Ghanshyam Sarda: From Jute Crisis to Multi-Sectoral Triumph

New Delhi (India), March 14: Inspired by the enterprising Marwari community, a young boy without stellar academic achievements dreamt of business success. Early in his life, he got inducted into the family's jute business, which laid the foundation of his journey.

After years of hard work and dedication, he breathed new life into the ailing jute industry of Bengal and established the Sarda Group as a multi-sectoral giant, employing over 80,000 people across India. He is the chairman of the Group, Ghanshyam Sarda. 

But his path to success was more than just rosey. The jute industry he chose faced immense challenges - labour unrest, government apathy, and a shrinking market. Yet, driven by a "deeply rooted familial legacy, passion, and a strategic leap," Ghanshyam Sarda jumped in with a sense of responsibility to the industry and its workers. 

 Turning Crisis into Opportunity: 

Ghanshyam Sarda saw more than a dying industry in jute - he saw a sustainable saviour. He realised that globally, people were shifting towards eco-conscious choices and started working towards positioning his company at the forefront.

Jute was good business- from reducing plastic and synthetic fibre usage to uplifting rural communities through stable income and paving the way for a more sustainable future.

A believer in a greener future, Sarda's vision was to create responsible businesses and sustainable products that could thrive together. To move forward with this vision, he needed first to revive a dying industry, rebuild trust with workers, and offer much-needed employment during a critical time. 

He devised a twofold strategy: 

Building Trust: The interests of workers and industry were intertwined. He garnered their support by emphasising shared goals and aligning their aspirations, even securing a 1/3rd salary reduction during the revival phase. "We had to walk the talk," he once said, "and show the workers that we were all in this together. Their sacrifice was crucial, and their trust in us fuelled our turnaround." 

Leading from the Front: Actions spoke louder than words. Ghanshyam Sarda and his team, led by example, worked tirelessly alongside the workers. This transparency created a sense of loyalty and collaboration, leading to continuous operation without hiccups. "It's not just about profits," he underlined, "it's about building a community, a shared journey where everyone benefits."

Multi-Sectoral Success:

The Sarda Group stands as a reflection of its strategic foresight and unwavering dedication to expansion. While jute remains a key business, the group has diversified into the real estate, IT/ITeS, and engineering realms. Their success hinges on the fundamental values and a people-centric culture established by Ghanshyam Sarda. The group prioritises employee well-being, skill development, and community engagement, translating these principles from mere rhetoric into tangible initiatives. 

In this ever-evolving world, innovation is the biggest differentiator. Technological advancements adopted by Ghanshyam Sarda enhanced efficiency, reduced costs, and significantly improved wages and working conditions. Additionally, he introduced upskilling programs to empower the workforce to navigate the evolving industry landscape.

"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." - Henry Ford.

This famous quote summarises the essence of Ghanshyam Sarda's journey. He achieved remarkable success by uniting vision and people, leaving a lasting legacy of transformation and inspiration.