India can evolve into a supply chain manufacturing hub for the world, provided it acts swiftly in this regard, US Consul General David Ranz said.

“India has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to evolve into a supply chain manufacturing hub for the world, especially as foreign investment is leaving China and looking for a new home,” Ranz said while speaking at IACC COVID Crusaders Award 2020.

While talking about changes taking place across the world in the post Covid-19 pandemic situation, the US Consul General Ranz acknowledged how India moved rapidly in its need of the hour.

He further stated, "The business community rallied in ways which we couldn't imagine in the first few weeks of the lockdown. American and Indian companies went through great lengths to ensure their employees were safe and had computers and other tools they needed to keep vital businesses like financial networks up and running."

The award ceremony was organized to acknowledge the humanitarian efforts made by the individuals, corporates and organisations to provide relief and assistance globally against the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Gujarat-based businessman, Kader Shaikh, was felicitated for converting his 30,000 sq feet office into an 85-bed COVID care facility, whereas celebrity chef Vikas Khanna received the honour for the Feed India campaign, which has delivered more than 40 million meals so far.

The list of awardees included NGOs Akshaya Patra, Goonj and Heifer International, companies like Godrej, Mahindra & Mahindra and Wallis Bank and many others.