risk Consulting at Lancer Risk Consulting, moderated a panel discussion on “Integrated Risk Management for Building Resilience in Global Organisations.” He welcomed the panelists, including Sh. Yashwant Mahadik: President & Global CHRO, Co-Lead Business Transformation, Lupin, Mr. Firoze Zia Hussain: Director Security, Delhivery, Col Rahul Chauhan: Chief Security Officer, Emerging Business, Adani Group, Col. Prakash Sanjay: Chief Security, Tata Steel, Kalinganagar & Meramandali, Col Shivprasad Cherkupalli: Vice President, Head Security, Adani Power and Adani Energy Solutions Limited.
The discussion provided an insightful exploration of crucial strategies and approaches implemented by industry leaders. The collective expertise shared by the panelists underscored that integrated risk management is not just a function but a deeply embedded mindset within organisations. By interweaving risk awareness into operational strategies, encouraging collaboration, and maintaining adaptability, global organisations can strengthen their resilience against an increasingly complex risk landscape.
The panel discussion titled “Technology & Insurance Investigation,” moderated by Mr. Shivindra Pratap Singh, Managing Director of Lancers Risk Consulting, culminated with an enriched discourse on the transformative role of technology in shaping modern insurance investigations. Mr. Sanjeev Dwivedi, Dr. Sanjay Tiwari, Head of Internal Control & Loss Minimisation (ICLM), and Mr. Ian Fraser contributed valuable perspectives to the discussion.
The conversation highlighted how technological advancements such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and automation are fundamentally reshaping the landscape of insurance investigations. Panelists unanimously agreed on the significant impact of these advancements, emphasising their capacity to streamline processes, strengthen fraud detection capabilities, and enable more precise risk assessments.
At the summit, the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendrabhai Patel, awarded individuals and organisations for their exceptional contributions to the private security sector. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Colonel R. K. Kurup, CMD, Group 7 Guards India Pvt. Ltd. and Maj. R.S. Tiwari(R), proprietor of Newgen Security Services. Other awards included Security Personality of the Year to Sh. Mahesh Chandra Sharma, CMD of GDX Group of Companies, Security Personality of the Year (South) to. Sh. C. Bhaskar Reddy, Managing Director, Excel Security Services, Services, Andhra Pradesh and various individuals recognised in categories such as Security Professional of the Year Lt. Col. J S Paul Award to Sh. Manish Dahiya, Head Corporate Security & Laison, Lalit Suri Group, Delhi in Hotel Security, Sh. Nand Kishore Bhatt, Chief Security Officer, Sesa Goa, Vedanta Ltd., Gujarat in Iron Ore Industry, Sh. Prakash Purohit, Unit Security Head, UPL Limited., Ankleshwar, Gujarat in Chemical Industry, Maj. Rakesh Rattan Kotwal (Retd), Country Security Head, Wipro Ltd., Bangalore, Karnataka in Information technology Industry, Col. Kanwal Kishore, Head Security-Multiple Facilities of Jio world in Corporate Security, Dr. Ravichandran D, Regional Manager, Protection, Risk & Security, Bosch India, in Cyber Security.
Best Man Guarding Company of the Year was awarded to Sh. Vikram Mahurkar, CMD, Checkmate Group of Companies. Other Award categories were Security Personality of the Year, Security Professional of the Year, Security Entrepreneur of the Year, Young Security Entrepreneur of the Year, Brand Protection Professional of the Year, Risk Consultant of the Year, Best Training Center of the Year.
Additionally, the discussions shed light on the importance of ethical and responsible use of technology in investigations. There was emphasis on the necessity to navigate evolving challenges concerning data privacy, cybersecurity, and ethical considerations.
Concluding remarks envisioned a future where technology remains a driving force for transformation in insurance investigations, propelling the industry towards greater efficiency, accuracy, and adaptability. The insights shared emphasised the crucial role of embracing technological evolution as a cornerstone for innovation and resilience within the insurance sector.
The Association of Professional Investigators and Detectives (APDI) celebrated the prestigious appointment of Sh. R P Chauhan as the President of the World Association of Detectives (WAD). To commemorate this remarkable achievement, they honoured him with a felicitation ceremony. Mr. Toine Goorts, President of Council of International Investigators, USA was also felicitated at the occasion.
The day ended with the networking dinner at the terrace of the Narayani Heights Hotel and Resorts.
The second day of the summit started with Chief Guest Lt. Gen. A.B. Shivane, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (retd), ex-DG Mechanised Forces Indian Army and Strike Corps Commander lighting of the lamp.
Dr. Sameer Trivedi, President of the Gujarat Chapter of CAPSI and Secretary of the Security Association of Gujarat, extended a warm welcome, establishing the event’s ambiance. Kunwar Vikram Singh, Chairman of CAPSI & APDI, then delivered the inaugural address, offering valuable insights and officially commencing the proceedings.
The first session of the event unfolded with impactful discussions focused on corporate security. Key topics encompassed the impact of the New Arms Licensing Policy on safeguarding corporate assets by Shri Bhagwan Shankar IAS, Former Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Sikkim, Former Joint Secretary, MHA and Advisor, CAPSI.
Col Kanwar Kishore, Head of Security, Jio World Centre, provided an in depth presentation on Future Trends in Corporate Security.
Additionally, a thought-provoking panel discussion scrutinised the standards and service delivery of CAPSI certified companies, underscoring the significance of upholding high-quality security services was organised in which Sh Anil Puri, Group Chairman, AP Securitas played the role of moderator while the panellists included Sh. VV Katti, President, CAPSI, Sh. Sudhir Bhasin, MD, Elite Facilities & Systems Pvt. Ltd., Sh. Vikram Mahurkar, Chairman & Managing Director, Checkmate Group of Companies Sh. D P Singh, Advocate High Court, Patna, Sh, Sameer Trivedi, MD, Cosmos Manpower Pvt Ltd. and Brigadier Mayank Awasthi, MD, Peregrine joined.
Delving further, the session explored maritime security, identifying new business prospects for private security firms. An exceptional perspective on security within the realm of sports diversified the discussions. The event culminated on a high note with the presentation of Golden Guard awards to exemplary Security Personnel, acknowledging their outstanding contributions to the field. Sh. Mahesh Sharma, Secretary General of CAPSI & APDI, expressed gratitude, followed by a networking lunch, facilitating connections and collaboration among participants.
Mr. Toine Goorts President of Council of International Investigators, USA , in his presentation discussed The Dark Side of Fake Products. He emphasised the societal repercussions of counterfeit goods, particularly among younger demographics. He pointed out the observable societal division in the Netherlands where school uniforms aren’t obligatory. This division is apparent between children who can afford branded clothing and those who cannot. “Kids whose families can’t afford it end up buying counterfeit items. He said, We’ve seen cases where children as young as 12 years old sell counterfeit goods at airports and other locations”
Mr. Goorts expressed a strong desire to return with his wife, enticed by the country’s rich traditions and cuisine. “Many perceive counterfeiting as a minor offence. However, the underlying stories, such as the use of child labor by manufacturers and the detrimental impacts without any benefits, need more attention,” he emphasised.
In addition to spreading awareness about counterfeits, Mr. Goorts shared his intentions to establish personal security training centres in India. Leveraging his experience in combating human trafficking, he stressed the importance of exchanging knowledge and ideas in this critical field.
Mr Ian Fraser, Director of Strategic Accounts representing Clearspeed, expresses gratitude for being invited from the United Kingdom to the CAPSI 18th Leadership Summit. The focus of the talk revolves around leveraging technology to accelerate risk identification and enhance security decisions. The speaker quotes PWC, emphasising the growing risk landscape due to environmental, geopolitical, financial, and social pressures. The impact of these risks is observed across various sectors, including education, sports, and government.
The estimated global cost of fraud and security risks is projected to be around $8 trillion, with substantial spending on combating these risks. Mr. Fraser highlighted the rising importance of technology and services in addressing security challenges. However, the societal cost, particularly in the insurance sector, is discussed, with premiums skyrocketing due to increased fraud.
The speech underscores that 86% of security breaches globally are financially motivated, and human elements contribute significantly to security breaches. Clearspeed, as a technology provider, introduces risk identification technology rooted in voice analysis, offering applications in government, defence, intelligence, and various sectors such as health, sports integrity, and insurance. He emphasised the need for accurate and fast risk assessments and discusses the societal impacts of external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and cost of living increases on fraud.
Clearspeed’s technology is portrayed as a scalable solution originating from defence and intelligence backgrounds, using voice analysis to detect risk efficiently. Deployments include military recruit vetting, refugee screening, drug testing, police force monitoring, and applications in insurance fraud detection. The technology aims to provide unbiased and efficient risk identification, resulting in improved detection rates and investigator confidence. He concluded by expressing gratitude for the audience’s time and participation in the conference.
In summary, the Security Leadership Summit 2023 represented a crucial turning point for Gujarat’s private security sector, showcasing initiatives that transcend regional boundaries. The collective effort involving government entities, private businesses, and educational institutions reflects a comprehensive approach aimed at bolstering the sector’s abilities, safeguarding its personnel, and fostering contributions to the nation’s economic and social progress. As Gujarat sets an example, the private security sector emerges as a significant contributor in India’s pursuit of self-reliance and national prosperity.
