A rags to riches story in Punjab

At a time when a large number of youngsters are found running from pillar to post for that one opportunity to live or work abroad, there are some in Punjab who have written their own destiny through sheer hard work.

By Ravi Khandelwal

Ludhiana, May 25 : At a time when a large number of youngsters are found running from pillar to post for that one 'opportunity' to live or work abroad, there are some in Punjab who have written their own destiny through sheer hard work.

One such man is Ludhiana's multi-millionaire Rajender Singh Basant. His is a classic rags to riches story.

Basant says that in his childhood he peddled ice-cream on go-cart, and today after years of hard work, he owns an ice-cream factory, after years of hard work, he owns an ice-cream factory, several restaurants and banquet halls, and is now opening ice-cream franchises across North India and one in London.

Recalling one incident during his days of hardship, Basant, who heads Basant Ice Creams, said that when insurgency was at its height in the 1980s and early 1990s, it was a terrible time for small vendors like him, especially during hours of curfew. Curfew was imposed at night and shops were ordered to down their shutters by 8 p.m.

"An arrogant policeman in the area regularly visited our ice-cream shop and shouted at us, but we were helpless and could not oppose him. One day he slapped me without provocation. After five minutes, when I was leaving for home I saw the same policeman saluting a local politician. This really shocked me," says Basant, adding that "This incident infused in me a desire to earn name, fame and respect.

"There is no doubt that Punjabis are hard working. If we say that India is progressing, then it means Punjabis have significantly contributed to it. Punjabis are brave and hard working. Our parents also taught us to work hard, and the same theme has been adopted by our children. With this hard work, 'Basant' has become a trade mark and we are now distributing franchises," he says.

"Every person has their own destiny, but should not compromise with quality. If we take everything as a risk, we will never succeed in life. If one works with honesty and provides quality, I am sure people will accept the product. Our name not only shines in Ludhiana and Punjab, but throughout North India. We maintained the same quality of Kulfi as what my father started in 1952," adds Basant.

"After completing their education, the youth here neither works in farms nor in factories. They all want to go abroad. Many who go abroad, return without any success. Many face tough times in countries like Dubai, but many who have relatives settled abroad enjoy success. But, those who love hard work can get it all in Punjab. In my working life, I have never taken an off day. Even if I was unwell, I would take a little rest and return to work," he says.

The message remains: It's always possible to realise one's dream through sheer hard work.

ANI