Dr Anil Kakodkar to be Chief Guest; Dr Raghunath Mashelkar to preside over the function.

Pune, August 26, 2026 : ‘Arun Firodia – Mr. R&D, The Way Ahead…..’ written by Ms Tara Doddihal, a book that captures an inspiring journey of innovation, technology and entrepreneurship, was released at the hands of eminent nuclear scientist and former Chairman of Atomic Energy Commission and former Director of The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre Dr Anil Kakodkar in Pune on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. Eminent scientist and innovation expert Dr Raghunath Mashelkar, former Director General of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and former Director of National Chemical Laboratory presided over the function.
The event was held at the MCCIA Trade Tower A, Senapati Bapat Road, Pune.
The book, ‘Arun Firodia, Mr. R&D: The Way Ahead’ chronicles the life, ideas and innovation journey of Padma Shri Dr Arun Firodia through stories and experiences. The book explores his work and insights across mobility, sustainability, rural development and entrepreneurship, highlighting how curiosity, experimentation and a ‘why not’ mindset can lead to meaningful innovation.
The book seeks to inspire young innovators, students, entrepreneurs and future leaders to identify opportunities within constraints and connect technology and entrepreneurship with a larger social purpose.
Dr Arun Firodia, Chairman of Kinetic Group and a Padma Shree recipient, is widely recognised for taking affordable mobility to the masses in India. An alumnus of IIT Bombay and MIT, USA, Dr Firodia played a pioneering role in developing Luna, one of India’s most successful indigenous mobility products, and contributed significantly to technological innovation in the Indian two-wheeler industry.
Author Ms Tara Doddihal brings over three decades of international experience in strategy and communications. She has worked closely with senior leadership across sectors, with extensive experience in connecting business strategy with effective communication.