The IOD National Convention on ‘Boards’, held on 5 September 2026 at Taj Lands End,Bandra-

Mantralaya Times News Desk:    By Adv Dippak P. Shah

Mr. Tukaram Mundhe, IAS – Leadership Beyond Authority
The IOD National Convention on ‘Boards’, held on 5 September 2026 at Taj Lands End,Bandra-west Mumbai, was an enriching and thought-provoking experience. The theme, “Board Leadership for an Emerging Global Order,” brought together eminent leaders and professionals to discuss governance, regulatory developments, Independent Directors, AI, cyber resilience and ESG.
Mr. Tukaram Mundhe, IAS, needs no introduction. His work speaks for itself and is, in itself, a recognition of his contribution.
The Institute of Directors brings together Independent Directors, senior professionals and accomplished individuals from diverse fields. Against this backdrop, the special talk by Shri Tukaram Mundhe, IAS, Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Government of Maharashtra, was particularly noteworthy. His topic was “Trust. Quality. Transparency (TQT): Building a Globally Competitive Food & Drugs Industry.”
There was an expectation that his speech would focus on his achievements and the work carried out by the FDA in a relatively short period. However, the speech went far beyond that.
For more than 25 minutes, Mr. Mundhe spoke about regulation, policy, governance, responsibility, quality and public interest. Without turning the session into a narration of his own achievements, he conveyed a strong message about maintaining hygiene, quality and responsible practices.
What was particularly impressive was his simplicity and humility. He did not speak about his own achievements, nor did he take the name of any organisation to highlight his work. That restraint reflected the personality of a well-grounded and intellectually mature IAS officer.
His message was also relevant to the principles of good governance: rules are meaningful only when they are implemented, accountability is effective only when it reaches the ground, and leadership must ultimately serve the public interest.
Such work is possible when an officer receives the necessary trust, institutional support and freedom to act. Mr. Mundhe’s ability to translate authority into action and bring visible change on the ground deserves recognition.
The Impact Beyond the Conference Hall
An interesting incident was noticed around Bandstand Bandra-west and the area surrounding the conference venue. The news of Mr. Mundhe’s presence appeared to have travelled quickly, and there was visible attention towards cleanliness and hygiene among food vendors and establishments in the vicinity.
It was a simple but powerful example of how effective enforcement can influence behaviour and create accountability.
A phrase comes to mind:
“Jis raaste se hum guzarte hain, wahan log apni soch badalte hain.”
That, perhaps, captures the impact of leadership better than any award or recognition.
During the programme, Mr. Niranjan Hiranandani also referred to improvements in hygiene standards at a canteen following regulatory attention. Such examples demonstrate how administration can create positive changes in everyday practices.
At a time when health-related concerns are increasing across India, officers who bring discipline, accountability and public interest into administration are extremely important.
After all, Health is Wealth.
India needs more administrators who combine knowledge with action, authority with responsibility, and governance with public service.
One philosophy associated with Mr. Mundhe’s approach comes to mind:
“Main rukunga nahi, jhukunga nahi, apna kaam karta rahunga.”
His calm demeanour, simplicity and determination speak louder than self-praise.
Trust. Quality. Transparency. Leadership with Action.

Adv Dippak P Shah