I would like to at the offset, thank Nabomitaji for this interview. I was very impressed by her dynamism and the good work she is doing specially for the MSME Sector. MSME are the backbone of our economy. It is estimated there are over 63 Million MSMEs in India, accounting for 48% of India’s exports, employing around 120 Million people and contributing to about 30% of our GDP. .

❖ .BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP .

1. Podar Enterprise (PE) was founded in 1909 during the preIndependence days. The group has moved from Trading & Textiles to having 5 main verticals i.e., Government Relationships (act as trade house for 3 Foreign Countries/States), Advisory & Consultancy, Education, Skilling & EdTech, International Co-operation, and Investment in Start-up and Projects.
2. The basic principles of doing Business do not change. Honesty, Transparency, Trust, Quality and valuing relationship help build Goodwill. This has been the biggest strength of PE. Having said that,adopting Modern techniques and Innovation is the key for survival & growth. Any organisation has to keep itself abreast of the changes and adapt to them rapidly.
3. Strategies to remain competitive is to provide best quality, value for money for customer, adapt modern techniques to be cost competitive and constantly upgrading your product.Podar Enterprise has always believed the drivers for growth and the true wealth is in its people. Having the right skill set and loyal committed people is the most important asset of an organisation.
4. In the world we live in today, challenges come from both internal and external forces. The Geopolitical situation is a major threat in today’s time. The “will do” attitude will no longer do. Action and adapting to changes is the only mantra.

❖ .INDUSTRY AND MARKET TRENDS .

1 ..  .

a) As I visualise, Over next 5 years Podar Enterprise should be focusing on 4 verticals .

Advisory and Consultancy : With India’s positive growth forecast this business will continue to grow.

Given our Goodwill, Reputation, Market knowledge and trusted clients we expect to further strengthen our position in this space.

b) Education and EdTech : - There is a huge demand for the same in India.Foreign Universities are eyeing the Indian market which is opening opportunities for collaboration / partnership.

c) Skilling : - With more than 50% of our graduates unemployable, the potential and need for skilling is big. AI & Modern new technologieswill require manpower to upskill themselves, opening a new area of opportunity.

With our Hon. PM’s Vision of India to become the Skill Center of the world and a hub to provide manpower abroad, it offers hugeopportunity. Due to ageing population, reducing young workforce and high costs of manpower, countries specially in the west, are looking for human resources from India, Africa, and East Asia for the same. India has an edge given low cost, abundant supply and familiarity of English language.

d) Investment and Strategic Alliances with companies :- We have adopted a collaborative approach rather than going on our own. Given our outreach, expertise, business acumen & goodwill, PE will continue to enter into Strategic Alliances with companies specially in the start-up and MSME sector to grow for mutual benefits. We also provide initial capital and pick up Stake in these start-ups. For new generation entrepreneurs and MSMEs this is a huge value addition.

2. PE, differentiates itself from the competitors solely by ensuring consistent quality, honesty, sincere approach and building trust.

❖ PERSONAL JOURNEY AND INSPIRATION

1. PE is a Family-owned Business Group. My training has been under my father. I started training at the age of 18 and was groomed to take over the business one day. I was fortunate to have been given a free hand to set up a textile project during my training. The opportunity was huge as it gave me practical experience, learning from mistakes and gaining confidence.
2. My grandfather and my father have been my biggest Mentors in business. Success is not a word. It is beyond money. Success comes when you look back without regret and look ahead with enthusiasm.I read a beautiful lines which has stayed back with me for years“Success is when your signature becomes an autograph and your photos are uploaded on Google instead of Facebook”.
3.  Today young entrepreneurs are much smarter, wiser and tech savvy than we were at our times. I can only share my learning & experiences.

• • Be Honest• Work Hard as there is no free lunch. • Do not hesitate to ask as no one knows everything.
  • Respect views and
  • Be vigilant to adopt to changes.