In this episode of Club Mahindra presents Magical Memories, in association with The Indian Express, host Khyati Rajwanshi sits down with Dr. Bharat Kaushal, Executive Chairman and Corporate Officer at Hitachi India, for a heartfelt conversation on transformation, leadership, family, and finding balance in a world that never stops moving. What begins as a reflection on an extraordinary corporate journey soon evolves into something more personal- a philosophy of leading with humility, building with purpose, and living with intention, both at work and at home.
In a stellar career spanning over four decades, Dr. Bharat Kaushal has worn many hats — from investment banking to global CEO. His journey is not just one of boardrooms and business metrics but of understanding change and evolving with both purpose and humility.
When Dr. Bharat Kaushal joined Hitachi, it marked a reinvention — a turning point where the business felt entirely his canvas to paint. Whether it was large-scale sectors like railways, power, and water, or fast-moving digital initiatives reaching the last mile, he stepped in at a time when India itself was undergoing a significant evolution.
As India transitions into a consumption-led economy — poised to become the world’s third-largest by 2027 — Dr. Kaushal has positioned Hitachi India at the heart of this transformation. “It wasn’t about just pushing products anymore. It was about understanding the needs of the last mile, of creating something meaningful that aligned with where India was headed,” he reflects. This clarity led to a strategic shift at Hitachi India: expanding from a traditional B2B model to a more inclusive B2B2C approach — ensuring technology not only powers industries but also empowers citizens.
Legacy of Values: Roots that Shape a Vision
Raised in Delhi with roots in Lucknow and a lineage of civil servants, Dr. Kaushal’s foundation was steeped in values, humility, and discipline—qualities that would later shape his leadership style in the corporate world. “My father was a senior police officer, and my grandfather joined the freedom struggle after resigning from the British government. That sense of duty runs deep,” he shares. These early influences instilled in him a principled approach to leadership, a deep respect for institutions, and a long-term vision—traits invaluable in steering Hitachi through the complexities of digital transformation, green innovation, and inclusive sustainability.
Innovation with Impact: Transforming India, One Solution at a Time
While the successful voyage of Hitachi in India started nine decades back, transformation and collaboration have been the ethos and ideologies for Hitachi with a purpose to enhance people’s quality of life. With Dr. Kaushal taking the command as the first Indian Managing Director, the growth trajectory for Hitachi has further witnessed unparalleled yet cosmic expansion. Under Dr. Kaushal’s visionary leadership, many idiosyncratic projects have been realized covering the length and breadth of the nation — from pioneering the Kolkata East-West Underwater Metro and the Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla Rail Link, to deploying Telemedicine Kits in remote areas and white-label ATMs in underserved communities.
The incessant progression of Hitachi also exemplifies a sharp, yet well-structured pragmatic growth plan, that encapsulates business ventures to further fortify Hitachi India’s position across business segments. Dr. Kaushal has steered Hitachi India to transit more than a solutions provider — it has become an enabler, a partner in progress for India. The stories of success for Hitachi in India are endless but the focus remains – “Making Hitachi a part of everybody’s life.”
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For Dr. Kaushal, every transformation — whether personal or professional — must be human-centric. Take healthcare: with Hitachi’s MStar™ Telemed platform, the company has revolutionized access for over 33 million users, offering a unified, connected care system that brings specialist consultations to the country’s remotest geographies. In acknowledgment of Hitachi’s pioneering efforts, the National Health Authority has officially certified the MStar™ e-Governance Platform for integration with Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) modules M1, M2, and M3. Through offering such inter-connected solutions, “We’re not just innovating for innovation’s sake. We’re innovating to touch lives of billions,” he says.
The Personal Side of Purpose: Balance, Family, and Connection
Despite the demands of high-powered roles, home life for Dr. Kaushal remains rooted in shared values and intentional connection. “In our house, no one eats alone,” he says, smiling. “One meal together, every day. That was the rule.” This philosophy extends into his professional ethos. At Hitachi, cohesion, communication, and team alignment aren’t just boardroom terminology — they are lived experiences.
As Executive Chairman and Corporate Officer, he also emphasizes resilience in leadership, often navigating the balance between constant connectivity and presence. “The phone’s always on,” he admits, “but I’ve learned to respond on my terms — early morning, during nap time, or late at night. I make sure it doesn’t disturb the experience.” This intentional balance echoes Hitachi’s larger strategy of embedding digital intelligence into real-life contexts — from UPI-enabled ATMs that turn mobile phones into wallets, to green grid technologies that illuminate remote corners of India with the flick of a switch.
Even on holidays, this ethos continues. “My wife plans holidays like an artist,” he laughs. “She doesn’t just book places — she curates experiences.” And while the CEO hat never fully comes off, these curated family moments become lessons in leadership, too. “We’re five individuals, but when we travel, we move as one.” For someone orchestrating large-scale transformation, that unity isn’t just personal — it’s a metaphor for business success: alignment, trust, and a shared vision.
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For a leader navigating the complexities of global business, Dr. Kaushal’s most profound insight is refreshingly human: “Success isn’t just about climbing the ladder — it’s about widening the circle.” Letting others lead. Listening more than speaking. Remaining a learner at every stage.
In many ways, his leadership mirrors Hitachi’s India vision — building an inclusive, digital, and green future where technology doesn’t just automate but elevates. As India emerges as a global powerhouse, Hitachi is right there — driving urban mobility, digital payments, tele-healthcare, e-education, and net-zero initiatives with bold precision.
Because when work, life, and leadership stop functioning as isolated tracks and begin to align into a single, intentional journey — that’s not balance.
That’s integration. That’s when you stop managing life and start truly living it.
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