Dr. A. Sakthivel

Path Breaker, Industry Leader, Guide, Mentor, Nationalist, Philanthropist & Humanist

Padmashri Dr. A. Sakthivel, a pioneer leader in the Indian apparel industry, embarked on his entrepreneurial journey in Tirupur in 1973. His relentless hard work and dedication have turned the Poppys Group into a prominent knitwear exporter, boasting a $100 million annual turnover. The company exports globally and has diversified into multiple sectors under his expert guidance. As the Chairman of the Poppys Group of companies, Dr. Sakthivel has overseen its remarkable expansion. The Poppys Group, generating an annual turnover of $100 million, is his brainchild and a testament to his innovative leadership. Poppys group is involved in various industries, including travel, hospitality, packaging, OMKARA ARC (Asset Reconstruction Company), and an ethanol project, Automation (Dubai).

Dr. A. Sakthivel, as a Board Member of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) for the past 43 years, has chaired the Council four times, a record in its history. He served as Chairman from 2020 to 2021 and held the position of lncharge for the Southern Region. Recognized for fostering export growth in Tirupur and India, his leadership has earned widespread acclaim. As Chairman of AEPC, his efforts during the pandemic facilitated industry resilience and strategic planning. He emphasized the production of man-made fibre (MMF) garments and medical textiles, influencing the government to include MMF in PLI Scheme. Dr. Sakthivel was unanimously elected Vice Chairman of the Council on December 27, 2024, and served a two-year term.

Dr. Sakthivel's leadership across FIEO, AEPC and TEA has been instrumental in fostering the growth of the export sector. His impactful service has garnered recognition both in India and internationally. Dr. A. Sakthivel led Tirupur Exporters' Association (TEA) continuously in the helm of affairs since its establishment of TEA in 1990, as President of the Tiruppur Exporters' Association. As TEA President, he organized a globally acclaimed seminar on export competitiveness, solidifying TEA's reputation in cluster development. His pivotal role in the seminar, jointly hosted by TEA, UNIDO, and ITC, Geneva, drew representatives and delegates from 7 countries, earning TEA global acclaim for its cluster development initiatives. Recognizing his service, he has been honored as Founder President and Honorary of TEA. He was instrumental in the growth of Tirupur exports from ₹15 crores in 1984 to a remarkable ₹45,000 crores in 2024–25 — Rs.40,000 crores from Tirupur and ₹5,000 crores from in and around Tirupur.

His successful projects include TEKIC, ICD, TEA Public School, NIFT- TEA, IKFA, NAP and NTADCL. He was instrumental in implementing the third water project in his home town Tirupur which was executed by NTADCL, formed under Public Private Partnership model with a total outlay of Rs.1,200 Crores. This project enabled uninterrupted water supply industries in Tirupur and at the door steps of households, apart from supplying water to way side villages in Panchayat Unions. Notably, this is the first of its kind in India.

Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman of India Knit Fair Association (IKFA), pioneered a trade fair complex for 51 successful international events. This effort has bolstered access for global buyers and agents in the knitwear sector, significantly fostering business development.

Dr. Sakthivel, a longstanding board member of NIFT, has played a crucial role in course formation and curriculum design. His contributions facilitated NIFT's expansion with 16 more centers nationwide, and he was instrumental in establishing NIFT TEA Institution in Tirupur in collaboration with NIFT.

He was the President of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) and for the first time an outsider from Coimbatore elected as President of ICCI.

Dr. A. Sakthivel has been appointed as a committee member to the State Export Promotion Committee in Tamilnadu, chaired by the Chief Secretary, to address trade related issues, including logistics, agriculture, and service exports.
 
Dr.A.Sakthivel has been nominated as a Member of the Technical Advisory Committee, Govt of Tamilnadu and a Member in the National Executive Committee of FICCI.

In 2009, the Government of India honored him with the "Padma Shri" for his exceptional service in the export sector. Additionally, he received an honorary Doctor of Literature degree from Bharathiar University in 2011 for inspiring and motivating young exporters. Noteworthy to mention here that he has been a recipient of awards "Knit Sarathi", "Kongu Nattu Sathanaiyaalar Viruthu" and "Kongu Mamani Viruthu".

Dr. A. Sakthivel was awarded the "Lifetime Achievement Award" by the Brands and Sourcing Leadership Association, recognized for his contributions to the Indian Textile Industry on 18^th December, 2022. He also received the 'Mentor of the Indian Apparel Industry' award from AEPC on December 8, 2023, and the Exemplary Leadership Award for promoting trade and commerce between Tamil Nadu and the USA on September 26, 2023, in Chennai. In recognition of his tremendous service, Dr. Sakthivel has been honored with the 'Arutchelvar Award' by Kongunadu Trust, Chennai, on January 28, 2024, at Tirupur. Additionally, Dr. Sakthivel received the 'Life Achievement Award' from Sakthidevi Trust, Erode, for his outstanding contributions to the export sector on February 3, 2024.

Dr. A. Sakthivel, was unanimously elected as FIEO President, served from 2021 to 2023, earning recognition for his exceptional contributions to the export sector. FIEO, representing 34,000+ members, directly/indirectly influences 70% of India's exports, fostering global trade relations.

Dr. A. Sakthivel, with over two decades of leadership, held key positions at the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), serving as its President from 2008 to 2010. Additionally, he was Vice President from 2006 to 2008 and Chairman of FIEO, Southern Region, six times between 2002-2010 and 2015-2019.

Dr.Sakthivel's leadership was acknowledged as he was referred to as "BHISHMA PITAMAHA" by Hon'ble Minister of Commerce and Industry and Textiles Shri. Piyush Goyal during a meeting about PM Mitra Park held at Vanijya Bhawan, Delhi.

In January 2023, Dr. Sakthivel was unanimously re-elected as the Chairman of AMHSSC. He is the Founder Chairman of AMHSSC, which was established in 2013. Under his dynamic leadership over the past five years, the council has grown to be recognized as one of the best Sector Skill Councils in the country. Dr. Sakthivel's vision has propelled AMHSSC to the forefront of India's skill development landscape, with a strong focus on empowering women.

Recognizing Dr. A. Sakthivel's exemplary leadership and significant contributions to the Council, the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship has extended his tenure as Chairman of AMHSSC for two more years, until December, 2026. Under his leadership, the Council's revenue grew from ₹63 crores to ₹104 crores, marking it's highest-ever achievement. His continued guidance will further advance the Council's vision, fostering skill development, innovation, and growth in the apparel sector. His strategic direction and dedication remain invaluable in strengthening the industry and empowering the workforce.

Dr. Sakthivel has been a driving force in propagating ESG awareness across the Indian apparel industry, championing sustainability, and ethical practices. Under Dr. Sakthivel's leadership conducted an 8-week e-learning course, Foundations of Apparel Sustainability, in collaboration with Team Bluesign. This course empowered stakeholders to adopt sustainable fibers, eco-friendly processes, and ethical practices. The initiative exemplifies collective responsibility and aligns the industry with global sustainability standards, fostering a transformative shift towards a sustainable and socially responsible future.

Dr. A. Sakthivel had the opportunity to meet the Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi Ji, during his visit to Bharat Tex 2025, India's largest textile fair, in New Delhi. He highlighted Tirupur's Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) strengths and elaborated on the initiatives undertaken by Tirupur exporters to promote ESG principles and ensure a greener, more sustainable Tirupur. The Hon'ble Prime Minister appreciated these efforts and conveyed his warm regards to Tirupur's entrepreneurs.

Dr. A. Sakthivel's leadership has defined the evolution of India's apparel and export industries, emphasizing sustainability, skill development, and global competitiveness. His strategic acumen, philanthropic endeavours, and cultural stewardship continue to solidify his legacy as a pioneer of India's economic and industrial progress.
 
Dr. A. Sakthivel was addressed by Shri Jayant Chaudhary Ji, Hon'ble Minister (IC), MSDE, during a Sector Skill Councils meet on 4th June 2025, recognized as the "GURU of the Indian Apparel Cluster.

In another recent recognition, at the 3rd Man-Made Fibre Conclave on 30th June 2025 in Coimbatore, Hon'ble Minister of State for Textiles, Shri Pabitra Margherita, praised Dr. A. Sakthivel as the "Pride of lndia" for his outstanding contribution to the textile sector and transformative impact on the apparel export ecosystem.

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