Lovecode Chapter 1 - The Boardroom “Our profits this year have tripled from twenty million dollars to sixty million. We are the eighth largest producers of textile - clothing, fabrics and home decor in the world. In just 8 years after establishment, we have achieved what no other Indian company in this industry could achieve. We have surpassed Reliance in performance, profits and efficiency. This brings Kiara Textiles on the world map where WE can make a difference.” As Mr. Ansh Ahuja went on to explain the financials of one of his 8 companies, I was pretty intrigued by the charismatic personality and enthusiasm of this industrialist. He started his career in textiles when he was 21 and took over his family business. In one report he said that whatever he learnt, was from his father. At 29 now, he is a man of excellence and commitment. Mr. Ahuja has won several awards, “The Best Innovator”, “Youth Icon 2017” and many more. The company has 21 offices around the world and 18 manufacturing units alone in India. In his jet black Armani suit, he stands at the podium just like a king addressing his empire. How could a person of this age, accomplish such a magnificent feat. I am Aditi Deshpande, an independent journalist researching on the basis of motivation behind great men and women such as Mr. Ahuja. Tracking him since one and a half years now, It has come to my knowledge that he has a collection of cars ranging from 1950s Ford Vintage to the new Ferrari’s, Bentley’s and BMW’s. A photographer by hobby and a big time wine enthusiast, Mr. Ahuja spends time with his family, if he has any, at his penthouse in Cuff Parade. He also owns a big stake in financial companies like JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs and ICICI Bank. Forbes has estimated his personal wealth around 4 Billion dollars. So how was it possible for an ordinary guy to achieve such an extra ordinary feat? After months of using my contacts and calling his office almost daily, I managed to fix an appointment with him for this Tuesday. I have 15 minutes, just fifteen minutes to talk to him about my research and to convince him to share his success story with me. The room is filled with journalists and news TV reporters from all around the world. The lights are perfect, there is a distinct smell which you get in the five-star hotels. Sitting besides me is an old man, listening to every word spoken by Mr. Ahuja. With more than 500 shareholders sitting in the room, clapping and hooting on the success of Kiara Industries, there are a bunch of critics raising questions about ethics and corporate social responsibility. Mr. Ahuja calmly and peacefully nodding and taking notes. Well, in the end, when an elephant walks on the street, there are a few dogs barking. Finally, the 8th Annual General Meeting is over and you can see the smile on the faces of the shareholders who are overwhelmed by the performance of this company. However, Kiara industries has kept its name by keeping its shareholders happy. As the big hall gets emptier by the minute, Mr. Ahuja and his board of directors drink water and discuss a few points. In the crowd there is Mr. Puri, a retired army sergeant who will go back home by train, happy and delighted by the wealth that the shares in this company created for him. He says he bought his shares at 16 rupees a piece which are worth 350 now. He wants to take the profit home but something tells me that he will be here, at the AGM again next year. I stand there in the crowd waiting for him to leave the hall. He finally gets down the stage with his father and walks towards the exit. Three body guards with big guns surround him and ten executives coming behind him with files and suitcases which may probably contain information and plans about his next venture. As he gets out of the main lobby of the hotel, his Rolls Royce awaits him with a chauffeur, in all white waiting with the door open. Reporters are gushing and pushing their way in asking questions about future plans and strategy of his parent company, Kiara Industries. Not entertaining any questions along the way and with the body guards maintaing a tight net of security around him, he enters the car, allowing his father to go in first. As he sits by the window and stares in the sky with an attitude I have never seen before. His personality just speaks about him. His eyes show how hard he has worked to be what he is now. There is a bit of innocence in that face, maybe a child within, wanting something. Something out of this corporate saga. To be continued on request… Archit Sureka
