Leaving behind a high-paying job at a prestigious company to embark on an entrepreneurial journey is a daunting task. Shashi Kumar, the founder and CEO of Akshayakalpa Organic, did just that. After dedicating 13 years of his career to Wipro Limited, Kumar took a bold step and ventured into the world of organic farming, eventually building a company worth Rs 260 crore.

The Leap from IT to Agriculture

Shashi Kumar, who hails from a farming family, observed the challenges faced by farmers while working at Wipro. This inspired him to make a difference in the agrarian sector. In 2010, with a vision to revolutionize India’s dairy industry, Kumar founded Akshayakalpa Organic in Bengaluru. The company aimed to provide milk and milk products free from antibiotics, synthetic additives, hormones, and chemical pesticide residues.

Pioneering Organic Dairy in India

Akshayakalpa Organic became India’s first certified organic dairy business. Kumar and his team employed innovative techniques alongside traditional farming methods to ensure the production of high-quality, safe milk. This approach not only addressed the issues faced by farmers but also met the growing consumer demand for organic and sustainable products.

Bridging the Gap Between Farmers and Consumers

Understanding the importance of linking farmers’ produce to the marketplace, Kumar focused on making farming a profitable venture. By connecting farmers directly with consumers who sought organic milk, Akshayakalpa created a sustainable business model. This initiative helped improve farmers’ incomes while providing consumers with healthier, organic dairy options.

Rapid Growth and Market Expansion

Over the years, Akshayakalpa Organic has grown significantly. According to Startuppedia, the company now serves over 10,000 customers across 600 farms, employing a dedicated team of 400 people. Their products have gained popularity in major cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Pune.

Achieving Financial Milestones

In FY23, Akshayakalpa Organic reported an impressive turnover of Rs 260 crore, as per a TOI report. This milestone reflects the company’s successful journey from a startup to a major player in the organic dairy industry.

Conclusion

Shashi Kumar’s transition from a corporate job at Wipro to founding a Rs 260 crore organic dairy enterprise is a testament to the power of vision, courage, and determination. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs who dream of making a significant impact in their chosen fields.

What do you think about Shashi Kumar’s journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Rags-to-riches stories often inspire, but few tales are as shocking and dramatic as that of Bavaguthu Raghuram Shetty, known as BR Shetty. This Indian businessman once owned floors in the Burj Khalifa and a private jet, only to see his billion-dollar empire crumble to the point where he had to sell his Rs 12,400 crore company for a mere Rs 74.

The Rise of BR Shetty

BR Shetty was born on August 1, 1942, into a Tulu-speaking Bunt family in Udupi, Karnataka. Educated in a Kannada medium school, Shetty completed his pharmaceutical studies at Manipal. He served as Vice-Chairman of the Municipal Council in Udupi and married Chandrakumari Shetty, with whom he has four children.

In 1973, with just Rs 665, Shetty moved to Abu Dhabi seeking better opportunities. He worked as a pharma salesman before founding a small clinic, New Medical Centre (NMC), in 1975. Initially, his wife was the only doctor at the center. NMC eventually became one of the largest private healthcare providers in the UAE, making Shetty a pioneer in the sector.

By 2015, Shetty was featured on Forbes’ list of India’s 100 Richest People, and by 2019, he was ranked the 42nd richest person in India with a net worth of Rs 18,000 crore. His luxurious lifestyle included floors in the Burj Khalifa, a fleet of luxury cars, and a private jet.

The Fall from Grace

In 2019, UK-based investment research firm Muddy Waters accused Shetty of inflating cash flow figures to minimize perceived debt. This triggered a massive decline in NMC Health’s stock value. The subsequent financial fallout forced Shetty to sell his Rs 12,478 crore company for just Rs 74 to an Israeli-UAE consortium.

In April 2020, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank filed a criminal complaint against NMC Health. Soon after, the Central Bank of UAE ordered the freezing of Shetty’s accounts and blacklisted his firms. On April 8, 2020, NMC Health went into administration in the UK due to insolvency, marking a dramatic end to Shetty’s business empire.

Conclusion

BR Shetty’s story is a stark reminder of how fortunes can change overnight. From owning floors in the Burj Khalifa to losing his empire, his journey is filled with both inspiration and caution. Despite his dramatic fall, Shetty’s early success remains a testament to the possibilities of rising from humble beginnings to achieve greatness.