The All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA) Western Region organized the prestigious K.M Philip Award 2025 along with technical paper presentations on 19 June 2025 at Novotel Hotel Mumbai International Airport, Andheri (East), Mumbai.
The K. M. Philip Award, established by the All India Rubber Industries Association (AIRIA), recognizes outstanding contributions to the Indian rubber industry. It is presented biennially to individuals who have significantly impacted the industry, encompassing personal achievements, contributions to companies, involvement in education and research, and service to national and international organizations. The award was instituted on the occasion of K. M. Philip's 80th birthday in 1991.
It was in 1993, the first edition of the K.M. Philip Gold Medal was instituted to recognize and honour contribution of individuals that have made a mark in the Indian rubber industry. Established in 1991 by AIRIA on K. M. Philip's 80th birthday, the K. M. Philip Award is presented every two years to individuals who have significantly impacted the rubber industry in India. The award recognizes personal achievements, contributions to companies, involvement in education and research, and service to national and international organizations. Each recipient is carefully selected by a committee, ensuring that only those with outstanding contributions to the industry and society are honored. This year in its final edition, the award was even more special. The event witnessed veterans from the Rubber Industry.
Taking forward the legacy, Dr. Peter Philip, Director of Malayalam Manorama and Managing Director of The India Coffee and Tea Distributing Company Mumbai and son of K.M Philip was the main face of the event. Without his support and contribution, the event would have not been successful.
This year in its final edition, the event was attended by the veterans from the Rubber industry. The Winners of K.M. Philip Gold Medal Awards 2025 are:
Diya Garware, Entrepreneur / Businessperson, Garware Fulflex
In recognition of her outstanding contribution to the growth and development of the rubber industry, by pioneering the manufacture of thin rubber sheets in India for use in medical products, elastic bands and sporting goods - 90 percent of which are exported and for transforming the enterprise, Garware Fulflex into a true multinational with manufacturing facilities in India, the USA and the Dominican Republic, and her commitment to being an equal opportunity employer by extensively employing women in both production and management. All this was achieved by her within just five years of entering the rubber industry.
Dr. R Mukhopadhyay, Chairman, Indian Rubber Institue (IRI)
In recognition of the significant role of the Indian Rubber Industry (IRI) in advancing excellence in rubber technology through education, training, research and skill development. Fulfilling its vision of establishing the D. Banerji Centre for Excellence and becoming a globally recognized institution, IRI has empowered over 40,000 professionals who form the technological backbone of the Indian rubber manufacturing industry. Through its collaboration with academic institutions and the organization of conferences, seminars and workshops, IRI has supported continuous professional development while serving as a vital bridge between industry and academia. Its efforts in certification and the development of national occupational standards have fostered sustainable growth, capability building and innovation within the rubber and allied industries. Its creation and inauguration of the Dr D Banerji Centre of Excellence (DBCOE) marks milestone in its service and support to the Indian Rubber Industry.
Dr. Kasilingam Rajkumar, Director, Indian Rubber Materials Research Institute (IRMRI)
In recognition of the outstanding contribution of IRMRI in advancing the Indian rubber industry through policy advocacy, innovation and collaborative R&D. With state-of-the-art research, testing and trusted certification facilities serving the tyre, non-tyre, MSME and defense sectors, IRMRI has enabled industry compliance with global standards and enhanced competitiveness. Through pioneering research and development, technology transfers, and strategic partnerships, it has supported sustainable growth across the sector. By proving end-to-end solutions from raw material testing to finished product certification, it has empowered both MSMEs and large enterprises. IRMRI also promotes indigenous innovation through design patents and toy sector collaborations, aligning with national initiatives such as Make in India to drive excellence and transformation across industries.