1. Tell us about your early life, where and how you grew up
I began my life in Kerala, where my parents were employed. My dad is originally from Kerala, while my mom is Tamilian, although she had been living in Kerala for a considerable period. During my formative years, I resided there. However, due to my father’s role as a civil engineer in the defense sector, we had to relocate to the North East. Consequently, I moved to Thoothukudi, my mother’s hometown, where I spent the remainder of my formative years. I completed my 12th standard education there. My childhood memories predominantly revolve around being temporarily separated from my parents, as I primarily lived with my grandparents.
2. How did life in Karunya Shape you?
I didn’t actively select Karunya; it sort of happened due to the prevailing circumstances. Back in those days, you had these entrance exams and cutoff marks. I received an acceptance letter from this college courtesy of the government, and that’s how I ended up here. I was born into a Christian family but wasn’t particularly religious. I preferred embracing life and all its pleasures. Engaging in extracurricular activities led me down some questionable paths, but ultimately, Karunya played a pivotal role in molding me positively. While I may not have fully embraced the rules when I was in college, looking back, I recognize that they played a significant role in shaping me into the person I am today.
3. Why did you choose to become an entrepreneur?
Becoming an entrepreneur wasn’t initially my choice. After completing my degree in Electronics and Communication, I went to Mumbai to be with my parents. As an engineer back then, I was seeking a job opportunity, mainly because my father was a central government employee.
My mother’s background was in business based in Tuticorin. While searching for a job, I landed an opportunity at Philips Medical Systems. I was interested in joining, but to my surprise, after the interview process, I was placed in the sales division instead of the technical site.
Despite the unexpected turn, I accepted the offer and was posted at the South India headquarters in Chennai. My responsibility involved overseeing sales for the four southern states. During those times, medical equipment was entirely imported, so our focus was on marketing and sales as there was no manufacturing in India.
After joining, I informed my parents about the role, and my mom was shocked. She expressed her disinterest, wanting me to work closer to home or join our family business in Tuticorin. Considering the options, I chose to return to Tuticorin, though at the time, I was uncertain if it was the right decision. However, looking back, I am content with the path I chose.
Upon returning, I joined our family business, where we were contractors for central and state governments in mechanical, electrical, and civil fields. We were also involved in ship repairing and had a shipping company. During this time, I gained extensive experience in various domains.
Despite my background as an electronics engineer, I aspired to work more in the electronics field. One particular challenge caught my attention – the coal unloading system from ships to the handling plant. We held the contract for unloading coal, and I noticed inefficiencies in the emergency stoppage system using pull cards.
This observation led me to develop a system that could identify the specific pull card that was activated. With the support of a junior engineer and our team of skilled workers, we designed and tested a circuit model. The success of this endeavor marked my first breakthrough, securing a contract at the Tuticorin thermal power station for conveyor systems.
4.What difficulties did / do you face as an entrepreneur?
The entrepreneurial journey is fraught with challenges, with one of the primary hurdles being the lack of belief in your vision. Few, if any, are willing to invest their trust in your ideas, often perceiving you as inexperienced or incapable due to your youth. Even my own parents and the extended family initially turned me away, doubting my potential. However, my father-in-law recognized the merit of my concept and provided the crucial support I needed. This marked a significant breakthrough for me.
I would like to emphasize a key lesson: difficulties are inevitable on this path, and people may attempt to hinder your growth. I vividly recall facing substantial resistance during my first electronics project, pushing me to the brink of abandoning my ideas. Yet, through perseverance, I was able to progress and ultimately achieve success with my second venture. This accomplishment propelled my company’s turnover to over 150 crores.
Currently, I am embarking on a new entrepreneurial endeavor, confident that it will follow the trajectory of success. My message is simple: maintain patience and relentlessly pursue your objectives.
5. What advice do you have for those who want to become entrepreneurs?
If I were to offer one piece of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, it would be this: never give up. I’ve steadfastly held onto my ideas, and today, I have people who believe in me and are willing to invest in my new ventures. Life’s experiences have imparted a fundamental lesson – persistence is key, even in the face of failure.
