#Gopal Chakraborty

 

Hard labour blended with perseverance transformed Kajal Das from a jobless youth to a successful entrepreneur – and gradually he became a self-reliant person as well as job provider.

 

Around eight years ago, Kajal Das of Kalyanpur Totabari area started manufacturing candles. In his words, “I started from a scratch. But I was determined to make it big, big enough to support my family. I picked candle making as my profession and toiled hard”.

 

Das set up a factory and named his humble venture as ‘Lotus Candle Das Factory’.

 

“For several years, I used to roam around villages with my candles. Initially, I had a single candle manufacturing machine. However, I received a good response and there was a good demand. As I did not receive any government assistance, increasing the production of candles was not so easy. However, gradually, over the years, I harnessed my production capacity”, Kajal Das said.

 

Das manufactures candles of different sizes. Even as demand for candles slashed after electricity was made available – Das is managing to expand his business by exploring markets in areas which he did not explore.

 

“I purchased a car now, so I can travel to distant places and maintain a steady supply of candles. On average, I produce around 2000 kg of candles per month. As Diwali is ensuing, at least 20 workers, mostly women, are busy making candles”, Das said.

 

He meticulously used the profit earned from selling candles and re-invested the money expecting to expand and grow his business. He dreamt of an elevation from a candle maker and supplier to a candle trader and entrepreneur.

 

“I always think big. During my struggling period, I continued to think about expanding production capacity and chalked out a detailed plan. I worked really hard on my plans – my hard work has paid dividends. Now, I am not only earning a decent livelihood but also creating earning opportunities for people”, Kajal Das said.

 

Local people also saluted the hard work of Kajal Das who literally started from zero and has become a successful and self-reliant person.

 

#Gopal Chakraborty may be contacted at enewstime2017@gmail.com