Industry Leaders Discuss Kolkata’s Economic Future at ET NOW Leaders of Tomorrow Springboard

On March 18, 2026, Mr. Rajesh Kewat, CEO of Fastinfo Group was invited as a panelist at the prestigious ET NOW Leaders of Tomorrow Season 13 Springboard, Kolkata Edition. Hosted at the Fairfield by Marriott in Kolkata, the 45-minute panel discussion, moderated by Ms. Ritwika Gupta, News Editor and Anchor at Times Network, explored the theme: Kolkata: Gateway to Eastern India’s Economic Growth.

This high-profile event drew 70-100 MSME leaders, small business owners, startup founders, and independent entrepreneurs.

Joined by fellow panelists Mr. Murali Krishnan, Co-Founder & CMO of Wow! Momo, and Mr. Sanjiv Ganeriwala, Chairman of the Mining Council at West Bengal ASSOCHAM, Mr. Kewat shared his visionary perspectives on Kolkata's evolving role as Eastern India's economic engine. Drawing from the broad talk points, his responses highlighted actionable insights rooted in Fastinfo's real-world success.

Key Highlights Shared by Mr. Kewat

1. Advantages Positioning Kolkata as Eastern India's Economic Engine

When asked about Kolkata's unique advantages, Mr. Kewat shared his inspiring growth journey: starting with just Rs. 1,000 to build a multi-crore empire employing over 500 people, with Fastinfo's head office firmly rooted in Kolkata. He emphasized the city's "very good talent with cost advantage—cheaper manpower compared to other states." Urging companies to leverage this, he underscored how it drives regional growth and employability.

2. Lessons from Fastinfo's Tech-Services Nexus on India's Digital Economy

Ms. Ritwika Gupta asked what setting up of Fastinfo which works at the intersection of technology and services, connecting businesses to consumers in Kolkata has taught about the market, India's digital consumer, and the broader digital economy?
Mr. Kewat responded with a core truth from running Online Legal India, Fastinfo's flagship compliance platform for MSMEs: "If services are provided the right way to the consumers and their feedback is good, they will come back to you again and again." He distilled it perfectly: Delivering exceptional service builds enduring loyalty, fueling sustainable growth in India's dynamic digital landscape.

3. Kolkata's Emerging Tech Cluster and Shifting Economic Identity

Addressing whether Kolkata has its own tech cluster amid IT firms and GCCs in Newtown and Rajarhat, Mr. Kewat drew a compelling parallel: "Old Delhi and New Delhi to Old Kolkata and Rajarhat, Newtown being New Kolkata." He affirmed that "the foundation has been laid, and it's only a matter of time before New Kolkata reveals its potential," reshaping perceptions of the city's economic identity.

4. How Can Kolkata Stop Its Talent from Moving to Other Cities?

On the challenge of retaining young talent drawn to Mumbai, Bangalore, or Gurgaon, Mr. Kewat emphasized the need for balance: “Companies should value talent with the right pay; at the same time, individuals must carefully evaluate factors like CTC, cost of living, lifestyle, and long-term impact before making a decision.”

He illustrated this with a relatable scenario: “Many professionals purchase a home in Kolkata on EMI, yet move to another city for just a 10–20% salary hike. They end up paying EMIs for a house they don’t even live in, while also staying away from their families. In most cases, when adjusted for higher living costs, the actual benefit is negligible.”

His message was clear and emotional: “If you have taken birth in Bengal, you should do something for Bengal.”

5. Roadmap for Young Engineers and Tech Entrepreneurs Starting in Kolkata

In response to a practical question by Ritwika on the steps a young engineer or tech entrepreneur should take to start in Kolkata, including mentorship and funding, Mr. Kewat highlighted the transformative role of the AI era: “Today, the biggest mentor is AI and self-learning.”

He reflected on his entrepreneurial journey, sharing how he bootstrapped his venture with just Rs 1,000 building his own website, creating content, and personally serving customers. Over time, this hands-on approach helped him scale the business into an organization employing over 500 people.

With 12 years of corporate experience, Mr. Kewat emphasized that his journey was driven not by resources, but by consistency, motivation, and execution. Interestingly, despite being a software engineer, his first venture was not in core IT but an online RTI application platform, which eventually laid the foundation for building his flagship brand, Online Legal India.

6. One Structural Change for Policymakers to Unlock Growth

Finally, on advising policymakers for a pivotal structural shift to ignite Kolkata and Eastern West Bengal's next growth phase, Mr. Kewat's response was profound and singular: Mindset.

The discussion was further enriched by the insightful perspectives shared by the fellow panelists, whose diverse experiences added depth and balance to the conversation. Their viewpoints complemented Mr. Kewat’s insights, offering the audience a well-rounded understanding of Kolkata’s evolving business and economic landscape. The engaging exchange of ideas, combined with the energy of the audience, made the session both impactful and inspiring. Overall, the event stood out as a thoughtfully curated platform for meaningful dialogue, leaving attendees with valuable takeaways and a renewed sense of optimism for the region’s growth.

The event came to a close with an extended heartfelt thanks from Ms. Ritwika Gupta to the panelists Mr. Rajesh Kewat, Mr. Murali Krishnan, and Mr. Sanjiv Ganeriwala for their invaluable insights, leaving the audience inspired and equipped for tomorrow's challenges.