Category: Leaders

In just a couple of years, Naren has scaled his company IamHere from the ground to over 150K users. Owing to his consistent efforts, IamHere got into the Top 10 Social Apps by Appbrain. The moment of success came through when IamHere got listed among the Top 6 startups of Financial Express for 2019 and subsequently went on to win the ‘Emerging Tech Startup’ award from the Economic Times. IamHere is also a proud winner of the ELEVATE programme and has received grants and mentorship from the Government.

AN ENTREPRENEUR EXTRAORDINAIRE

Through his ingenuity and vision, Naren has achieved incredible feats as an entrepreneur. His start-up, IamHere has combined the principles of social networking with location-based technologies and created an innovative one-of-its-kind hyper-local social networking platform. He envisaged the idea of people being able to connect in their neighbourhood through a map-based discovery and collaboration platform. He is now running with an innovative goto-market strategy for IamHere through communities and partnerships. Success did not come easy to Naren. From finding co-founders, to building the initial team, to building a prototype on a bootstrapped budget, to facing rejections, to convincing an early set of Angels, to living without salary for two years, he has crossed obstacles at every step. Before starting up IamHere, Naren was part of the founding team at an IoT start-up called Intellve. Today the company is clocking $1 million revenues, but only after coming out of an imminent death during its initial years. As Head of Strategy & Marketing, he along with a seasoned team, had steered Intellve out of its crisis. It is perhaps that resilience that keeps him going at IamHere.

INSPIRING OTHERS BY ATTAINING EXCELLENCE

Naren draws his inspiration from the people he has come across in his journey. Fresh out of college, when he joined Cisco, he had the chance to closely work with the leadership team in India. During the 2008 downturn, he was amazed by the positive & level-headed attitude of John Chambers, the then CEO of the company. Chambers had kept the channels of communication open with employees & this helped the firm not just face the adversity, but come out stronger. This period taught him an important lesson, that leadership is about inspiring others. It is this lesson that he has successfully carried with him through his career.

CHAMPIONING CAUSES THROUGH CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Empowering the farmers in rural Karnataka is a cause which Naren has taken a lead for. He aims at creating an easily accessible hyperlocal marketplace where the farmers can sell their produce at profitable rates. Similarly, small artists from Maharashtra are being facilitated with a digital platform that enables them to reach out to & sell their products to various customers. The platform also connects volunteers with NGOs. In the past, IamHere has collaborated with NGOs like Goonj, powering their pan-India donation drive during the week of DaanUtsav. IamHere has worked with initiatives of Project Mumbai & has enabled a Guinness record collection of 3 tonnes of plastic waste from one lakh people.

Nilesh graduated in Mechanical Engineering from the Vishwakarma Institute of Technology in Pune, and acquired a Management degree from the S. P. Jain School of Global Management. He also worked in Tata Motors for a year before finally venturing into the family business and joining VTP. With knowledge and experience in the construction materials industry, it was simple and inevitable for him to eventually branch out in the realty sector. Handling various other verticals within the group, he is a catalyst in the expansion of the group. He leads VTP Group with great vision and is ably assisted by other directors and the CEO, Mr. Sachin Bhandari who is at the helm of affair for VTP Realty. A serial investor, he has invested in many startups, including a successful organic foods company growing and sourcing residue-free exotic vegetables and fruits, pure spices, and farm-fed cow ghee. He is known as the modern farmer in the circle.

MOVING AHEAD WITH A FOCUS ON QUALITY

Under his leadership, VTP Group always strives for excellence and is well-known for creating and giving only what is best for its customers. He ensures that his team understands that buying a home means much more than just a financial investment for customers as it also holds a lot of sentimental value for them. Therefore, the firm is committed to offering the best in class services and projects to all its clients.

Under his leadership, the company itself has become a benchmark of commitment, values, and trust. Their rich and inspirational journey in the real estate sector draws people to engage in business with them.

MARCHING TOWARDS A BRIGHT FUTURE

Under his guidance, VTP Group has made a mark by introducing impressive township projects and celebrity lifestyle homes which are nothing less than a dream home for many. Pegasus, one of their megaprojects, is equipped with all the ultra-modern amenities a perfect home can have. Besides, the township also has a luxurious club and a massive 5 sports coaching academy and offers something for residents of all ages.

Another unique housing project by the VTP Group is the Bluewaters Township – a haven for nature lovers. A dedicated team of people work unstoppably with Nilesh to accomplish these goals of providing premium residential units.

Many home-buyers swear by VTP Realty when they are looking for aesthetic architecture, impeccable infrastructural planning, plush amenities, and a great after-sale service.

The group has over three decades of experience and an approximately 100 projects to its credit. Utilizing the benefits of the latest technology in construction, Nilesh and team have been unrelenting in their efforts to outdo themselves each time.

AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Nilesh has been instrumental in aiming and achieving the best successes for his company. The firm has recently won the ‘Developer of the Year’ award by ET Now Real Estate Awards 2020 and also by Realty+ Excellence Awards 2020. With such huge contributions as one of the heads of the group, Nilesh is efficiently making the organization reach the zenith.

Being a first-generation entrepreneur is not an easy task. There are a number of challenges one has to face and create a survival guide of one’s own to chart a success story. All they have is an undying spirit to stand up for themselves, build something of their own, and contribute to the growth of economy and society.

Many would argue that growing technical penetration, government initiatives to support the start-ups and entrepreneurs, and educational programmes make it easier for first-generation entrepreneurs today to take the leap, however, that was not the case when Mr. Lakshmi Ram Thakuria, the Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Charu Group of Industries ventured into the field in 1995.

There were very few brave players stepping into the world of entrepreneurship and it was seen as a challenging domain with no financial viability. Those who had little support of capital from family were often degraded for their aspirational behaviour by the society. Yet, Mr. Thakuria decided that he had to turn the trend and started off with his business in Guwahati. Today, the conglomerate has got a splendid national repute and he is inspiring many young aspirants to follow their dreams.

GATHERING THE WORKFORCE

Mr. Thakuria was born to a teacher father in Assam and had a keen interest in studies. His father inspired him to read more and learn constantly to become a thorough professional. Mr. Thakuria obtained his bachelors in civil engineering and did his post-graduation in management.

During his post-graduation days, Mr. Thakuria developed a wide curiosity in the business world and therefore went on to do some additional professional courses such as Industrial Management, Financial Management, and Entrepreneurial Development before joining the workforce as an entrepreneur in the MSME sector.

Fighting a conservative society and its demotivating mindset, Mr. Thakuria laid the foundation of Charu Group with a start-up capital outlay of Rs. 45 Lakhs and 12 employees. The next big challenge he had to face was development of skilled manpower as the indigenuous workforce was not familiar with plastic technology and polymer sciences. The sales turnover in the initial few years of the group remained somewhere near Rs. 30 Lakhs, but under the able support and guidance of Mr. Thakuria, it kept on multiplying year-on-year and today is one of the most successful enterprises in the state and country, with an annual turnover in double digit billions.

Mr. Thakuria’s constant struggle and consistent perseverance enabled him to attain this goal. He not only toiled daythrough-night to establish the business, he also endeavoured to develop new faces in the workforce by personally imparting practical training at the shop floor. He ended up turning his 12-member workforce into a 125-member team just within a year.

FACING CHALLENGES HEADS-ON

After setting up the initial business and motivating youth to learn new skills to join the workforce, another problem that Mr. Thakuria was facing arranging working capital funds as obtaining loans from commercial banks was a big challenge.

He used all the skills from his management studies to diversify his short-and longterm goals and dedicated funds smartly. Management techniques were utilised by him for regular cash-flow during economic procurement of raw materials in bulk quantities and systematic execution of supply orders to the indenting authorities after scrutiny of healthy fund position. This method of fund flow management helped in relishing the recycling of working capital, which became one of the prime factors to drive the economic success of the group.

Another great contribution of Charu Group under the aegis of Mr. Thakuria has been its active role in the conversion of indigenous raw materials into finished products for public usage that also supplies potable water, agricultural and energy saving through the practice of rain water harvesting. A longterm goal in providing financial assistance to build a mini stadium for school goers is refurbished and it is part of the Chart Group of Industries’ Corporate Social Responsibility (C.S.R.) among accomplishing other charitable activities required for the uplifting of society. A long-term goal for the organisation is for global marketing in connivance with reputed forums.

LEADING WITH PASSION

Mr. is an inspirational leader. He is known to be a dedicated team player and often encourages all his employees to contribute more than their roles demand to the company.

He is a fan of innovative ideas and tries to incorporate suggestions from his team in day-to-day workings at his offices and his factories. He has a great eye for detail and ensures perfection is maintained at every level of business.

He seldom takes a break from his own responsibilities and to date tries to micromanage every activity at the Charu Group of Industries. His humble nature allows him to maintain a healthy interpersonal relationship with all managers and team leaders working under him and create a positive and thriving work environment.

Mr. Thakuria also takes great care of the physical and mental well-being of his employees and is always eager to assist them personally and/or financially whenever there is a need. He feels that behind every successful business is a dedicated and hardworking team that is respected and taken care of. With the same spirit, he treats his employees as a part of his extended family and is always available for them.

There are many who dream but there are a few who have in it them to turn those dreams into reality. Clarks Exotica’s Managing Director, Mr. Ronald Colaco is one of them. A man with a vision, and an unwavering determination to achieve only the highest pinnacles of success, Mr. Colaco is an inspiration to all the aspiring entrepreneurs out there. His calculated business decisions and his envious understanding of the global market can serve as an example. Adding to his brilliant business acumen is the great philanthropist side that has got him the love and blessings of millions.

Mr. Colaco is revered among his peers for his sharp intellect and hunger to grow continuously. It has only been because of his grit and hard work that Clarks Exotica today is one of the most celebrated hospitality hubs in India. He has nurtured the space with a futuristic vision and has spent extensive time in curating every nook and corner of the space with meticulous detailings.

BITTEN BY ENTREPRENEURIAL BUG

Having ancestral roots in Moodbidri, Mangaluru, Mr. Ronald Colaco is an NRI businessman based in Dubai. A well-read and well-traveled personality, Mr. Colaco started his professional career in Oman in 1975 as an accountant. Over the next few decades, he worked with some of the biggest companies across eight Gulf and European countries, climbing the hierarchical ladder head of accounts and administration and financial controller.

Mr. Colaco also got the honor of being elevated as commercial CEO for a consortium of 3 multinational corporates that were CCICL based in Greece, Mannesmann of Germany, and Saipem of Italy, which is involved in turn-key projects such as the construction of world-class petro-refineries, gas processing and re-injection plants, townships, and airports.

A competitive employee, he attracted a great amount of respect within his peers and diverse industries with his out-of-thebox business ideas and work ethics. He contributed massively to the growth of all the companies he was associated with and motivated many of his colleagues to follow his footsteps. His legacy is still remembered at these places and people often talk of him as a fine example of a competent leader.

LEADING WITH EXAMPLE

Combining all the learnings he attained over more than three decades from his diverse work portfolio at some of the leading global companies, he took the entrepreneurial route in 2007 by establishing Clarks Exotica Convention Resort & Spa established in the city of Bengaluru. What was then intended to be a five-star clubhouse is one of Bengaluru’s preferred destinations for corporate conventions, weekend getaways, and wedding destinations. The resort has 144 aesthetically designed rooms and suites. Its Ocean Convention Center, spread over 50,000 sq ft, is one of Bengaluru’s largest event spaces. Through his business acumen, hard work, dedication, and disciplined approach, Ronald Colaco has become a successful entrepreneur of great repute.

Mr. Colaco’s contribution to Clarks Exotica’s success and popularity has been massive. To this date, he is very closely involved with the activities at the place and monitors every business decision. His aim is to provide the most memorable and comfortable services to the patrons of Clarks and doesn’t compromise a bit in assuring that. His commitment to his business is worth imitating.

He also maintains a very close and cordial relationship with the staff at Clark and takes special care of their physical and mental well-being. He treats them with utmost respect and is always open to listening to new ideas.

SERVING THE SOCIETY

Mr. Ronald Colaco’s commitment doesn’t bar at just business, but he extends it to societal causes as well. He has been very active in promoting socio-cultural, charitable, and philanthropic activities in his endeavor to give back to the society that he has come from, in a big way. He insists that it is pertinent for the privileged to support the needy to set a working balance.

His largesse has benefited the poor and the needy people and various institutions and organizations irrespective of caste, creed, race, religion, and language. He has been a pioneer in providing infrastructure facilities for the benefit of the larger public and has set a precedent for others to follow. Many MNCs and Corporates followed in his footsteps to carry out their corporate social responsibility, resulting in creating essential international standard infrastructure in the State.

One of the most celebrated philanthropic efforts of his has been the donation of a hightech govt school in Bengaluru, last year.

THE MANY LAURELS

Mr. Colaco has been the recipient of a number of national and international awards in recognition of his charitable and philanthropic activities, as well. His many noteworthy laurels include the prestigious award from the office of The Prime Minister of Australia through CSIA which conferred the “2015 International Recognition Award for Leadership in Service Excellence” at the Australian Service Excellence award ceremony held in Melbourne in 2015, the only person chosen for this prestigious award internationally from among 80 countries. He was also recently awarded as the NRI of the year -2018 by Times Group in Mumbai.

His legacy sets a powerful precedent in the society, narrating an unsaid tale of success and goodwill. A number of young kids see him as their inspiration and will surely grow up to become a great asset to the city’s as well the country’s economy and society.

MAKING GREAT STRIDES

Under Mr. Anirban’s able leadership, TFCI has been making progress by leaps and bounds. Established as a premier tourism financing institution, TFCI has acted as a catalyst in creation of infrastructure in hospitality segment in over 3 decades of its existence. Mr. Anirban is responsible for charting out growth strategies for the firm, derisking its business portfolio, ensuring its net interest margin, besides increasing its overall income and intends to make it a major player in the financial services sector. Under his leadership, TFCI is diversifying in segments like healthcare, pharma, education, logistics, packaging, etc.

He was born in a family of academicians. His father was a headmaster in a government school, and his mother was a school teacher. After completing B. Tech from the University of Kolkata in 1993, he pursued a postgraduate degree in Financial Management from the Mumbai University. He also completed a management development programme from the IIM Ahmedabad.

AN ILLUSTRIOUS CAREER

Mr. Anirban embarked on his career in Voltas in the year 1993. He was also associated with IFCI from 1999 to 2003, where he advised corporates across sectors on assignments spanning different products and services related to financial advisory, project appraisal, due diligence, capital restructuring, loan syndication, and credit monitoring. Thereafter, he joined Axis Bank & worked his way up as EVP in 2014. He headed various divisions from SME, Relationship Management Group, Capital Market and Structured Finance. He has also served as the Deputy CEO of Axis Capital Ltd. where he developed Transformational Roadmap from the ECM-focused Investment Banking house to an advisory led Investment Banking model.

A FOCUSED LEADER

His leadership reflects a commitment to make an impact. In a short period, he has successfully managed to overhaul the various processes of TFCI such as appraisal, monitoring mechanism, business development, IT systems, HR policies, and much more. Currently, he is focussing on setting up an advisoryled investment banking process at TFCI. He believes that work-life balance plays a key role in boosting one’s productivity, morale, engagement, & innovation. He enjoys reading fiction and listening to classical Hindi music & Rabindra Sangeet.

Having completed the silver jubilee of his successful entrepreneurial journey, Sanjay Ghodawat is riding the success wave with élan. Inspired by the vision and ideology of Business Tycoon Sir Ratan Tata, he has ventured into multiple industries from Salt to Airline. A mechanical engineer by qualification, Sanjay is efficiently leading the SG Group as Chairman and is the President of Sanjay Ghodawat University. A visionary, he anticipated and understood the needs of the future and successfully expanded the Group into many industries dealing with manufacturing, producing and providing services of various categories, which fulfil the day-to-day needs of humankind.

CLIMBING THE SUCCESS LADDER

With a keen eye for business, Sanjay guided the cultivation of Flowers, Fruits and Vegetables for domestic and overseas markets. Under his exemplary leadership, the Group further expanded the wings of business opportunities and set up multiple plants in Kolhapur district for manufacturing of various Consumer Products under the brand name ‘STAR’. The brand offers various staple products like rice, edible oil, sugar, jaggery, wheat flour and impulse products like Snack Foods, Beverages and Ready to Cook items. This complete range enabled STAR to emerge as a popular brand due to its authentic taste which was readily accepted by the local population.

Having understood the future demand of the industry and various Real Estate Residential & Commercial projects, at different locations in Maharashtra and Karnataka, Sanjay’s successful venture into the real estate sector was another feather in the Group’s highly decorated cap. He has also successfully explored Marble Mining and Textile Manufacturing sectors.

BUILDING THE FUTURE OF THE NATION

With a belief that education is the building block of the nation, Sanjay set up a world-class education campus near Kolhapur in 2010, which is today known as Sanjay Ghodawat University (SGU). It has an exemplary campus maintaining the mantra of Cleanliness with absolute authenticity. SGU was awarded the “Best Upcoming Private University” of the State by Navbharat Times. This campus fulfils dreams of over 15,000 futuristic young brains and nurtures them by providing them with world-class educational facilities combined with international standard of education with the support of its able and dedicated faculty. He has set high benchmarks of excellence for the institution and intends it to secure a place among the top 200 universities of the world.

A HIGH-FLYER

A certified and trained pilot for Helicopter & Fixed Wings Airplane, Sanjay started his journey in the aviation business with threehelicopter charter service business in 2014. Thereafter, he launched ‘STAR AIR’ as a national schedule airline with a vision to connect the Real India in the year 2019. The airline was launched with the purpose to connect all Tier 3 and Tier 4 cities of India, which would allow the common people to fly at affordable prices.

EMBRACING GREEN ENERGY

With a quest of marching towards a sustainable future, and being well aware of the growing demand for electricity in India, Sanjay decided to step into renewable energy sector. Under his able leadership, the Group is one of the pioneer investors in this sector in India and possesses a capacity over 150 MW of Wind and Solar power generation.It has also started Renom, which is now India’s largest Independent Service provider to Renewable Energy industry with 1000 MW under management and has over 33 site offices across 6 states in India.

DEDICATED TO SOCIAL WELFARE

Sanjay has always remained true to his mother’s injunctions, who had told him to always strive to do something for the society, especially the future generation. Carrying forward this noble vision, the Sanjay Ghodawat Group not only takes care of the people and families of its employees, but also runs the Tulsi Blood Bank at Udgaon Jaysingpur. A true philanthropist at heart, Sanjay has donated blood 74 times till date. Some of his noble social endeavours include the Blind School in Miraj, which he runs to help the National Association for the Blind Society. He also runs ‘Kanya Mahavidyalaya’ to promote Girl Education in Sangli and an Eye Hospital.

AWARDS IN ABUNDANCE

Under Sanjay’s able leadership, Sanjay Ghodawat Group is following a mantra of ‘Dream, Plan, Implement’ and works in accord with his vision of constant upgradation and renewal. No wonder he has received numerous awards and accolades for his enormous contribution to the industry and society. Some of these include Game Changers of India Award and Game Changers of Maharashtra Award in 2018 and Inspiring Business Leader Award in 2016 from the Economic Times.

He has received Maharashtra State Vanashree Puraskar at the hands of Mr. Prithviraj Chavan, the former Hon’ble Chief Minister, the Government of Maharashtra. He was bestowed with India’s Most Admired Business Leader 2017 by White Page International and Extraordinary Leadership Award 2017 by Education World.

He has also received 50 Outstanding Educational Entrepreneurs of Nation Award from the World Education Congress in 2013 and Global Young Entrepreneur Award 2013 from Globe Oil India.

For his immense contribution to social causes like education, tree plantation, blood donation camps, helping victims of food, drought and other calamities, Sanjay received Illustrious Social Worker Award from the Bharat Jain Mahamandal in 2012.

A leader who leads by example, Mr. Sridhar is a living example of the fact that with hard work, dedication and right attitude one can move mountains. The foundation of his illustrious career was laid in the year 1997 with his selection as an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. Before taking over charge as Chairman & Managing Director at Singareni Collieries Co. Ltd., he worked as a Sub Collector in Rajahmundry; Project Officer of Integrated Tribal Development Agency, Utnoor, Adilabad District; Director of Ports, Kakinada; and Collector & District Magistrate in Ananthapur, Krishna, Warangal and Ranga Reddy districts of Andhra Pradesh. He has also worked as Special Secretary to Hon’ble Chief Minister, the Government of Andhra Pradesh, for a period of over 3 years.

CHALKING OUT HIS DISTINCT SUCCESS TRAIL

Skilfully leading Singareni Collieries Co. Ltd, Mr. Sridhar has been consistently forging the path for the continued growth of the company, through forward integration with Singareni Thermal Power Plant – a 1200 MW project at present – which is soon expected to enhance its capacity to 2000 MW. This plant is all the more significant because it is the only thermal power project in the country which is built and operated by a public sector coal mining company.

During his tenure, the company has made great strides and has been consistently performing exceedingly well. Under his leadership, the coal production has increased from 52 MT to 65 MT and the growth rate in coal production has jumped to 23% – a notable achievement, indeed! Similarly, Coal despatches have increased from 52 MT to 68 MT.

Owing to his dedicated efforts, Overburden (OB) removal has increased from 262 M Cu M to 386 M Cu M. With regard to Gross sales; an increase from INR 14078 Crores to INR 25071 Crores has been registered during his tenure. The growth rate in gross sales during his tenure is 78% against 51% growth rate for the same period before his tenure. Significantly, Profit after Tax (PAT) has increased from INR 490 Crores to INR 1767 Crores during his tenure. The growth rate in PAT during his tenure is an astounding 262% against 39% growth rate for the same duration previously. He has shown keen interest in getting approvals from various central and state government agencies to sustain the SCCL production growth over 10% in future. He has planned and initiated action for 13 mines in the coming 5 years to enable SCCL increase its production to 85 MT by 2024.

MOTIVATING EVERYONE TO EXCEL

A great leader, Mr. Sridhar is an adept at bringing out the best in others. As he puts it, “I focus on people a lot.” He elaborates, “One of my core strengths is letting people to do what they need to do to perform with proper guidance to bring the best in everyone. When employees understand the ins and outs if what it takes to run and maintain a mining company of this scale, their performance is much better.”

A people person, he quickly builds a rapport with employees at every level. “In operating the company, my style of management is not just engaging with the top level executives, but to actually go to the sites and the places where production happens, to get into details of what it takes to make something positive to happen. All the management teams and executives are looking after various issues, while being present in field,” he adds.

Sharing his success strategies, he says, “Monthly review meetings are held with responsible officials to solve various issues and problems without delay and giving approvals instantaneously for removing the hurdles for surpassing the targets and to get exponential growth. We have formed multidisciplinary committees to look after the operations to ensure a smooth work flow. These kinds of strategies are helping us to achieve a rapid growth.”

WORKING TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

An ardent advocate of sustainable development and renewable energy, Mr. Sridhar successfully executed the construction and installation of 2 X 600 MW STPP power plants in a record time frame, which has started generating power from 2016 onwards. The plant has generated 31,750MU till March, 2020 since inception and was ranked 5th nationally with a PLF of 91% during 2017-18. Under his quintessential leadership, a few 300 MW Solar power plants are under construction, which are estimated to be completed by the end of this year.

AWARDS GALORE

For his outstanding contribution to the field of business and economy, Mr. Sridhar has received numerous awards and accolades namely ‘Best Management Award” from Telangana State Government in 2016, Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship Award 2018 from Enterprise Asia, Outstanding Global Leadership Award 2018 at Global Economic Summit, Dubai by Institute of Economic Studies. He has also received Telangana Best Service Award 2017-18 by Telangana Red Cross Society from Hon’ble Governor of Telangana, ‘Manager of the year – 2018’ award from Achievements Forum-2019, London and ‘Pride of Hyderabad’ award from Hon’ble Home Minister of Telangana State at 41st PRSI conference – 2019 at Hyderabad.

Under his leadership, Singareni Collieries Company Limited has received Asia’s Most Trusted Company 2018 at Bangkok from International Brand Consulting Corporation, USA, and India’s Best Company of the year 2018 Award by Berkshire Media, USA.

Marketing is one of the most crucial aspects of a business. It not just develops brand awareness among consumers thus increasing sales but it also helps in promoting strong partner relationships with stakeholders, distributors and retailers.

One of the prime Indian brands that can boast of a marketing strategy par excellence is Kamdhenu Group. And if there is one man responsible for the strong marketing network and marketing force that has brought the Kamdhenu Group to its present standing in the Indian steel and infrastructure market, it is Mr. Sunil Kumar Agarwal. With a penchant for target marketing, the efficient pan-India presence of Kamdhenu is all thanks to Mr. Agarwal, who has employed his keen understanding of the market dynamics and charted the growth of the company within the Indian steel sector.

Mr.Agarwal is a whole-time director of Kamdhenu Limited and justifiably so, having a rich expertise in the production and commerce involving the steel industry of over 3 decades. He uses this extensive pool of knowledge to create strong marketing strategies amplifying the brand’s industry presence.

Mr. Agarwal did his graduation in Bachelors of Engineering (Chemistry) from Harcourt Butler Technological Institute (now Harcourt Butler Technical University), Kanpur. Thereafter, he took over the Indian steel industry, through his entrepreneurship skill, and afterward became a board member of companies like Kamdhenu Limited and its group companies.

BACKING KAMDHENU’S SUCCESS

Mr. Sunil Kumar Agarwal with his strong analytical and experimentation skills became a torchbearer of the magnanimous success Kamdhenu is blessed with today. One of his prime contributions to the business was leading the strategic expansion of the Kamdhenu brand through franchisee alliance with and against the competing companies in the regional steel market.

Firming up the franchisee models, he has guided the company through impending challenges and has capitalized on the opportunities on the way. His high adaptability to the changing domestic scenario and a keen understanding of the market trends has helped the company stand stronger.

He visualized and executed the company’s enormous growth by identifying the units involved in the manufacturing of TMT Bars, leading Kamdhenu to become the largest TMT manufacturers of India.

He led the way towards upgradation of the plants within units to make each of them viable for the manufacturing of internationalquality steel products.

Dedicated to innovations and latest technology, Mr. Agarwal believes in better processes for increased production based on improved parameters.

Mr. Agarwal has shepherded the growth of the company within the Indian steel market and has employed his keen understanding of the market dynamics towards mobilizing the performing steel products manufacturing units across the country into joining hands with the Kamdhenu Group. This has resulted in the Kamdhenu Group setting itself, and gaining an immensely competitive foothold in the steel sector.

MODELING THE STEEL MARKET

With a panache for marketing, Mr. Sunil Kumar Agarwal is the man who conceptualized and implemented the franchisee model towards the exponential growth of the Kamdhenu brand, which is a masterstroke in itself. He has thereafter overseen the Expansion Division of the company, thereby contributing significantly in identifying and targeting companies that manufacture TMT Bars, structural steel, binding wires and colorcoated sheets.

His vision and timely decisions along with relentless efforts led the company into gaining more than 75 franchise partners in this process and emerging as a major player in the Indian steel market.

Mr. Agarwal has guided the company by capitalizing on the opportunities on the way, through his skills of adapting to the changing domestic scenarios, and led the company through impending challenges with his understanding of the market trends, which have all cumulatively helped the company grow to new and far-reaching heights. His dedication towards the steel industry, as well as his pursuit towards innovation and new technologies, has resulted in up-gradation of the plants within the steel manufacturing units, which have made each of these units viable for manufacturing steel in the best way possible and maintain international steel standards and quality.

AN EPITOME OF MARKET STRATEGIZING

Being one of the oldest members of the Kamdhenu Group, his quest for innovating research and development in the steel industry has made Mr. Sunil Kumar Agarwal one of the most respectable names in the entire company, as well as the steel industry.

It is the result of Mr. Agarwal’s continuous hard work, dedication and his ever search for new ideas to make Kamdhenu a major brand in the steel technology that today Kamdhenu is known not only for high-quality TMT bars and other products, but it has also engaged in producing innovative products under his guidance and encouragement.

He has the mark of a leader who doesn’t follow the beaten track, but carves out a new path for himself and makes people believe in forging new avenues under the confidence of his leadership. His splendid contribution to the steel industry and beyond is now a case study that many aspiring entrepreneurs and future trailblazers are following. Under his watch, the brand is growing to new heights every passing day gaining national and international prominence.

Born in Palwal district of Haryana, former teacher, and principal, Mr. J.C. Chaudhry has set a great precedent, worth imitating, with his contribution to the education sector of India with the much-reputed training institutes under the aegis of Aakash Educational Services Private Limited (AESPL), popularly known as Aakash Institutes. The nationwide AESPL educational centers provide comprehensive test preparatory services to students preparing for medical and engineering entrance exams, school/ board exams, KVPY, NTSE, Olympiads and other foundation level exams.

Started with a humble strength of 12 students in 1988, Aakash today serves around 2,50,000 aspirants through a panIndia network of 200+ centers. It has diversified into several distinct verticals namely, Aakash Medical, Aakash IIT-JEE, and Aakash Foundations to meet the targeted needs of the modern students. Its Classroom Learning Programs ensure personalized attention and aims at developing the conceptual knowledge of the students while the Distance Learning Programs (DLP) deliver the same content as delivered in classrooms in a cost-effective way and help students to study at their own pace and convenience.

Mr. Chaudhry’s constant innovation and dedication towards the young force of the country have helped the Institutes scale new levels of expertise and they are arguably the most popular choice among the students for exam preparations. It is only the result of his hard work that Aakash was recently backed by global investment management firm Blackstone, which now owns 37.5% of its stakes.

PASSING PEARLS OF WISDOM

Mr. J.C. Chaudhry was himself a very bright student. He completed his graduation with flying colors from Punjab University and secured a seat in the highly-reputed Birla Institute of Technology and Science in Pilani, Rajasthan, where he studied botany. Post completing his studies, the ambitious personality decided to share his pearls of knowledge with the younger generation and started teaching as a lecturer in Vaish College, Bhiwani. Then as a post-graduate teacher in private and government schools. He became the principal of a senior secondary school in Delhi Administration. He was appreciated and respected by all his students because of his warm and loving nature.

He never denied helping any student facing issues with the curriculum and guided them in the best way he could. However, he always felt that there is more to be done. In the year 1988, the foundation of Aakash Institute was laid with a strength of only 12 students, which has now grown to a student base of over 2,50,000 students with 200+ classroom centers.

The journey, obviously, was not smoothsailing to turn an ambitious project into a cult brand, but with his determination, unflinching willpower, and faith in his own skills, Mr. Chaudhry built an empire that none has been able to match or replicate till date.

EMBRACING MODERN OPPORTUNITIES

Mr. J.C. Chaudhry believes in moving ahead with times and constantly keeps on innovating the teaching modules and methodology. He is one of the biggest celebrators of digital technology and has seamlessly inculcated it in the teaching process at Aakash centers. The digital classes have made it easier to access the high-quality curriculum for those students as well who cannot travel to the centers. The distance-education programme of Aakash has made it possible for many bright students to rise against the odds of their financial and geographical limits and secure seats within the topmost medical and engineering colleges.

With the noble aim of providing qualitative mentoring, he has successfully made AESL a household name and is responsible for giving India more than one lakh doctors and fifty thousand engineers. He plays a pivotal role in empowering and engaging young minds across all centers of the institution and is known amongst the students as a great orator and motivator.

Mr. Chaudhry takes immense pride in the fact that he is spending his life doing the noble deed of imparting education and creating a zealous force of doctors and engineers for the future. For him nothing can beat the satisfaction he gets when a student returns to meet him as a successful professional. This feeling of gratitude is all the wealth he has earned. He has been recognized by a number of agencies for his outstanding contribution to the sector and is a recipient of several awards, including ‘Dr. Radhakrishnan President Award’, given by Freedom Fighter Welfare Society in 2002 and ‘Hall of Fame 2014’ award presented by Inc. India in recognition of entrepreneurial zeal, growth, and excellence.

THE UNKNOWN SIDE

Not many people know this about the honored educationalist, but he also has a keen interest in numerology. He has been following this form of Occult science as a hobby & has been an amateur practitioner for more than the past three decades. He admits to studying thousands of cases as his hobby and providing solutions. Apart from all this, he is also a firm believer in the power of God and is deeply religious and is also the Managing Trustee & Founder of MaaVaishno Devi Dham, at Vrindavan. He has also been honing his skills as a writer & has also published a few books. Some of his books ‘ABC of VaastuShastra’ & ‘Advanced Numerology’ are highly popular among the masses, in these books he shares his unparalleled knowledge of Vaastu and Numerology.

Mr. Dilip Surana had sealed his choice of career at a very young age as he observed his father, Mr. C.M. Khurana, the founder of Micro Labs, transforming a small ambitious start-up into a full-fledged successful business. He literally grew up in Micro Labs, witnessing every significant achievement his father made. Spending his school and college breaks in the company, he learnt a great deal from his father who was toiling hard day in and out to establish the business.

He drew great inspiration from his gritty and hardworking father. He admits that his father is his role model as despite being a first-generation entrepreneur he made Micro Labs a force to be reckoned with. He remains in awe of his father’s ability to pick up the chemistry of a drug. According to him, there was no holiday for his father as he lived and breathed business. These are the same qualities that he has inherited. Even as a young boy, Mr. Dilip Surana’s only aim was to carry his father’s baton after growing up.

COMING GOOD ON GENE POOL

When Mr. Dilip Surana took over the operations of Micro Labs, after completing his bachelor’s in commerce from Bangalore, at the age of 21 in 1983, the firm was just 10-years-old and was in a growing phase. His father’s efforts were being recognized heavily within the pharmaceutical industry, which was an emerging sector back then and had very few players competing. The company was overloaded with orders and they had to open two new manufacturing facilities in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. Mr. Dilip Surana closely monitored the process along with his father and dedicated his whole time and energy to keep the business running in a highly synchronized manner.

At the same time, Mr. Dilip Surana was planning to take a break from business after a few years to pursue an MBA degree. However, Micro Labs grew at such a frenetic rate that his will to study further never materialized. Mr. Surana admits that he still regrets not going for his business administration degree and often wonders if he could have done more for the company had he had attained the qualification.

A few years later, his younger brother, Mr. Anand Surana also joined the business. In the mid-1990s, the brothers took the crucial call of branching out in specializations like diabetology, cardiology, and neurology.

He then prompted the company to shift focus on research and development as well and today, it is one of the most celebrated pharmaceutical companies across the globe. With 14 advanced research and manufacturing facilities designed to meet the current global standards of GMP and safety standards for personnel, his company employs more than 9,000 people while aggressively investing to increase capacity and boost exports.

INSPIRATIONAL PHILOSOPHIES

Mr. Dilip Surana runs his business with a two-pronged strategy of being proactive and reactive. Mr. Surana is also very concerned about creating strong brand values.

His future vision is to strengthen the international presence of Micro Labs and is working hard to achieve that goal. He is giving special attention to exports and the quality of the products they are creating. There is no compromising for him when it comes to ethical and sustainable business and he sends the same energy to all his employees and teammates. He is highly respected amongst his circle for this dedicated nature and continuous pursuit of excellence.

According to him, the four pillars of any successful business are; quality, ethics, customer satisfaction, and people, the last being the most important. He reckons that his team is indispensable to his company’s survival and growth and therefore he treats them as the firm’s primary capital. The hierarchy in the company is only structural and not cultural and everyone is given a fair opportunity to share ideas. Mr. Surana is always eager to listen to the young voices in his teams and act on their suggestions.

SAMARITAN OF GOODWILL

Despite the immense success that he has got for the brand and himself, Mr. Dilip Surana remains a humble soul. A man of few words, he is never heard boasting about his journey. He likes to keep a low profile and even after several decades of running a business, spends most of his time studying literature that can help him hone his skills better.

His strong personality can appear dominating to some as it carries a sheer reflection of perseverance and confidence but his down-to-earth nature can make anyone instantly comfortable. He is very approachable and loves to discuss business with young aspirants.

His remarkable efforts in making Micro Labs one of the most prominent firms in the pharmaceutical space gets him a great deal of attention. He has been a regular participant in various national and international seminars. He also has, to his credibility, a number of awards and honours, including ‘Asia’s Most Admired Business Leader presented by White Page International’, ‘Dynamic Entrepreneur of the year 2010’, and has also been honoured as the ‘Great Son of Karnataka’ by Governor of Karnataka his Excellency HR Bhardwaj in 2011.

He is also a great philanthropist and always puts his best forward to give back to society. Through the GDA Foundation, which was founded by his father, Mr. Dilip Surana has been contributing greatly to the overall wellbeing of the citizens. The foundation runs and supports hospitals, schools, and research centres. It also provides free medical help to the needy and scholarships to deserving students.