Arvind Singhal M.B.A. ’82

Arvind Singhal stands out not only through his vast accomplishments, but through his kindness, humility and commitment to helping others.

Now the founder of Technopak Advisors, Singhal got his start as a management trainee with DCM during his last year at the University of Roorkee (now IIT Roorkee), where he earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering. After his acceptance to UCLA Anderson’s M.B.A. program, the newly-turned 22 year-old boarded his first flight ever. He describes the transformative experience of moving from India to another country:

"I discovered that food and beverage were free (even in the economy class) after having flown nearly eight hours while trying to save my very meager financial resources. I also realized (after some trying) that there are actually “hot & cold” water mixer-showers the first night that I spent as a guest at a very kind Rotary host family. I learned that there is something called the artichoke (and how it is eaten) which my hosts had very kindly prepared for me believing that I was a vegetarian (I was not). These and a million other such experiences - both in the GSM (Graduate School of Management) classrooms, on the UCLA campus, in L.A. and then mostly within California are all invaluable to me and even after 32 years, quite vividly etched in my memory and in my soul."

His primary source of information about American culture was Hollywood (Saturday Night Fever), literature (Pearl Buck/John Steinbeck/Harold Robbins), and brands (Levi’s, Coca Cola, IBM). While the Los Angeles that he discovered did not exactly resemble the one depicted in movies and commercials, it did play a huge role in shaping his professional and personal life. His M.B.A. experience reaffirmed his perception of American meritocracy, and he was inspired by the realization that success could be achieved in proportion to one’s “capability and their ability to put in the requisite toll.” He appreciated the kindness he encountered, noting that Californians are generally trusting and open, and these values stayed with him long after he left UCLA.

After completing his M.B.A. program, he backpacked in Europe for 10 weeks, traveling through 12 countries. Since then he has continued to travel the world. When his son Aditya turned 11, the family traveled together for an enjoyable eight weeks throughout Europe and the U.S. He and his wife have traveled extensively, visiting most “usual countries” on the tourist map. His current bucket list includes Patagonia in Chile, Peru, Columbia, Mongolia, Namibia/ Botswana, and a Trans-Siberian train journey.

Singhal worked with DCM Data Products and with Birla VXL before founding Technopak Advisors in 1992. Since then, Technopak has become one of India’s leading management consulting firms, specializing in sectors that include textiles and fashion, retail and consumer products, education (including vocational), and agriculture and food processing / food services.

In addition to consulting around the world, he is actively involved in improving education and healthcare in India, and is a widely sought-after author and commentator. A regular columnist for the Business Standard and Economic Times for 12 years, he has published more than 350 articles in publications such as the Wall Street Journal and Financial Times. He has served as a guest lecturer at institutions around the world, ranging from ESADE (Spain) to Harvard Business School to the Wharton School. After attending one of his lectures, the India head of the Vatican realized he would be a great representative of India, and in February 2010 he presented “Pain and Suffering from the Point of View of Hinduism” at the Vatican. In November 2012, Arvind was honored as Distinguished Alumnus of IIT-Roorkee, where he is a permanent invitee to the Board of Governors.

In addition to his multitude of career accomplishments, Singhal balances family life, philanthropic engagement and a genuine dedication to helping the community, whether on the municipal or international level. He describes the mantra that characterizes his work ethic:

“There is so much that life has to offer, and so much that every individual can give - it is almost entirely up to each one of us to make the best out of whatever opportunities we get in our life.”

Of all his accolades, he is most flattered by how many people reach out to him for advice and guidance. He provides pro-bono counseling to high school students seeking career advice, recent graduates, people facing professional challenges mid-career, aspiring entrepreneurs and those who have retired but seek more fulfillment from their post-career lives. He enjoys sharing his experiences, whether in person, in lecture, or in articles, and hopes that he can teach more in the coming years.

In his spare time, Singhal enjoys spending time in Delhi with his family, his wife Shalini and his son Aditya, an alumnus of Georgia Tech and ESADE (Barcelona). They are developing a unique mountain retreat, a 60-acre site with a 180° view of the Himalayas on one side and a river valley on the other. He’s been working on it for five years and anticipates another five years of development, which includes water harvesting and management, internal pathways, and creating natural barriers to limit the entry of deer, boar, and leopards. He looks forward to completing the project and sharing it with their friends.

As a family, the Singhals are committed to serving others. Shalini is an active member of many charitable groups, including the Sisters of the People Society, with whom she has volunteered for more than 20 years. Arvind seeks to improve others’ lives however he can, materially, emotionally, professionally and culturally. “I would love to welcome UCLA alumni to India and offer them suggestions to make their trip a memorable one and offer whatever assistance I may be in a position to give.”