123rd Birth Anniversary of our Founder - 4 things to keep in mind

Date

17th May 2025

Dear Friends

16 May is the day we celebrate as the birthday of our Founder - Padmabhushan K. J. Somaiya.

There is a memory that I would like to share. I returned to India from my studies in mid 1992, and joined our family business on 1 January 1993. My grandfather, our Founder, was 91 years old and still actively working. He led me to my desk and said to me that I would like to tell you 4 things to keep in mind and you start this new chapter in your life.

These were:
1. Always speak the truth. (सच बोलना)
2. Keep your word. (ज़बानी)
3. Never lose your 'mind' or temper. (क्रोध नहीं करना)
4. Never do anything that if your mother would find out, she would not be able to hold her head high. (ऐसा काम न करना जिससे आप की माँ सर उठा न सके, या शर्मिन्दा हो)

These are simple 'instructions' to live life by. Not only at work, but everywhere. SImple and powerful words of advice by a man who started from scratch, dreamt big, worked hard, achieved much, gave back, and who always said 'भगवान की मर्ज़ी ' when things went his way, and even when they did not.

Happy Birthday to him