Managing Director of The Ugar Sugar Works, over 35 National Squash Champion Niraj is the Managing Director of The Ugar Sugar Works Ltd., the parent organization of the Shirgaokar Group with interests in sugar, power, ethanol, IMFL, foundries and I.T. Prior to this, he worked with Siemens Information Systems Ltd. (part of Siemens India) and Patni Computer Systems, Inc, (now known as IGATE). Whilst working with Patni, he resided in California, USA for a period of 5 years.

Niraj has served as the President of South Indian Sugar Mills Association (SISMA), which cares for the interests of over 60 Sugar Mills in South India. He has current associations with the National Body of Sugar Manufacturers in India, the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA), New Delhi and is the Chairman of its Biofuels, Pollution, Ethanol and Energy Efficiency Sub-Committee.

Niraj completed a Bachelors Degree in Computer Engineering from Bombay University. Despite his great academic success, Niraj is also an avid sportsman with interests in squash, golf, tennis and cricket. He has represented the country at the World Open Squash Doubles Championship and was crowned the over 35 National Squash Champion, twice. To name a few other sporting achievements, Niraj was the Captain of Bombay University and the victorious Maharashtra State Men’s Squash Team for over two years, best ranked in the top 8 men in the Indian National Squash Circuit in his prime and has represented Otters Club and Bombay Gymkhana.