On September 4, 2025, at the Jio Convention Centre, Mumbai, Anand Sundaresan, Director on the Board and Advisor to the Chairman at Ammann India, received the Equipment India Lifetime Achievement Award 2025, as the hall rose and gave him a standing ovation. For an industry that has seen him steer organisations, inspire teams and raise standards, this moment was more than recognition – it was gratitude.Sundaresan’s acceptance struck a chord with warmth and humility: “I accept it with pride and dedicate it to my family, colleagues and the entire construction industry. This award doesn’t mean I’m hanging up my boots just yet – Tiger abhi bhi zinda hai!” The light-hearted remark was met with laughter and admiration, reinforcing the fact that he remains a force to reckon with, continuing to contribute to an industry he has nurtured for decades.Adding poignancy to the tribute was a video message from VG Sakthikumar, Chairman and Managing Director, Schwing Stetter India, who has worked closely with Sundaresan during his tenure there. Sakthikumar reflected on Sundaresan’s vision, leadership and contribution – a testament to a career that has touched not just companies but the entire ecosystem.If Sundaresan represented continuity, Vivekanand Vanmeeganathan, Managing Director, Caterpillar India, represented the promise of the future. Named Equipment India Person of the Year 2025, he was applauded for his leadership in navigating the company through India’s rapidly evolving infrastructure landscape. His stewardship of one of the world’s largest equipment manufacturers in a market as dynamic and competitive as India underlined his ability to blend global best practices with local adaptability. The award was not only a recognition of his professional accomplishments but a vote of confidence in his ability to lead the industry into a future where technology, sustainability and scale will converge.Framing the larger picture, Pratap Padode, Founder and Editor-in-Chief, ASAPP Info Global, reminded the audience of the urgency to innovate: “The use of technology has risen sharply and government mandates are further accelerating adoption. India must strengthen its own technological base. The talent and experience exist; now it must be channelled into innovation.” He made the case for debating the use of autonomous construction equipment to counter lack of skill and enhance productivity.Beyond awards!The Equipment India Awards also honoured innovation and sustainability across categories, with winners like Ajax Engineering, Premier Heavy Lift, Tata Hitachi, Bonfiglioli, Schwing Stetter, LiuGong India, Case and JCB India, among others. Yet, beyond the trophies, what resonated most was the sense of collective pride in how far the construction equipment industry has come – and how much further it must go.Selection of winners The selection of winners for the Equipment India Awards is based on rigorous research and data compilation led by FIRST Construction Council (FCC), which has been actively involved in industry research and intelligence for over 23 years. FCC, also a member of iCEMA, reaches out to construction equipment manufacturers to collect detailed sales and production information.Participating companies are requested to provide data on model, domestic sales, exports including SAARC, total sales and production. This information is submitted through an official format provided by FCC.The Equipment India Awards not only celebrated individual excellence and corporate achievements but spotlighted the larger transformation underway in India’s infrastructure and construction ecosystem. As India embarks on its next phase of growth, these recognitions serve as both a tribute and a call to action – reminding all stakeholders that building the nation’s future requires resilience, sustainability and a collective commitment to progress.Winners of 13th Equipment India Awards 2025Lifetime Achievement: Anand Sundaresan, Director on the Board and Advisor to the Chairman at Ammann IndiaPerson of the Year 2025: Vivekanand Vanmeeganathan, Managing Director, Caterpillar IndiaConstruction Equipment BestsellersBackhoe Loaders: JCB IndiaCompaction Equipment: CASE ConstructionCrawler Excavators: Tata Hitachi Construction MachineryMini Excavators: Tata Hitachi Construction MachineryMobile Cranes: Action Construction EquipmentMotor Graders: Caterpillar IndiaSkid-Steer Loaders: Doosan Bobcat IndiaTower Cranes: Action Construction EquipmentTruck Mixers: Schwing Stetter IndiaConcrete Pumps: Schwing Stetter IndiaBatching Plants: Schwing Stetter IndiaCrawler Cranes: Sany Heavy IndustryPiling Rigs: Sany Heavy IndustryTruck-mounted Cranes: Sany Heavy IndustryAsphalt Finishers: Ammann IndiaAsphalt Plants: Ammann IndiaRigid Dump Trucks: Sany Heavy IndustryWheeled Loaders: JCB India and LiuGong India (Tie)Crawler Dozers: BEMLSelf-Loading Concrete Mixers: AJAX EngineeringNomination AwardsCSR Company of the Year: Ajax EngineeringBest Rental Equipment Company: Premier Heavy Lift Best Sustainable Construction Equipment: LiuGongBest After-Sales Service Provider: Tata HitachiInnovation of the Year – Components and Accessories: Bonfiglioli India Innovation of the Year – OEMs: Schwing Stetter India Green Factory of the Year: Tata HitachiTrainer of the Year: L&T Construction & Mining Machinery