In its first-ever e-awards ceremony, the industry raises a toast to its finest professionals, organisations and concepts
The names of winners of the India Kitchen Congress Awards 2020 have been announced, even as the modular kitchen industry tries to get back to its feet following an excruciating four-month lockdown. The Covid-19 induced lockdown has deflated the sails of even the most well-managed of organisations. More significantly, it has a puta question mark on the prospects of an industry that’s grappling with the existential question of being ‘nice to have’ or ‘must-have’.
In such a bleak scenario the eighth IKC Awards, announced on the 8th day of the 8th month, were like a balm on frayed nerves. Not only did they represent continuity in an interrupted world, but they also signified a new normal by virtue of their virtual avatar. The award ceremony was held as a webinar on zoom and telecast live. It drew an audience from across the length and breadth of the country and overseas. And requests continue to pour in for the video recording from several who had registered for the event but could not attend.
In all 14 winners were announced for11award categories, with the addition this year of two new categories – Skill Catalyst Award and Kitchen Design Collaboration Award.
The names of winners were revealed by eminent business leaders, from within and outside the industry, even as they explained the thought behind the respective award. As for the winners, the acceptance speeches of many of them reflected their gratitude toward their colleagues and peers for strengthening the quest for excellence. The chat panel too would come alive with congratulatory messages each time a winner took the stage, indicating that the mood of the attendees was upbeat and optimistic. In a certain way each of these winners, individuals and enterprises alike, has been shaping the kitchen industry through their innovation, creativity and discipline, and possibly taking it towards atmanirbharta.
And the winners are:
IKC Lifetime Achievement Award 2020
Prakash Lohia, managing director, Merino Industries Ltd
IKC Skill Catalyst Award 2020 (three winners)
Hettich Poddar Wood Working Institute, for completing 7,871 RPL certifications during 2019
Greenply Industries Limited, for completing 4,430 RPL certifications during 2019
Narsi & Associates, for completing 1,751 RPL certifications during 2019
IKC Innovative Kitchen Product Award (Appliances) 2020
BSH Household Appliances Manufacturing Pvt Ltd, for its Siemens Venting Cooktop
IKC Innovative Kitchen Product Award (Materials) 2020
REHAU Polymer Pvt Ltd, for its RAUKANTEX UPVC edgeband
IKC Innovative Kitchen Product Award (Finishes) 2020
Wurfel Kuche Pvt Ltd, for its Vetrite Gem Glass Finish for the Pulse Series
IKC Kitchen Component Supplier Award 2020
Evershine, Surat
IKC Kitchen Retailer Award (Multiple Outlets) 2020
Godrej Interio
IKC Kitchen Retailer Award (Standalone) 2020
Hi iN Concepts Pvt Ltd, Hyderabad
IKC Kitchen Design Collaboration Award 2020
Ar Shradha Dhone, Spacewood Furnishers Pvt Ltd
Ar Shantanoo Bajaj, Suppose Architecture Studio
IKC Kitchen Designer Award 2020
T S Saravanan, Arkie Atelier Design India Pvt Ltd
IKC Kitchen Professional Award 2020
Amar Krishnamurthy, Vice President of Operations, Design Café
These first-ever virtual awards also brought to conclusion the eight-week long business conference India Kitchen Congress, which itself was an industry first. At each of the weekly webinar sessions, industry leaders and subject experts helped craft strategies for various aspects of the business including realty, growth, manufacturing, marketing, design, retail and skill development.
In all about 2,000 persons – entrepreneurs, professionals, designers and architects, investors, faculty and students, and vendors –took away valuable insights and plans of action for their respective businesses and careers.
India Kitchen Congress is organised by Bracecorp Technologies, the publishers of Sourcing Hardware print and digital. It has evolved as India’s primary industry platform for knowledge, recognition and motivation. This year IKC was held in partnership with platinum sponsor Hettich India, supporting sponsors Greenply Industries and IMOS AG Germany, and knowledge partner Furniture & Fittings Skill Council.
