We Focus On Eternity: Gautam Hari Singhania
The Raymond Group, which owns the iconic Raymond brand, has forayed into real estate and edutech businesses. But Raymond remains top of the mind for Chairman Gautam Hari Singhania. “It is a 97-year-old brand with a 19-year-old’s heart; it is still just the beginning. People focus on 100 years, but we focus on eternity. Raymond is a national asset and we are only the caretakers. That is the power and legacy of the brand,” he said during a recent interaction with BW Businessworld. Edited excerpts of the chat:
On being the factory to the world
Asia is well-poised for steady progress and India is making rapid strides with numerous global names considering our nation as a worthy manufacturing successor to China. At Raymond, we achieved the preferred supplier status for most of our global clients and it’s a testimony to the India story that holds the beacon for a brighter future. With the China+1 strategy adopted by most manufacturers, it is an opportune moment for India.
The war between Ukraine and Russia may pan into Europe. I think the future for America and the UK is a little bleak but for India, as a large consumption-driven economy, it is strong.
On the foray into real estate
Raymond had land in Thane. When plans to sell the land fell through, the group chose to develop it instead. The rising aspirations of new-age India have led to numerous homebuyers seeking 1, 2 and 3 BHK apartments, especially in metros. We have been evaluating numerous joint development agreements (JDA) to tap the demand in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and offer a product that is resonating with a new generation of Indians.
Since its launch, Raymond Realty has been making rapid strides and we stay committed to delivering the highest quality product within the deadlines. In the third quarter of fiscal 2022, we launched a premium residential project, The Address by GS. We have successfully sold over 30 per cent of the project inventory within five months of the launch. We built this business through the pandemic and have seen a lot of traction and sales. Till March 2022, we have successfully sold around 1,900 units. There is no reason why we should not be able to take this to the next level.
On Singhania Quest Plus
The group is focused on providing education. Education is a sensitive area as you are working with parents who trust you to build their children’s future. You have to be cognisant of that fact.
We have five schools providing education to 20,000 children. Recently, Singhania schools have taken on the onus to manage Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam’s schools and enhance the quality of education.
Singhania Quest+ is India’s first holistic learning platform covering academics and skills-based programmes like coding, international languages, performing arts, experiential learning and career-based programs. The app has been designed in line with the National Education Policy 2020. With an education legacy of 50-plus years, this app is conceptualised and created by educationists.
On leadership
We learn something new every day that is the road to growth. It is important to have an open mindset. If you win in the mind, you win in the field.
