During the early 2000s, the TV commercial featuring the catchy jingle 'Ujala Chaar Boondon Vala' led to a swift rise in popularity for the fabric whitener product. Moothedath Panjan Ramachandran launched this product with a loan of Rs 5000. Today, the company’s turnover has reached Rs 16,900 crore. Here’s MP Ramachandran’s success story. 

Jyothy Laboratories

MP Ramachandran is the founder and Chairman Emeritus of Jyothy Laboratories. Early in his career, he dreamed of establishing his own business, but like every middle-class person, he faced financial difficulties. He did not let the lack of money, or the dearth of opportunities stop him from pursuing his dreams. 

He left his job and embarked on his business venture. Gradually, due to his hard work, dedication, and commitment, his products earned recognition for their high quality. 

Background

MP Ramachandran hails from Thrissur, Kerala. He earned his undergraduate degree and postgraduate degree from St Thomas College and began working as an accountant. With a desire to start his own business, he began experimenting with making a fabric whitener. His breakthrough came when he stumbled upon a magazine from a chemical industry that talked about using a purple dye to whiten clothes. He dedicated a year to developing his own product. Eventually, he discovered an effective formula to whiten clothes. 

Company’s success

Ramachandran had the formula but lacked financial assistance to launch his business. He borrowed Rs 5000 from his brother to set up a small factory on his land. He named the company Jyothy Laboratories after his daughter and introduced the product Ujala Supreme Liquid Fabric Whitener. The product quickly gained popularity and became everyone’s favourite laundry product. Since then, the company has brought various products in the market. Presently, Jyothy Labs has a market cap of Rs 16,900 crore.