Creator of leading dhoti brand shares business tips for success

The Hindu

4 days ago

'A good intention with a flexible business plan over a fixed business model focused on profit would pave way for the creation of a successful organisation,' according to K.R. Nagarajan, founder and chairman of Ramraj Cotton.
Speaking on Founder's Day of Thiagarajar College of Engineering here on Tuesday, he said his primary business capital was the desire to transform the lives of thousands of weavers who made dhotis in his region.
From being a student, who could not afford ₹15 for a typewriting coaching class and ending up as a school dropout at XI grade, the journey to become one of the leading dhoti manufacturers in the country was not built on a bed of roses, recalled Mr. Nagarajan.
As he embarked on his journey after a stint as a salesperson in a dhoti shop in Tiruppur, the ensuing years upturned his life as the market for dhoti experienced the worst fall after people moved towards western attires, 'My days as a salesperson exposed me to the plight of weavers who made the dhoti we sold. They would visit the shops from their villages in bare bodies to get their wages,' he said.
He did not realise then that the sight would later transform his life into a leading businessperson. 'Following the decline of market for dhotis, the shops dependent on them were shut and I too was kicked out.'
But he made up his mind to work for and with the weavers to uplift them from their poverty. The journey that began there became a leading enterprise and a cultural identity of the State, he added.
Speaking on the significance of Madurai in the country's freedom struggle, he said it was here that the attire of Mahatma Gandhi underwent a transformation and became his celebrated identity. 'Gandhiji, after seeing the backwardness of the people and their struggle to wear a single piece of cloth renounced his sophisticated costume and began to wear a simple loin cloth.'
Also, it was in Madurai that the blood-stained dhoti he wore at the time of his assassination was kept, he added.
Nambi Narayanan, space scientist and TCE alumnus, inaugurated the college's space club collaboration with Indian Space Research Organisation to develop and deploy 1U (unit) cubesat under the mission titled Boomitharan.
Speaking at the event, he wondered if the current generation's docile attitude should be appreciated or criticised. He asked the students to be more interactive and bold to raise questions, even though they might seem naive.
Also, he advised students working on space projects to set a target based on the timeline fixed for rocket launches. 'Working towards the deadline would help come up with satellites to be good enough to use them in ISRO projects. With the latest available technologies and sophisticated equipment, it is not a great deal to complete a satellite in a year,' he added.
Though slighter modifications and developments might be required, they could be carried out with a team or senior scientists.
Recalling his days in the college, he said due to his efforts as union secretary, it became the first institution to host then Chief Minister K. Kamaraj.
K. Hari Thiagarajan, chairman and correspondent, said the magnanimous contribution of the college alumni association would help underprivileged students to begin and continue their academic journey. Around ₹1 crore was donated by the alumni, which would benefit 241 students.
College principal Ashok Kumar, senior faculty, alumni association members and others participated.