Inspiring Tales Part 4: My Interviews of First Generation Indian Entrepreneurs Who Made It Big
SERVING Mankind
Mankind is our business – Rajendra Khandelwal
In 1984, when he started, Rajendra Khandelwal named his retail chain after Lord Dhanwantary - the God of medicines, as his mission was to “help mankind without segregating between caste, creed, colour, gender or income.” Today his Dhanwantary Group - a retail chain of medicare provider - is a household name for the residents of Kolkata. It is the first and only recipient of ISO 9001 certification for its new retail outlet at Shambhu Nath Pandit Street.
In an exclusive interview to Deepak Parvatiyar,Rajendra Khandelwal, who is the Managing Director and CEO of Dhanwantary Medicare & Research Centre Pvt. Ltd., speaks at length about his venture, struggle and dreams.
Can you tell us about yourself?
I hail from a lower income group family that always thought of business but was not bold enough to start one. I worked with the Calcutta Medical and Research Institute Hospital for 15 years at all levels. Given my experience, skills and knowledge, I thought of starting a pharmacy outlet. By God’s grace, I found the proper guidance and met the right people for making the wish into reality.
I hail from a lower income group family that always thought of business but was not bold enough to start one. I worked with the Calcutta Medical and Research Institute Hospital for 15 years at all levels. Given my experience, skills and knowledge, I thought of starting a pharmacy outlet. By God’s grace, I found the proper guidance and met the right people for making the wish into reality.
How old were you when you started your business? What kind of support did you get your family?
I was 25 when I started the business with our flagship store at Ekbalpore crossing in Kolkata. I was helped by my family members and a humble human being who allowed me to rent his shop space for a very meager amount. The environment was very supportive and thereby I could focus on future plans and growth
I was 25 when I started the business with our flagship store at Ekbalpore crossing in Kolkata. I was helped by my family members and a humble human being who allowed me to rent his shop space for a very meager amount. The environment was very supportive and thereby I could focus on future plans and growth
Your bio data shows that besides being an MBa, you are also a pharmacist. Does it mean that you meticulously prepared yourself for the job before entering the business?
I strongly believe that without doing adequate homework and background preparation, one can never succeed and reach the peak. One must believe not only in oneself, but also in the education system for one’s mental support. Education is not just reading and writing but much more than that. It makes a man more humble and prepares the mind, body and soul to face any challenges.
I strongly believe that without doing adequate homework and background preparation, one can never succeed and reach the peak. One must believe not only in oneself, but also in the education system for one’s mental support. Education is not just reading and writing but much more than that. It makes a man more humble and prepares the mind, body and soul to face any challenges.
What is your USp? How different are you from others? When and how did you realise that your project would be a hit?
Mankind is our business and service with a smile is the rent we pay to occupy the space on this planet earth. We at Dhanwantary believe in human touch. When a patient or a patient’s family member walks into our store, they are already stressed both, physically and mentally. A smile from our counter staff with a polite greeting gives the customer a sense of relief. That’s where we want to excel and set ourselves apart from the competition.
Mankind is our business and service with a smile is the rent we pay to occupy the space on this planet earth. We at Dhanwantary believe in human touch. When a patient or a patient’s family member walks into our store, they are already stressed both, physically and mentally. A smile from our counter staff with a polite greeting gives the customer a sense of relief. That’s where we want to excel and set ourselves apart from the competition.
Today Dhanwantary is a household name in kolkata. How many retail outlets do you have at present? Do you have plans to expand it beyond kolkata?
Currently we have 21 retail outlets in the city and plans are underway to expand to 50 units by 2020. Also a budget hospital for the masses providing quality healthcare at affordable prices is on our agenda.
Currently we have 21 retail outlets in the city and plans are underway to expand to 50 units by 2020. Also a budget hospital for the masses providing quality healthcare at affordable prices is on our agenda.
What is your success mantra? What type of recognition do you crave for?
You must passionately pursue and chase your dream. There is no thumb rule for success, neither is there any definite path. One must fully devote oneself to the task to succeed. Never be satisfied with the achievement. Raise the stakes so that you are always in pursuit of success. It is not recognition but self-realization and actualization that I aim for.
You must passionately pursue and chase your dream. There is no thumb rule for success, neither is there any definite path. One must fully devote oneself to the task to succeed. Never be satisfied with the achievement. Raise the stakes so that you are always in pursuit of success. It is not recognition but self-realization and actualization that I aim for.
Mankind is our business and service with a smile is the rent we pay to occupy the space on this planet earth. We at Dhanwantary believe in human touch.
At any point in life, did you ever dream of taking up any other profession? if so, why couldn’t you pursue that dream? Did you always long to become an entrepreneur?
If not an entrepreneur, I would definitely see myself as a writer connecting with the youth of India and inspiring them to move forwards for the support of the community.
If not an entrepreneur, I would definitely see myself as a writer connecting with the youth of India and inspiring them to move forwards for the support of the community.
You are socially very active and associated with a number of organizations such as rotary international, indian Federation of United nations associations, etc in different capacity. What type of satisfaction do you derive from your involvement in such organizations and how much time do you have for such social activities?
From 4:45 am till night each day, I ensure that I am always connected with my network, physically. I strongly believe that time management is the stepping stone to success.
From 4:45 am till night each day, I ensure that I am always connected with my network, physically. I strongly believe that time management is the stepping stone to success.
I have clearly segregated areas of work and networking and being socially active as and when required. A man who does not believe in networking and socializing will eventually become dull and unhappy, as man is a social animal.
Can you elaborate on your hospital project? What prompted you to set up the hospital?
The state of healthcare in West Bengal is very pathetic. Healthcare for the sake of it is not justified. Healthcare without the human touch is like a car without its fuel. I want provide affordable health care to masses.
The state of healthcare in West Bengal is very pathetic. Healthcare for the sake of it is not justified. Healthcare without the human touch is like a car without its fuel. I want provide affordable health care to masses.
What are your future plans?
I see myself contributing to the community to my fullest through my business and social life.
I see myself contributing to the community to my fullest through my business and social life.
Comments
Post a Comment