Doyen of the leather industry

A graduate of the Punjab University, he began his footwear export business in 1955. Initial exports were focused on the Middle East, but later expanded to Europe and the USA. The business has evolved over the decades and now has a turnover of Rs.35crore (US$8.75 million). Malik was a member of the industry's committee of administration from inception and development into the Export Promotion Council for finished leather and leather manufactures in Kanpur until 1984. He subsequently held the post of chairman of the organisation. He was the first regional chairman of the Western Region when the Council of Leather Exports was established, and remained in the role until 1986. He is presently on the committee of administration of the CLE. The award recognises his varied and extensive involvement in the industry and efforts to modernise and diversify the sector with a view to increasing value added exports.