In the year 1947, India became free from the slavery of the British rule. As soon as the struggle going on for many years came to an end, a wave of happiness ran across the nation. This year of independence brings many sweet and sour memories. Where on one hand the whole of India was being reorganized, on the other hand many businesses were also started. During that time a select few took it upon themselves to serve the community and take India to unprecedented heights. The name of determined visionary Mani Ram Batra also comes in the list of such people.
Batra came to India from Lyallpur in Pakistan during the time of partition with a determination to fulfill a dream. He wanted to create a means of earning for himself and also serve the country. For the upliftment of himself and his countrymen, he started the grocery business. He started this business as a small shop in Civil Lines Ludhiana with limited resources. Along with shrewd business acumen, Mani Ram Batra also had futuristic ideas.
Thereafter Mani Ram Batra inducted his son Balwant Rai in the business and trained him to take it to greater heights. Balwant Rai ventured into business in the year 1971 and formally registered it in 1972. This was a significant leap forward for the business. The business was named Mani Ram Balwant Rai. However, it was a challenging start for those fellow citizens. Despite these initial difficulties, Mani Ram Balwant Rai has built a strong brand identity in the country over the years. The success of the business can be attributed to the valuable guidance of Mani Ram and untiring efforts of his Balwant Rai. Aman Batra entered the business in 1995 from the third generation. He brought with him new Mane thinking and skills. He launched the brand’s self-service store with wholesale pricing. This was the first store of its kind in North India.
In the year 2006, the team ventured into the cosmetic business. Despite being new to the people of Punjab, the trade became a huge success. High-end brands are one of the main reasons for the success. Today Aman Batra is a reputed businessman single-handedly looking after the business and carrying forward the priceless legacy of his family.
The Mani Ram Balwant Rai Cosmetics business now has 3 branches which have brought premium brands like Hermes, L’Oreal, Bivalgari, Jimmy Choo, Swati Cosmetics, Versace and Milani Cosmetics to Ludhiana. The inspiring success story of the company is an example to all of us that you don’t need to do much to be successful. The way Mani Ram Balwant Rai has shaped the economic success of Punjab and India is commendable. Apart from introducing the premium brand, Mani Ram Balwant Rai has also created many jobs. Their further plans are to open more stores in major cities across the country and add more brands to the portfolio.
