A good leader needs to have a compass in his head and a bar of steel in his heart; and like finest steel a good leader has often to go through the hottest fire. And Vikrant Gujral, Vice Chairman and CEO, Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL) has more than once proved his mettle while passing through the hottest furnaces during his decades-long career. And anyone who is aware of steel business would vouch that Gujral needs no introduction. And his very name today is synonymous with steel manufacturing in India.

In fact, 64-year-old Gujral's life is a long journey, which runs parallel to steel market's evolution. Having lived through many steely seasons, which went through several ups and downs, Gujral, all along has played a catalyst role in modernising steel manufacturing in India. He was one of the key players who played a pivotal role in upgrading and modernizing the IISCO in 1992. As an Executive Director (Projects), he had successfully struck Rs 6,000 crore deal with one of the leading Japanese manufacturing companies. And it's no surprise that the modernization heralded an era of stupendous performance at the Burnpur's Indian Iron and Steel Company (now a subsidiary of the public sector Steel Authority of India Limited). As a habit, Gujral has repeated his performances, wherever he has gone including Jindal Steel and Power Limited, which he joined in 2001. Aspiring to become a large sized integrated steel plant, JSPL probably needed a person like Gujral who could give a fillip to its ambitious projects. Presently, a medium-sized plant, which has, under its wings, diverse products like sponge iron, power plants, coalmines and EAF, the JSPL has been enthused with new energy and vitality after Gujral joined the company.

Looking after mines and production, Gujral has brought in new work culture which is doubtlessly more efficient, transparent, and modern and in tune with the changing time. These coupled with his aura, energy and versatility lead only to productivity. As a matter of proof just see-how Gujral has transformed JSPL within a short span of three years. He has quickened the erection and production of rail and universal beam mills, 2X55 MW power plant, mini blast furnace and submerged arc furnace in a record time within the JSPL. His pioneering efforts saw the commercial production of H-beams and columns for the first time in India and that too before the schedule date. Not only this, JSPL under Gujral has established itself as one of the most profit-making integrated steel plant in the country.

And this has been possible largely because Gujral worked tirelessly in improving the productivity indices of most of its units. A man known for his acumen and mastery of steel business, Gujral made conscious efforts to upgrade the quality of JSPL's products. To ensure this, he entered into technological collaboration with Japan's NKK Corporation for production of superior quality iron and steel finished products. A graduate with an Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Gujral has received several accolades and awards in recognition of his exemplary performances. He has enabled JSPL come out with the world-class steel products.

And not surprising, the company under his supervision was awarded with National Quality Award by IIM in 2001 and Energy Conservation Award by Ministry of Power. For playing a crucial role in keeping the environment clean, the JSPL under Gujral also received the Golden Peacock Environment Management Award in 2003 by World Environment Foundation. A man known for his knowledge, wisdom and interests in modern technology and environmental issues, Gujral has come a long way after he joined IISCO in 1963 as a management trainee. But that was just the beginning of a long career, which culminated in Gujral occupying the top slot in IISCO. After having worked as Deputy General Manager (Maintenance), Executive Director (Projects), Gujral was finally elevated to the post of Executive Director in-charge of IISCO.

After serving IISCO for more than 30 years, there was another peak awaiting Gujral's grace. Impressed with his performance, the Indian Government appointed him as the Executive Director in-charge of Bhilai Steel Plant in 1993. And there was no stopping Gujral who later went on to become Managing Director of the Plant in 1994. And during all the way-meandering through the arduous and the treacherous path of his career-there was no Godfather for Gujral except his hard work, single-minded devotion and his conviction to work and work alone. At Bhilai steel plant, Gujral gave his stellar performance. He helped the plant exceed its rated capacity of four million tonnes for the first time in its history and helped it further improve its quality, increase its export and reach new heights in human resources.

Moreover, under his stewardship the entire production process of BSP was accredited with the prestigious ISO-9002 certification. As a result of Gujral's focused attention, BSP won innumerable accolades and awards including the Prime Minister's Trophy for the Best Integrated Steel Plant in the country. In fact, to recognize his unparallel performance, Gujral was individually felicitated with Rajiv Gandhi Excellence Award in 1993. He is among the few professionals to have received the Tata Gold Medal by Indian Institute of Metals. But despite the success and accolades, Gujral has remained basically the same person all along his decades long career. Believing in simple living and high performance, for Gujral, the essence of a man is his work. And true to his belief, Gujral has done more for steel industry, which few mortals could ever think to achieve.