PUNE: Emphasising that ‘quality and business ethics are the true companions of success,” entrepreneur Bharat Gite, founder of Taural India, on Sunday said industrial growth must extend beyond urban centres to ensure balanced and inclusive development across Maharashtra.Gite, popularly known as the Aluminium Man of India, was speaking after being conferred the ‘Face of Inspiration’ Maharashtra Udyog Bhushan award at Ramkrishna More Auditorium in Chinchwad.Reflecting on his journey, Gite said his decision to return from Germany to India was driven by a sense of responsibility towards nation-building. “The country that shaped us deserves our contribution. I returned intending to build indigenous manufacturing capabilities and support education so that the youth can access better opportunities,” he said.He stressed that industries should not remain concentrated in a few cities. “For Maharashtra’s holistic development, industries must reach rural and remote areas. Decentralisation is essential to create employment and reduce regional imbalance,” he said.Sharing his personal journey, Gite spoke about growing up in a modest farming family and credited his parents and elder brother for encouraging him to pursue education. He also acknowledged the support of his wife, Prachi, particularly during the early struggles of setting up a business after leaving a stable life in Germany.Gite said he identified opportunities in the aluminium sector upon returning to India. Despite aluminium being lightweight, durable, and corrosion-resistant, its modern application remains limited due to technological gaps. We are working towards bridging this gap and contributing to India’s self-reliance,” he said.He added that he had raised key concerns, including the need for industrial decentralisation, during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Commenting on the state’s industrial ecosystem, Gite said development-oriented leadership has helped accelerate growth. He expressed his intent to contribute further through initiatives in both industry and education.“Long-term success is not driven by profit alone. Transparency, honesty, and excellence are equally important,” he added.Actor Makarand Anaspure conducted an on-stage interview with Gite, tracing his journey from Parli to Germany via Pune and his entrepreneurial success.Among those present were MP Shrirang Barne, Pimpri-Chinchwad Mayor Ravi Landge, Shiv Sena leader Sulabha Ubale, MSEDCL official Dhananjay Aundhekar, Shiv Sena secretary Vaibhav Thorat, entrepreneur Ameya Jain, and organisers Manisha Thorat Pisal and Santosh Saundankar.Speaking at the event, Barne highlighted the contribution of people from regions such as Marathwada and Vidarbha to Pune’s growth. He also lauded the work of actors Nana Patekar and Makarand Anaspure through Naam Foundation in addressing water scarcity in drought-prone areas.Mayor Landge called for greater participation from industrialists in social initiatives, particularly in developing world-class libraries and educational infrastructure in Pimpri-Chinchwad.The ‘Face of Inspiration’ awards, now in their 11th year, recognise individuals for their contributions across various fields.