A HOPEFUL BEGINNING
After completing his graduation from Mumbai’s Mithibai College, Mr. Chintan Patel, at the age of 26 set out on his adventure. He decided to build a bedsheet weaving plant and founded Deesan Group with his father in 2004. With only 24 looms, the young textile entrepreneur had a single spinning mill that was used to make yarn for nearby factories. Today, with over 1,500 looms, the company is the leading manufacturer of premium monogrammed bath and hand towels. It is also one of the top three largest manufacturers and suppliers of ready-to-dye fabric (greige fabric) in the country. It produces bed sheets, terry towels, and clothing for both domestic and international markets. The company’s ability to produce at a more affordable price than others is due to its vertical integration. It pays fairly to local cotton farmers and employs 21,000 people.
QUALITY COMES FIRST
Mr. Patel’s key to success in a cut-throat market is his dedication to organised schedule, time management, and quality. Quality is always the first aspect that the entrepreneur considers. It sets his company apart from other players in the industry not only in India, but across the world. The company has launched a line of kids’ towels – started by Mr. Patel’s wife, Hiral – that is made without using unnecessary chemicals.
CARING FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Mr. Patel also aims to improve the environment. He ensures that his company recycles water from its weaving and dyeing units. The water is not thrown away untreated because it contains harmful chemicals. As part of another environmental project, Deesan Group has planted nearly a million neem trees around its factory locations. The leader assists his father’s dream project of rainwater harvesting, called Shirpur Pattern of Water Conversation. The objective of the project is to conserve rainwater and thereby increase groundwater table, in turn helping farmers grow three crops a year.
CONTRIBUTION TO EDUCATION
Along with exercising leadership in the textile industry, Mr. Patel has broadened his horizons in education. As the Vice President of Shri Kelvani Mandal, he oversees the Mithibai College, Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, three well-known institutions among the nation’s top colleges and universities, and does not receive any funding from the education industry.
To develop the next generation of forward-thinking individuals who will increase employment prospects nationwide, Mr. Patel is steadfastly devoted to granting students access to transformative learning opportunities throughout India. His family founded the Shirpur Education Society (SES) in October 1979. As the trustee of SES, he has been bridging the gap by supporting education of children for over 40 years. In his opinion, education is the key to success in life. He recommends students to have the perfect combination of education and experience to earn more opportunities in life.
AWARDS AND ACCOLADES
Mr. Patel has received numerous honours for his business accomplishments and social contributions. He received the Philanthropist of the Year Award at the Iconic Gold Awards in 2021, the Met Connect Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award for his work in water conservation, and the Global National Stardom Awards in 2022 for his work in the education sector. Along with his father, Mr. Amarish Patel, he received the Maharashtra Ratna Award in 2023 for their contributions to social and educational fields.
