Padmashree Kalpana Saroj is an Indian businesswoman, TEDx speaker, and an entrepreneur. She is also the chairperson of Kamani Tubes, a multi-million dollar company. She holds an estimated net worth of approximately USD 112 million. She is not just a millionaire but also a symbol of optimism. Let’s take a closer look at her journey.
Early Life
Kalpana’s story began in a small village in Maharashtra, under the influence of poverty and prejudice. Born in 1961 into a Dalit Buddhist family, she was the eldest among five siblings. Her father is a hardworking police constable at Repatkhed village in Akola.
When Kalpana Saroj turned just 12, she was married against her will to a member of her community. Due to the child bride tradition in their society, Kalpana was married at such a young age despite her repeated requests and denials. Her spouse used to reside in a slum. Instead of living her childhood like any 12-year-old, Kalpana faced abuse, humiliation, and isolation. She endured emotional and physical suffering as a result of the abusive marriage. However, it was this environment that sparked a silent rebellious spirit in her.
Moving to Mumbai and Starting Her Entrepreneurial Journey
After a series of traumatic events, Kalpana was finally rescued by her father and brought back home. Saroj relocated to Mumbai to live in a slum with her uncle in search of better possibilities. She started off as an assistant tailor in a clothing factory. She soon became an expert tailor and was promoted as a result of her perseverance and hard work. She collected a few rupees after years of work and rented a one-room apartment for her family.
Driven by her desire to improve her family’s financial situation, Kalpana took a government loan under a Scheduled Caste entrepreneurship scheme. With the help of this scheme, Kalpana started her first entrepreneurial journey: a modest tailoring business. With perseverance and foresight, she quickly expanded her business ventures to include a furniture store in Ulhasnagar.
She also started a sanghatna, a group that assisted people in finding business and employment opportunities. This was the start of her career as a social worker and businesswoman.
“The only means for growth at the time was to work for the government, but there were no jobs available. I figured that by providing loans, I might be able to assist young people just as I had been helped by a program. To unite young people, educate them about government loans and programs, and get officials to explain the procedure, I founded Sumikshit Berojgar Yuvak Sanghatna at that time,” says Kalpana Saroj.
Taking Over Kamani Tubes
Starting from tailoring and moving into furniture, Kalpana slowly diversified her ventures. In 2001, Kamani Tubes, a Mumbai-based copper products manufacturer, was on the verge of going out of business due to debt, lawsuits, and demoralized employees. The company filed for bankruptcy in 1995, but it was previously a leader in the production of pipes and tubes made of non-ferrous metal. The management reached out to Saroj for help.
Against all odds, she took over, negotiated with creditors, and assembled a team of professionals to restructure the unit despite all the obstacles. She turned it into a profitable company in ten years, giving thousands of people a new way of life.
Recognition, Legacy, and National Honor
Kalpana Saroj’s persistence and perseverance did not go unnoticed. In 2013, she was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors. The Government of India appointed her to the board of directors of Bhartiya Mahila Bank, a bank that predominantly serves women.
She is frequently referred to as the first “Slumdog Millionaire.”
Kalpana Saroj unwrapped her success through humility, flexibility, and empathy. She dismantled social norms and decided to uplift others as she rose. Her journey from child bride to successful businesswoman serves as a testament to every woman in the nation.
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