2004 ALUMNI RECIPIENTS

Vikas Arora, 36

Biggest achievement: I co-founded iPine Networks in 2001, led it as its chief technology officer, designed and delivered products and positioned iPine for an acquisition by Nakina in 2003.

Best skill: Never, ever give up

Most admired businessperson: Dr. Kalai Kalaichelvan, who co-founded iPine Networks with me, for his strategy and perseverance tinged with pragmatism.

Biggest business lesson learned: When we started iPine Networks in 2001, the market was in a downturn, companies were filing for bankruptcy and the economy was not doing well. Not a good time to start a new business, particularly in IP network space. We went ahead and founded the company and the reason was simple: We believed in it and we had a passion and confidence. You have to believe in what you are doing and you have to have a consuming passion. Also, you should motivate and bring the right people to work with you who have the same mindset. You have to have intense customer focus and, last but not least, the capability to enjoy the journey, which will have ups and downs, but never, ever give up.

Favourite charity: CHEO

Professional recognition that would mean the most: The validation of the values I have tried to live by. Another thing that means the most to me is the development and guidance of new and aspiring entrepreneurs