Introduction: A Turning Point After Tragedy
In 2016, Shubham Kabdwal was just a 16-year-old boy with aspirations of joining the Indian Army. However, after his father’s sudden passing, the weight of supporting his family of five fell on his young shoulders. Determined to ensure their survival, Shubham took up his father’s responsibilities, including delivering milk, running a daily needs shop, and farming in their village of Satoli in Ramgarh block, Uttarakhand.
A Mentor’s Guiding Influence
During these challenging times, Ashish Arora, a resort owner and a close family friend, stepped in as a mentor for Shubham. He encouraged the young boy to think beyond traditional ways of earning a livelihood and to explore new business opportunities without leaving his village. Through these conversations, Shubham realized the potential of expanding his family’s milk business to cater to tourists and venturing into ghee production. “Arora not only gave me the idea but also generously bought the first few bottles of ghee and offered to market them,” recalls Shubham.
Connecting with Udhyam: A Life-Changing Opportunity
Arora introduced Shubham to Pankaj Wadhwa, a social entrepreneur and the founder of Udhyam, an initiative focused on providing financial assistance and mentorship to rural entrepreneurs. Wadhwa encouraged Shubham to apply for Udhyam’s first entrepreneurship cohort. After successfully passing various rounds of selection, Shubham received a loan to expand his dairy business and launch a ghee production unit, catering to both locals and tourists.
Learning and Expanding Through Mentorship
“Udhyam’s loan process was straightforward and didn’t require many documents, which made it easier for a youngster like me to apply,” shares Shubham. As part of the mentorship, he was sent to Delhi to receive specialized training in ghee production. Udhyam also connected him with potential buyers and offered guidance on sales and marketing strategies.
The training and mentorship paid off. Last year, Shubham’s ghee sales soared, with production reaching 26 kilograms per month during peak seasons and around 12 kilograms during off-seasons. However, the process of making ghee was resource-intensive. Each kilogram required 40 liters of milk, sourced from local Sahiwal and pahadi cows, known for their health benefits and high-quality milk. This high demand for milk led to a significant monthly expenditure of around ₹1 lakh.
Adapting to Challenges and Diversifying the Business
Despite the popularity of his ghee, Shubham faced challenges. The high cost of production, retailer commissions, and taxes limited his profit margins. Additionally, the steep price of ₹2,600 per kilogram caused demand to stagnate. Recognizing the need for a strategic shift, Shubham decided to refocus on milk production. He invested in purchasing cows and expanded his business by opening a homestay and cottage. This diversification not only strengthened his financial stability but also allowed him to repay his loan on time.
A Grateful Heart and Future Plans
Shubham credits Udhyam’s honest feedback and continuous encouragement for helping him navigate difficult decisions and prioritize what was essential for his business and family. “Udhyam gave me invaluable lessons about running a business and marketing,” he says with gratitude.
Looking ahead, Shubham plans to expand into farming, selling fruits, grains, and herbs, while also growing his homestay business and continuing ghee production. Additionally, he aspires to complete his Bachelor of Commerce degree through distance learning, depending on the circumstances.
Shubham Kabdwal’s journey is a testament to the power of mentorship, resilience, and adaptability. From shouldering responsibilities at a young age to creating a diversified business, he has demonstrated that with the right guidance and unwavering determination, one can rise above adversity and achieve success.
Comments
adamgordon
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miaqueen
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cmsmasters
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