In a world where family names often open doors without hesitation, one industrialist is taking a very different stand. What happens when privilege meets performance, and legacy meets accountability? Nikhil Nanda, Chairman and Managing Director of Escorts Kubota, has made it clear that even his own children are not guaranteed a place in the business. His remarks about Navya Naveli Nanda, Amitabh Bachchan’s granddaughter and an IIM Ahmedabad graduate, have sparked fresh discussion on merit, inheritance, and leadership in India’s corporate families. Nikhil Nanda, in a conversation with Shrishti Sahu, spoke at length about his vision for Escorts Kubota and the philosophy guiding his leadership. He said he is driven by a long-term commitment to the company, stating, “I love the company so much that I need to ensure that this company will outlive me.” He added that his ambition is for the organisation to exist for the next 200 years. Reflecting on its legacy, he noted, “Kabota is a 137-year-old company. We are now on the 82nd year of our presence in India,” and expressed his desire to see it grow. Nanda emphasised that his approach is not rooted in ego or power. He said, “I don’t come for power. I don’t want the limelight.” Instead, he finds satisfaction in seeing colleagues take on greater responsibility and grow within the organisation. Navya Nanda and company legacy The conversation then shifted to succession and family involvement in the business. Nanda explained that Escorts Kubota is a listed company, where governance and promoter pedigree are closely evaluated by the market. He pointed out that representation from the family will continue in accordance with regulatory norms, stating that both his children will eventually act as representatives of the Nanda family in line with shareholder expectations and Sebi guidelines. When asked specifically about his daughter, Navya Naveli Nanda, he acknowledged her growing interest in the business but made his position clear. He said that while she may be keen to participate in Escorts Kubota, “her last name is Nanda does not give her the right to get a position.” According to him, she must build her place on merit. He added, “She has to earn her position, which I think she will do it on her own.” He described her as “smart” and “ambitious,” noting that she recently graduated from IIM Ahmedabad and has also worked with Meta.Areas where Navya Nanda needs to work on However, he also pointed out areas where she still needs development, particularly in digital capabilities. He said she lacks exposure to “digital coding,” which is increasingly important in today’s business environment, especially in India’s evolving corporate landscape. He expressed confidence that she would eventually adapt, adding that she is likely to contribute in areas such as digital marketing and modern business practices. He also clarified that any future operational role in Escorts Kubota would depend entirely on her ability to demonstrate impact and capability, not family background. Nanda concluded by emphasising that both his children are free to shape their own ambitions. He said he prefers not to impose direction, adding that he wants them to build their paths independently, including Navya’s growing interest in private equity and business involvement.Navya Naveli Nanda's graduation from IIM-ANavya Naveli Nanda recently bid farewell to IIM-A and gave her followers a peek into her campus life as she wrapped up her MBA journey, marking the end of a two-year chapter filled with memories and friendships. Sharing a series of candid moments from her time as a student, she reflected on how the experience shaped her personally and emotionally. Navya NandaIn her post, she wrote, “A place that’s given me more than I can ever give it back,” along with a heart emoji, adding that it was her “one final time” saying goodbye to a space that had become like home. She also shared another set of photos featuring her batchmates, capturing the lighter, fun-filled side of student life and the bonds built along the way. About Navya Naveli Nanda's IIM-A courseNavya Naveli Nanda pursued a two-year blended MBA programme at IIM Ahmedabad, designed for working professionals and entrepreneurs who want to continue their careers while upgrading their management skills. The course combines live online classes with in-person campus modules, offering flexibility along with academic depth. As per the institute’s official structure, students are required to attend five on-campus modules during the programme. It is open to candidates with at least three years of full-time work experience and a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification, making it a focused programme for experienced professionals.