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SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
Selected Case Studies of Social
Entrepreneurs in
Khurda District, Odisha
School of Management
Centurion University of Technology and Management
HIG-5, Phase-1, BDA Duplex, Pokhariput, Bhubaneswar-751020
http://www.cutm.ac.in
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SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
Foreword
Using entrepreneurship for social development has been an increasing area of interest among
development practitioners, not only due to the success of micro-finance programmes and
schemes, but also because of the dwindling availability of aid funds. The mainstream neoliberal
economy requires remote communities to be included in the national and international markets,
especially under regional economic integration. In Asia, where rapid economic growth happens
in tandem with increasing poverty the challenge is to solve societal problems through innovation
and local knowledge production. Although, the language of social entrepreneurship is new, the
phenomenon is not. Social entrepreneurs have always existed and have built institutions. “In
addition to innovative not-for-profit ventures, social entrepreneurship can include social purpose
business ventures, such as for-profit community development banks, and hybrid organisations
mixing not-for-profit and for-profit elements, such as homeless shelters that start businesses to
train and employ their residents” (Dees and Haas 1998:1).
The term entrepreneur is associated with some sort of business and has originated in French
economics as early as 17th and 18th centuries. Jean Baptise Say, a French economist mentions
“The entrepreneur shifts economic resources out of an area of lower into an area of higher
productivity and greater yield”. In other words, an entrepreneur creates value. In the 20 th century,
the economist most closely associated with the term was Joseph Schumpeter. He described the
entrepreneurs as the innovators who drive the “creative-destructive” process of capitalism. He
says believes that the role of
entrepreneurs is to reform or revolutionise the pattern of
production. Similarly, Peter Drucker says the entrepreneur looks for change and exploits it as an
opportunity. . Management theorists capture opportunity as creating value which entrepreneurs
have an eye for.
According to Dees and Haas (1998), social entrepreneurs play the role of a change agent in the
social arena by:
-
Adopting a mission to create and sustain social value (not just private value),
-
Recognising and relentlessly pursuing new opportunities to serve that mission,
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SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
-
Engaging in a process of continuous innovation, adaptation, and learning,
-
Acting boldly without being limited by resources currently in hand, and
-
Exhibiting a heightened sense of accountability to the constituencies served and to the
outcomes created.
The concept of social entrepreneurship means different things to different people. One group of
researchers refer to social entrepreneurship as not-for-profit initiatives in search of alternative
funding strategies or management schemes to create social value. A second group of researchers
understand it as the socially responsible practice of commercial businesses engaged in crosssector partnerships. And a third group views social entrepreneurship as a means to alleviate
social problems and catalyse social transformation. Numerous definitions stressing different
aspects and dimensions of social entrepreneurship have been offered (Mair and Marti, 2005).
What is Social in Social Entrepreneurship?
Social entrepreneurs attempt to create social value which is beyond income and profits. At one
extreme there are those who would like to believe that social entrepreneurs be driven exclusively
by social goals and subscribe to the Not-for-Profit (NFP) view. It would imply that any income
generated in the course of social entrepreneurship must be strictly reserved for achieving the
social purpose in view. There are others who would not like to confine social entrepreneurship to
NFP. There is a thin line between NFP and for-Profit entrepreneurs (Peredo ND). It is hard to say
that the former is social and the latter is not there are innumerable examples of social
entrepreneurs who have aimed at profit and expanded their operations to serve the needy and
underprivileged. They are perfectly within the category of social entrepreneurs.
The degree and intensity of social impact created by social entrepreneurs as opposed to profits
may vary, but in most cases economic sustainability is fundamental. The main objective is to
create a social benefit that is not limited by personal gain. The objective is also to bring about
social change on a wider and more effective scale which is different from a traditional NGO.
Besides social entrepreneurs consider the agency of underprivileged people and do not simply
view them as passive recipients of benefits. Social entrepreneurship has become a buzzword,
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SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
with sustainable business, triple bottom line and bottom of the pyramid economics gaining
currency in the development discourse.
Social Entrepreneurship – Examples from India
India has been in the forefront in encouraging social entrepreneurship. There is ample space for
social entrepreneurs given the fact that every third Indian is deprived of necessities of life: food,
health, education, shelter and livelihood. Some of the prominent social entrepreneurs of India
include Verghese Kurien of AMUL, Ela Bhatt of SEWA, Harish Hande of SELCO, Bunker Roy
of Barefoot College, Dr. G. Venkataswamy of Aravind Eye Hospital, Dr Devi Shetty of Narayan
Health, Jeero Billmoria of Child Line, Anil Gupta of Honeybee Network, Vinnet Rai of
Aavishkaar, seven Gujarati women of Lijjat, etc. In India, more and more professionals,
including women, are becoming social entrepreneurs in recent times. Fortunately, for social
entrepreneurs, access to finance in reasonable terms and conditions has also improved.
Considering their importance for society, this compendium presents a few case studies of social
entrepreneurs from Bhubaneswar and its periphery. The case studies are based on the ease of
access of each writer and in no way represents comprehensive treatment of the subject in the
region. In future, case studies of social entrepreneurs from Odisha in a comprehensive manner
will be taken up. The objective of the compendium is to understand the factors that catalyse
social entrepreneurship, maintain their drive and contribute to success. We hope the study while
recognising individual entrepreneurs will encourage young people from the region to take up the
challenging role and become pathfinders in our socio-economic ecosystem.
Dr.. Smita Mishra Panda
Professor, Centurion University of Technology and Management
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SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
ORISSA DIESEL ENGINE PVT. LTD.
Whether it is a working day or a holiday,
lost his mother. Then, his father, a revenue
whether it is a day of fair weather or hostile
officer, passed away when Ali was pursuing
weather, whether it is morning or late
higher secondary education. Ali grew under
evening hour, you call Ali Patnaik, he is full
the care of his eldest brother, a medical
of energy, optimism and self-confidence, to
doctor. His schooling was in Bhanjanagar,
bring change in our approach to life. It is to
Ganjam district of Odisha. He graduated in
break away from the inertia of laziness, to
Mechanical engineering from REC Rourkela
instil self-confidence and realize a sense of
(Presently NIT) in 1982 with first class
achievement. It is not usual for a typical
honours. With his interest in Automobile
Odia
a
engineering he joined Ashok Leyland and
respectable engineering college, having
served as Sr. Service Engineer, in charge of
parked himself in a comfortable, secured
Western Odisha. With the setting up of
and well-paying job; moving to a world of
NALCO in Odisha, he switched to the
uncertainty, where all the well-wishers are in
public
the habit of praying to prove him wrong.
Automobile Maintenance Engineer in 1989
But, Ali is not a usual and stereotypical
and continued till he started his own venture,
Odia. As a child and as a student he had his
Orissa Diesel Engines Pvt. Ltd. (Orissa
own mind. For him success is never final
Diesel) in October 1991. Presently, Orissa
and failure is never fatal. He has been
Diesel has its plant at A 5, Mancheswar
careful
and
Industrial Estate, Bhubaneswar, 751 010,
commitment to professionalism. He nurtures
which was purchased from OSFC through
a spirit of inquiry and never accepts
an open auction of an industrial shed in
something as inevitable. Observing Ali, one
1995.
engineer,
to
retain
graduating
his
from
integrity
sector
undertaking
as
Senior
could feel an echo of the famous French
philosopher Tocqueville in him: “inevitable
Initially, the company offered maintenance
becomes intolerable the moment it is
services
thought that it is not inevitable”.
transportation
for
diesel
and
engines
power
used
in
generation.
Subsequently, in 2006, the company took up
Ali comes from a large family of five
dealership to sell AMW diesel engine
brothers and six sisters. While in school, Ali
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SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
vehicles. In 2013, it took the dealership of
case of failure. He was ready to lose the
Ashok Leyland vehicles.
investment of about Rs. 3 lakh that came
from his savings, in case the venture failed.
Why Diesel Engine Repair Business?
With his youthful exuberance and self-
Initial years of work experience in Ashok
confidence, he recollects how he forgot to
Leyland gave Ali enough self-confidence to
calculate the amount of future financial
turn around the diesel engine maintenance
security, a job in public sector undertaking
operation at NALCO, his new employer.
would have brought in. Such analytical lapse
Unfortunately, the internal system and
was a blessing in disguise for him! Yes,
processes of the public sector undertaking
there were many such blessings that he
quickly disillusioned him. He observed that
received during his eventful journey. These
Odisha did not have a good maintenance and
include getting a site in time for business
reconditioning facility for Diesel Engines.
expansion, unexpected service contracts and
Most of the companies were sending diesel
industrial diesel engine dealership (second
engines to cities in neighbouring states
in India and first in a non-metro area). An
(Vizag, Hyderabad and Kolkata) for repair.
extremely self-respecting person, who did
Considering the opportunities in the local
not resort to personal borrowing, Ali got
market and his competence of providing
support from well-wishers during need. He
maintenance service for diesel engines as an
speaks with gratitude for the confidence
employee of Ashok Leyland and NALCO,
some friends reposed in him through
Ali thought of realizing his dream of having
financial and linking supports.
his own enterprise offering the service. He
had the know-how, the confidence to
Using his good will he could get the service
independently manage the operation and
orders from big and reputed companies like
maintenance
clear
National Aluminium Company (NALCO),
understanding of the needs of the customers
Mahanadi Coal Fields Ltd (MCL), Paradip
and adequate contacts to get business.
Phosphates Ltd (PPL), Tata Iron and Steel
of
diesel
engines,
Co. Ltd. (TISCO), etc. Ali’s philosophy of
He was confident of earning from the new
business has been not to cut corners.
initiative, twice his salary of Rs. 5200/- per
month, and also get back to a similar job, in
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SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
Some of the key factors that led to his
him to change his attitude and put that
success in the business are the gap in
learning to practice. With his son graduating
demand and supply of high quality service
in Mechanical Engineering and daughter
in diesel engine repair segment in Odisha,
with a degree in Law, as emerging
continuous
entrepreneurs, he foresees the hurdles they
innovation
in
product
and
process design and vendor development. His
have to cross to do ethical business.
technical education, prior work experience
in and exposure to both private and public
Future of the business
sector, and a supportive family that reposed
Since, the economy in general and Auto
full faith in him and did not distract him
Industry in particular is going through very
were also responsible for his success.
tough times, he foresees a difficult time in
near future.
Challenges faced
Key challenges that he faced include delay
Impact of the business
and difficulty in getting the first bank loan,
The impacts of Ali’s business in the
lack of cluster approach in automobile
immediate environment are many.

service sector, lack of associate service
The work contracts, which was going
providers for collaboration, lack of business
out to Andhra Pradesh and West
environment in Odisha (especially the
Bengal are being done in Odisha. It
negative mindset and apathy of Government
has
Officials towards business persons), lack of
generation and savings in time (thus,
skilled manpower, long lead time in
productivity enhancement for service
mutation and conversion of land and delay
users).

in getting electricity supply.
resulted
in
employment
The unit has become an excellent
training ground for workers. Thus,
Learnings
he is helping to build the capacity of
After more than two decades of struggle and
local youth.

fight against a non-responsive system, Ali
recognises that compromising with the
His
effort
has
improved
industry servicing in Odisha.
system is probably the best way to do
business. However, he feels it is too late for
7
auto
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

Advice to future entrepreneurs


Preparation of a detailed Project
One has to have the spirit of
adventure and enquiry
Report through an agency with
Ali feels that there is a great need for
Domain Knowledge is essential for
Government
reducing failure and a necessary
departments and officials towards Business,
condition for success.
Industry and Entrepreneurs in the state, if
Prior acquisition of a fair working
Odisha intends to be an industrial hub.
to
sensitize
various
knowledge on Technology, Finance
and Marketing of the product or
service that one wishes to promote is
Prof. Haribandhu Panda
essential.
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SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
GAYATRI ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION AND CONSULTANCY
Unlike typical educated Odias who are job
Challenges faced
seekers, Mr. Pradipta Panigrahi, a first
For Pradipta, the key challenge was
generation entrepreneur, is an exception.
acquiring finance for the enterprise and
The 1973 born Physics graduate and a post-
creating an enabling environment for his
graduate in Business Administration treaded
business. From the beginning he worked
a different path. Immediately after his MBA
hard to increase customer base and market
in 1994, he started Gayatri Engineering
share. Within two decades of work in green
Construction and Consultancy (P) Ltd,
energy and environmental sector, he has
popularly known as Gayatri Solar. It earned
built competence in technical, organisational
the reputation of being the leading solar
and human issues affecting the business, i.e.
energy entity in the state of Odisha after two
Energy Conservation, Solar Energy and
decades of hard work. Pradipta considers
Climate Change.
himself fortunate to get the unstinted
inspiration of his wife and mentorship of his
Taking advantage of his competence and
father and brother, the last two being the
opportunities in the market, in 2007 he
Chairman and Managing Director of the
started a new entity, G-ON Energy Controls
Company respectively.
to work on green energy systems and energy
efficiency. The organisation is actively
Why Solar Energy Business?
working in the broad area of energy
As a student, Pradipta was fascinated by the
efficiency, clean energy and new generation
Solar cooker in his home, way back in 1984.
of
Considering his environmental sensitivity,
commercial,
understanding of the science and market
applications. With the company’s vision; “to
potential of solar energy, and entrepreneurial
combat global warming” through energy
ambition, it was logical for him to enter into
efficiency
solar thermal and photovoltaic business.
Mechanism (CDM), it is involved in
Thus, Gayatri Solar was born. Now the
creating awareness and promotion of green
“organisation is pan-Indian with leading
technology
position in Odisha” says Pradipta proudly.
emission to the environment. It is associated
9
energy
technologies
for
domestic,
agricultural
and
industrial
and
to
Clean
reduce
Development
carbon
dioxide
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
with Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE),
turnover of about Rs. 20 crore with annual
Govt. of India; Dept. of Energy, Govt. of
growth of 20-30%.
Odisha
and
Orissa
Small
Industry
Corporation Ltd (OSIC), Govt. of Odisha.
Learnings
The
Since 1994, the organisation’s motto has
company
deals
with
diversified
been “to be genuine in what we do”. “This
products and services.
approach has given us the rewards to be big,
Products
to be visible and to be stable which are the

LED lighting systems (indoor and
three important ingredients to be successful”
outdoor)
says Mr. Panigrahi. Support from IREDA,

LED traffic signal
BHEL, BEL, OREDA, CII, NSIC, OSIC,

LED street light
IDCO,

Green building material
Bhubaneswar, TIE and financial institutions

Water free urinals
has made them stand on a firm footing.

Day light harvesting system
SDA,
GOLDWYN,
Invest
Impact of the business
Services
G-ON and Gayatri Solar represented Odisha

Energy management
at Silicon Valley, USA. They have been

Energy audit

Lighting study

Green building design consultancy
awarded with a showcase of medals for
creating awareness on energy conservation
among people/ organizations by 37th Indian
National Science Congress.
and turnkey projects

Promoting the concept of re-location
G-ON Energy Controls has participated in
of trees.
Confederation of Indian Industries (CII)
With an initial personal investment of Rs. 40
organized Expo and was awarded the “Best
lakhs, the company got financial assistance
small Scale Industry” since last four years.
from Oriental Bank of Commerce and Bank
of Baroda. G-ON’s close working with
The key factors leading to Mr. Panigrahi’s
prominent players in the industry such as
achievements include:
BEL, BHEL, Goldwyn, Bajaj, Wipro, VIN,
Honeywell, etc. has resulted in its present
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SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
1. Clarity
of
purpose,
passion,
different product mix is the future. The
perseverance and open mind; and
company is determined to re-define the
2. Flexibility and team approach to
energy services for the masses in future.
work
Mr. Panigrahi is passionate about young
Getting accepted in the market for solar
entrepreneurs entering in to the wonderland
energy, which almost did not exist in 1994
of opportunities. Being aware of the pitfalls
was
Solar.
that an amateur is likely to face, he has taken
“Consistent product awareness, creating new
up mentorship of young entrepreneurs as a
milestone projects
hobby.
a
challenge
for
Gayatri
and orders led to
overcome the problem of market creation.
Identifying the correct market on hit and
Advice to Future Entrepreneurs
trial method took a long time initially” says
Mr. Panigrahi believes entrepreneurship is a
Mr. Panigrahi unhappily. “Hotel Industries
natural instinct of human being. Success can
in and around Puri was a sizeable market for
come if one is passionate about his/her work
us, but we miss the bus from 1994 to 1999
and knows how to optimize time and
and we focused it in the year 2000 – 2001
resources. One needs to understand one’s
and we achieved a sizeable success; the
self and the power within. Risk taking and
learning’s were to find out and explore the
facing challenges with patience and smile
solutions within our nearby areas and talent
makes
before we go and find solution elsewhere”
Entrepreneurs
says Panigrahi.
abilities.
one
stronger.
require
to
The
master
future
these
Energy sector is going to play a critical role
for the next 20 – 30 years. Green energy is
need of the Globe; hence sustainable
business model in the energy sector with
Prof. P. K. Mohanty
11
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
INTEGRITY INFOTECH PRIVATE LIMITED (IIPL)
the field readily available to him during his
Unlike many engineering students of Odisha
college days. He is thankful to thefew
who aspire to be employees of reputed
faculty
companies, Mr. Balakrushna Dixit, an
encouraged him.
members
and
friends
who
Electrical Engineer passed out from BPUT
in the year 2009, had a different vision
Why Web Development Business?
altogether. He was born in a middle class
Mr. Dixit analysed the business environment
family and the only child to his parents with
in and around Berhampur and found many
no family business background. His father
small and medium enterprises seeking help
who worked as an engineer with SOUTHCO
to design and develop websites to make their
wished his son will follow his footsteps and
presence in the internet world. The idea of
join any PSU and lead a comfortable life.
becoming an entrepreneur and providing
But, Mr. Dixit with his challenging and
service in the domain germinated in his
never accepting defeat spirit could convince
mind as a student. After developing sound
his parents and near and dear ones to be an
knowledge and skill in web designing and
entrepreneur.
web development he gained experience and
became an expert by developing and hosting
Mr. Dixit was an average student throughout
websites for few non-profit organizations in
his academic career. He is gifted with keen
Berhampur on voluntary basis. This resulted
analysis power and self-confidence. While
in
continuing his study as an engineering
relationships and contacts with many small
student, he developed interest in web
and medium enterprises in Berhampur. He
designing. Mr. Dixit accepts that this interest
capitalised on the social capital and his
had a profound impact on him and kept him
indomitable entrepreneurial zeal finally
busy with his laptop at the cost of other
culminated in establishment of Integrity
subjects taught at the Engineering College.
Infotech Private Limited (IIPL), a premier
The indomitable quest to get mastery on
web and software development company in
web designing forced him to sharpen his
Berhampur.
skills in the field by spending most of his
quality time as he found dearth of experts in
12
developing
good
interpersonal
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
It provides industry-specific solutions and
saying that ‘a bird in hand is worth two in
manages hosting for databases, server
the bush’. Instead of looking for more deals
clusters,
one needs to concentrate on the quality and
security
management,
data
protection and more.
honour the commitment made to the clients.
He espouses on the timely delivery of
His success as an entrepreneur was well
quality services. As new technology is
acclaimed by receiving awards like, IT
invading the IT space in a rapid manner and
Excellence
Entrepreneurship
change is the order of the day, he keeps
excellence award and Odisha Youth Icon
himself abreast of the developments in the
Award.
field by burning the late night lamp on many
award,
a days.
Challenges faced
Mr. Dixit faced the typical challenge that
He proudly says that most companies die out
every service sector faces, i.e., shortage of
of indigestion, not starvation. One has to be
quality manpower for his newly established
very careful in taking up assignments
company. He was forced to stretch himself
weighing the strength and weaknesses.
in honing the skills of newly recruited staff
Greed needs to have limit. It should not lead
and provide e-solutions on time to the
to apoplexy.
clients. Besides manpower, the financial
adversaries during the establishment of the
Future of the business
enterprise were major stumbling blocks.
After
Instead of having an office space in a posh
Berhampur, Mr Dixit has a plan to extend
locality, Mr. Dixit started his venture from
the business to neighbour districts like
home with the laptop sponsored by his
Khurda, Puri and Koraput by the year 2015.
parents during college days with a mere
With an existing staff of seven members, he
earning of Rs.1000/- to Rs. 2000/- for web
is planning to increase the numbers.
getting
considerable
success
in
designing.
Impact of the business
Learnings
This enterprise provided enormous impact
He learned the managerial skills in a hard
on the business environment in Berhampur.
way through practice. He believes in the old
The important ones are:
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SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES



Providing the much needed visibility
area before venturing into it. During the
of small and medium enterprises by
initial phase of operation an entrepreneur
providing IT service in economical
may get lured to another field of operation
way;
or get distracted by facing hurdles in the
Serving as an excellent training
field of operation. However, a successful
ground for web developers; and
entrepreneur requires ample concentration to
Promoting ethical business practices.
consolidate activities with full commitment.
To become a successful entrepreneur, Mr.
Advice to future entrepreneurs
Dixit
gives
utmost
importance
to
The future entrepreneurs are required to
trustworthiness. Trust has to be built not
have appropriate knowledge and skill in the
only with clients but also with employees.
Prof. R. Pradeep Patnaik
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SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
COMPUTER LAB
Mr. Santosh Kumar Sahoo, a budding
He cherished the idea of providing one stop
entrepreneur from Cuttack, Odisha is a
IT
disciplined,
chivalrous,
nationwide, across diverse areas of business.
gentleman with a strong conviction to
The objective of Computer Lab has been to
provide
build new products and services, and
hardworking,
employment
opportunities
to
Solutions
&
Services
to
clients
millions of rural youth. To accomplish the
implement
prudent
business
and
mission he is relentlessly pursuing activities
technological
strategies
that
cost
in his Computer Lab for the last twenty
efficient and of high quality.. .
are
years.
The mission of Computer Lab is to be the
Mr. Sahoo was born and brought up in a
most preferred partner for rendering IT
lower middle class joint family consisting of
Services to different Govt. Departments and
three paternal uncles with their family
to actively participate in e-Governance
members in addition to his own large family.
initiatives in the State and Nationwide. His
Mr. Sahoo’s father (an ex-service man) was
nature of business includes Bulk Data
the bread winner and his mother was the
Digitization; Scanning and Printing of
home maker. After retirement from defence
Documents,
service, his father temporarily shifted to
Customised Software Development and Call
Jaipur and engaged as a supervisor in a
Centre Operations.
Biometric
Data
capture,
private company. The financial burden to
sustain the large family put pressure on the
Why computer service business?
two older brothers to contribute to the
IT-Services is an upcoming Business vertical
family. Being the second child Mr. Sahoo
in twenty-first century India. His educational
after completing his
background (PG Diploma in Computer
PG Diploma in
Computer Science joined as an employee of
Science)
Computer Lab in Cuttack. His sincerity and
experience had given Mr. Sahoo the
hardwork coupled with business acumen
orientation. With the long cherished dream
soon made him the owner of the Computer
to provide employment opportunities to
Lab.
millions of rural youth, he analysed the
15
coupled
with
employment
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
relevance and scope of IT services and came
entrepreneurs due to recession in US
to a conclusion that the future prospects of
& UK.
IT services were very bright and had
potential for exponential growth for decades
Future of the business
to come. Being a knowledge and service
Computer Lab is looking towards becoming
driven vertical, Computer Lab’s ROI is
one of the most ethical and successful
encouraging.
enterprise of the country by 2020. It further
aspires to become a role model for future
entrepreneurs.
Challenges faced
During this 20 year journey, the major
challenges faced and overcome in sustaining
Learnings
the entrepreneurship are:
One has to scan the environment on a
 acquisition
of
projects
on
continuous
a
basis
to
see
opportunities.
Adopting unethical means may provide
continuous basis;
 acquisition of skilled and dedicated
success in a short run but cannot sustain the
business over a long period of time.
manpower resources keeping in
view the high attrition of trained
resources;cash-flow
issues
Impact of the business
and
timely settlement of wage and
Employment opportunities created: In the
payments;
process of executing projects, Computer Lab
 unhealthy
business
has created employment opportunities in
practices
rural areas of over 200+ every month for
amongst competing entrepreneurs;
 meeting
expectation
of
over a decade and has crossed 50000+ in the
highest
quality services against lowest price
last two years.
criteria;
Economic growth:
Computer
Lab has
restrictive
continuously been growing and profit
eligibility and other criteria for
making since inception and has complied
MSME-Entrepreneur; and
with all the financial statutory compliance
 complying
with
the
requirements.
 Indian IT majors venture in local
market
competing
with
The
50000+
employees
generated by Computer Lab are exclusively
small
from poor or lower middle class families,
16
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
those who could not pursue higher education
Advice to future entrepreneurs
due to financial bottlenecks. They are

Love what you do.
provided with decent earning opportunities

Build a team immersed on your
at their localities with limited skills. The
vision.

rural youth were enabled to avail citizen
Be creative and come up with
centric services through ITES culminating in
innovative ways
bridging the gap between Govt. benefits and
problems.
schemes and the common man.
Platform for interested parties: Computer
to
solve
your

Create a delightful work culture.

Learn quickly from your mistakes.

Never compromise with quality.
Lab established itself as an ideal platform
for
cluster
formation,
conduct
of
conferences, seminars and spread of success
Prof. Rabindra Kumar Mohanty
stories to future entrepreneurs.
17
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
ESSAR BAKERY
The capital city of Odisha has undergone a
and a South Indian Hotel. In due course he
metamorphosis in the last two decades.
established Hotel Venus which soon became
Once earned the fame for its rich cultural
a favourite destination for tourists, travellers
heritage and architectural excellence through
and vacationers. In the year 1974 Mr. K.
its noticeable temples and forts, the city is
Mohanan
becoming a major trading centre and
ambitious boy from Kerala joined Mr. K.
commercial hub because of urban sprawl
Raghvan who was supposed to be his
with an exponential rate of growth. The city
maternal uncle. Mr. Mohanan soon fell in
has witnessed a 30% rise in population in
love with the city. After his graduation from
the last decade (Census 2011). Average
BJB College in 1978, he joined his uncle’s
literacy rate of the city is 93%. The city
business. Mr. Mohanan had the passion and
hosts a plethora of opportunities for
appetite to take the business to a next level.
amusement, entertainment, shopping and
He took active interest in the bakery
dining for its dwellers. At the same time the
business and led Choice bakery at Bapuji
city offers a vast opportunity for the new age
Nagar, Bhubaneswar. In due course choice
entrepreneurs to set up and develop their
bakery was renamed as Essar Bakery.
a
young,
flamboyant
and
business. Such opportunities are aptly
Mr. K. Mohanan, born on 30th October 1956
visualised and harnessed by Essar Bakery.
at Tellacherry, Kerala married P.V.Sunila and
The foundations of Essar Bakery can be
they have two children Ms. Simna and Mr.
traced back to 1965, when the city was lush
Rohit. Mr. Mohanan ventured into hotel and
green; the streets were less congested and
bakery business since 1980. He is gregarious
neat. The inhabitants of the city were mostly
and has deep interest in watching movies,
government employees. During that time,
making friends, spending time with family
Mr. K. Raghvan, a dynamic, suave and soft
and visiting places.
spoken gentleman sensed the opportunity of
tourism and travel in the city and the
The success of Esssar Bakery resulted in
business opportunity along with that. He
coming up with another manufacturing unit
then established Sajitha and Choice Bakery
to scale up business at Rameshwarpatna in
18
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
1996 and the other one in the year 2009 at
leading to rising prices of raw materials
Chandaka Industrial Estate. It had also
along with competition in the bakery
opened six retail outlets to sell the products
business. But as it is said a smooth ocean
to the customers directly. The names are as
never makes great sailors. Mr. Mohanan is
follows,
focused and determined to face the odds and

Venus bakery

Venus Cake

Venus Café
Learnings

Venus Hotel
Mr. Mohanan is now experienced and

Sensation
realizes the competition and changing

Venus Next
landscape of bakery market in the city. To
strive to improve upon them.
Today Essar Bakery makes several items
withstand in a competitive market, one
like Breads, Cakes, Pastries, Cookies,
needs to be innovative in diversifying the
Toasts, Patties, Sandwiches, Buns, Burgers,
products as per the changing choice of
Pizzas, Tikkas (veg and paneer) and samosa
customers and introduce new technology to
to fill the cravings of the masses. The total
minimise wastage and reduce cost. He is
annual revenue generated is approximately
optimistic about the future of Essar Bakery.
at 20 million INR.
With all the pressure and rigour of work, Mr.
Mohanan learnt that through humility and a
Challenges faced
paternalistic
The initial years were full of challenges as
workforce can emerge. He is a firm believer
the market opportunities for bakery items
of training workers to adopt new skills. The
were less and there were hardly any retail
staff describes him as a hard task master
outlets selling exclusive bakery items. The
with a soft heart. Among the trust and
salesman had to sell the items door to door.
confidence
The manufacturing facility was small at
customers, retailers and suppliers, the
Bapuji Nagar and scaling up of business was
bakery
unthinkable
appreciation
due
to
financial
resource
has
approach,
of
thousands
received
for
Mohanan recollects as with higher rate of
VAT (13.5% on food Items) and inflation
19
a
committed
of
happy
certificate
participating
Masterline cake festival.
constraints. The recent challenges as Mr.
a
in
of
the
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

Happiness to customers by providing
Future of the business
ready to eat quality products to keep
Mr. Mohanan is optimistic about the future
pace with the challenging city life
of Essar bakery. In its expansion plans,

Building confidence for Suppliers
Essar Bakery is planning to start another

Tax Earnings for Government
manufacturing unit at Khurdha industrial

Stake holder Value Creation
estate. Essar also faces competition from

Responsible Citizenship Behavior
other players like Mongines, Cookies, Café
Coffee Day and local
bakery shops,
Advice to future entrepreneurs
squeezing profit margins. The impact of
Mr. Mohanan believes the entrepreneurial
Government tax policy on bakery products
landscape in bakery business is healthy but
(including higher rate of VAT, at 13.5% on
the young entrepreneurs must be open to
food items) and rising inflation have led to
technological advancement in improving
rising cost of raw materials.
operation to reduce wastages and cost.
Impact of the business:
The bakery business has a large impact on
the lifestyle of the people of the city and the
employees who are engaged in it. It
provides:

Smiles
on
employees
the
by
faces
of
providing
poor
them
livelihood opportunities
Prof. Subhendu Mishra
20
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
BHARAT PETROLEUM
Mr. Shushil Kumar Sharma is a dynamic,
Why Petroleum and its Associated
hardworking and successful business man.
Business?
Born on 4th May 1963 in a small village
Petroleum and its associated business is very
called Kantia in Jatni area under Khurda
attractive
district honed his business skills and a
requirement and risk-return analysis. This
discerning eye to assess the opportunities
business is flourishing in India and the
available for businesses and their growth.
country is obtaining rich sources of revenue
He has become a flourishing businessman
out of this. One of the major reasons behind
by virtue of his dedication, devotion,
growth of this business is the rapid upsurge
intuition,
amicable
of the vehicle density in India. Among the
dealings. Mr. Sharma, son of Late Dwarika
leading corporations associated in this
Prasad Sharma, a Graduate in Commerce
business, Bharat Petroleum Corporation
and Law, had more than 10 years of
Limited (BPCL) is more popular because of
experience in transport, grain and pulses
its customer service and product diversities.
trading business.
Mr. Sharma after analyzing the business
introspection
and
considering
the
capital
opportunities ventured into this.
Shree Paschimasombhu Fuels and Lubes,
established by Mr. Sharma, is an outlet of
Bharat
Bharat
Limited
traces its history to 1928 when the Burmah
(BPCL). It is located at Kantia, 10 kms away
Shell Oil Storage & Distribution Company
from the district headquarters of Khurda and
of India was incorporated in England to
12 kms from the city of Bhubaneswar. Now,
enter the petroleum products business in
a major junction connecting Pipili, Puri,
India. The business of the Company grew
Konark, Delang, Bhubaneswar, Khurda and
substantially given the international backing
Nayagarh.
strategic
of Shell and it achieved the leadership
advantages and has huge business potential
position in India. In 1952, Shell and Burmah
for a petrol refilling centre.
Oil
Petroleum
This
Corporation
location
has
Petroleum
Company
set
Corporation
up
(BPCL)
Burmah
Shell
Refineries in Mumbai. The entire operations
21
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
of Burmah Shell in India were nationalized
emerging as a major junction, better
in 1976 and the refinery and Marketing
business is expected. Frequent disruption in
Companies were merged to form BPCL in
power supply adds to the misery of the
1st August 1979.
refilling
centre.
As
Jatni
market
is
expanding, more competition is expected to
Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPCL) is the
rise. Lack of manpower sometimes worries
second largest oil refining and marketing
Mr. Sharma to carry out effective day to day
company in the country. It has bagged the
operation.
fuel supply contract for Kerala State
Electricity Board's Kozhikode diesel power
Learnings
project at Nallalam. Recently it has signed
After more than one decade of struggles and
an MOU with LG Chem South Korea for a
skirmishes in number of businesses, Mr.
Joint Venture to set up a petrochemical plant
Sharma feels happy and confident with this
adjacent to its Kochi refinery Complex.
business. Mr. Sharma realized that adoption
of
modern
technology
and
updated
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited is
knowledge helps a business to grow. With
good in product marketing. It has given
his
much importance to its customers. It has
Administration, Mr. Sharma is quite hopeful
introduced the ‘smart-card’ technology at
to expand his business with his son as an
retail outlets in Chennai. The company has
associate.
son
graduating
in
Business
launched 'Smart fleet', a programme for fleet
owners and operators. The company has
Future of the business
introduced 'Petro card', a customer loyalty
Though Mr. Sharma is a promising and
programme, and enrolled over 2.25 lakh
revolutionary entrepreneur, still sometimes
customers by the end of March 2001.
he worries about the sales at the outlet. He
says “the sales in outlet are positive and we
Challenges faced
are taking serious steps to keep our sales
Even after a long association in business,
active”. Leveraging on the advantages of the
Mr. Sharma faced few major challenges. As
location, his challenge is to offer fast and
the place was not a high population density
efficient services to customers. He has plans
area, business was not constant. Now
to have more number of dedicated staff. Mr.
22
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
Sharma is also planning to adopt scientific
and other stakeholders are essential
way of doing business to reap maximum
to succeed in the business.

benefit. Above all Mr. Sharma is very
Spirit,
commitment
and
positive in handling all adverse situations in
professionalism is the key for any
near future.
entrepreneur.
Impact of the business
Mr. Sharma is very enthusiastic about his
Some of the key impacts of this business in
business. His leadership quality along with
the immediate environment include:
local reputation has helped him to create a

Providing the much needed access to
value added enterprise.
fuels and lubricants in the semiurban area.

Creating employment opportunities
for the local youth.

Providing opportunities to other
business units to grow in the near
vicinity.
Advice to future entrepreneurs

For any business, a detailed plan
needs to be drawn considering both
internal and external forces.

Prior knowledge and relationship
Prof. Bhagabat Barik
with company personnel, customers
23
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
BODY CARE GYM
Mr. Swain is married and lives in a joint
Sunday or Monday, morning or evening,
family along with parents and two older
Kanti Babu is full of life and energy. Being a
brothers. After graduation, he chose to enrol
lively person, one will always find him on
for PG programme in Yoga and Naturopathy
the move. Kanti Ranjan Swain, a man of
at the Utkal University. Finally, his passion
dedication and determination, has a flair for
for sports came alive with the opening of
sports and athletics that made him choose a
Bodycare Gym in Bhubaneswar in the year
career option, which few people will dare.
2001. Initially, Bodycare Gym provided
Apart from a black belt in taekwondo and
workout on machines and then slowly
winner of four gold medals at national level,
initiated some other aspects of services like
he is able to prove himself as a capable
Aerobics, Yoga etc.
boxer. Luck plays an important part in each
one’s
life.
Despite
getting
a
golden
Why Bodycare Gym?
opportunity to be a part of the prestigious
Unlike many sports persons aspiring for a
Feather River Academy, California, he was
secured government job, Mr. Swain decided
unable to progress his career in Taekwondo
to provide health care and wellness services
due to financial constraints. Being guided
to people by launching a Gym. The growing
and mentored by some of the best coaches of
awareness of a sizable number of people in
India like Javed Khan at national level and
Bhubaneswar about physical, psychological
Biswajeet Mohanty at State level, to his bad
fitness requirement in a stressful city life
luck he could not make it to Olympics for
provided the much needed thrust to consider
Taekwondo as this was not in the list of
the business.
Olympics games basket. A sportsman is
defined from his sportsmanship spirit and
He was also aware of the dearth of well-
attitude. Mr. Swain is also no exception. He
equipped gym and trainers in Bhubaneswar.
preferred to open a gym to make his dream a
Kanti Babu is a perfect example having the
reality.
splendid combination of Know-How and
Do-How in this area. He was confident of
earning a good amount from the new
24
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
initiative, thus he started the business with
fitness and misconception that gyms were
an initial investment of Rs. 20 Lakhs. He
meant for body building. Now, the increased
invested Rs. 10 Lakhs from his own capital
competition and cost minimization are major
and took a loan of Rs. 10 Lakh from bank.
challenges.
This reminds us of a famous quote “Where
there is a will there is a way”. The Gym
Learnings
achieved its success due to:
Mr. Swain says “life is a learning process



fewer competitors having proper
and change is the only constant”. So, we
equipment
have to adapt our business accordingly. But
and
trained/
skilled
instructors;
quality is one area where one cannot afford
Mr. Swain’s proficiency pertaining to
to
technical education on Yogic Science
formulation and implementation is the key
and Naturopathy;
learning for this business to sustain. He very
Initiation of Yoga and Dancing
clearly
Aerobics for the first time in
strategies for success.

Bhubaneswar;


on
four
important
The focus should be retaining the
Introducing schemes during slack
season
Introduction of a Special Spa and

Body Massaging;

highlights
strategy
existing customer base.
Lifestyle counselling to youngsters
through customer specific diet chart

compromise. Thus, proper
Fixing price as per the service
availed by the customer
Facilities like separate changing

rooms for ladies and gents, a juice
Retaining the trainers who are
already groomed.
parlor inside the gym and safe racks
to place helmet, key rings and
mobile phones, and availability of
Future of the business
proper parking place.
The key focus of Mr. Swain is to sustain
more inflow of customers and to take the
Challenges faced
business to a higher level. He is very
Mr. Swain faced considerable challenges in
positive that with growing interest of people
this business as there was lack of awareness
after approximately 10 years Gyms in
among majority of the people regarding
Bhubaneswar will be successful.
25
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
Activities like yoga and aerobics should be
given more focus as they are natural way of
Impact of the business
keeping an individual fit. As stated “Health
Some of the key impacts of the business are-
is wealth”. Gyms should not be designed for




The gym emphasizes more on yoga
the purpose of profit rather it should focus
and aerobics which leads to less
on creating a healthy individual that in turn
consumption of electricity.
will create a healthy State and Country
It provides diet chart to each of the
eventually. Kanti Babu feels that there is a
customers
can
great need for W.H.O, Health Departments
understand their body requirement
of Government and NGOs to carry out
and eat accordingly.
sensitization programs. At the same time he
It helps to ensure holistic fitness for
suggests that the Government should make it
individuals.
mandatory to go for proper certification and
Mr. Swain provides counseling to
documentation process before allowing a
teenagers as well as adults about
Gym to operate as there are many Gyms
lifestyle so that they can have a
which do not have trained instructors and
proper balance between professional
proper equipment.
so
that
they
and personal life.
Help yourself to become Energetic, Active
Advice to future entrepreneurs
and feel Light. Thus, it reminds me of a
The sole advice to the future generation is to
famous quote: “if wealth is lost nothing is
be natural, careful and provide quality
lost, but if health is lost everything is lost”.
fitness service. The Gyms should focus on
Your body needs extra care! Please take
quality trainers. The future generation
care.
should act as eye opener and plan out
strategies accordingly to make the public
Prof. Pooja Patnaik
aware about what true fitness means.
26
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
JAGADAMBA RETAIL
Pradeep
Agarwal
seems
to
be
very
kinds of textile products like sarees, kids
unassuming at the surface when someone
wear, men’s wear and fabrics of various
sees him for the first time, but beneath that
reputed international and national brands
lies an assertive, confident and self-reliant
like Raymond’s, Digjam, Arvind Mills,
person, who believes that there is no short
Manyavar, Peter England, Killer, Monte
cut to success. It only comes with hard
Carlo, Duke etc., to create value for
work, dedication and honesty. He was born
customers and make a difference by offering
in the year 1968. He had a knack for doing
genuine and branded products to customers.
business as academic excellence was not his
cup of tea. So, after passing intermediate, he
Mr. Pradeep Agarwal focused on cost
joined his uncle’s garment business to hone
cutting right from the start of the business as
his skills in business and later on decided to
he was not having enough funds to spend.
start his own business. He established
He believed on his hard work and dedication
“Jagadamba” family store in Jatni dealing
to
with sale of all kinds of textiles and
merchandise
garments. It was conceived in the year 1991
choice. He started his shop in a limited
by Mr. Pradeep Kumar Agarwal who is the
space with less rent and without any kind of
sole proprietor of this business. At the
support of sales staff. The business started
beginning he was only dealing with sale of
growing year after year with capital growth
sarees. His initial investment was very less
and sales growth and leading to goodwill
as he did not have a huge fund to start the
growth. His success mantra was based on
business. Later, he expanded the business
variety and reasonable price which appealed
with financial support (loan) from Punjab
to the customers at large. From a modest
National Bank, Jatni. He has recently added
beginning he has taken Jagadamba to a level
two exclusive outlets of Peter England and
where it has reached now as among the top
K-lounge to his business. His area of
retailer in Jatni with customers flocking
operations is currently limited to Jatni. Since
from nearby places. It has built a reputation
last 10 years Jagadamba has seen a steady
of its own in the industry as well as the
growth in its business with growth rate at
customers and public at large.
around 10% per annum. It is dealing with all
27
grow
his
business.
according
He
to
stocked
customer’s
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
Why this Retail Business?
Key learnings
As the financial conditions of his family did
He learnt that honesty and complete
not allow him to study further he joined his
dedication are two major pillars for success
uncle’s
take
in any business. One has to be honest with
responsibility of his family on his young
all the stakeholders of the business. Proper
shoulders. After learning the tricks of the
planning and management of day to day
trade from his uncle’s business, he could
operations has to be done with utmost care
identify the demand of genuine and branded
in order to create the much needed brand
goods in Jatni. As it was not available in
image. Finally, the objective has to be
Jatni, people used to depend upon the
selling quality product at affordable price
Bhubaneswar market for shopping. With
(value for money).
business.
He
wanted
to
moral support from his father Mr. Jagdish
Prasad Agarwal and uncle Mr. Sitaram
Future of the business
Agarwal he decided to start his own
Mr. Pradeep Agarwal plans to develop his
business.
business and network in retail and textiles
all over Odisha. He wants the Jagadamba
Challenges faced
brand to grow all over Odisha. He has also
From the many challenges he faced the
plans for moving into manufacturing and
major ones are related to:
developing and designing his own brands of
 Finance and arrangement of funds at
textiles and garments which will give him a
the inception and growth stage of
unique competitive advantage. He wants to
the business;
achieve this in the next 5years from now. He
 Managing and coordinating with
has also plan to have a tailoring unit to cater
suppliers from diverse locations and
to the demands of many customers. But at
honoring the commitments; and
the heart of everything he has a desire and
 Creating and building a brand image
willingness to provide genuine products to
customers and to do business honestly.
of “Jagadamba” among customers
and to counter competition.
28
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
Impact of the business
Advice to future entrepreneurs
Jagadamba as a business house has social as
Mr. Pradeep Agarwal with his experience
well as economic impact in the sense that it
and knowledge in the field has some advice
has resulted in a change of mind set of
for future aspiring young entrepreneurs.
people in general towards organized retail. It

has provided employment opportunities to
many people in the nearby area. It has also
Work
with
dedication
to
fulfil
dreams in life.

changed the mind-set of other entrepreneurs
Do
genuine
and
honest
work.
in giving them the confidence that they can
Nothing is impossible if you have
also achieve something like it if they work
single minded determination and
hard and with honesty. It is also helping kids
focus on your work.
by giving donation to them and helping
He is also member of various social clubs
them in their education in nearby area.
and organization in this area like the
That’s how Jagadamba has set a shining
Marwari club and the Rotary club. He
example for others to emulate.
spends his spare time contributing to various
social causes. Mr. Pradeep Agarwal is a
Mr. Pradeep Agarwal is never after any
shining example of an entrepreneur who has
award. However, he received many awards
faced so many challenges and has come out
for his excellence in business. To enumerate
in flying colours and has made a name of his
few
own as well as Jagadamba in Jatni and other

Best management in Odisha for
nearby areas in the minds of the customer as
3years
well as the general public.
from
Odisha
Textile
Association


Best seller in Odisha by Pan America
He is leaving a legacy of his own for others
brand of clothing in the year 2002
to follow and emulate. As he says in his own
Awards from All India Merchants
words “Nothing is impossible if you dare to
Textile Association for customer
dream and go after it with full dedication
support.
and focus”.
Prof. Prashant Chopdar
29
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
BOB N HARRY’S
Delighting the customers with delicious
Why Bakery Business?
bakery products, BOB N HARRY’S is
Mr. Hari said “When we thought of starting
known as one of the finest bakers in
a business, it was quite a difficult task to
Bhubaneswar. It is a specialist in preparing
identify the appropriate one”. After carrying
various types of Biscuits, Cookies, Cakes,
out quite a bit of research, they found out
Breads and many other products that suit the
that essentials would be always in demand
taste buds of the consumers. Started in the
i.e., Roti, Kapda and Makan. Since finance
year 1997, BOB N HARRY’S is known as
was major constraint for them, they tried to
one of the leading manufacturer, retailer of a
find out a business where working capital
wide assorted bakery items.
requirement and working capital cycle
would be comparatively less. They scanned
Mr. Hari Prasad Sharma and Mr. Biswa
the
Ranjan Acharya aged about 43 years are
Bhubaneswar and found very few players in
friends from their school days. Both of them
bakery industry which had a huge growth
were engaged in different industries prior to
potential as people’s eating habit was
the beginning of this enterprise. After
undergoing change to cope up with the busy
completing their PGDM, Mr. Hari was
and fast moving city life. They determined
teaching
Financial
to start bakery business even though they
Management and Biswa Ranjan was into
had no experience on this. Both of them did
sales and marketing. They could not utilize
a short term course from IHM, Bhubaneswar
their potential properly while working with
which was a pre-requisite to sanction loan
different organizations. This realization
from the bank. To start this business their
germinated
becoming
Parents, Bank of India, SIDBI and friends
entrepreneur in them and culminated in the
were key supporters. They started with their
creation of BOB N HARRY’S.
own contribution and some amount of loan
Accounts
the
seed
and
of
then
business
environment
of
from a bank. The mission of the enterprise
is, as stated by Mr. Hari, “to serve fresh
products, ensure warm environment, great
30
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
value and friendly service to make the
make cakes, biscuits, breads etc. and one to
customer simply feel good”.
assist them in the retail store. The enterprise
Challenges faced
has received many awards, among which it
They started the business with initial
is worth to mention that it won 2nd and 3rd
investment of Rs. 12 lakhs and one
position in all Odisha bakers competition
employee in the workshop. They were
held by Institute of Hotel Management
managing the store without engaging any
Bhubaneswar for two consecutive years
employee at the beginning which was a
2007 and 2008.
difficult and strenuous task. Mr. Hari says,
“Entrepreneurship sounds glamorous but it
Learnings
involves a lot of hard work. It leaves one
They had learned that dealing in low cost
with almost no time for anything else”. They
and high volume perishable products like
had to engage themselves in the store or in
bakery items, sales in time is the key factor.
the workshop from 9.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m.
Hard work and determination is the key for
Another major challenge at the beginning of
success in business. There will be many
the business was over capitalization. They
hindrances or distraction factors since the
struggled a lot to overcome that challenge.
inception of any business. But one needs to
After two years business in 1999 when super
pursue the objectives
cyclone hit the coastal area of Odisha, the
difficulties.
and tackle the
business was affected very badly. For about
a year and half they suffered a lot due to
Future of the business
decrease in sales and increase in wastage.
They adhere to the philosophy that “no work
Gradually, the business picked up.
is small”. Now, they want to scale up the
business and go for franchisee model in near
Today the enterprise is a well-known name
future.
among the people of Bhubaneswar. The
present worth of this enterprise is around Rs.
Impact of the business
50 lakhs and the annual turnover is
With rapid growth and changing taste of
approximately Rs. 40 lakhs. They achieved
people,
an annual growth rate of 15%. They have
popularity among masses. The bakery
employed 3 persons in the workshop to
industry has achieved third position in
31
bakery
products
have
gained
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
generating revenue among the processed
and add value to the society by accepting
food sector. The business is able to cater to
challenges’. Generate employment for you
the needs of middle income consumers who
as well as for others. By doing this you will
want varieties of food and an improved
help the society. You have to set clear goals
living standard in busy fast moving city life.
and objectives when you set out with an
It provided the much needed low price and
enterprise. If those goals and objectives are
high nutrient value products.
not met within a set time frame then you
should pull out. Entrepreneurship is about
building value around a business idea.
Advice to future entrepreneurs
Finally the owners of this successful
enterprise advise that ‘be an entrepreneur
Prof. Somabhusana J. Mishra
32
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
MAA UGRATARA FOOD PRODUCTS
monthly basis. He supplies his product to
In the year 2000, Mr. Panda at the age of 25
local whole sellers, vendors and retailers
started his venture ‘Maa Ugratara Food
directly. The price of Mr. Panda’s product is
Products’ at Badakumari, Bolgarh, Khurda
35% - 40% less as compared to the other
in his own residential building. Initially, he
players like Ruchi, Saurastra and Bharata.
was manufacturing only mixture products
The price of the products ranges from Rs. 60
keeping eye on the local market. After three
to Rs. 90 per Kg. The turnover of the
years from the inception of Maa Ugratara
business is Rs. 50 lakhs per month. But Mr.
Food
started
Panda says that he requires only Rs. 4 lakhs
manufacturing more snacks items like
for a smooth operation. The policy of Mr.
Mudki, Tara and Chips. Now he is having
Panda is not to store stocks (raw material or
variety of Mixture products (Like Jaae
finished goods) in his storehouse. He is
Mixture, Dali Mixture, Special Mixture and
practising the management strategy of Just
Chips).
in Time (Toyotism). He counts each day as a
Products,
Mr.
Panda
manufacturing cycle, the success mantra for
Mr. Panda born in a Brahmin family in
his venture. Now, Mr. Panda has employed 4
Badakumari
Panchagada
workers in the business and indirectly
Prangana, known for the peasant militia
continues to help a number of people for
(Paika) of Odisha, is under the Bolgarh
income generation. Mr. Santosh, a vendor,
block of Khordha district. Mr. Panda is the
opined that he had been selling the Maa
third child of Mrs. Haramani Panda and Mr.
Ugratara Food Products for the last 5 years
Nilakantha Panda. He was academically
but never found any disturbance in supply of
poor but had a passion to become a business
product.
village
of
man. That unceasing passion for business
developed in him as a child made him to be
Why Dry Food products?
a leading manufacturer of Mixture in the
Though he was not well trained or had any
block of Bolgarh and Begunia.
experience in mixture firm yet the cooking
style of his mother inspired him a lot to start
Currently Maa Ugratara Food Product
this venture. He found that the local mixture
manufactures and sells 50 quintal mixture on
products available in the market were not
33
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
having good taste and quality. People of the
Key learnings
locality were not able to buy the expensive
Great willpower and goodwill of all
branded mixtures to satisfy their taste buds.
stakeholders can make an entrepreneur
Finding the gap of a quality product which is
successful. To have goodwill one needs to
also less expensive, Mr. Panda started the
be ethical in all business dealings.
business with an initial investment of Rs.
20,000.
Future of the business
As the market is open for all players and all
His dedication to work and his parents
products, Mr. Panda is planning to add more
support in the factory will be an example in
products in his basket, widen the area of
our area, one of the villagers Mr. Jagdish
operation and streamlining the distribution
Nayak noted.
channel.
Challenges faced
Impact of the business

The main challenge faced by Mr. Panda was
It provides a training ground for
regarding capital from banks. He could not
young
avail loan from bank and borrowed the
interested to enter into the same
money with higher interest rate from a
field.

private money lender to start his business.
Availability
of
skilled
manpower
and
entrepreneurs
who
are
It provides directly and indirectly
employment opportunities for rural
modern techniques was another challenge
youth.
for him. However, marketability of his
product was never a challenge for him. As
Advice to future entrepreneurs
big players are entering into the local
One has to dream and make an action plan
markets, now Mr. Panda feels that to survive
to turn it into reality. There is not a single
in the business he needs to adopt modern
formula to be successful. But one has to
technologies to make the product cost
recognise the mistakes in business and learn
effective.
from it to become successful.
Prof. Prakash Kumar Pradhan
34
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
BAJRANG PLANT RESOURCES AND RESEARCH
In a techno-savvy era, educated youth are
B.Sc (CBZ) from NSM City College
moving toward a materialistic world. They
Cuttack in the year 1999 and then joined in a
are showing less interest in welfare of
course from GNIIT. After completion of his
people as well as development of rural
degree, he joined a Bangalore based IT
sector. About 800 million people live in
company. He worked there for 1 year and
India’s rural areas, which lack agricultural
returned to Odisha and joined a CA firm as a
infrastructure and skilled jobs. In such a
project manager and continued for 7 years.
scenario in 2011 a young man, Haraprasan
But his passion for agriculture compelled
Nayak at the age of 31, started a horticulture
him to quit the job.
nursery in the name of ‘Bajrang Plant
Resources and Research’ in the rural area
In his words, “I had a passion for agriculture
keeping
income
even when I was child. I don't know how my
generation opportunities to the people. He
love for agriculture started but I was always
started his project in ‘Byree’ an unknown
a nature lover. When I see my grandfather
village which is 20 kms away from Cuttack.
working in the garden, I always feel
in
mind
to
provide
cherished”.
Although Mr. Nayak was born and brought
Why Horticulturist?
up in the city, he has an emotional relation
with this village. His grandfather Dr.
The passion towards agriculture found
Nagendranath Nayak, former Chief District
expression in the year 2011, when he took
Medical Officer, Cuttack was born in this
the challenge to explore his dream in the
village and spent his post-retirement life to
village Byree with 2 acres of semi-arid land.
help the poor people in the said area. He
Having keen interest in different kinds of
built a health center to provide free health
flora prompted him to bring greenery in the
services to the people.
semi-arid lands of the region. He found that
the hilly barren lands can provide livelihood
Mr. Haraprasan Nayak is the eldest son of
to the village farmers by growing cashew
Dr. Chittaranjan Nayak (Cardiologist, SCB
plantation. However, there was no nursery in
Medical College). Mr. Nayak completed his
the near vicinity to provide quality cashew
35
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
plants in the area to be grown. This inspired
His nursery deals with grafting of both
him to make an initial investment of Rs. 10
cashew plants and mango plants. Mr. Nayak
lakhs to establish a nursery. The capital was
uses the v-grafting method in his nursery. He
funded by his father Dr. C.R. Nayak. Dr.
uses healthy and vigorous root stock and
Nayak said, “When I saw his passion
scions from desirable cultivars. His method
towards agriculture, I suddenly decide to
is otherwise known as saddle graft. This is
give money to materialize his dreams”.
like an inverted apical-wedge graft, with the
rootstock forming the V shaped end (cuts 1
Challenges
and 2) and the scion forming the slit for it to
fit into (cuts 3 and 4). This makes it appear
To develop the nursery in a semi-arid land
that the scion is sitting on top of the
the major challenge he faced was scarcity of
rootstock like a saddle. These results in a
water. To solve the problem he depended on
strong union as a large amount of the
groundwater. Labor problem was another
internal stem surfaces are united, but it’s
challenge in this area. Frequent occurrence
critical to make the cuts match, which makes
of natural disasters and invasion by wild
it difficult to do.
animals like elephants and wild boar was a
perennial threat to the nursery. He never
Future of the business
stopped his work and continuously strived to
face the challenges. He says that “If one
Apart from this project, he is doing research
keeps faith in God and carried out the work
on hybridizing plants, especially Rose. He
with
has grown rose plants successfully from
dedication
then
problems
will
automatically vanish”.
seeds. His dream is to conduct research in
in-vitro propagation of medicinal plants with
his sister Smitaparimita Nayak, who is doing
research on medicinal plants. He has plans
Now the worth of the nursery is Rs. 3 crore.
to develop a medicinal plant nursery and
“I never thought that I would earn profit
orchard. He has also keen interest in
from this business rather I started the
photography. He is well known nature
nursery to develop greenery and provide
photographer
opportunities of livelihood to the rural
in
both
national
and
international level. His amazing photographs
people” Mr. Nayak says.
36
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
can be seen in the website “treknature.com”
Nayak. Responding to a question related to
with his ID- ‘Haraprasan’.
advice for the future generation, he says,
“You should keep faith in yourself, be a
Impact of the business
hardworking person, concentrate on your job
and accept the existence of God to fulfill
The market demands for these grafts are
your dreams”. One needs to understand the
high in the state. Basically he supplies to the
nutrients
state level nurseries and he is trying to
become a successful social entrepreneur by
Not only has Mr. Nayak created a niche for
2020” he replies to a question related to his
himself in the social entrepreneur sphere but
future vision. His effort provided a source of
also he became the role model for the young
livelihood and afforestation in the barren
of
creating
and
to become a successful farmer.
to supply grafts” he says. “My dream is to
vision
growth
plant diseases and pesticides is also needed
will get approval from the state government
His
for
development of plants. A fair knowledge of
supply to the government. “This year we
lands.
requirement
people in that area. Basically, he is a good
more
person and full of confidence to achieve the
employment opportunities for the rural
goal, say friends and relatives. Through this
people is fructifying.
remarkable project he can bring changes in
the mind-set of the educated youth in rural
Advices to future entrepreneurs
as well as urban areas. At the end we wish
“Farming is charming but the only thing that
him all success in life.
it requires is full of dedication and persistent
hard-work without any leisure” says Mr.
Prof. Kshitish Kumar Khuntia
37
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
CHAPAN BHOG- A SWEET SHOP
Mr.
Subrat
Mohanty,
a
Management
“I started my business with Rs.1 lakh taken
Graduate from Fore School of Management
as short-term personal loan from ICICI bank
in 1992 developed a keen interest to be an
with interest rate of 15%” says Mr.
entrepreneur while working in East-West
Mohanty. He feels that the key supporters
Airlines. The Airline ceased its operation in
are his customers for the growth of his
1997 and Mr. Mohanty returned to Odisha to
business. Mr. Mohanty says “We have been
start a mineral water business under the
recommended by our initial customers to
banner of Green Life. The venture failed and
others, due to our quality products, honesty
he became bankrupt. “My father was very
in dealings, cordial behavior and prompt
dissatisfied and wanted me to return back to
services”.
Delhi to do a job there”, says Mr. Mohanty.
But, one failure could not stop Mr. Mohanty
Challenges faced
to become an entrepreneur. He rejuvenated
In this winter, while sitting on an arm chair,
his energy by analysing the problems faced
taking a cup of coffee and going down
in the mineral water business and convinced
memory lane, Mr. Mohanty reiterated that
his father to start a new business in the food
during the journey of these 10 years, the
sector.
major challenges faced and overcome in
sustaining the entrepreneurship were:
Why food business?

With a small survey he could find that food
Maintaining hygiene and procuring
quality ingredients;
is the only sector where there is more chance

of business survival. So, he approached his
Paucity of skilled and dedicated
manpower;
father to give his garage to start a “Mithaii”

shop named as “Chhappan Bhog”. After
Unhealthy business practices amongst
competing entrepreneurs.
some inhibitions, his father allowed him to
use the garage for the purpose. From the
Key learnings
beginning his father used to warn him that a
Mr. Mohanty perceives that without learning
Mithaii shop in a residential area would not
life ceases. So, he constantly keeps himself
work.
abreast of different culinary practices by
38
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
attending seminars, conferences and training
achievement rests on his staff members. He
programs nationally and internationally. He
says, “If they are happy, they will make me
learned that one needs to continuously invest
happy and strive to achieve the excellence.
in business. Accumulation of money is the
This is where I will build my competitive
major drawback for business. The moment
advantage”. While interacting with staff
one starts accumulating the downfall of the
members, one of them employees said, “We
business starts.
believe that Baba (Mr. Mohanty) strengthens
our social security and will by providing PF
Impact of business
and ESI to all of us. So, it becomes our
The impact of the business can be traced by
responsibility
observing the employment opportunities
business.” Chhappan Bhog’s popularity can
created for many.
be assessed by the stories covered by,
to
strengthen
Baba’s
Aajtak, Zee TV and NDTV.
Future Plans
Advice to future entrepreneurs
Mr. Mohanty has expanded his business by
opening different branches in Bhubaneswar
When
and opening Namkeen and dibba sweets
asked
to
advise
the
future
entrepreneurs, Mr. Mohanty suggests, the
factory in Rasulgarh. He constantly persists
following:
on providing hygienic and qualitative food
1. Always be confident, be generous to
to customers. Mr. Mohanty proudly says that
mankind
this year he is one of the highest sales-tax
2. Be committed, be truthful.
payers among the competitors. He is
3. Understand the importance of time.
planning to open few more branches.
4. Have patience.
For future entrepreneurs, I would suggest
“Do not accumulate money. It is the
In the year 2009, Mr. Subrat Mohanty
drawback of business”. The moment you do
received the Entrepreneur’s Award from
Journalist
Association
for
it, the downfall of business starts, says Mr.
maintaining
Mohanty.
hygienic ambience, honesty, transparency
Mr. Subrat Mohanty does not want to
and commitment in business. Mr. Mohanty
publicize himself, so he does not discuss
believes that the key factor leading to his
much about his social work. According to
39
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
him, God has made him efficient to help
Dr. Rath, a local resident of Jayadev Vihar.
others and not to boast about it. On
“We have been offering sugar-free sweets
insistence, he revealed with shyness, that
keeping an eye on the health conscious
20% of his income is spent on social work.
people of the city and now, we are trying to
“My family members and relatives always
be the top in packaging sweets in Odisha”,
purchase sweets, bakery, snacks and meals
says Mr. Mohanty confidently.
(without onion-garlic) from Chhappan-Bhog
due to its incredible taste and quality”, says
Prof. Monalika Rath
40
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
RAJAMONI FOODS
my son, I took the plunge into the business
Arisha Pitha, the customary “cake” of
to earn some money”. While Tara cooked
Odisha, is now a marketable commodity. It
the Pithas day in and day out, her son went
has transcended the state boundaries and
around marketing. “Sadly we ended up
finding place amongst the delicacies of other
earning nothing, but it did catch the fancy of
states. In Bengal it is called as ‘Anand Pithe’
some customers who tasted the Pithas. We
which is on the verge of extinction from the
began getting orders from marriage parties,
state, but it has survived in our state. It may
families and friends,” she said.
be due to the association of this homemade
cake with every auspicious occasion and
As orders mounted, a worker from Salepur,
festival in Odia culture.
Cuttack district was hired. Business took off
and the worker strength rose from one to
Behind this lies the enduring enterprising
three in her small makeshift factory adjacent
spirit of Tara Das. For her this began as a
to
way of tiding over her personal and financial
Bhubaneswar. The product, labelled as
adversities and has culminated into a proper
‘Rajamoni’, packed with five cakes was
corporate venture. “I had to sustain my
endorsed by almost every big shop selling
family and medical expenses of my ailing
snacks in the city.
her
house
in
Sailashree
Vihar,
husband. With no options, I decided to
Why this business and Success Storyline
encash on my culinary skills, especially
preparing traditional Odia cakes which I was
Started with two kg of rice and two kg of
best at” says a proud Tara.
jaggery, now her daily requirements of raw
materials has reached to fifty kg of rice,
She, along with her husband Sachidananda
forty five kg of jaggery and twenty litres of
Das, two daughters and a son moved to
vegetable oil. She sells around two thousand
Bhubaneswar from Delhi in early 1994 after
her
husband
underwent
pieces of Arisa Pitha on any given day. The
kidney
production touches three thousand per day
transplantation. “But my husband’s illness
continued
and
his
recurring
during festive occasions and the auspicious
medical
wedding seasons. Each Arisa weighs around
expenses nearly milked us dry. Along with
hundred gram, and costs Rs.7/- per piece.
41
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
She also prepares a special kind of Arisa
also helping me a lot in preparing Arisa
Pitha that is made from Desi Ghee which
Pitha she said. My son is helping me in
costs Rs.16/- per piece. Other than Arisa
every walk of life”, she told.
Pitha, she also prepares Laddu, Namkins,
Khira Gaja etc. The delicacies prepared
Challenges faced
from rice powder and jaggery, can be
She attributes her success to her secret
preserved for at least one month in any
method of preparing and mixing the
season.
ingredients. “In order to make the cakes
taste differently from others we prepare a
Das claims that it is hectic lifestyle of
different mixture of jaggery with right
today’s world that is stopping people from
proportion of water”, she says with great
making the Pitha, which involves intricate
deal of satisfaction. The cakes come with a
and time consuming methods. “Arisa Pitha”
crispy crust and soft inside. But fate tested
has almost vanished from household in the
her patience when workers in her factory
state. People have become so busy that they
duped her and started their own parallel
do not get the time needed to prepare the
business. They not only hijacked her trade
dish, so I have been trying to keep the
secret but also marketed the cakes with the
tradition alive”, she said. Residents of the
look-alike
city agree with Das, “I make Arisa Pitha at
whereas
home only when I get the time”, said
“Rajamoni”. “It hurt me badly. We had to
Sanjukta Mishra, a resident of Niladri Vihar.
convince shop-owners about the duplicity of
“But I never manage to match Tara’s
the packets”, said Tara. Incidentally it was
preparations. She knows the secret of
during the same time that she lost her
preparation of the most perfect Arisa Pitha”,
husband. She overcame the problem when
Mrs. Mishra added. Tara started her business
affected labourers from a nearby leather
on August 16, 1999 on the day of Ganesh
factory arrived at her doorstep for work.
Chaturthi. After the death of her husband,
her son Siddharth has been providing the
much-needed support to the business. “My
son has been toiling hard to market the
product. I have hired four people, who are
42
label
the
named
original
was
“Rajlakshmi”
named
as
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
they earn Rs.10,000/- per day, which
Impact of the Business
touches Rs.20,000/- during marriage season.
Today her Pithas have spread to almost
With increase in cost of raw material and
every town of the state, as well as other parts
labour, Tara and her son are scouting for
of the country. Arisa Pitha has gone global,
someone who can finance their endeavour.
“I receive orders from customers living in
She rues that no financial institution nor the
US, Germany and Japan. My clients include
Government
NRI’s, Non-Residents Odias as well as
has
come
forward
with
financial assistance. “We had approached
foreigners,” Das said. So well-known is her
the Government to allot us a shop in Ekamra
Pitha that Das does not even have to foot the
Haat where we can sell as well as promote
bill of sending her items by courier to her
our cakes, but the Government has paid no
overseas customers. Instead, it is her clients
heed,” she rued. Das is eager to participate
who collect Das’s preparations from friends
in various food shows in foreign countries.
and relatives who live in Odisha. She
“I would like to urge the state tourism
bagged many accolades from different
department to help me market this mouth-
organizations. She has been awarded from
watering delicacy in foreign countries” Das
IIM, Ahmedabad, under the tag of Shristi
said.
th
Samman on 29 February in the year 2007,
Nehru Juba Sansthan in the month of
She urges the youth “to work hard, work
November
dedicatedly, and never say ‘I can’t, rather
2002,
and
she
has
been
interviewed on many television channels.
say I can do this work’. There will be many
hurdles in each and every aspect but one has
Future of the business
to cross it effectively. If one wants to
Siddharth, an MBA graduate said, “Our next
achieve something then he/ she must do it
step is to launch our product in the
whole heartedly”.
international market” with a vision to be
Some Food Facts
more successful and a mission to open a

chain of outlets with Odia food delicacies,
synchronizing with promotion tools of web,
Tara began her journey on 16th
August 1999.

e-marketing. “But the greatest hurdle is the
meagre resource” he laments. On an average
She makes Arisa Pitha for her clients
based in India and abroad.
43
SHAPING LIVES, EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES


Clients include NRIs, NRO’s, and
Foreigners.

cakes daily.

Das has won awards for making and
reviving Odia delicacy.


She sells around 2000 pieces of
During Festive season, production
touches 3000 pieces a day.
She operates from her home in the
Tara wants to register “Rajamoni Foods” as
capital’s Sailashree Vihar.
a company and wants to open a second unit
Each Pitha weighs around hundred
only for large orders.
grams and costs Rs.7/-.

Special pitha made of Desi Ghee
costs Rs.16/-.
Prof. Shiv Sankar Das
44