COVER STORY:

VISHWAMITRA INDIA PARIWAR

 

ABOUT SUCCESS STORY OF VISHWAMITRA INDIA PARIWAR ABOUT SUCCESS STORY OF MANOJ KUMAR CHAND

                              ____________________________________________________________________________________

 

Manoj Kumar Chand is an iconoclast, has an egalitarian view of the society, genteel, and is a man of few words. He can be best described as - sanguine, prescient in nature, eclectic in approach and astute in carrying out his business. While he is warm and humble to the core, the art of diplomacy doesn’t please him as he believes in speaking forthrightly. CORPORATE CZARS in its brief sojourn to Kolkata, manages a one-o-one talk with Manoj Kumar Chand, the Chairman of the West Bengal’s fledgling group - “Vishwamitra India Pariwar.”

 

 

‘JAI   VISHWAMITRA’   “VISHWAMITRA

INDIA PARIWAR” 

        

 

“MANOJ KUMAR CHAND:

THE INGENIOUS FINANCIAL WIZARD

INSPIRES GROWTH, 

DIVERSIFICATION & WELFARE”

 

 

“The journey of my enterprise started with Rs. 250/- bicycle. It has been an arduous experience. But, today when I reminisce about the struggle associated with my success, I am filled with humility to be counted amongst west Bengal’s top-notch groups. But, there are many promises to keep, and many milestones to reach before I sleep,” he concludes by quoting from a famous poem.

RISING QUITE HIGH, at a stone’s throw distance from the banks of river Hooghly, is the head-quarters of West Bengal’s leading business empire - ‘Vishwamitra India Pariwar’, and few kilometres away, is Vishwamitra Bhavan, situated at Raniganj; where history awaits with abated breath for this ‘karma yogi’, who had a firm belief in himself, and is the man to watch out for in the next 5-years, as he closes in to inscribe his name in golden words of West Bengal’s success story. The head-quarter appears to be calm and serene just like the waters of this historical river, lapping up the shores of the capital city of Kolkata. Nobody has the slightest inkling that it is just an outward calm. The activities are happening at a frenetic pace in the ubiquitous Vishwamitra group.              

THE BEGINING:

 

The corollary of this burgeoning group is bestowed with cornucopia that follows each of the business growth trajectory of Vishwamita India Pariwar. Manoj Chand started his enterprise journey from Raniganj; on 14^thApril 2009 (Raniganj is barely few kilometres from their landmark ‘Gorkey Terrace’ office in Kolkata). Manoj Chand did not belong to any business background; he worked with Sahara India Pariwar for 14 years.  During his stint with Sahara, he noticed    that    his    immediate    bosses

at Sahara did not keep few commitments of the scheme which were promised to his clients. At one end there ensued an unpleasant argument with his seniors, and on other hand he faced utter embarrassment from his own clients! At that moment he could have easily shrugged his commitment, but he was made of a different metal, even under such circumstances he vowed to make good his commitments. And, paid the pending interest accruing to his client from his own pocket! That day is recorded as ‘the turning point in his life’, little did he know that this destiny’s child had something else stored for him, and his life will change forever…

 

                He made a resolution that - he will never to do any unfair business, will focus unstintingly to commitments or better not commit, while ensuring deadlines. In April 2013, they will complete 4 years, and the pace at which the group is growing can be gauged by the whirlwind 10 branches. Also, the pace of his diversification seems like the man is in hurry to accomplish from the word ‘go’, as if there is a looming storm round the corner. Manoj Chand, a dynamic, simple yet pragmatic professional; is a busy man. Today, the question is not about the survival, but how best he can keep his customers money growing. A man of commitment, he has his sights on the projects started all over West Bengal, and being expanded to other parts of the country…

 

 

VISHWAMITRA INDIA PARIWAR:  SNAPSHOT

 

 

 

  2007 -   Exit from SAHARA INDIA

 

  2008 -   Strategyzing, Planning & arranging funds from angel  investors

 

  2009 -   Started VISHWAMITRA INDIA PARIWAR group      

 

 

 

CUSTOMER’S INTEREST FIRST

                                                                    

He set up branches at Kolkata, Asansol, Durgapur, Giridih, Ukhra, Tishri, Deoghar, Dhanbad, Bokaro, Metiabruz, Andul, Liluah, Barrackpore, Kanchrapara and Garia. “The much name the company has made in this business, is not from the borrowed capital from market but the ground work that has been done, as the speculation was rife”, he quips. “Whatever money is borrowed from public is wisely reinvested in the growing sectors of the economy from time-to-time, to fetch high dividends for the customer Y-O-Y basis”, he adds. Majority of his customer’s have had a long term association with his group,  except  for the new entrants, and have unstinted faith in his abilities. Of course he knows that he can never let them down. Thanks to his pragmatic ways of doing business, nevertheless his astute ways have never proved him wrong yet,  and in turn has made the customers laugh their way to the bank… Many of his customers have endless tales about how their messiah Manoj Chand brought a change to their life, and how they stand better-off as compared to their financial status few years back; such is the cult following this man commands in West Bengal! “It is not that I have never made any financial mistake”, he admits. He welcomes you with a warm yet infectious smile, humbly accepting the issues in office or outside, and getting into the correction mode rather than mulling over it for hours.

 

 

 

“IDEALLY, VERY FEW PEOPLE HAVE BECOME SAINTS AFTER ACCUMULATING WEALTH... MOST OF THEM FORGET WELFARE IN REAL TERMS, RATHER THAN FOR CSR PURPOSE!” – Manoj Chand, Chairman,  Vishwamitra India Pariwar

 

As the talks began more interesting, we noted that the first impression any outsider will have about him would be of an unapproachable, serious or an orthodox personality. But being a sober, man of few words, he would change your outlook towards life, and his child like enthusiasm will enthral you when he unravels his exciting enterprise journey. Anyone would be so engrossed into his awe inspiring story that you would develop goose bumps about the daring turns that shaped his life. And, mind you - any employee exiting Sahara India 5 years back, which was at its helm, to start his own; sounded like committing hara-kiri even to his staunchest well wisher. But, his critics were proved otherwise when they saw him overcome the obstacles slowly but steadily! One meeting will change your perspective about him, and you will wonder the greatness of this person, as he always appear calm and treats you at par with umpteen respect. He doesn’t get his mobile calls screened via his personal secretary; like few fussy CEO’s of India Incorporation usually do...

 

       Manoj Chand is well aware about the expectations and responsibilities  which this 40 + young juggernaut has been carrying on his shoulders, and still remains unwaveringly focused. He shared that he does not let any negativity come in between his growth plans, and likes to meet any challenge head-on, for the best possible interest of his company.`  All his businesses are related to realty either directly or indirectly. Also, the company is planning to enter micro-finance business, and got approval from the SEBI, and is in the final process of list the company on NSE in compliance to the rules laid down by the RBI. And, in Manoj Chand’s words, “if the government permits, we also would enter the banking business at an opportune time.”                

 

         He says, “We plan to keep our investors money safe from any market volatility, we do not invest anywhere besides our core business plan to stick to real estate driven sectors only. So, in regard to making investments, we are a no-no to shares or stock market allurements. Having said that, we do invest in selected mutual funds (MF’s) on a limited days only (per se case-to- case basis), that too for parking any idle fund lying with us, and make 7-8% interest for limited time period. And, when our project begins, we invest the said capital in it  accordingly.”   

 

  

VISHWAMITRA INDIA

 

PARIWAR - PROJECTS

 

& VISION

 

  

As per the Asia Pacific report on 'Emerging trends in Real Estate 2011’, released by Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC) and Urban Land Institute (ULI), India is the most viable investment destination in real estate. Hence, Vishwamitra’s real estate wing has planned various residential and commercial projects to fulfil the demand for residential and office properties in various cities. The growth in these cities is fuelled mainly due to the increase in demand for organized realty, availability of land at affordable prices, state-of-the-art equipments, internationally renowned architects, qualified and experienced technical and engineering team - all committed to enhance the quality of life. Thus, Vishwamitra India Pariwar has set International benchmarks for itself. Satisfying the aspirations of the customers and creating value is the priority of the company. Their projects will also include cineplex, multiplex, integrated townships and commercial complexes, etc. Thus, as per the blueprint and as against the current rock-solid track-record of this group, if the projects are implemented as planned - then the investors stand to gain immensely from this front-runner group under the able stewardship of Manoj Chand.   

 

 

 

 

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

 

LAND DEVELOPMENT

 

 

 

The real estate sector in India is of great importance. According to the report of the Technical Group on Estimation of Housing Shortage, an estimated shortage of 26.53 million houses during the Eleventh Five Year Plan (2007-12) provides a big investment opportunity. Land development industry faces more development regulations and unwieldy approval procedures, ways of removing barriers are more important than ever. With our population growing and land resources limited, planning for future growth is more important than ever. That's why smarter growth techniques are essential.

 

 

SCHOOL & COLLEGE                  

                                   

Vishwamitra Group of schools and colleges aims at creating educational institutes where children - irrespective of their economic background, caste, creed, etc can pursue their studies well in their means.  The school will be spread across abundant open space, ergonomically designed interiors, environment friendly construction, and naturally landscaped playgrounds. Hostel facility includes dormitories, veg & non-veg food, laboratories, computers, etc. The schools and colleges shall have well-stocked library. Vishwamitra’s education eco-system gives much significance to the practical aspect as compared to our contemporaries. A Technical Training centre within the premises of the college will offer vocational courses in air-conditioning, welding, computer hardware and networking. The school will run classes from I-XII. It is affiliated to the council for the Indian School Certificate Examination. The curriculum for ICSE includes - English, Second Languages, Maths, Science, History/Civics, Geography, Economics, Computer Applications, Environmental Education, Technical Drawing Application, Bio-Technology, Physical Education and Commercial Applications. In conformity with the objectives of the school, ‘value education’ forms an essential part of the curriculum. Socially useful productive work (SUPW) as well as work experience is also stressed upon and assessed by the school authorities, as directed by the ICSE council at New Delhi. Co-curricular activities form an important part of the school curriculum. There are three vacations per year basis; Summer, Winter and Puja. Parents are requested to make holiday arrangements, accordingly for Games and Co-curricular activities too. In addition to regular P.T. classes cricket, football, Basketball, Rugby, Chess, Table-Tennis will be played in the school.  Athletics has an important place in the school programme. Co-curricular activities include NCC, dramatics, nature club, interact club, elocution, debating, quiz, yoga, SUPW club, literary society, judo and karate, etc.

 

HOSPITAL

 

India’s economic growth and rapid urbanisation is bringing with it an expected health transition in terms of shifting demographics, increasing ability to afford quality healthcare, changes in morbidity pattern with growing degenerative and lifestyle diseases, and increasing penetration of health insurance. Riding on this wave, the Indian healthcare industry is poised to double from $60 billion to $ 120 billion by 2015, growing at a 15 per cent CAGR. With large number of beds and state-of-the-art infrastructure in India, the Vishwamitra Hospitals Group is projected to be amongst the top 10 healthcare group in Asia, while offering all comprehensive healthcare benefits. The legacy of touching lives stems from four pillars of their philosophy – experience, excellence, expertise and research.  Vishwamitra Hospitals Group unites exceptional clinical success rates and superior technology with centuries-old traditions of eastern care and warmth, as they have a firm belief that the world is an extended family - something their patients would warmly affirm. Thus, the corporate vision is to participate in the creation of healthier lives, within the community, confirming to round-the-clock requirement of the patients to constantly assure and strive to improve their care and service in totality. They wish to create the national model of care through relentless pursuit of unparalleled quality & value to the entire satisfaction of patient, customers and staff. Also, they plan to carry on educational and research activities related to the provision of care.

                A large number of surgeries, called   day-care surgeries, can    now    be performed without the patient having to be admitted at all. This has become a global trend and is expanding throughout the world.  By 2020, 75 per cent of all surgical operations will be carried out in ambulatory surgery centers. The cost advantage of day surgery is best achieved in free-standing centers or totally free-functioning units within hospitals.

 

RETAIL  

 

Burgeoning lifestyle, expansion of stores increase in disposable income and supporting economic factors have paved way for growth of retail industries to $900 billion by 2014, as current sales estimated to be $500 billion in our country. Looking at the market scenario, the group is gearing towards offering an extensive line of product range starting from food & health care, home care, Personal care, home Care, office needs, etc. Also, to enhance the shoppers buying experience, the group shall - envisage various formats of retail, facilitate, bridge alliances with top brands, and surge towards becoming a national player in providing service oriented approach towards its customers; leveraging its strength across the country.

 

HOTEL & RESORT

 

In the due course of time, Vishwamitra Hotels & Resorts will be internationally renowned, and soon be synonymous for providing; the right blend of luxury, warmth and profound efficiency. With iconic properties, it shall connect unique emotional quotient with the Indian & Internationale’ traveller, spanning the length and breadth of the country, gracing important industrial towns, cities, beaches, hill stations, historical and pilgrim centres and wildlife destinations, etc. Vishwamitra Hotel hotel offers the luxury of service, the apogee of Indian hospitality, vantage locations, modern amenities and business facilities. According to the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness report of 2012 by the World Economic Forum, India is ranked 12th in the Asia Pacific Region and 68th overall. In tourism infrastructure, India remains at a low 89th-place rank. It will be internationally recognized for all-round excellence, unparallel level of services. The business travellers will acknowledge Vishwamitra Hotels & Resorts as amongst the finest. The Vishwamitra Hotels & Resorts will be located in key metro cities and destinations full of natural beauty away from the cities of

              India and will be renowned for their contemporary design complemented by impeccable service and downtown locations that is close to the business and shopping districts. When you want to get away for vacations, Vishwamitra Group offers Hotels & Resorts in the places where you would rather be with gracious hospitality and world-class facilities set in opulent ambience without compromise on quality or exclusivity. There is a widely-held consensus that the Indian hospitality industry will register improved ARRs [average room rates] and occupancy post-2013 and the markets will stabilize in 2015-2016. Vishwamitra India Pariwar is committed to being a fully eco-friendly compliant company... 

 

FOOD PROCESSING

 

Vishwamitra India Pariwar covers an exhaustive database of array of suppliers, manufacturers, exporters and importers widely dealing in sectors like the - Food Industry, Dairy processing, Indian beverage industry etc. Also, sectors like dairy plants, canning, bottling plants, packaging industries, process machinery etc. The most promising sub-sectors includes -Soft-drink bottling, Confectionery manufacture, Fishing, Aquiculture, Grain-milling and grain-based products, Meat and poultry processing, Alcoholic beverages, Milk processing, Tomato paste, Fast-food, Ready-to-eat breakfast cereals, Food additives, flavours etc. Hence, Vishwamitra group is investing largely in these sectors. Food processing involves the production of finished food products from raw ingredients, with processing lengthens the shelf life of products, adhering to hygiene & health standards. Legislative measures to enforce standards of health and hygiene are fuelling the market, along with better-informed consumers, and new food processing practices and products.

 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

 

 

                     Since its inception, Vishwamitra Information Technology has pioneered to solve 'real world IT issues’ of clients with impeccable quality of service and being an unparalled facilitator in terms of  technology. They undertake extensive research and analysis of a customer's environment to ensure the right solution. To satisfy clients - by exceeding expectations of quality and delivering projects on time, also in the given budget. Their research and development wing keeps on providing increased value to customers from time-to-time. Vishwamitra Information Technology Company strives to be flexible and adaptable to the changing needs of their client.                               

                The Indian IT & ITES industry is the most consistent growth driver for the economy. Service, software exports and business process outsourcing (BPO) remain the mainstay of the sector. Over the last five years, the IT & ITES industry has grown at a remarkable pace. A m ajority of the Fortune 500 and Global 2000 corporations are sourcing IT/ITES from India and it is the premier destination for the global sourcing of IT & ITES accounting for 55%

of the global market in offshore IT services and garnering 35 per cent of the ITES/BPO market. India's IT and BPO sector exports are expected to grow by 12-14 per cent in FY14 to touch US$ 84 billion - US$ 87 billion  India is expected to contribute US$ 100 billion to the country's gross domestic product (GDP) and generate about 22 million jobs by 2015

 

 

CONSULTANCY & CHAIN MARKETING

 

 Vishwamitra Marketing is a dynamic, young and fastest growing network marketing company of the make -to-believe world. You can earn more and more after connecting with them, as per the company’s given time frame. Vishwamitra Consultancy is the fastest growing IT company based at Kolkata with a proven track record in providing quality IT services and solutions, catering to a wide range of clientele all over the world.

 

Vishwamitra Information Technology USP:

 

• Staffing
• Human Resources
• Outsourcing
• BPO
• KPO
• Project Management
• IT and IT enabled services
• Software Development
• Website Development

                        

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

 

Vishwamitra Group is the front-runner  corporate entity of West Bengal dedicated to the cause of socio-economic transformation of the country’s rural space, especially where the weaker and socially underprivileged groups are underprivileged groups are situated. Vishwamitra India Pariwar  believes in creating employmen t, while   ensuring social sustainability, lso training to the unskilled and absorbing semi-skilled labour in the best possible way to let them earn their livelihood with dignity & respect, Where agriculture is the main economic activity, trends such as globalisation mean that simple subsistence farming  is becoming less viable and social  problems arise from migration caused by failure in farming. To address these problems,  Tata Steel works with local people in rural and urban areas to harness resources and skills that are available to develop opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.

 

MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT

 

                   

Taking the 360° corporate vision of the group to its conclusion, Vishwamitra has seriously pondered over playing a much responsible role by leading from the front, and being the custodian of people, welfare & society by large. They have envisaged the need for independent reportage, neutrality, unbiased press, and which has the courage to voice the common man's concern. Expert panel of editorial will be up for discussions internally, and accordingly pave the way for a planned foray to launch the newspaper at an appropriate time...

 

FLORICULTURE

 

Vishwamitra India Pariwar planned to branch out to floriculture, with acres of land sprawling in the finest top quality flowers comparable with the best in the business globally. The company had also discovered the unutilized land in its tea estates spreading more than 800 acres which will make the company not only unique but also a major player in this sector. Vishwamitra Group will also grow roses in the Dutch as well as French varieties, since both these varieties are able to withstand extreme temperatures. They are able to attain stem lengths in excess of 90cm because of which roses provide customers with a vase life of over 14 days.

       Next time, if you want to express your deep affection to someone very close, Vishwamitra finely graded flowers are just a call away! As their saying goes - “We carefully pick each of the flower for you in the bouquet, the way you wish to touch each of your loved one from the bottom of your heart!” Now do not compromise, the Vishwamitra flowers are specially delivered, and customised to stay fresh far more longer!” Going by the commitment levels of each employee at Vishwamitra, it may not be wishful thinking if 7 out of each 10 flowers sold in the market will bear the stamp of Vishwamitra India....Growing at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 30 per cent, India's floriculture industry is likely to cross the Rs 8,000-crore mark by 2015, industry body Assocham said today. The floriculture industry in India is poised at about Rs 3,700 crore, with just 0.61 per cent share in the global floriculture sector, which is likely to reach 0.89 per cent by 2015, said one study.

 

TEA

 

The total turnover of the tea industry in India is likely to touch Rs 33,000 crore by 2015 from the current level of about Rs 19,500 crore. With nearly six lakh hectares area under tea cultivation, the domestic tea industry is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 15 per cent. India is the world’s largest consumer, second largest producer and fourth largest exporter of tea after China and accounts for nearly 30 per cent of global output and nearly 25 per cent of tea produced worldwide is consumed in India. Branded tea market accounts for nearly 55 per cent of the total market, growing at about 20 per cent while the unbranded market is growing at 10 per cent annually. Nearly 35 lakh workers are employed in over 1,500 tea estates across India and about 65 per cent of these are employed indirectly. Vishwamitra India Pariwar utilizes almost 50% of area for cultivation of tea, out of a round 5000 acre land bank area, also few of tea gardens are leased too.

 

 

 

Q: Kindly enumerate the businesses you operate?

A: Currently, we are operating in the following sectors viz. – Para Banking, Tea Gardens, School, Medical College (in progress), Real Estate, Chain Marketing,

 

 

 

Excerpts of the first exclusive interview undertaken by any corporate publication, CORPORATE CZARS in a tete-a-tete with Manoj Kumar Chand...

 

 

Welfare, Consultancy, etc. As we are taking our vision ahead, we are strongly on the anvil of diversifying into various allied sectors viz. Retail, Food processing, IT, Media, Hospital, Hotel, Floriculure, etc.

 

 

Q: Could you throw light how “Vishwamitra” term was coined?

A: “Vishwamitra” means ‘Vishwa ka Mitra’ (global friend), which signifies our group’s Indian & Global ambitions. The term was coined by one of my uncle.

 

TARGET

 

• We plan to have our presence across India in the next 3-years, and offer multi-utility solutions.
• 100 schools across India in next 5-years (currently 3-4 schools)
• In Tea garden business (Currently 2), wherein leased land is approximately 2500 acre, we plan to invest Rs. 500 crores in the next 5 years.
• Invest in Resorts & Hotels. Real estate land has been procured, and the construction will begin in due course. (Approx 5000 acre land bank area). And, much more...

 

Q: Today your group can boast to be a full-fledged corporate entity; could you throw light on each of your business interests?

A:            (I). Leisure & Hospitality:

At Diamond harbour – ‘Namtala’ we plan to come up with a resort which will have all the facilities combined of a 4-5 star hotel. Also, behind it, we have planned to develop - duplex flats, bungalow; which will be sold to premium target audience (HNI’s). We shall provide these services both on - ownership & time sharing basis.

                (II). Para Banking:

In a short tenure, Vishwamitra India Pariwar has attained leadership position in this domain by not promising the sky to the customers, but by offering decent returns on their investment. Also, we request the government to immediately provide a strict legal framework or set of penalties as a whole to safeguard poor customers, especially per se the new finance companies who enter & exit their business as per their free will - many times to disappear in thin air for no fear of the law... Such fly-by-night operators erode customer’s confidence; whilst bringing bad name to this business. Mid-level companies can’t afford spiralling high interest rates of banks in the initial incubation years, as against alternative cheaper means of self-financing model via public funding. The need of the hour is to stringently penalise those who are abusing this wonderful system, and               bringing a bad name to those who are sincerely carrying on with their business. Currently, we are directly & indirectly providing employment & livelihood to approximately 10,000 people across the country. Apart from our operations in different states of the country we are contributing to the exchequer.  We shall never make tall claims, otherwise supported by facts, and are always open to any scrutiny... It is one of the primary business of the group, which involves borrowing money from public & investing thereto in the fastest growing sectors of the economy by our highly professional & experienced senior fund managers of the company, to ensure that in the best possible transparent & legal manner we make our customer’s money grow as per the agreed terms of investment done with us. Customers who invest with us shall be extending an opportunity to avail benefits of stay at our Resort. Such incentives shall be provided to our sales officers & valued customers alike.

                (III). Food Processing:

We plan to supply food to railways, or cater to supply food to people who wish to opt for ready-to-eat. Also, as a sub-category, we are looking at mixtures, on lines of packed eatables on lines of Haldiram, Chips, etc.

               

(IV). Retail Marketing:  

We have our rice mill at Burdwan; also we are setting up our flour mills too. We are packaging our tea from our tea gardens. In the packaged food category - we are in finalization to form various tie-ups, marketing of brands, alliances, etc with HUL, parallel to our retail business! We have our boys in Para-banking, who collect funds under the various schemes, will inform the office about respective orders received, and finally our office will get in touch with the dispatch unit to pack ‘X” order to its marked destination.  The godown will store all the commodities which are to be dispatched. As customers have become choosy, we shall provide these services under both online & offline (on the ground) formats. We shall be starting this scheme by April’2013 from Kolkata on a pilot basis. Finally, it would take approximately 3-years to take-off on a large scale, leveraging our existing infrastructure, resources or manpower, provide inputs of customer’s consumption patterns, and utilised for lead generation too.

                                                                       

Q: Could you take us into your enterprise journey? Did you plan your foray into such a venture or it was a split-decision?

A: In my life, one thing was constant – “my struggle.” I found that if we have the confidence in ourselves and the will to excel, then nobody can stop us.” He quotes, “If a brave soul has firm belief in his ability to fly, then even the physical wings are not required.” I worked in Sahara for almost 12 years, and business or no business, I had maintained a beautiful relation with all my clients. “Yesterday I was invited to an event in Raniganj as a chief guest by friends club,” he reminisces. “It brought my memories back, as it was from here that I started my enterprise journey with a meagre Rs. 250/- bicycle, and when I required money for my start-up, then many of the people came ahead voluntarily to fund my project. In the course of time many of them had reaped rich dividends upon my guidance. And, consequently in the middle of an arid parched land, when the wait for water source grew endlessly, so many people queuing to offer funding to me was like the sudden jet-stream of water gushing out from nowhere…As people started earning the promised interest rate accruing on their investment, the word spread around, and since that day there was no looking back. I realized that if you have good intentions, up-to-date reliable market information, then the people are more than eager to park their fund in an organized, trustworthy and eclectic group. It would sound untrue but there was no planning in starting my business venture, it happens that over the period of time you gain confidence and insight, to slowly figure out the opportunity. “Many a time it requires your enhanced level of conviction, and test of your character, to leave your comfort zone placed at a lower plain, whilst moving on to the higher challenging level,”  he emphasizes philosophically.           If Dhirubhai Ambani would have not left his petrol pump job, then he would have not been able to lead a majestic world-class empire. So, the next daunting challenges propel you into the top trajectory, getting the best out of you. If you survive the ordeal; you have made it! Else, you were already living a life of non-existence. While I worked at Sahara for 10-12 years, during my tenure some changes were radically made, and a scheme like city homes which promised 12-13% returns on maturity after 3-years - had few issues per se the accruing returns. I received complaints from my clients that they had not received their full claims, and our clients started harassing us at that point-of-time. Our immediate seniors were in no mood to address the grievance of our customers or even listen to its own sales force, compounding our issue further..! Our questions met with stiff resistance from our seniors, and we even got answers in the language not suited to a gentleman! In fact, that was my turning point, and I gained strength from the point that if a company can run its operations in this manner, then I too can run my own show in a better planned manner!

                I clearly remember the year 2006 when we started the ball rolling, and later in 2007-08 we started processing the company inception formalities, by 2009 Vishwamitra India Pariwar began its operations. We received overwhelming support of small, medium & big investors. And, all of them have been my strength till date… 

 

“VERY FEW PEOPLE BECOME SAINTS AFTER ATTAINING WEALTH”

 

Q: From a small beginning to a corporate entity, you have had a dramatic rise in West Bengal. Who is your role-model, and what is your secret of success?

A: My brothers are my pillars of support. Also, our core team & workers have given wings to my enterprise dream, and implemented our ideas from time-to-time. Everybody came on board of Vishwamitra with good intention. Our members share their experiences at our forums from time-to-time; how Vishwamitra group has brought a feeling of dignity, respect and helped them in lifting their morale by instilling a sense of well being. Vishwamitra group offers a unique open platform with flat company structure, irrespective of hierarchy where customer’s feedback & employee’s ideas are encouraged; apart from the high earning potential per se attractive schemes which stands out in the market for its uniqueness! “It is the belief of one solid team, which as a parivar (family) stands tall, firmly binding them together within the ranks.”

                Nevertheless, at my home, my wife & other elders contributed immensely by providing unconditional support for me to turn my dreams into reality today!

 

 

Q: Your enterprise journey seems to be a very painful experience, many detractors must have laughed over your enthusiasm to make it big one day? Kindly elaborate?

A: I am a simple Arts graduate (Gorakhpur University), with no foreign college or university background behind me. I have gained all practical experience during my 20 years working in my domain. I have undergone training with financial institutions, and provided training from time to time. Any business, which has to be established, requires two basic ingredients -

 

(1). Planning the project

(2). Funding the idea

For borrowing from public, it requires company formation. A finance scheme is prepared about one’s attractive offering which suits the customer. Agents will have to offered attractive commissions as suitable remuneration accruing to them. Once a system is in place, a company can start its operation of borrowing from public. Working at Sahara was a good learning for my individual growth, and for this I shall be greatly indebted to Sh. Subrata Roy all my life, and undoubtedly he will remain my idol. During that time, few of my seniors at Sahara India started focusing towards individual benefit rather than company benefit. I personally think that the appetite to excel got lost somewhere. Sh. Subrata Roy was being given false information about projects by the top rung at that time, spending much on much media bonhomie, rather than on the ground. Yes, initially the 1^st year was a traumatic one, wherein people from all walks of life, well wishers asked me to restrain my ambitions, and not to put my future at stake. Many of them questioned my wisdom to start a business on lines of Sahara, and warned that the path will not be showered with flowers, but thorns! They argued that I won’t be able to withstand the political clout & stiff competition enjoyed by my erstwhile employer in the market, and that it will be prove extremely difficult for me to carve out a niche for myself, but even survive the odds which were highly stacked against me…  

                I took this venture as a personal challenge, not for proving to others but to myself about the metal I was made up of! And, definitely it was the biggest turning point of my life. The big question at that opportune time for me was about my survival as an individual to earn my bread, rather than take cudgels against anybody to offer competition in the market! I did not have any choice; I had already entered into an unfortunate altercation with my seniors at Sahara about my client’s promised returns on the investment made by him! I was literally pushed to the wall, and with danger lurking over my career, I stood on the edge overlooking a steep mountain.  What is fear? Is it the death? I pondered over it as death stared straight in my eyes. With no choice left, I finally took the jump of my life, plunging over with bated breath, and later sighing how I survived the nightmarish fall... And, here I am today! I am a satisfied person who doesn’t expect much from anybody, and do not have any complaint even with government. But, we request for fair play, and appropriate business atmosphere as against a bi-partisan approach of few officials, as ‘absence of it would discourage a businessman in spite of him taking all the business risk in a particular state’.

 

Vishwamitra India’s Quick Success - USP:

 

“As I had prior experience, so I planned these finance schemes with my think-tank. Here we did away with the weakness of schemes introduced in my earlier company (Sahara India). It had to be a win-win scheme for all 3 – Agents – Customers - Company. All our schemes have been a runaway success, and we are receiving fabulous results since Vishwamitra India Pariwar has earned astronomical goodwill, respect & love of one-and-all concerned,” he quips...

 

Q: The speed your company is diversifying, it is like a clarion call of a distant storm? Kindly elaborate?

A:  If you evaluate the market trend, in 2008 the market sentiments slumped drastically beyond anybody’s nightmarish imagination. From 2001 to 2007, the market was at boom, people made merry at the stock market, and made handsome profits at the bourses.  In the present volatile market scenario, whatever fund is being collected from the public has to be wisely invested, as we are answerable for each penny deposited with us from time-to-time. Also, depending upon the tenure of the scheme, we have to provide our investors an attractive rate of interest promised to them. In fact, whatever public money is deposited with us is actually loan on us! And, mind you I have to repay this debt… Thus, the challenge for us is to fulfil all our promises, recession or no-recession, and provide fair satisfaction to each of my customer.  So, to meet this every day challenge, we took a firm decision to not invest anywhere where we find even a small iota of risk in this initial adolescent growth stage of our company.