Qualities that Made Ghanshyam Sarda the Largest Employer in West Bengal
What does it take to make someone a notable business leader, jute industry revival pioneer, environmentalist, philanthropist, and more? Which qualities are critical to distinguish a business tycoon focused on social development, educating the masses, and eco-friendly manufacturing practices? How does a veteran industrialist embrace technology, generate employment, and support the process of nation-building every single day? A glance into the life of Mr. Ghanshyam Sarda might answer all the above questions. An industrialist par excellence, Mr. Ghanshyam Sarda is the Chairman of Sarda Group of Industries, headquartered in Kolkata. His diverse businesses include jute industries, real estate, IT, etc., employing more than 70,000 people across West Bengal and India. Mr. Ghanshyam Sarda‘s greatest contribution has been the revival of the sagging fate of the jute industry in India. As a result, today, The Sarda group plays a significant role in enabling India’s jute industry. The unique qualities of Mr. Ghanshyam Sarda, the businessman and leader, include:
- Leading by example
Mr. Ghanshyam Sarda is passionately working towards the three pillars he believes will lead to India’s rise as a global power. These include
- Employment for India’s future workforce and their skill development,
- Socio-Economic inclusion of India’s rural sector, and
- Maintaining and supporting a healthy and sustainable future
Through the organisation and trusts that he runs or works with, Mr. Ghanshyam Sarda has set a benchmark in business leadership.
- Willingness and capacity to take risks
Mr. Ghanshyam Sarda started his business journey to revive jute. Not many businesspeople would take a plunge as he did for a material that was heading towards market oblivion. He acquired the non-profitable Kolmark Chemicals and, using his business strategy, revived it, enabling his entry into the chemical industry.
- Focus on environmentally friendly business practices
Mr. Ghanshyam Sarda has worked tirelessly with the Central and State governments to promote jute for its biodegradable and eco-friendly qualities. Against industrial practices that add to climate change, he has been a propagator of sustainable and environmental friendly processes.
- Inclination to develop society, especially rural folk and the unemployed
He has been instrumental in ensuring that jute fibres revival benefits the rural population in India’s eastern states. They now have stable sources of livelihood and work across jute mills owned by The Sarda Group. They firmly support and work for the upliftment of India’s farming-dependent, rural economy. The focus is on physical and digital growth to bridge the rural-urban development gap and improve quality of life.
- Empowering the workforce with skill-development, knowledge, and work opportunities
The Sarda Group was one of the first Indian businesses to establish professional training services for employees of jute mills.
- Astute business acumen
Mr. Ghanshyam Sarda has promoted jute as a material not just for packaging but also in handlooms, handicrafts, etc. This way, jute fibre – the golden fabric can be manufactured and distributed nationally and globally employing e-commerce.
- Benevolent employer outlook
During the Covid-19 pandemic, The Sarda Group ensured vaccination for all eligible employees not covered under the Government approved policy. This was in keeping with Mr. Ghanshyam Sarda’s sense of duty towards protecting the health and well-being of his employees.
Besides the above activities, The Sarda Group runs and works with several charitable trusts nationally. Mr. Sarda has distinguished himself and The Sarda Group through leadership by action. In recognition of his service to business and society, he was awarded the Times Business Award, Kolkata, in 2019. He was presented this honour by Mr. Jurgen Thomas Schrod, The German Counsel General. He was also lauded as the Leading Industrialist from Kolkata among the Top Icons of Kolkata 2019.