While at IIT & then IIM, I had resolved to work with a government organisation for some time to give back something for the fabulous education that we had received. I kept the commitment by working with the State Industrial & Investment Corporation of Maharashtra (SICOM) for 2 years. Then, as planned even earlier, I set up my first business, a chemical manufacturing unit, near Thane in 1979 in partnership with some of my ex-colleagues from Union Carbide. 

 

In 1984, with financial assistance from SICOM, I set up my own manufacturing unit at Jalgaon, followed by another in 1986 at same location and another in 1989 at Aurangabad. The third unit never settled down under my control (though it is a big company now) and took a very heavy toll on our finances forcing me to take on partners and finally exiting the businesses in mid 1990s. 

 

After a period of disorientation and search for other business lines (as I knew clearly that I would not be able to work for anyone else), I ventured into marketing of pharmaceutical manufacturing machinery with focus on powder processing area. I was lucky to add some of the best known international names in the pharma machinery field from Japan, Germany, Switzerland, USA, etc. - which activity I am continuing into today, though on a much reduced scale. 

 

In 1996, as a voluntary & part-time activity, I co-founded the environmental NGO (HOPE - Here On Project Environment) - which also led me later into teaching environmental awareness course to MBA students & to my favourite hobby of wildlife photography. 

 

Viraj, my wife for 37 years, with background in finance & law, has worked with HDFC, Hutchison Max, etc & is currently with HSBC. My daughters Shriya & Eesha did their schooling at Rishi Valley School. Shriya later graduated in Mass Media and is currently a business head with the Amar Chitrakatha group. Eesha, having done her B. Tech from Suratkal and working with Credit Suisse for 2 years, is now attempting to launch a costume jewellery business. 

 

In addition to extensive travelling for wildlife viewing, I spend my spare time playing golf. I hope to retire by 2017 and devote more time to taking it easy and pursuing my hobbies. I continue to live in Thane where I first came in 1977.