Padma Shri Milind Kamble, Founder Chairman of DICCI and Chairman of IIM Jammu, highlighted this achievement as a proud moment for the organization. The announcement recognizes Khade’s remarkable contributions to industry and trade, where he built a globally competitive enterprise from extremely modest beginnings.
A special felicitation ceremony took place at DICCI headquarters in Pune, drawing a large gathering of members and supporters. Attendees included Milind Kamble himself, former DICCI Maharashtra State Head Mukund Kamalakar, former President West India Avinash Jagtap, National Women Coordinator Seema Kamble, Sachin Digholkar, Nivedita Kamble (President, DICCI Women Wing Maharashtra), Ganesh Shinde, along with various state and Pune-level office bearers and entrepreneurs from the DICCI network.
With this honor, Ashok Khade becomes the fifth Padma Shri awardee from the DICCI family. He joins the ranks of Milind Kamble, Kalpana Saroj, Ravi Nara, and Rajesh Saraiya, underscoring the chamber’s role in nurturing and amplifying Dalit entrepreneurship.
Khade, hailing from Sangli, Maharashtra, rose from poverty as the son of a cobbler in a Dalit family. Facing hardships like hunger and limited resources, he pursued education diligently, earned a diploma in Mechanical Engineering, and started his career as a trainee at Mazgaon Dockyard with a meager stipend. In 1993, he co-founded DAS Offshore Engineering Private Limited with his brothers (named after Datta, Ashok, and Suresh). Beginning with minimal capital and basic infrastructure, the company has grown into a major player in offshore oil and gas fabrication, constructing platforms and structures for global clients, achieving substantial turnover and employing thousands.
His journey exemplifies resilience, skill, and the power of opportunity—principles that DICCI champions to empower Dalit entrepreneurs and break societal barriers through business excellence.
This latest recognition not only honors Khade’s individual success but also inspires the broader DICCI community, reinforcing its mission of fostering inclusive economic growth and proving that determination can overcome any odds.