Never say never

He then proceeded to retrace his path to success. His parents were farmers and traders, engaged in small enterprises. 8220;We had humble beginnings. My father was of the opinion that to pursue a career in business, one needs daring and courage. So, at the age of 15, I started my apprenticeship under him. He believed that a college education does not teach anybody courage,8221; reminisced Kalyani with a smile.

Kalyani relates that Y.B. Chavan and Shantanu Kirloskar helped crystallise his ideas. 8220;When Chavan became the Chief Minister, he advised me to continue with farming and concentrate on manufacturing. And after some scouting around, I decided on launching a forging factory, which I am proud to say is world-class today,8221; he said.

Kalyani8217;s path was strewn with hurdles, but he pursued his goal with single-minded determination, which he cites as the requisite for success. 8220;My only goal was to set up, establish and succeed in my chosen line. Yes, sceptics pointed out that without proper finance, I was taking a risk beyond my means, but that did not deter me,8221; asserts Kalyani.

The initial years were beset with troubles, causing inordinate delays in the new-born factory. 8220;A joke would do the rounds of the Deccan Queen, whenever I travelled on it. My co-passengers would say, Today, the train is definitely going to reach late,8221; chuckles Kalyani.

The Indo-China war, the escalation in manufacturing material costs, increase in excise duties were only some of the financial crunches the forging business brought up. 8220;But we persevered and progressed. If you work with sincerity, persistence and courage, then God comes as a friend and stands behind you,8221; explains Kalyani.

And the more the troubles, the more the progress. 8220;My experience has told me that if there are no obstacles, there will be no opportunities to talk about them either. While working, one should not think of success or failure,8221; he says.

Kalyani8217;s observations on the young generation is tinged with criticism. 8220;Our country has so much to offer but nobody has come forward to make use of it. Today8217;s generation is satisfied with making easy money, which is not the answer to self-development,8221; he said. Kalyani pointed out that this was due to a faulty education system. 8220;We educate our youth in the traditional way, instead we should equip them with a modern outlook, which is important,8221; he concluded.

Kalyani8217;s address was followed by B.G. Shirke8217;s. Shirke, like Kalyani, also comes from a farmer8217;s family, and since his elder brother showed no inclination toward studies, he forcibly became the chosen one.8217; Shirke went on to obtain a degree in civil engineering, but his inspiration has always remained his mother.

8220;My mother was uneducated but very intelligent. One scene is fresh in my mind. When I was a child, she came all the way to my school and gave my schoolmaster a rupee for my schoolbooks. I was deeply touched,8221; he relates. Educated on generous freeships and scholarships, Shirke was later able to send money back home.

Shirke decided in college itself that regular employment was not for him. 8220;I knew I was not suited to it, and I had decided on business, even when I had nothing in hand. I entered the contracting business, with no capital and only one cycle,8221; he recalled, talking of his initial struggles, before he established his construction house.

What then is the recipe for success? 8220;The word no8217; does not exist in my dictionary. There is now8217; and there is know.8217; One must work very hard, have a forward-looking attitude, not ever retrace one8217;s steps and even bear insults, but never let anything come in the way,8221; advised Shirke, received by the audience with applause.

Shirke8217;s brush with the dubious world of construction led him to abandon it five times in his entire career. 8220;Why? Because of the rampant corruption in this field. And I refuse to pay money to architects and contractors. But civil engineering is in my blood, so I always came right back,8221; he said laughing.

8220;No development project is complete without civil engineering, but do you know the amount of money the country loses because of fraudulent practices in this sector? Millions of crores every year. The country is not proceeding in the right direction. The housing problem is increasing day by day. And furthermore, the archaic tender notice system and contract document by the British have not been abolished. Builders have and will ruin this country,8221; he says humorously.

Shirke cites some more ingredients for success. 8220;If you speak the truth, and are accurate in your statements, God will certainly help you. And if you start an enterprise which is socially useful, success is sure to follow.8221; Shirke further pleased the jam-packed stadium by saying that, 8220;If an employer is good, then the labour will also be good, and vice-versa8221;.

8220;The person sitting in the chair is the boss and I have always maintained cordial relations with all political parties,8221; said Shirke amidst laughter, in answer to some cogent questions put forward by compere Sudhir Gadgil. And does he really adhere strictly to clean business? 8220;As long as the sarkar does not solve the question of election funds, this scheme of things will continue. We try to be as clean as possible and if I ever pay, it8217;s from my own pocket,8221; said the intrepid gentleman to thunderous applause from the audience.

Prabhakar Panshikar, renowned dramatist and actor of the Marathi stage, whose passion for theatre has ruled his life, concluded the day8217;s series with his short discourse. Dressed in a maroon silk kurta and cream dhoti, he spoke of his life. Breaking all filial traditions, he proceeded to do what his heart dictated and not what society expected of him. 8220;I was determined to make a successful career in theatre. If one8217;s pursuit is sincere, one day, success does grace one8217;s life,8221; he said. Total involvement, a never-say-die attitude and disregard of monetary gains are essentials to success, he added.

The speakers certainly managed to rouse the audience with their inspiring life sketches and tips for success.