One of the most respected professionals of the Indian cement industry, Shri P. B. Kulkarni played an instrumental role in the success and growth of several companies including Bagalkot Cement, J K Lakshmi Cement, Ambuja Cements, ACC, Dalmia Cement and Emami Cement (now Nuvoco).
His immense contribution to Ambuja Cements was the high point of his five decade-long industrial career. He worked a 26-years long stint with the organisation (‘an era’, in the words of his peers), taking it to great heights while making it the most admired cement company in India. He helped achieve several industry “firsts” — most efficient plants, lowest emissions, fastest project execution, captive ports and sea transportation of cement, captive power plants, etc.
His Workplace Persona: A Brief Insight
Mild-mannered and gentle to a fault, he got along fabulously with, and got the best out of, everyone — from visionary promoters to seasoned executives, from young engineers to shop floor workers, from competitors to suppliers. ‘Unforgettable’, ‘inspiring’, a ‘joy’ and a ‘privilege’, is how all describe their association with Shri P.B. Kulkarni, right from those working closely with him everyday filled with precious learnings, to those occasionally coming into contact with him on specific work areas. The many associates who were onboarded and mentored by him, and who then went on to build thriving careers in the cement industry, have a very special place in their hearts for Shri P.B. Kulkarni.
The Early days
Shri P.B. Kulkarni was born and raised in Ron, Gadag in a large, closely-knit family. His father, Shri Bajirao Kulkarni, who was a major influence in his life, deeply valued education, simplicity, hard work and service. Long walks in the morning and evening along with his father, through the lanes and fields in Ron (and later in Hallikeri in his young adult days), had a lasting impact on him. He came to cherish walks for the peace and clarity they brought – and made them a permanent part of his daily routine. Regardless of where and when, he set out on a walk, typically in the mornings, be it the fields in Ron, or university campus once older (or even expansive landscapes surrounding cement plants later in life!).
Forming a Lifelong Respect for Education & Academic Achievement Journey
Shri Bajirao Kulkarni, set up Ron’s first school – a makeshift classroom under a tree that welcomed all children to come, sit and learn. This modest beginning evolved into a well established school over time, sustained by local support, and continues to serve the community well to this day.
Shri P.B. Kulkarni achieved academic distinction, becoming the first from his home town to graduate with honours in Mechanical Engineering from the prestigious NIT Surathkal. He commenced his professional journey in Manufacturing with Bagalkot Cements and went on to contribute immeasurably to the growth of J K Lakshmi Cement, Ambuja Cements, ACC, Dalmia Cement and Emami Cement (now Nuvoco).
Core Values and Journey to Foundation Creation
Shri P.B. Kulkarni nurtured a deep-seated wish to support those in need. And so came into being, ‘P.B. Kulkarni Foundation’, established in 2021 and headquartered in Belagavi (reflecting Shri P.B. Kulkarni’s strong ties to North Karnataka). The focus areas for philanthropic activity of the Foundation are Skills, Health, Education and Rural. The team plans to launch several rolling programmes as well as time-bound projects in these focus areas to realise high-impact, socially beneficial outcomes.
The foundation has introduced a flagship program to extend interest-free, collateral-free loans to financially disadvantaged and deserving students pursuing high social-impact professional courses. The team’s efforts have benefited numerous students till date and have been noted and appreciated by educators and educational institutions throughout North Karnataka. We are poised for growth in the upcoming year, primarily through the education loan initiative as well as other projects to provide support to those in need.
Shri P.B. Kulkarni’s life is a testimony to the values of duty, integrity, resilience, humility, kindness and compassion. His legacy lives on in the numerous cement plants he helped set up and run to world-class standards, in the philanthropic Foundation established under his guidance and also the thousands of hearts and lives he touched. His life, deeds and humane nature are an eternal source of inspiration and guidance for us all.
