From herding cattle in his village to building a Rs 300 crore company, Ramesh Choudhary's journey is an inspiring tale of resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.
Ramesh Choudhary, once a cattle herder in his village, has transformed his life by establishing a Rs 300 crore organization as the founder of Surya Electronics. During his childhood, he often walked 5 kilometres to attend school due to lack of facilities. Following the old traditions, he was married at the age of 10 while still in class 5, and after his marriage, he resumed his education in the next grade. Tragically, his first wife passed away shortly thereafter.
Hostel life
By the age of 14, he had developed addictions to tobacco and alcohol, which deeply concerned his family. In an attempt to steer him onto a better path, they sent him to a hostel, hoping that the change of environment would help him turn his life around.
Lack of Interest in Studies, Priority on Business
Ramesh Choudhary was never particularly interested in academics, but his time in the hostel shifted his perspective and helped him overcome his addictions. He managed to pass his class 10 and 12, relying on grace marks in English to get by. His true ambition was to establish his own business. To support himself, he worked at a small shop in exchange for meals, without any salary. During this time, he learned the intricacies of electronics repair and gradually mastered the skill. Every day, he cycled 50 kilometres to sell electrical goods. Eventually, feeling despondent and overwhelmed, he decided to return to his village and sought refuge with his son-in-law.
A Helper's Job for 1500 Rupees
Ramesh's son-in-law's advice turned out to be a pivotal moment in his life. He began working as a helper at 'Pawan Electronics' for a monthly salary of Rs 1,500. Committed to his work, he successfully boosted sales from just a few units to 150-200 units per month. His impressive performance caught the attention of his father-in-law, who lent him some money to start his own venture. Ramesh repaid the loan diligently and went on to establish 'Surya Electronics.' This modest 200 sq ft shop became the cornerstone of what would grow into a substantial business.
Surya Electronics
After founding Surya Electronics in 2001, Ramesh Choudhary never looked back. In its first year, the company achieved a turnover of Rs 1 crore, which has now grown to an impressive Rs 300 crore in 2024. He focused on quality and service, which helped transform Surya Electronics into a prominent brand with several branches across Maharashtra. Ramesh encountered numerous challenges, including the 2008 financial crisis, which significantly affected the electronics industry. To navigate this, he partnered with Bajaj Finance to offer financial assistance to his customers. Although Ramesh was unable to pursue higher education himself, he supported his wife in earning an Executive MBA from IIM Ahmedabad, showcasing his commitment to education and growth for his family.
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Last Updated Nov 13, 2024, 10:59 AM IST