Despite owning crores of money, Devjibhai Makwana cannot buy property in certain areas—certain people from the upper castes will subtly arrange for there to be impediments. Devjibhai truly appreciates the value of money. He knows he is ‘allowed’ to live where he does because he has money. Without it, he would not be accepted into society.
Devjibhai dropped out of school in the 10th standard, believing that if his illiterate father could run a leather business, this much education would be enough. But it wasn’t that easy. ‘There are no advantages to being a Dalit. It’s all just a matter of perception. Small businesses get easy loans and waivers, but people like me are at the mercy of the market.’
Hitting roadblocks like banks refusing him loans and surviving bankruptcy in business, his company now has a turnover of Rs 300 crore. Today his sons are all highly educated and responsible for individual divisions. At 59, Devjibhai is still excited about starting a new venture from scratch.
Read how this gutsy and determined business tycoon rose to success in this story.
Imprint: Penguin
Published: Jul/2017
Length : 9 Pages
MRP : ₹15.00