Selected Case Studies of Social Entrepreneurs in Khurda District
Transcription
Selected Case Studies of Social Entrepreneurs in Khurda District
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES Selected Case Studies of Social Entrepreneurs in Khurda District, Odisha School of Management Centurion University of Technology and Management HIG-5, Phase-1, BDA Duplex, Pokhariput, Bhubaneswar-751020 http://www.cutm.ac.in 1 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES Foreword Using entrepreneurship for social development has been an increasing area of interest among development practitioners, not only due to the success of micro-finance programmes and schemes, but also because of the dwindling availability of aid funds. The mainstream neoliberal economy requires remote communities to be included in the national and international markets, especially under regional economic integration. In Asia, where rapid economic growth happens in tandem with increasing poverty the challenge is to solve societal problems through innovation and local knowledge production. Although, the language of social entrepreneurship is new, the phenomenon is not. Social entrepreneurs have always existed and have built institutions. “In addition to innovative not-for-profit ventures, social entrepreneurship can include social purpose business ventures, such as for-profit community development banks, and hybrid organisations mixing not-for-profit and for-profit elements, such as homeless shelters that start businesses to train and employ their residents” (Dees and Haas 1998:1). The term entrepreneur is associated with some sort of business and has originated in French economics as early as 17th and 18th centuries. Jean Baptise Say, a French economist mentions “The entrepreneur shifts economic resources out of an area of lower into an area of higher productivity and greater yield”. In other words, an entrepreneur creates value. In the 20 th century, the economist most closely associated with the term was Joseph Schumpeter. He described the entrepreneurs as the innovators who drive the “creative-destructive” process of capitalism. He says believes that the role of entrepreneurs is to reform or revolutionise the pattern of production. Similarly, Peter Drucker says the entrepreneur looks for change and exploits it as an opportunity. . Management theorists capture opportunity as creating value which entrepreneurs have an eye for. According to Dees and Haas (1998), social entrepreneurs play the role of a change agent in the social arena by: - Adopting a mission to create and sustain social value (not just private value), - Recognising and relentlessly pursuing new opportunities to serve that mission, 2 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES - Engaging in a process of continuous innovation, adaptation, and learning, - Acting boldly without being limited by resources currently in hand, and - Exhibiting a heightened sense of accountability to the constituencies served and to the outcomes created. The concept of social entrepreneurship means different things to different people. One group of researchers refer to social entrepreneurship as not-for-profit initiatives in search of alternative funding strategies or management schemes to create social value. A second group of researchers understand it as the socially responsible practice of commercial businesses engaged in crosssector partnerships. And a third group views social entrepreneurship as a means to alleviate social problems and catalyse social transformation. Numerous definitions stressing different aspects and dimensions of social entrepreneurship have been offered (Mair and Marti, 2005). What is Social in Social Entrepreneurship? Social entrepreneurs attempt to create social value which is beyond income and profits. At one extreme there are those who would like to believe that social entrepreneurs be driven exclusively by social goals and subscribe to the Not-for-Profit (NFP) view. It would imply that any income generated in the course of social entrepreneurship must be strictly reserved for achieving the social purpose in view. There are others who would not like to confine social entrepreneurship to NFP. There is a thin line between NFP and for-Profit entrepreneurs (Peredo ND). It is hard to say that the former is social and the latter is not there are innumerable examples of social entrepreneurs who have aimed at profit and expanded their operations to serve the needy and underprivileged. They are perfectly within the category of social entrepreneurs. The degree and intensity of social impact created by social entrepreneurs as opposed to profits may vary, but in most cases economic sustainability is fundamental. The main objective is to create a social benefit that is not limited by personal gain. The objective is also to bring about social change on a wider and more effective scale which is different from a traditional NGO. Besides social entrepreneurs consider the agency of underprivileged people and do not simply view them as passive recipients of benefits. Social entrepreneurship has become a buzzword, 3 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES with sustainable business, triple bottom line and bottom of the pyramid economics gaining currency in the development discourse. Social Entrepreneurship – Examples from India India has been in the forefront in encouraging social entrepreneurship. There is ample space for social entrepreneurs given the fact that every third Indian is deprived of necessities of life: food, health, education, shelter and livelihood. Some of the prominent social entrepreneurs of India include Verghese Kurien of AMUL, Ela Bhatt of SEWA, Harish Hande of SELCO, Bunker Roy of Barefoot College, Dr. G. Venkataswamy of Aravind Eye Hospital, Dr Devi Shetty of Narayan Health, Jeero Billmoria of Child Line, Anil Gupta of Honeybee Network, Vinnet Rai of Aavishkaar, seven Gujarati women of Lijjat, etc. In India, more and more professionals, including women, are becoming social entrepreneurs in recent times. Fortunately, for social entrepreneurs, access to finance in reasonable terms and conditions has also improved. Considering their importance for society, this compendium presents a few case studies of social entrepreneurs from Bhubaneswar and its periphery. The case studies are based on the ease of access of each writer and in no way represents comprehensive treatment of the subject in the region. In future, case studies of social entrepreneurs from Odisha in a comprehensive manner will be taken up. The objective of the compendium is to understand the factors that catalyse social entrepreneurship, maintain their drive and contribute to success. We hope the study while recognising individual entrepreneurs will encourage young people from the region to take up the challenging role and become pathfinders in our socio-economic ecosystem. Dr.. Smita Mishra Panda Professor, Centurion University of Technology and Management 4 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES ORISSA DIESEL ENGINE PVT. LTD. Whether it is a working day or a holiday, lost his mother. Then, his father, a revenue whether it is a day of fair weather or hostile officer, passed away when Ali was pursuing weather, whether it is morning or late higher secondary education. Ali grew under evening hour, you call Ali Patnaik, he is full the care of his eldest brother, a medical of energy, optimism and self-confidence, to doctor. His schooling was in Bhanjanagar, bring change in our approach to life. It is to Ganjam district of Odisha. He graduated in break away from the inertia of laziness, to Mechanical engineering from REC Rourkela instil self-confidence and realize a sense of (Presently NIT) in 1982 with first class achievement. It is not usual for a typical honours. With his interest in Automobile Odia a engineering he joined Ashok Leyland and respectable engineering college, having served as Sr. Service Engineer, in charge of parked himself in a comfortable, secured Western Odisha. With the setting up of and well-paying job; moving to a world of NALCO in Odisha, he switched to the uncertainty, where all the well-wishers are in public the habit of praying to prove him wrong. Automobile Maintenance Engineer in 1989 But, Ali is not a usual and stereotypical and continued till he started his own venture, Odia. As a child and as a student he had his Orissa Diesel Engines Pvt. Ltd. (Orissa own mind. For him success is never final Diesel) in October 1991. Presently, Orissa and failure is never fatal. He has been Diesel has its plant at A 5, Mancheswar careful and Industrial Estate, Bhubaneswar, 751 010, commitment to professionalism. He nurtures which was purchased from OSFC through a spirit of inquiry and never accepts an open auction of an industrial shed in something as inevitable. Observing Ali, one 1995. engineer, to retain graduating his from integrity sector undertaking as Senior could feel an echo of the famous French philosopher Tocqueville in him: “inevitable Initially, the company offered maintenance becomes intolerable the moment it is services thought that it is not inevitable”. transportation for diesel and engines power used in generation. Subsequently, in 2006, the company took up Ali comes from a large family of five dealership to sell AMW diesel engine brothers and six sisters. While in school, Ali 5 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES vehicles. In 2013, it took the dealership of case of failure. He was ready to lose the Ashok Leyland vehicles. investment of about Rs. 3 lakh that came from his savings, in case the venture failed. Why Diesel Engine Repair Business? With his youthful exuberance and self- Initial years of work experience in Ashok confidence, he recollects how he forgot to Leyland gave Ali enough self-confidence to calculate the amount of future financial turn around the diesel engine maintenance security, a job in public sector undertaking operation at NALCO, his new employer. would have brought in. Such analytical lapse Unfortunately, the internal system and was a blessing in disguise for him! Yes, processes of the public sector undertaking there were many such blessings that he quickly disillusioned him. He observed that received during his eventful journey. These Odisha did not have a good maintenance and include getting a site in time for business reconditioning facility for Diesel Engines. expansion, unexpected service contracts and Most of the companies were sending diesel industrial diesel engine dealership (second engines to cities in neighbouring states in India and first in a non-metro area). An (Vizag, Hyderabad and Kolkata) for repair. extremely self-respecting person, who did Considering the opportunities in the local not resort to personal borrowing, Ali got market and his competence of providing support from well-wishers during need. He maintenance service for diesel engines as an speaks with gratitude for the confidence employee of Ashok Leyland and NALCO, some friends reposed in him through Ali thought of realizing his dream of having financial and linking supports. his own enterprise offering the service. He had the know-how, the confidence to Using his good will he could get the service independently manage the operation and orders from big and reputed companies like maintenance clear National Aluminium Company (NALCO), understanding of the needs of the customers Mahanadi Coal Fields Ltd (MCL), Paradip and adequate contacts to get business. Phosphates Ltd (PPL), Tata Iron and Steel of diesel engines, Co. Ltd. (TISCO), etc. Ali’s philosophy of He was confident of earning from the new business has been not to cut corners. initiative, twice his salary of Rs. 5200/- per month, and also get back to a similar job, in 6 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES Some of the key factors that led to his him to change his attitude and put that success in the business are the gap in learning to practice. With his son graduating demand and supply of high quality service in Mechanical Engineering and daughter in diesel engine repair segment in Odisha, with a degree in Law, as emerging continuous entrepreneurs, he foresees the hurdles they innovation in product and process design and vendor development. His have to cross to do ethical business. technical education, prior work experience in and exposure to both private and public Future of the business sector, and a supportive family that reposed Since, the economy in general and Auto full faith in him and did not distract him Industry in particular is going through very were also responsible for his success. tough times, he foresees a difficult time in near future. Challenges faced Key challenges that he faced include delay Impact of the business and difficulty in getting the first bank loan, The impacts of Ali’s business in the lack of cluster approach in automobile immediate environment are many. service sector, lack of associate service The work contracts, which was going providers for collaboration, lack of business out to Andhra Pradesh and West environment in Odisha (especially the Bengal are being done in Odisha. It negative mindset and apathy of Government has Officials towards business persons), lack of generation and savings in time (thus, skilled manpower, long lead time in productivity enhancement for service mutation and conversion of land and delay users). in getting electricity supply. resulted in employment The unit has become an excellent training ground for workers. Thus, Learnings he is helping to build the capacity of After more than two decades of struggle and local youth. fight against a non-responsive system, Ali recognises that compromising with the His effort has improved industry servicing in Odisha. system is probably the best way to do business. However, he feels it is too late for 7 auto SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES Advice to future entrepreneurs Preparation of a detailed Project One has to have the spirit of adventure and enquiry Report through an agency with Ali feels that there is a great need for Domain Knowledge is essential for Government reducing failure and a necessary departments and officials towards Business, condition for success. Industry and Entrepreneurs in the state, if Prior acquisition of a fair working Odisha intends to be an industrial hub. to sensitize various knowledge on Technology, Finance and Marketing of the product or service that one wishes to promote is Prof. Haribandhu Panda essential. 8 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES GAYATRI ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION AND CONSULTANCY Unlike typical educated Odias who are job Challenges faced seekers, Mr. Pradipta Panigrahi, a first For Pradipta, the key challenge was generation entrepreneur, is an exception. acquiring finance for the enterprise and The 1973 born Physics graduate and a post- creating an enabling environment for his graduate in Business Administration treaded business. From the beginning he worked a different path. Immediately after his MBA hard to increase customer base and market in 1994, he started Gayatri Engineering share. Within two decades of work in green Construction and Consultancy (P) Ltd, energy and environmental sector, he has popularly known as Gayatri Solar. It earned built competence in technical, organisational the reputation of being the leading solar and human issues affecting the business, i.e. energy entity in the state of Odisha after two Energy Conservation, Solar Energy and decades of hard work. Pradipta considers Climate Change. himself fortunate to get the unstinted inspiration of his wife and mentorship of his Taking advantage of his competence and father and brother, the last two being the opportunities in the market, in 2007 he Chairman and Managing Director of the started a new entity, G-ON Energy Controls Company respectively. to work on green energy systems and energy efficiency. The organisation is actively Why Solar Energy Business? working in the broad area of energy As a student, Pradipta was fascinated by the efficiency, clean energy and new generation Solar cooker in his home, way back in 1984. of Considering his environmental sensitivity, commercial, understanding of the science and market applications. With the company’s vision; “to potential of solar energy, and entrepreneurial combat global warming” through energy ambition, it was logical for him to enter into efficiency solar thermal and photovoltaic business. Mechanism (CDM), it is involved in Thus, Gayatri Solar was born. Now the creating awareness and promotion of green “organisation is pan-Indian with leading technology position in Odisha” says Pradipta proudly. emission to the environment. It is associated 9 energy technologies for domestic, agricultural and industrial and to Clean reduce Development carbon dioxide SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES with Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), turnover of about Rs. 20 crore with annual Govt. of India; Dept. of Energy, Govt. of growth of 20-30%. Odisha and Orissa Small Industry Corporation Ltd (OSIC), Govt. of Odisha. Learnings The Since 1994, the organisation’s motto has company deals with diversified been “to be genuine in what we do”. “This products and services. approach has given us the rewards to be big, Products to be visible and to be stable which are the LED lighting systems (indoor and three important ingredients to be successful” outdoor) says Mr. Panigrahi. Support from IREDA, LED traffic signal BHEL, BEL, OREDA, CII, NSIC, OSIC, LED street light IDCO, Green building material Bhubaneswar, TIE and financial institutions Water free urinals has made them stand on a firm footing. Day light harvesting system SDA, GOLDWYN, Invest Impact of the business Services G-ON and Gayatri Solar represented Odisha Energy management at Silicon Valley, USA. They have been Energy audit Lighting study Green building design consultancy awarded with a showcase of medals for creating awareness on energy conservation among people/ organizations by 37th Indian National Science Congress. and turnkey projects Promoting the concept of re-location G-ON Energy Controls has participated in of trees. Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) With an initial personal investment of Rs. 40 organized Expo and was awarded the “Best lakhs, the company got financial assistance small Scale Industry” since last four years. from Oriental Bank of Commerce and Bank of Baroda. G-ON’s close working with The key factors leading to Mr. Panigrahi’s prominent players in the industry such as achievements include: BEL, BHEL, Goldwyn, Bajaj, Wipro, VIN, Honeywell, etc. has resulted in its present 10 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES 1. Clarity of purpose, passion, different product mix is the future. The perseverance and open mind; and company is determined to re-define the 2. Flexibility and team approach to energy services for the masses in future. work Mr. Panigrahi is passionate about young Getting accepted in the market for solar entrepreneurs entering in to the wonderland energy, which almost did not exist in 1994 of opportunities. Being aware of the pitfalls was Solar. that an amateur is likely to face, he has taken “Consistent product awareness, creating new up mentorship of young entrepreneurs as a milestone projects hobby. a challenge for Gayatri and orders led to overcome the problem of market creation. Identifying the correct market on hit and Advice to Future Entrepreneurs trial method took a long time initially” says Mr. Panigrahi believes entrepreneurship is a Mr. Panigrahi unhappily. “Hotel Industries natural instinct of human being. Success can in and around Puri was a sizeable market for come if one is passionate about his/her work us, but we miss the bus from 1994 to 1999 and knows how to optimize time and and we focused it in the year 2000 – 2001 resources. One needs to understand one’s and we achieved a sizeable success; the self and the power within. Risk taking and learning’s were to find out and explore the facing challenges with patience and smile solutions within our nearby areas and talent makes before we go and find solution elsewhere” Entrepreneurs says Panigrahi. abilities. one stronger. require to The master future these Energy sector is going to play a critical role for the next 20 – 30 years. Green energy is need of the Globe; hence sustainable business model in the energy sector with Prof. P. K. Mohanty 11 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES INTEGRITY INFOTECH PRIVATE LIMITED (IIPL) the field readily available to him during his Unlike many engineering students of Odisha college days. He is thankful to thefew who aspire to be employees of reputed faculty companies, Mr. Balakrushna Dixit, an encouraged him. members and friends who Electrical Engineer passed out from BPUT in the year 2009, had a different vision Why Web Development Business? altogether. He was born in a middle class Mr. Dixit analysed the business environment family and the only child to his parents with in and around Berhampur and found many no family business background. His father small and medium enterprises seeking help who worked as an engineer with SOUTHCO to design and develop websites to make their wished his son will follow his footsteps and presence in the internet world. The idea of join any PSU and lead a comfortable life. becoming an entrepreneur and providing But, Mr. Dixit with his challenging and service in the domain germinated in his never accepting defeat spirit could convince mind as a student. After developing sound his parents and near and dear ones to be an knowledge and skill in web designing and entrepreneur. web development he gained experience and became an expert by developing and hosting Mr. Dixit was an average student throughout websites for few non-profit organizations in his academic career. He is gifted with keen Berhampur on voluntary basis. This resulted analysis power and self-confidence. While in continuing his study as an engineering relationships and contacts with many small student, he developed interest in web and medium enterprises in Berhampur. He designing. Mr. Dixit accepts that this interest capitalised on the social capital and his had a profound impact on him and kept him indomitable entrepreneurial zeal finally busy with his laptop at the cost of other culminated in establishment of Integrity subjects taught at the Engineering College. Infotech Private Limited (IIPL), a premier The indomitable quest to get mastery on web and software development company in web designing forced him to sharpen his Berhampur. skills in the field by spending most of his quality time as he found dearth of experts in 12 developing good interpersonal SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES It provides industry-specific solutions and saying that ‘a bird in hand is worth two in manages hosting for databases, server the bush’. Instead of looking for more deals clusters, one needs to concentrate on the quality and security management, data protection and more. honour the commitment made to the clients. He espouses on the timely delivery of His success as an entrepreneur was well quality services. As new technology is acclaimed by receiving awards like, IT invading the IT space in a rapid manner and Excellence Entrepreneurship change is the order of the day, he keeps excellence award and Odisha Youth Icon himself abreast of the developments in the Award. field by burning the late night lamp on many award, a days. Challenges faced Mr. Dixit faced the typical challenge that He proudly says that most companies die out every service sector faces, i.e., shortage of of indigestion, not starvation. One has to be quality manpower for his newly established very careful in taking up assignments company. He was forced to stretch himself weighing the strength and weaknesses. in honing the skills of newly recruited staff Greed needs to have limit. It should not lead and provide e-solutions on time to the to apoplexy. clients. Besides manpower, the financial adversaries during the establishment of the Future of the business enterprise were major stumbling blocks. After Instead of having an office space in a posh Berhampur, Mr Dixit has a plan to extend locality, Mr. Dixit started his venture from the business to neighbour districts like home with the laptop sponsored by his Khurda, Puri and Koraput by the year 2015. parents during college days with a mere With an existing staff of seven members, he earning of Rs.1000/- to Rs. 2000/- for web is planning to increase the numbers. getting considerable success in designing. Impact of the business Learnings This enterprise provided enormous impact He learned the managerial skills in a hard on the business environment in Berhampur. way through practice. He believes in the old The important ones are: 13 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES Providing the much needed visibility area before venturing into it. During the of small and medium enterprises by initial phase of operation an entrepreneur providing IT service in economical may get lured to another field of operation way; or get distracted by facing hurdles in the Serving as an excellent training field of operation. However, a successful ground for web developers; and entrepreneur requires ample concentration to Promoting ethical business practices. consolidate activities with full commitment. To become a successful entrepreneur, Mr. Advice to future entrepreneurs Dixit gives utmost importance to The future entrepreneurs are required to trustworthiness. Trust has to be built not have appropriate knowledge and skill in the only with clients but also with employees. Prof. R. Pradeep Patnaik 14 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES COMPUTER LAB Mr. Santosh Kumar Sahoo, a budding He cherished the idea of providing one stop entrepreneur from Cuttack, Odisha is a IT disciplined, chivalrous, nationwide, across diverse areas of business. gentleman with a strong conviction to The objective of Computer Lab has been to provide build new products and services, and hardworking, employment opportunities to Solutions & Services to clients millions of rural youth. To accomplish the implement prudent business and mission he is relentlessly pursuing activities technological strategies that cost in his Computer Lab for the last twenty efficient and of high quality.. . are years. The mission of Computer Lab is to be the Mr. Sahoo was born and brought up in a most preferred partner for rendering IT lower middle class joint family consisting of Services to different Govt. Departments and three paternal uncles with their family to actively participate in e-Governance members in addition to his own large family. initiatives in the State and Nationwide. His Mr. Sahoo’s father (an ex-service man) was nature of business includes Bulk Data the bread winner and his mother was the Digitization; Scanning and Printing of home maker. After retirement from defence Documents, service, his father temporarily shifted to Customised Software Development and Call Jaipur and engaged as a supervisor in a Centre Operations. Biometric Data capture, private company. The financial burden to sustain the large family put pressure on the Why computer service business? two older brothers to contribute to the IT-Services is an upcoming Business vertical family. Being the second child Mr. Sahoo in twenty-first century India. His educational after completing his background (PG Diploma in Computer PG Diploma in Computer Science joined as an employee of Science) Computer Lab in Cuttack. His sincerity and experience had given Mr. Sahoo the hardwork coupled with business acumen orientation. With the long cherished dream soon made him the owner of the Computer to provide employment opportunities to Lab. millions of rural youth, he analysed the 15 coupled with employment SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES relevance and scope of IT services and came entrepreneurs due to recession in US to a conclusion that the future prospects of & UK. IT services were very bright and had potential for exponential growth for decades Future of the business to come. Being a knowledge and service Computer Lab is looking towards becoming driven vertical, Computer Lab’s ROI is one of the most ethical and successful encouraging. enterprise of the country by 2020. It further aspires to become a role model for future entrepreneurs. Challenges faced During this 20 year journey, the major challenges faced and overcome in sustaining Learnings the entrepreneurship are: One has to scan the environment on a acquisition of projects on continuous a basis to see opportunities. Adopting unethical means may provide continuous basis; acquisition of skilled and dedicated success in a short run but cannot sustain the business over a long period of time. manpower resources keeping in view the high attrition of trained resources;cash-flow issues Impact of the business and timely settlement of wage and Employment opportunities created: In the payments; process of executing projects, Computer Lab unhealthy business has created employment opportunities in practices rural areas of over 200+ every month for amongst competing entrepreneurs; meeting expectation of over a decade and has crossed 50000+ in the highest quality services against lowest price last two years. criteria; Economic growth: Computer Lab has restrictive continuously been growing and profit eligibility and other criteria for making since inception and has complied MSME-Entrepreneur; and with all the financial statutory compliance complying with the requirements. Indian IT majors venture in local market competing with The 50000+ employees generated by Computer Lab are exclusively small from poor or lower middle class families, 16 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES those who could not pursue higher education Advice to future entrepreneurs due to financial bottlenecks. They are Love what you do. provided with decent earning opportunities Build a team immersed on your at their localities with limited skills. The vision. rural youth were enabled to avail citizen Be creative and come up with centric services through ITES culminating in innovative ways bridging the gap between Govt. benefits and problems. schemes and the common man. Platform for interested parties: Computer to solve your Create a delightful work culture. Learn quickly from your mistakes. Never compromise with quality. Lab established itself as an ideal platform for cluster formation, conduct of conferences, seminars and spread of success Prof. Rabindra Kumar Mohanty stories to future entrepreneurs. 17 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES ESSAR BAKERY The capital city of Odisha has undergone a and a South Indian Hotel. In due course he metamorphosis in the last two decades. established Hotel Venus which soon became Once earned the fame for its rich cultural a favourite destination for tourists, travellers heritage and architectural excellence through and vacationers. In the year 1974 Mr. K. its noticeable temples and forts, the city is Mohanan becoming a major trading centre and ambitious boy from Kerala joined Mr. K. commercial hub because of urban sprawl Raghvan who was supposed to be his with an exponential rate of growth. The city maternal uncle. Mr. Mohanan soon fell in has witnessed a 30% rise in population in love with the city. After his graduation from the last decade (Census 2011). Average BJB College in 1978, he joined his uncle’s literacy rate of the city is 93%. The city business. Mr. Mohanan had the passion and hosts a plethora of opportunities for appetite to take the business to a next level. amusement, entertainment, shopping and He took active interest in the bakery dining for its dwellers. At the same time the business and led Choice bakery at Bapuji city offers a vast opportunity for the new age Nagar, Bhubaneswar. In due course choice entrepreneurs to set up and develop their bakery was renamed as Essar Bakery. a young, flamboyant and business. Such opportunities are aptly Mr. K. Mohanan, born on 30th October 1956 visualised and harnessed by Essar Bakery. at Tellacherry, Kerala married P.V.Sunila and The foundations of Essar Bakery can be they have two children Ms. Simna and Mr. traced back to 1965, when the city was lush Rohit. Mr. Mohanan ventured into hotel and green; the streets were less congested and bakery business since 1980. He is gregarious neat. The inhabitants of the city were mostly and has deep interest in watching movies, government employees. During that time, making friends, spending time with family Mr. K. Raghvan, a dynamic, suave and soft and visiting places. spoken gentleman sensed the opportunity of tourism and travel in the city and the The success of Esssar Bakery resulted in business opportunity along with that. He coming up with another manufacturing unit then established Sajitha and Choice Bakery to scale up business at Rameshwarpatna in 18 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES 1996 and the other one in the year 2009 at leading to rising prices of raw materials Chandaka Industrial Estate. It had also along with competition in the bakery opened six retail outlets to sell the products business. But as it is said a smooth ocean to the customers directly. The names are as never makes great sailors. Mr. Mohanan is follows, focused and determined to face the odds and Venus bakery Venus Cake Venus Café Learnings Venus Hotel Mr. Mohanan is now experienced and Sensation realizes the competition and changing Venus Next landscape of bakery market in the city. To strive to improve upon them. Today Essar Bakery makes several items withstand in a competitive market, one like Breads, Cakes, Pastries, Cookies, needs to be innovative in diversifying the Toasts, Patties, Sandwiches, Buns, Burgers, products as per the changing choice of Pizzas, Tikkas (veg and paneer) and samosa customers and introduce new technology to to fill the cravings of the masses. The total minimise wastage and reduce cost. He is annual revenue generated is approximately optimistic about the future of Essar Bakery. at 20 million INR. With all the pressure and rigour of work, Mr. Mohanan learnt that through humility and a Challenges faced paternalistic The initial years were full of challenges as workforce can emerge. He is a firm believer the market opportunities for bakery items of training workers to adopt new skills. The were less and there were hardly any retail staff describes him as a hard task master outlets selling exclusive bakery items. The with a soft heart. Among the trust and salesman had to sell the items door to door. confidence The manufacturing facility was small at customers, retailers and suppliers, the Bapuji Nagar and scaling up of business was bakery unthinkable appreciation due to financial resource has approach, of thousands received for Mohanan recollects as with higher rate of VAT (13.5% on food Items) and inflation 19 a committed of happy certificate participating Masterline cake festival. constraints. The recent challenges as Mr. a in of the SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES Happiness to customers by providing Future of the business ready to eat quality products to keep Mr. Mohanan is optimistic about the future pace with the challenging city life of Essar bakery. In its expansion plans, Building confidence for Suppliers Essar Bakery is planning to start another Tax Earnings for Government manufacturing unit at Khurdha industrial Stake holder Value Creation estate. Essar also faces competition from Responsible Citizenship Behavior other players like Mongines, Cookies, Café Coffee Day and local bakery shops, Advice to future entrepreneurs squeezing profit margins. The impact of Mr. Mohanan believes the entrepreneurial Government tax policy on bakery products landscape in bakery business is healthy but (including higher rate of VAT, at 13.5% on the young entrepreneurs must be open to food items) and rising inflation have led to technological advancement in improving rising cost of raw materials. operation to reduce wastages and cost. Impact of the business: The bakery business has a large impact on the lifestyle of the people of the city and the employees who are engaged in it. It provides: Smiles on employees the by faces of providing poor them livelihood opportunities Prof. Subhendu Mishra 20 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES BHARAT PETROLEUM Mr. Shushil Kumar Sharma is a dynamic, Why Petroleum and its Associated hardworking and successful business man. Business? Born on 4th May 1963 in a small village Petroleum and its associated business is very called Kantia in Jatni area under Khurda attractive district honed his business skills and a requirement and risk-return analysis. This discerning eye to assess the opportunities business is flourishing in India and the available for businesses and their growth. country is obtaining rich sources of revenue He has become a flourishing businessman out of this. One of the major reasons behind by virtue of his dedication, devotion, growth of this business is the rapid upsurge intuition, amicable of the vehicle density in India. Among the dealings. Mr. Sharma, son of Late Dwarika leading corporations associated in this Prasad Sharma, a Graduate in Commerce business, Bharat Petroleum Corporation and Law, had more than 10 years of Limited (BPCL) is more popular because of experience in transport, grain and pulses its customer service and product diversities. trading business. Mr. Sharma after analyzing the business introspection and considering the capital opportunities ventured into this. Shree Paschimasombhu Fuels and Lubes, established by Mr. Sharma, is an outlet of Bharat Bharat Limited traces its history to 1928 when the Burmah (BPCL). It is located at Kantia, 10 kms away Shell Oil Storage & Distribution Company from the district headquarters of Khurda and of India was incorporated in England to 12 kms from the city of Bhubaneswar. Now, enter the petroleum products business in a major junction connecting Pipili, Puri, India. The business of the Company grew Konark, Delang, Bhubaneswar, Khurda and substantially given the international backing Nayagarh. strategic of Shell and it achieved the leadership advantages and has huge business potential position in India. In 1952, Shell and Burmah for a petrol refilling centre. Oil Petroleum This Corporation location has Petroleum Company set Corporation up (BPCL) Burmah Shell Refineries in Mumbai. The entire operations 21 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES of Burmah Shell in India were nationalized emerging as a major junction, better in 1976 and the refinery and Marketing business is expected. Frequent disruption in Companies were merged to form BPCL in power supply adds to the misery of the 1st August 1979. refilling centre. As Jatni market is expanding, more competition is expected to Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) is the rise. Lack of manpower sometimes worries second largest oil refining and marketing Mr. Sharma to carry out effective day to day company in the country. It has bagged the operation. fuel supply contract for Kerala State Electricity Board's Kozhikode diesel power Learnings project at Nallalam. Recently it has signed After more than one decade of struggles and an MOU with LG Chem South Korea for a skirmishes in number of businesses, Mr. Joint Venture to set up a petrochemical plant Sharma feels happy and confident with this adjacent to its Kochi refinery Complex. business. Mr. Sharma realized that adoption of modern technology and updated Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited is knowledge helps a business to grow. With good in product marketing. It has given his much importance to its customers. It has Administration, Mr. Sharma is quite hopeful introduced the ‘smart-card’ technology at to expand his business with his son as an retail outlets in Chennai. The company has associate. son graduating in Business launched 'Smart fleet', a programme for fleet owners and operators. The company has Future of the business introduced 'Petro card', a customer loyalty Though Mr. Sharma is a promising and programme, and enrolled over 2.25 lakh revolutionary entrepreneur, still sometimes customers by the end of March 2001. he worries about the sales at the outlet. He says “the sales in outlet are positive and we Challenges faced are taking serious steps to keep our sales Even after a long association in business, active”. Leveraging on the advantages of the Mr. Sharma faced few major challenges. As location, his challenge is to offer fast and the place was not a high population density efficient services to customers. He has plans area, business was not constant. Now to have more number of dedicated staff. Mr. 22 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES Sharma is also planning to adopt scientific and other stakeholders are essential way of doing business to reap maximum to succeed in the business. benefit. Above all Mr. Sharma is very Spirit, commitment and positive in handling all adverse situations in professionalism is the key for any near future. entrepreneur. Impact of the business Mr. Sharma is very enthusiastic about his Some of the key impacts of this business in business. His leadership quality along with the immediate environment include: local reputation has helped him to create a Providing the much needed access to value added enterprise. fuels and lubricants in the semiurban area. Creating employment opportunities for the local youth. Providing opportunities to other business units to grow in the near vicinity. Advice to future entrepreneurs For any business, a detailed plan needs to be drawn considering both internal and external forces. Prior knowledge and relationship Prof. Bhagabat Barik with company personnel, customers 23 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES BODY CARE GYM Mr. Swain is married and lives in a joint Sunday or Monday, morning or evening, family along with parents and two older Kanti Babu is full of life and energy. Being a brothers. After graduation, he chose to enrol lively person, one will always find him on for PG programme in Yoga and Naturopathy the move. Kanti Ranjan Swain, a man of at the Utkal University. Finally, his passion dedication and determination, has a flair for for sports came alive with the opening of sports and athletics that made him choose a Bodycare Gym in Bhubaneswar in the year career option, which few people will dare. 2001. Initially, Bodycare Gym provided Apart from a black belt in taekwondo and workout on machines and then slowly winner of four gold medals at national level, initiated some other aspects of services like he is able to prove himself as a capable Aerobics, Yoga etc. boxer. Luck plays an important part in each one’s life. Despite getting a golden Why Bodycare Gym? opportunity to be a part of the prestigious Unlike many sports persons aspiring for a Feather River Academy, California, he was secured government job, Mr. Swain decided unable to progress his career in Taekwondo to provide health care and wellness services due to financial constraints. Being guided to people by launching a Gym. The growing and mentored by some of the best coaches of awareness of a sizable number of people in India like Javed Khan at national level and Bhubaneswar about physical, psychological Biswajeet Mohanty at State level, to his bad fitness requirement in a stressful city life luck he could not make it to Olympics for provided the much needed thrust to consider Taekwondo as this was not in the list of the business. Olympics games basket. A sportsman is defined from his sportsmanship spirit and He was also aware of the dearth of well- attitude. Mr. Swain is also no exception. He equipped gym and trainers in Bhubaneswar. preferred to open a gym to make his dream a Kanti Babu is a perfect example having the reality. splendid combination of Know-How and Do-How in this area. He was confident of earning a good amount from the new 24 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES initiative, thus he started the business with fitness and misconception that gyms were an initial investment of Rs. 20 Lakhs. He meant for body building. Now, the increased invested Rs. 10 Lakhs from his own capital competition and cost minimization are major and took a loan of Rs. 10 Lakh from bank. challenges. This reminds us of a famous quote “Where there is a will there is a way”. The Gym Learnings achieved its success due to: Mr. Swain says “life is a learning process fewer competitors having proper and change is the only constant”. So, we equipment have to adapt our business accordingly. But and trained/ skilled instructors; quality is one area where one cannot afford Mr. Swain’s proficiency pertaining to to technical education on Yogic Science formulation and implementation is the key and Naturopathy; learning for this business to sustain. He very Initiation of Yoga and Dancing clearly Aerobics for the first time in strategies for success. Bhubaneswar; on four important The focus should be retaining the Introducing schemes during slack season Introduction of a Special Spa and Body Massaging; highlights strategy existing customer base. Lifestyle counselling to youngsters through customer specific diet chart compromise. Thus, proper Fixing price as per the service availed by the customer Facilities like separate changing rooms for ladies and gents, a juice Retaining the trainers who are already groomed. parlor inside the gym and safe racks to place helmet, key rings and mobile phones, and availability of Future of the business proper parking place. The key focus of Mr. Swain is to sustain more inflow of customers and to take the Challenges faced business to a higher level. He is very Mr. Swain faced considerable challenges in positive that with growing interest of people this business as there was lack of awareness after approximately 10 years Gyms in among majority of the people regarding Bhubaneswar will be successful. 25 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES Activities like yoga and aerobics should be given more focus as they are natural way of Impact of the business keeping an individual fit. As stated “Health Some of the key impacts of the business are- is wealth”. Gyms should not be designed for The gym emphasizes more on yoga the purpose of profit rather it should focus and aerobics which leads to less on creating a healthy individual that in turn consumption of electricity. will create a healthy State and Country It provides diet chart to each of the eventually. Kanti Babu feels that there is a customers can great need for W.H.O, Health Departments understand their body requirement of Government and NGOs to carry out and eat accordingly. sensitization programs. At the same time he It helps to ensure holistic fitness for suggests that the Government should make it individuals. mandatory to go for proper certification and Mr. Swain provides counseling to documentation process before allowing a teenagers as well as adults about Gym to operate as there are many Gyms lifestyle so that they can have a which do not have trained instructors and proper balance between professional proper equipment. so that they and personal life. Help yourself to become Energetic, Active Advice to future entrepreneurs and feel Light. Thus, it reminds me of a The sole advice to the future generation is to famous quote: “if wealth is lost nothing is be natural, careful and provide quality lost, but if health is lost everything is lost”. fitness service. The Gyms should focus on Your body needs extra care! Please take quality trainers. The future generation care. should act as eye opener and plan out strategies accordingly to make the public Prof. Pooja Patnaik aware about what true fitness means. 26 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES JAGADAMBA RETAIL Pradeep Agarwal seems to be very kinds of textile products like sarees, kids unassuming at the surface when someone wear, men’s wear and fabrics of various sees him for the first time, but beneath that reputed international and national brands lies an assertive, confident and self-reliant like Raymond’s, Digjam, Arvind Mills, person, who believes that there is no short Manyavar, Peter England, Killer, Monte cut to success. It only comes with hard Carlo, Duke etc., to create value for work, dedication and honesty. He was born customers and make a difference by offering in the year 1968. He had a knack for doing genuine and branded products to customers. business as academic excellence was not his cup of tea. So, after passing intermediate, he Mr. Pradeep Agarwal focused on cost joined his uncle’s garment business to hone cutting right from the start of the business as his skills in business and later on decided to he was not having enough funds to spend. start his own business. He established He believed on his hard work and dedication “Jagadamba” family store in Jatni dealing to with sale of all kinds of textiles and merchandise garments. It was conceived in the year 1991 choice. He started his shop in a limited by Mr. Pradeep Kumar Agarwal who is the space with less rent and without any kind of sole proprietor of this business. At the support of sales staff. The business started beginning he was only dealing with sale of growing year after year with capital growth sarees. His initial investment was very less and sales growth and leading to goodwill as he did not have a huge fund to start the growth. His success mantra was based on business. Later, he expanded the business variety and reasonable price which appealed with financial support (loan) from Punjab to the customers at large. From a modest National Bank, Jatni. He has recently added beginning he has taken Jagadamba to a level two exclusive outlets of Peter England and where it has reached now as among the top K-lounge to his business. His area of retailer in Jatni with customers flocking operations is currently limited to Jatni. Since from nearby places. It has built a reputation last 10 years Jagadamba has seen a steady of its own in the industry as well as the growth in its business with growth rate at customers and public at large. around 10% per annum. It is dealing with all 27 grow his business. according He to stocked customer’s SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES Why this Retail Business? Key learnings As the financial conditions of his family did He learnt that honesty and complete not allow him to study further he joined his dedication are two major pillars for success uncle’s take in any business. One has to be honest with responsibility of his family on his young all the stakeholders of the business. Proper shoulders. After learning the tricks of the planning and management of day to day trade from his uncle’s business, he could operations has to be done with utmost care identify the demand of genuine and branded in order to create the much needed brand goods in Jatni. As it was not available in image. Finally, the objective has to be Jatni, people used to depend upon the selling quality product at affordable price Bhubaneswar market for shopping. With (value for money). business. He wanted to moral support from his father Mr. Jagdish Prasad Agarwal and uncle Mr. Sitaram Future of the business Agarwal he decided to start his own Mr. Pradeep Agarwal plans to develop his business. business and network in retail and textiles all over Odisha. He wants the Jagadamba Challenges faced brand to grow all over Odisha. He has also From the many challenges he faced the plans for moving into manufacturing and major ones are related to: developing and designing his own brands of Finance and arrangement of funds at textiles and garments which will give him a the inception and growth stage of unique competitive advantage. He wants to the business; achieve this in the next 5years from now. He Managing and coordinating with has also plan to have a tailoring unit to cater suppliers from diverse locations and to the demands of many customers. But at honoring the commitments; and the heart of everything he has a desire and Creating and building a brand image willingness to provide genuine products to customers and to do business honestly. of “Jagadamba” among customers and to counter competition. 28 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES Impact of the business Advice to future entrepreneurs Jagadamba as a business house has social as Mr. Pradeep Agarwal with his experience well as economic impact in the sense that it and knowledge in the field has some advice has resulted in a change of mind set of for future aspiring young entrepreneurs. people in general towards organized retail. It has provided employment opportunities to many people in the nearby area. It has also Work with dedication to fulfil dreams in life. changed the mind-set of other entrepreneurs Do genuine and honest work. in giving them the confidence that they can Nothing is impossible if you have also achieve something like it if they work single minded determination and hard and with honesty. It is also helping kids focus on your work. by giving donation to them and helping He is also member of various social clubs them in their education in nearby area. and organization in this area like the That’s how Jagadamba has set a shining Marwari club and the Rotary club. He example for others to emulate. spends his spare time contributing to various social causes. Mr. Pradeep Agarwal is a Mr. Pradeep Agarwal is never after any shining example of an entrepreneur who has award. However, he received many awards faced so many challenges and has come out for his excellence in business. To enumerate in flying colours and has made a name of his few own as well as Jagadamba in Jatni and other Best management in Odisha for nearby areas in the minds of the customer as 3years well as the general public. from Odisha Textile Association Best seller in Odisha by Pan America He is leaving a legacy of his own for others brand of clothing in the year 2002 to follow and emulate. As he says in his own Awards from All India Merchants words “Nothing is impossible if you dare to Textile Association for customer dream and go after it with full dedication support. and focus”. Prof. Prashant Chopdar 29 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES BOB N HARRY’S Delighting the customers with delicious Why Bakery Business? bakery products, BOB N HARRY’S is Mr. Hari said “When we thought of starting known as one of the finest bakers in a business, it was quite a difficult task to Bhubaneswar. It is a specialist in preparing identify the appropriate one”. After carrying various types of Biscuits, Cookies, Cakes, out quite a bit of research, they found out Breads and many other products that suit the that essentials would be always in demand taste buds of the consumers. Started in the i.e., Roti, Kapda and Makan. Since finance year 1997, BOB N HARRY’S is known as was major constraint for them, they tried to one of the leading manufacturer, retailer of a find out a business where working capital wide assorted bakery items. requirement and working capital cycle would be comparatively less. They scanned Mr. Hari Prasad Sharma and Mr. Biswa the Ranjan Acharya aged about 43 years are Bhubaneswar and found very few players in friends from their school days. Both of them bakery industry which had a huge growth were engaged in different industries prior to potential as people’s eating habit was the beginning of this enterprise. After undergoing change to cope up with the busy completing their PGDM, Mr. Hari was and fast moving city life. They determined teaching Financial to start bakery business even though they Management and Biswa Ranjan was into had no experience on this. Both of them did sales and marketing. They could not utilize a short term course from IHM, Bhubaneswar their potential properly while working with which was a pre-requisite to sanction loan different organizations. This realization from the bank. To start this business their germinated becoming Parents, Bank of India, SIDBI and friends entrepreneur in them and culminated in the were key supporters. They started with their creation of BOB N HARRY’S. own contribution and some amount of loan Accounts the seed and of then business environment of from a bank. The mission of the enterprise is, as stated by Mr. Hari, “to serve fresh products, ensure warm environment, great 30 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES value and friendly service to make the make cakes, biscuits, breads etc. and one to customer simply feel good”. assist them in the retail store. The enterprise Challenges faced has received many awards, among which it They started the business with initial is worth to mention that it won 2nd and 3rd investment of Rs. 12 lakhs and one position in all Odisha bakers competition employee in the workshop. They were held by Institute of Hotel Management managing the store without engaging any Bhubaneswar for two consecutive years employee at the beginning which was a 2007 and 2008. difficult and strenuous task. Mr. Hari says, “Entrepreneurship sounds glamorous but it Learnings involves a lot of hard work. It leaves one They had learned that dealing in low cost with almost no time for anything else”. They and high volume perishable products like had to engage themselves in the store or in bakery items, sales in time is the key factor. the workshop from 9.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m. Hard work and determination is the key for Another major challenge at the beginning of success in business. There will be many the business was over capitalization. They hindrances or distraction factors since the struggled a lot to overcome that challenge. inception of any business. But one needs to After two years business in 1999 when super pursue the objectives cyclone hit the coastal area of Odisha, the difficulties. and tackle the business was affected very badly. For about a year and half they suffered a lot due to Future of the business decrease in sales and increase in wastage. They adhere to the philosophy that “no work Gradually, the business picked up. is small”. Now, they want to scale up the business and go for franchisee model in near Today the enterprise is a well-known name future. among the people of Bhubaneswar. The present worth of this enterprise is around Rs. Impact of the business 50 lakhs and the annual turnover is With rapid growth and changing taste of approximately Rs. 40 lakhs. They achieved people, an annual growth rate of 15%. They have popularity among masses. The bakery employed 3 persons in the workshop to industry has achieved third position in 31 bakery products have gained SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES generating revenue among the processed and add value to the society by accepting food sector. The business is able to cater to challenges’. Generate employment for you the needs of middle income consumers who as well as for others. By doing this you will want varieties of food and an improved help the society. You have to set clear goals living standard in busy fast moving city life. and objectives when you set out with an It provided the much needed low price and enterprise. If those goals and objectives are high nutrient value products. not met within a set time frame then you should pull out. Entrepreneurship is about building value around a business idea. Advice to future entrepreneurs Finally the owners of this successful enterprise advise that ‘be an entrepreneur Prof. Somabhusana J. Mishra 32 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES MAA UGRATARA FOOD PRODUCTS monthly basis. He supplies his product to In the year 2000, Mr. Panda at the age of 25 local whole sellers, vendors and retailers started his venture ‘Maa Ugratara Food directly. The price of Mr. Panda’s product is Products’ at Badakumari, Bolgarh, Khurda 35% - 40% less as compared to the other in his own residential building. Initially, he players like Ruchi, Saurastra and Bharata. was manufacturing only mixture products The price of the products ranges from Rs. 60 keeping eye on the local market. After three to Rs. 90 per Kg. The turnover of the years from the inception of Maa Ugratara business is Rs. 50 lakhs per month. But Mr. Food started Panda says that he requires only Rs. 4 lakhs manufacturing more snacks items like for a smooth operation. The policy of Mr. Mudki, Tara and Chips. Now he is having Panda is not to store stocks (raw material or variety of Mixture products (Like Jaae finished goods) in his storehouse. He is Mixture, Dali Mixture, Special Mixture and practising the management strategy of Just Chips). in Time (Toyotism). He counts each day as a Products, Mr. Panda manufacturing cycle, the success mantra for Mr. Panda born in a Brahmin family in his venture. Now, Mr. Panda has employed 4 Badakumari Panchagada workers in the business and indirectly Prangana, known for the peasant militia continues to help a number of people for (Paika) of Odisha, is under the Bolgarh income generation. Mr. Santosh, a vendor, block of Khordha district. Mr. Panda is the opined that he had been selling the Maa third child of Mrs. Haramani Panda and Mr. Ugratara Food Products for the last 5 years Nilakantha Panda. He was academically but never found any disturbance in supply of poor but had a passion to become a business product. village of man. That unceasing passion for business developed in him as a child made him to be Why Dry Food products? a leading manufacturer of Mixture in the Though he was not well trained or had any block of Bolgarh and Begunia. experience in mixture firm yet the cooking style of his mother inspired him a lot to start Currently Maa Ugratara Food Product this venture. He found that the local mixture manufactures and sells 50 quintal mixture on products available in the market were not 33 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES having good taste and quality. People of the Key learnings locality were not able to buy the expensive Great willpower and goodwill of all branded mixtures to satisfy their taste buds. stakeholders can make an entrepreneur Finding the gap of a quality product which is successful. To have goodwill one needs to also less expensive, Mr. Panda started the be ethical in all business dealings. business with an initial investment of Rs. 20,000. Future of the business As the market is open for all players and all His dedication to work and his parents products, Mr. Panda is planning to add more support in the factory will be an example in products in his basket, widen the area of our area, one of the villagers Mr. Jagdish operation and streamlining the distribution Nayak noted. channel. Challenges faced Impact of the business The main challenge faced by Mr. Panda was It provides a training ground for regarding capital from banks. He could not young avail loan from bank and borrowed the interested to enter into the same money with higher interest rate from a field. private money lender to start his business. Availability of skilled manpower and entrepreneurs who are It provides directly and indirectly employment opportunities for rural modern techniques was another challenge youth. for him. However, marketability of his product was never a challenge for him. As Advice to future entrepreneurs big players are entering into the local One has to dream and make an action plan markets, now Mr. Panda feels that to survive to turn it into reality. There is not a single in the business he needs to adopt modern formula to be successful. But one has to technologies to make the product cost recognise the mistakes in business and learn effective. from it to become successful. Prof. Prakash Kumar Pradhan 34 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES BAJRANG PLANT RESOURCES AND RESEARCH In a techno-savvy era, educated youth are B.Sc (CBZ) from NSM City College moving toward a materialistic world. They Cuttack in the year 1999 and then joined in a are showing less interest in welfare of course from GNIIT. After completion of his people as well as development of rural degree, he joined a Bangalore based IT sector. About 800 million people live in company. He worked there for 1 year and India’s rural areas, which lack agricultural returned to Odisha and joined a CA firm as a infrastructure and skilled jobs. In such a project manager and continued for 7 years. scenario in 2011 a young man, Haraprasan But his passion for agriculture compelled Nayak at the age of 31, started a horticulture him to quit the job. nursery in the name of ‘Bajrang Plant Resources and Research’ in the rural area In his words, “I had a passion for agriculture keeping income even when I was child. I don't know how my generation opportunities to the people. He love for agriculture started but I was always started his project in ‘Byree’ an unknown a nature lover. When I see my grandfather village which is 20 kms away from Cuttack. working in the garden, I always feel in mind to provide cherished”. Although Mr. Nayak was born and brought Why Horticulturist? up in the city, he has an emotional relation with this village. His grandfather Dr. The passion towards agriculture found Nagendranath Nayak, former Chief District expression in the year 2011, when he took Medical Officer, Cuttack was born in this the challenge to explore his dream in the village and spent his post-retirement life to village Byree with 2 acres of semi-arid land. help the poor people in the said area. He Having keen interest in different kinds of built a health center to provide free health flora prompted him to bring greenery in the services to the people. semi-arid lands of the region. He found that the hilly barren lands can provide livelihood Mr. Haraprasan Nayak is the eldest son of to the village farmers by growing cashew Dr. Chittaranjan Nayak (Cardiologist, SCB plantation. However, there was no nursery in Medical College). Mr. Nayak completed his the near vicinity to provide quality cashew 35 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES plants in the area to be grown. This inspired His nursery deals with grafting of both him to make an initial investment of Rs. 10 cashew plants and mango plants. Mr. Nayak lakhs to establish a nursery. The capital was uses the v-grafting method in his nursery. He funded by his father Dr. C.R. Nayak. Dr. uses healthy and vigorous root stock and Nayak said, “When I saw his passion scions from desirable cultivars. His method towards agriculture, I suddenly decide to is otherwise known as saddle graft. This is give money to materialize his dreams”. like an inverted apical-wedge graft, with the rootstock forming the V shaped end (cuts 1 Challenges and 2) and the scion forming the slit for it to fit into (cuts 3 and 4). This makes it appear To develop the nursery in a semi-arid land that the scion is sitting on top of the the major challenge he faced was scarcity of rootstock like a saddle. These results in a water. To solve the problem he depended on strong union as a large amount of the groundwater. Labor problem was another internal stem surfaces are united, but it’s challenge in this area. Frequent occurrence critical to make the cuts match, which makes of natural disasters and invasion by wild it difficult to do. animals like elephants and wild boar was a perennial threat to the nursery. He never Future of the business stopped his work and continuously strived to face the challenges. He says that “If one Apart from this project, he is doing research keeps faith in God and carried out the work on hybridizing plants, especially Rose. He with has grown rose plants successfully from dedication then problems will automatically vanish”. seeds. His dream is to conduct research in in-vitro propagation of medicinal plants with his sister Smitaparimita Nayak, who is doing research on medicinal plants. He has plans Now the worth of the nursery is Rs. 3 crore. to develop a medicinal plant nursery and “I never thought that I would earn profit orchard. He has also keen interest in from this business rather I started the photography. He is well known nature nursery to develop greenery and provide photographer opportunities of livelihood to the rural in both national and international level. His amazing photographs people” Mr. Nayak says. 36 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES can be seen in the website “treknature.com” Nayak. Responding to a question related to with his ID- ‘Haraprasan’. advice for the future generation, he says, “You should keep faith in yourself, be a Impact of the business hardworking person, concentrate on your job and accept the existence of God to fulfill The market demands for these grafts are your dreams”. One needs to understand the high in the state. Basically he supplies to the nutrients state level nurseries and he is trying to become a successful social entrepreneur by Not only has Mr. Nayak created a niche for 2020” he replies to a question related to his himself in the social entrepreneur sphere but future vision. His effort provided a source of also he became the role model for the young livelihood and afforestation in the barren of creating and to become a successful farmer. to supply grafts” he says. “My dream is to vision growth plant diseases and pesticides is also needed will get approval from the state government His for development of plants. A fair knowledge of supply to the government. “This year we lands. requirement people in that area. Basically, he is a good more person and full of confidence to achieve the employment opportunities for the rural goal, say friends and relatives. Through this people is fructifying. remarkable project he can bring changes in the mind-set of the educated youth in rural Advices to future entrepreneurs as well as urban areas. At the end we wish “Farming is charming but the only thing that him all success in life. it requires is full of dedication and persistent hard-work without any leisure” says Mr. Prof. Kshitish Kumar Khuntia 37 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES CHAPAN BHOG- A SWEET SHOP Mr. Subrat Mohanty, a Management “I started my business with Rs.1 lakh taken Graduate from Fore School of Management as short-term personal loan from ICICI bank in 1992 developed a keen interest to be an with interest rate of 15%” says Mr. entrepreneur while working in East-West Mohanty. He feels that the key supporters Airlines. The Airline ceased its operation in are his customers for the growth of his 1997 and Mr. Mohanty returned to Odisha to business. Mr. Mohanty says “We have been start a mineral water business under the recommended by our initial customers to banner of Green Life. The venture failed and others, due to our quality products, honesty he became bankrupt. “My father was very in dealings, cordial behavior and prompt dissatisfied and wanted me to return back to services”. Delhi to do a job there”, says Mr. Mohanty. But, one failure could not stop Mr. Mohanty Challenges faced to become an entrepreneur. He rejuvenated In this winter, while sitting on an arm chair, his energy by analysing the problems faced taking a cup of coffee and going down in the mineral water business and convinced memory lane, Mr. Mohanty reiterated that his father to start a new business in the food during the journey of these 10 years, the sector. major challenges faced and overcome in sustaining the entrepreneurship were: Why food business? With a small survey he could find that food Maintaining hygiene and procuring quality ingredients; is the only sector where there is more chance of business survival. So, he approached his Paucity of skilled and dedicated manpower; father to give his garage to start a “Mithaii” shop named as “Chhappan Bhog”. After Unhealthy business practices amongst competing entrepreneurs. some inhibitions, his father allowed him to use the garage for the purpose. From the Key learnings beginning his father used to warn him that a Mr. Mohanty perceives that without learning Mithaii shop in a residential area would not life ceases. So, he constantly keeps himself work. abreast of different culinary practices by 38 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES attending seminars, conferences and training achievement rests on his staff members. He programs nationally and internationally. He says, “If they are happy, they will make me learned that one needs to continuously invest happy and strive to achieve the excellence. in business. Accumulation of money is the This is where I will build my competitive major drawback for business. The moment advantage”. While interacting with staff one starts accumulating the downfall of the members, one of them employees said, “We business starts. believe that Baba (Mr. Mohanty) strengthens our social security and will by providing PF Impact of business and ESI to all of us. So, it becomes our The impact of the business can be traced by responsibility observing the employment opportunities business.” Chhappan Bhog’s popularity can created for many. be assessed by the stories covered by, to strengthen Baba’s Aajtak, Zee TV and NDTV. Future Plans Advice to future entrepreneurs Mr. Mohanty has expanded his business by opening different branches in Bhubaneswar When and opening Namkeen and dibba sweets asked to advise the future entrepreneurs, Mr. Mohanty suggests, the factory in Rasulgarh. He constantly persists following: on providing hygienic and qualitative food 1. Always be confident, be generous to to customers. Mr. Mohanty proudly says that mankind this year he is one of the highest sales-tax 2. Be committed, be truthful. payers among the competitors. He is 3. Understand the importance of time. planning to open few more branches. 4. Have patience. For future entrepreneurs, I would suggest “Do not accumulate money. It is the In the year 2009, Mr. Subrat Mohanty drawback of business”. The moment you do received the Entrepreneur’s Award from Journalist Association for it, the downfall of business starts, says Mr. maintaining Mohanty. hygienic ambience, honesty, transparency Mr. Subrat Mohanty does not want to and commitment in business. Mr. Mohanty publicize himself, so he does not discuss believes that the key factor leading to his much about his social work. According to 39 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES him, God has made him efficient to help Dr. Rath, a local resident of Jayadev Vihar. others and not to boast about it. On “We have been offering sugar-free sweets insistence, he revealed with shyness, that keeping an eye on the health conscious 20% of his income is spent on social work. people of the city and now, we are trying to “My family members and relatives always be the top in packaging sweets in Odisha”, purchase sweets, bakery, snacks and meals says Mr. Mohanty confidently. (without onion-garlic) from Chhappan-Bhog due to its incredible taste and quality”, says Prof. Monalika Rath 40 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES RAJAMONI FOODS my son, I took the plunge into the business Arisha Pitha, the customary “cake” of to earn some money”. While Tara cooked Odisha, is now a marketable commodity. It the Pithas day in and day out, her son went has transcended the state boundaries and around marketing. “Sadly we ended up finding place amongst the delicacies of other earning nothing, but it did catch the fancy of states. In Bengal it is called as ‘Anand Pithe’ some customers who tasted the Pithas. We which is on the verge of extinction from the began getting orders from marriage parties, state, but it has survived in our state. It may families and friends,” she said. be due to the association of this homemade cake with every auspicious occasion and As orders mounted, a worker from Salepur, festival in Odia culture. Cuttack district was hired. Business took off and the worker strength rose from one to Behind this lies the enduring enterprising three in her small makeshift factory adjacent spirit of Tara Das. For her this began as a to way of tiding over her personal and financial Bhubaneswar. The product, labelled as adversities and has culminated into a proper ‘Rajamoni’, packed with five cakes was corporate venture. “I had to sustain my endorsed by almost every big shop selling family and medical expenses of my ailing snacks in the city. her house in Sailashree Vihar, husband. With no options, I decided to Why this business and Success Storyline encash on my culinary skills, especially preparing traditional Odia cakes which I was Started with two kg of rice and two kg of best at” says a proud Tara. jaggery, now her daily requirements of raw materials has reached to fifty kg of rice, She, along with her husband Sachidananda forty five kg of jaggery and twenty litres of Das, two daughters and a son moved to vegetable oil. She sells around two thousand Bhubaneswar from Delhi in early 1994 after her husband underwent pieces of Arisa Pitha on any given day. The kidney production touches three thousand per day transplantation. “But my husband’s illness continued and his recurring during festive occasions and the auspicious medical wedding seasons. Each Arisa weighs around expenses nearly milked us dry. Along with hundred gram, and costs Rs.7/- per piece. 41 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES She also prepares a special kind of Arisa also helping me a lot in preparing Arisa Pitha that is made from Desi Ghee which Pitha she said. My son is helping me in costs Rs.16/- per piece. Other than Arisa every walk of life”, she told. Pitha, she also prepares Laddu, Namkins, Khira Gaja etc. The delicacies prepared Challenges faced from rice powder and jaggery, can be She attributes her success to her secret preserved for at least one month in any method of preparing and mixing the season. ingredients. “In order to make the cakes taste differently from others we prepare a Das claims that it is hectic lifestyle of different mixture of jaggery with right today’s world that is stopping people from proportion of water”, she says with great making the Pitha, which involves intricate deal of satisfaction. The cakes come with a and time consuming methods. “Arisa Pitha” crispy crust and soft inside. But fate tested has almost vanished from household in the her patience when workers in her factory state. People have become so busy that they duped her and started their own parallel do not get the time needed to prepare the business. They not only hijacked her trade dish, so I have been trying to keep the secret but also marketed the cakes with the tradition alive”, she said. Residents of the look-alike city agree with Das, “I make Arisa Pitha at whereas home only when I get the time”, said “Rajamoni”. “It hurt me badly. We had to Sanjukta Mishra, a resident of Niladri Vihar. convince shop-owners about the duplicity of “But I never manage to match Tara’s the packets”, said Tara. Incidentally it was preparations. She knows the secret of during the same time that she lost her preparation of the most perfect Arisa Pitha”, husband. She overcame the problem when Mrs. Mishra added. Tara started her business affected labourers from a nearby leather on August 16, 1999 on the day of Ganesh factory arrived at her doorstep for work. Chaturthi. After the death of her husband, her son Siddharth has been providing the much-needed support to the business. “My son has been toiling hard to market the product. I have hired four people, who are 42 label the named original was “Rajlakshmi” named as SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES they earn Rs.10,000/- per day, which Impact of the Business touches Rs.20,000/- during marriage season. Today her Pithas have spread to almost With increase in cost of raw material and every town of the state, as well as other parts labour, Tara and her son are scouting for of the country. Arisa Pitha has gone global, someone who can finance their endeavour. “I receive orders from customers living in She rues that no financial institution nor the US, Germany and Japan. My clients include Government NRI’s, Non-Residents Odias as well as has come forward with financial assistance. “We had approached foreigners,” Das said. So well-known is her the Government to allot us a shop in Ekamra Pitha that Das does not even have to foot the Haat where we can sell as well as promote bill of sending her items by courier to her our cakes, but the Government has paid no overseas customers. Instead, it is her clients heed,” she rued. Das is eager to participate who collect Das’s preparations from friends in various food shows in foreign countries. and relatives who live in Odisha. She “I would like to urge the state tourism bagged many accolades from different department to help me market this mouth- organizations. She has been awarded from watering delicacy in foreign countries” Das IIM, Ahmedabad, under the tag of Shristi said. th Samman on 29 February in the year 2007, Nehru Juba Sansthan in the month of She urges the youth “to work hard, work November dedicatedly, and never say ‘I can’t, rather 2002, and she has been interviewed on many television channels. say I can do this work’. There will be many hurdles in each and every aspect but one has Future of the business to cross it effectively. If one wants to Siddharth, an MBA graduate said, “Our next achieve something then he/ she must do it step is to launch our product in the whole heartedly”. international market” with a vision to be Some Food Facts more successful and a mission to open a chain of outlets with Odia food delicacies, synchronizing with promotion tools of web, Tara began her journey on 16th August 1999. e-marketing. “But the greatest hurdle is the meagre resource” he laments. On an average She makes Arisa Pitha for her clients based in India and abroad. 43 SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES Clients include NRIs, NRO’s, and Foreigners. cakes daily. Das has won awards for making and reviving Odia delicacy. She sells around 2000 pieces of During Festive season, production touches 3000 pieces a day. She operates from her home in the Tara wants to register “Rajamoni Foods” as capital’s Sailashree Vihar. a company and wants to open a second unit Each Pitha weighs around hundred only for large orders. grams and costs Rs.7/-. Special pitha made of Desi Ghee costs Rs.16/-. Prof. Shiv Sankar Das 44