When Anil Rai Gupta saw his father’s company growing in leaps and bounds, he felt the need to document the journey for future employees. He tells Arjita Mishra that his father, Qimat Rai Gupta, could be an inspiration for the new generation
He started his career from a small shop in the lanes of Chandni Chowk and within a few years he became the owner of one of the leading electronics company. Qimat Rai Gupta started his industry, Havells with an investment of Rs10,000 and today, that same company is listed among India’s most trusted brands. His life was an inspiration for us and to tell the story of his success, his son, Anil Rai Gupta has written a book Havells- the untold story of Qimat Rai Gupta. According to him, “The book is a tribute to QRG (Qmat Rai Gupta) and I hope that it will inspire the younger generations, not only in India but across the globe.”
At the launch of the book, Gupta told us that there were many decisions which his father took inspite of high risk. “But all of them were correct and that proves that he had a great vision of the success that was to come,” added Gupta.
The event was carried forward with a panel discussion in which Uday Kotak (executive vice chairman and MD of Kotak Mahindra Bank) and Sunil Munjal (joint MD of Hero Moto Corp ltd) participated. Speaking on the topic of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, they discussed about the future of start-ups by the younger generation.
The book gives detailed information about each and every risk that Gupta took throughout his life so that the company could achieve top position as an electronics brand. “His energy and enthusiasm were quite influential and he never let his illness come in between his work,” said Gupta.
When we asked Gupta what inspired him to write a book on his father’s life, he answered, “He had a distinct management style which was different than many family-run businesses as well professional MNCs. I knew about this, but I realised it completely after the successful turnaround of Sylvania. Hence, I thought it could be a great inspiration for any first generation entrepreneur.”
He added, “Through this book, and through my working relationship with my father, I have tried to provide a template of how fathers and sons can work together and by avoiding inter-generational issues.”
“There was a time when the constant growth of the company struck me. I felt the need for a proper documentation of the company which would help future employees understand the ethos of the organisation,” he replied when we asked him why decided to pen his thoughts down.
He also told us that as the owner of a company, it was exhausting for him to write a book. “But I knew that this was a story which had to be told,” he said.
“My father’s life was a complete book of lessons. But most importantly, honesty, transparency, ethical values in business and having a socialistic mindset while running a capitalistic business are few of the important things that I have learnt from my father,” Gupta wrapped up.