New Delhi: Kuldeep Singh Rathi is one of those rare people, who quit their lucrative jobs just to pursue their passion. He was working as a Deputy SP when he decided to leave his job to start a manufacturing business of his own. Kuldeep Singh is the Managing Director and Chairman of ASK Automotive Limited. 

Who is Kuldeep Singh Rathi?

Kuldeep Singh Rathi is a resident of Jhajjar district in Rohtak, Haryana. He completed his graduation from St Stephen’s College, University of Delhi. He appeared for competitive examinations and was appointed for the post of Deputy SP in the Central Reserve Police Force in the year 1974. He worked there for four years, and then made the life-changing decision of his life. 

After quitting the job, Kuldeep Singh worked as a contractor for the Directorate General of Works in CPWD. He was dissatisfied with the work and decided to establish an auto parts factory. In 2023, his business is still thriving and is making profits in crores. He is also known as the ‘Brake Shoe King of India’ since his company is one of the largest manufacturers of brake shoes in India.  

Kuldeep Singh Rathi’s education

The primary source of income for Kuldeep Singh’s family was farming. His father worked in the Central Government office in Delhi. He received his education from the top institutions and secured admission in one of the best colleges of India. After graduating from St Stephen’s College in 1970 with an Economic Honours degree, he secured admission in the Delhi School of Economics to pursue an MA degree in Economics. 

UPSC dreams

During Kuldeep Singh’s post-graduation, his father suffered from some health issues, and had to be admitted to a hospital in Rohtak. Kuldeep made frequent visits to the hospital. In his poor health, his father showed Kuldeep an advertisement about the UPSC exams. The pamphlet was about recruitment of Assistant Commandment in Central Paramilitary Forces. His father urged him to appear for the exams and a few days later, his health worsened resulting in his death. 

Fulfilling father’s last wish

Kuldeep Singh discontinued his postgraduation studies, prepared for the UPSC exams, appeared for them and made it through in his very first attempt. He received his initial training in Mount Abu. He worked at the same post for three years and decided it best to pursue his dreams to achieve happiness and satisfaction. 

Working as a contractor

Kuldeep Singh worked as a contractor for a few years. He started as a novice in the field and built his career from class 5 contractor to class 1 contractor in PWD in just under four years. When he left his job as an SP, he only had savings of Rs 500 with him. And in his contractual work with CPWD, he could only save Rs 100 by the end of each month. He was extremely hard working in his work and built a good reputation for himself in the department. 

Story behind the business

Kuldeep Singh’s ultimate interests lay in establishing his own business. He met with a few consultants and received the advice of manufacturing brake shoes for vehicles. This business idea appealed to him, and he started working to create the first model. 

The first manufacturing plant was opened in the year 1988. After working hard for a year, the research wing of two-wheeler companies accepted his sample and commissioned him to manufacture brake shoes in large quantities. For his first orders, he made approximately one lakh brake shoe products, and never looked back.

The company’s success

Presently, Kuldeep Singh’s company manufactures brake shoes for two wheelers and as well as commercial vehicles. Some other spare parts of the petrol-based vehicles and electric vehicles are also manufactured. As per the reports, the company’s revenue is around Rs 2,555 crore in the financial year 2023. The company has 17 manufacturing units in the country.