Suparjya swain 
Feature: In the industrial heartland of Rourkela, where commerce and community often intersect, Mr. Brij Mohan Agarwal has emerged as one of Odisha’s most prominent voices for traders and manufacturers. A respected industrialist and national trade leader, Mr. Agarwal’s journey reflects a rare blend of entrepreneurial drive, policy advocacy, and deep-rooted commitment to social service.
Born and raised with a strong sense of responsibility toward both enterprise and society, Mr. Agarwal went on to build diverse business interests in aluminium utensil manufacturing, electronic weighing instruments, and bakery products. His efforts have contributed to strengthening Rourkela’s small and medium-scale industrial landscape. Beyond business, his role as a thought leader has been equally influential — shaping policies and giving voice to the concerns of small traders at both state and national forums.
Today, Mr. Brij Mohan Agarwal serves as the National Chairman of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), the apex body representing the country’s vast trading community. His election to this position in 2024 marked a significant moment for Odisha’s business fraternity, bringing their issues and aspirations to the forefront of national discourse. Even prior to his chairmanship, he was a familiar name on the national stage — serving as CAIT’s National Vice-President and Vice-Chairman, where he often led campaigns on crucial issues such as opposition to FDI in multi-brand retail and digital adoption among small traders.
Mr. Agarwal’s advocacy work has repeatedly found space in mainstream media. From highlighting the challenges of traditional traders in the face of foreign retail competition to providing nuanced commentary on consumer trends such as Odisha’s booming wedding economy, he has consistently positioned himself as a bridge between policymakers and the grassroots business community.
Equally noteworthy is his leadership in manufacturing associations. As President of the Federation of All India Aluminium Utensil Manufacturers (FAIAUM), Mr. Agarwal has worked closely with institutions like JNARDDC to drive research and quality improvements in the sector, ensuring Indian aluminium utensils remain competitive and safe.
But Mr. Agarwal’s influence does not stop at the boardroom or the conference table. His civic engagement is wide-ranging and deeply personal. He is Managing Trustee of Shree Shree Jagannath Seva Trust, which manages a temple complex at Jhirpani, and has held leadership roles in a variety of community organizations, including Chairman of Maharaja Agrasen Sewa Sangh (Rourkela) and Chairman of Saraswati Vidya Mandir, a CBSE senior secondary school. He also served as District Governor of Lions Clubs International District 322C2 (2017–18), spearheading numerous service initiatives.
Family values remain central to Mr. Agarwal’s philosophy. Happily married to Sumitra, he takes pride in having inspired his children — sons Er. Rajesh and Er. Praveen, and daughter Rajni — not just to excel professionally but also to embrace social service as a way of life.
In an era when the voice of small traders risks being overshadowed by large corporate lobbies, Mr. Brij Mohan Agarwal stands as a steadfast advocate for India’s traditional marketplace. His life is a testament to how one individual can simultaneously nurture industry, champion community welfare, and shape policy — all while staying rooted in the values of service and integrity.
