Nanik Rupani
Nanik Rupani (born 1941) is an Indian Entrepreneur and Philanthropist who is the Chairman of Roopmeck Electricals Pvt. Ltd. He is also the Chairman Emeritus of Priyadarshni Academy, a prominent NGO which provides educational scholarships to needy and deserving students. They promote the Indian classical performing arts among the youth. Priyadarshni Academy has also presented literary awards in four Indian languages that spreads ancient India’s wisdom to an international audience and holds a biennial Global Awards program which has been called by many Indian leaders as India’s Nobel Martin Luther King III who was an American awardee.[1][2]
Nanik Rupani | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 1941 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Chairman of Roopmeck Electricals Pvt. Ltd. Chairman Emeritus of Priyadarshni Academy President Indo-American Chamber Chairman of Mumbai Development Committee, Indian Merchants' Chamber |
| Spouse(s) | Geeta Rupani |
| Children | Kiran Datwani Reena Rupani |
| Parent(s) | Kisharam Rupani Radha Rupani |
| Website | Nanik Rupani |
He also introduced Contact Point on 27 November 1988 that was a huge leap for the nation. It was launched by M. C. Venkatram, Chief General Manager of MTNL. Considering the fact that telecommunication was introduced in India in 1950, landlines were only available for few and the rest had to face huge waiting periods for contacting someone. Nanik provided easy access to all who wished to connect to people across. He was the first to start communications in the private sector.[3]
On 20 August 1993, Nanik Rupani was honored with an opportunity of addressing the Central Hall of Parliament where the academy paid a tribute to the nation’s beloved leader, late Mr. Rajiv Gandhi. A life-size portrait of late Mr. Rajiv Gandhi was presented to Shivraj Patil, speaker of the Lok Sabha, to be installed in the Central Hall of Parliament, New Delhi.[4][5]
Early life
Rupani was born in undivided India (now Pakistan) in 1941. With a choiceless situation at the front, all the wealth and property was left and he moved to India with his family at the age of 6. Nanik and family moved to Wadala, a modest distant suburb of Mumbai. His father was a trader who later had to work as a commission agent with cloth dealers.[6]
Nanik Rupani completed his schooling from Don Bosco School in 1956. At the age of 19, he dreamt of starting work and settling for a job that gives a steady income. He applied for a job at Accra in Ghana for which he was interviewed in Bombay (Now Mumbai). With a starting salary of Rs.150 per month, he sailed to Ghana on the West African Coast. As Ghana gained freedom in 1957 he became in charge of the M/s Bhojsons Warehouse and this later resulted in receiving a great experience from Star Trading House. With a deep love for his nation, he promoted Indian goods and products to all wherever he transacted.[7]
With the aim of clean transaction wherever he worked, Nanik progressed in life without timely distractions that affected other friends of his age. A determined Nanik refused the offer of taking charge of warehouse and instead received the charge of the wholesale textile showroom in Accra. He then exhibited his skills to his best towards the growth of the business there.
As a college dropout, Nanik Rupani had restrictions while communicating in English. Due to lack of academics, he was paid 11 pounds while others were paid 30 pounds. Apart from the odds that he faced, he learned the language and helped himself overcome his obstructions. Unlike other youngsters, Nanik desired to return to his own country and be a part of its development. He returned to India in 1963 and continued his work towards the progress of self and country. He believes in the philosophy of "Service to mankind is the best work of life. Since we have taken so much from the society, it is our duty to pay back."[8]
Notable Events
a. Speech at Parliament
On 20 August 1993, Nanik Rupani was honored with an opportunity of addressing the Central Hall of Parliament where the academy paid a tribute to nation’s beloved leader, Late Shri Rajiv Gandhi.
A life-size portrait of Late Shri Rajiv Gandhi was presented to Shivraj Patil (10th speaker of the Lok Sabha from 10 July 1991 to 22 May 1996), to be installed in the Central Hall of Parliament, New Delhi.
Career
Nanik Rupani started working at a young age. With his consistency and hard work, he crossed the hurdles of life when he faced various turn downs with various business ideas. The college dropout worked his way through all the obstacles and set various career goals and achieved them. Some of them are as follows:
- 1968- Treasurer of Lion’s Club of Wadala.
- 1964- Started powerloom in Bhiwandi (Roop Textiles and Radha Silk Industries)
- 1969- Nanik Silk Industries, Kalbadevi Marg, Mumbai.
- 1971- President of Wadala Junior Chamber.
- 1971- Hosted The Jawans Canteen During Indo-Pak War.
- 1971- Conducted All India Film Talent Contest.
- 1972- Eastmen Art Emporium, Nariman Point, Mumbai.
- 1972- Hind Decor, Mumbai.
- 1973- President Wadala Jaycee.
- 1975- Hind Industries, Dadar, Mumbai.
- 1975- Hind Industries turned to Roopmeck Enterprises due to immense success.
- 1979- Rupani Enterprises, Wadala, Mumbai.
- 1986- Neutron- Video Conferencing
- 1988- Contact Point was introduced at Nariman Point, Mumbai.
- 1993- Adino Telecom, Andheri, Mumbai.
- 1984- Priyadarshini Academy, Mumbai.
- 1993- Addressed a gathering in Parliament House, Delhi.
- 1995- Introduced Laughter Club (Hasya Yoga)
- 1998- Priyadarshini acquired a global recognition
- 2001- Established Vedanta Research Centre. (Joined hands with India International Multi-University.)
- 2004- Became the President of Indian Merchants’ Chamber
- 2005- Received Summa cum laude at Jai Hind College.
- 2006- Conferred The First Kriyasheel Global Awards From Sadguru Shri Mangeshda Kriya Yoga Foundation
- 2007- Integrity India Sub-Committee.
- 2008- Confederation of Indian Industry.
- 2009- Chairman of Programme Committee at Rotary Club India.
- 2010- Became the Non-Executive Director of ‘Aon Global Insurance Brokers Pvt. Ltd.’
- 2012- Became Regional President of Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, India.
- 2014- President of Indo-American Chamber of Commerce.
Career Breakthrough
Neutron Electronic Systems Pvt Ltd
Neutron Electronic Systems Pvt Ltd was founded in the year 1986 by Nanik Rupani Group Enterprise. The company has been the leading provider of latest telecommunication technology since its formation. The video-conferencing in India was introduced by Neutron Electronic Systems Pvt Ltd in the year 1994.
The communication services of Neutron Electronic Systems Pvt Ltd includes voice calls, video calls, voicemail, email, text, fax messaging, data sharing, cloud services, Instant Messaging, etc.across any device. The highly sophisticated computerized ‘Customer Relationship Management’ platform and ‘Enterprise Resource Planning’ system has reduced customer equipment downtime to less than two hours. Which is best in the Indian telecom industry.
The complete communication solutions with excellent customer care service have gained Neutron an international recognition. The company’s client list includes global businesses like ONGC, Blue Dart, Citibank, Citicorp, DOT, HCL, HSBC, ICICI, L&T (ECC), MICO, Motorola, Origin, PCS, Texas Instruments and BSNL, etc.
Neutron Electronic Systems Pvt Ltd is aware of its corporate social responsibility and contributing to the same through Priyadarshni Academy of social and educational aspects of society.
Other Business Venture
Roopmeck Electricals Pvt. Ltd.
Nanik Rupani founded Roopmeck Enterprises in the year 1975. The business provides the service of distribution of electrical cables, motors, switchgear, circuit breakers, energy saving devices and other industrial electrical products.
To serve the greater agenda of providing the global businesses with types of equipment as well as the consultation of latest power saving equipment Roopmeck Enterprises became Roopmeck Electricals Pvt. Ltd. in the year 1984.
Global Insurance Brokers Pvt. Ltd.
Nanik Rupani became the Non- Executive Director of ‘Global Insurance Brokers Pvt. Ltd.’ in the year 2010. The company was founded in the year 2004 by Late Shri Bhagwandas Peraj Thakker and was previously known as ‘Aon Global Insurance Brokers Pvt’. The company started a joint venture with ‘Aon plc’ in 2003 which ended in 2015.
It is India’s leading insurance company which provides services like reinsurance brokerage, risk, and Human Capital Consulting along with the traditional Insurance services.
Global Insurance Brokers Pvt. Ltd. has branches in major cities all across India like Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Noida, Pune, Kolkata, Dibrugarh, Ahmedabad, Baroda, Hyderabad, Gurugram, Jamshedpur, etc. with more than 450 professionals and 2000 clients.
Global Insurance Brokers Pvt. Ltd. provides insurance services to aviation, sports, leisure, entertainment, counter-terrorism, liability and employee benefits.
Philanthropy
Priyadarshni Academy
Nanik Rupani founded a unique institution, Priyadarshni Academy in 1985. It is a non-profit, socio-cultural and educational organization. The purpose behind the formation of the institution was to give the under-privileged section of the society quality education and a platform to showcase their abilities.
Nanik Rupani along with Mr. Murli Adnani, Prof. Popati Hiranandani, Mr. Jamnadas Lalwani, Ms. Kaushi Mirpuri, Mr. Ramkrishna Advani, Mr. Chander Manghnani and Mr. Madhav Balwani founded the academy to help a young Kathak danseuse, Ms. Anila Sunder to get a platform to showcase her talent.
Priyadarshini helps talented individuals in the field of education, classical music, classical dance, painting & sculpture by providing them scholarships and a stage to portray their talent. Priyadarshani Academy is widely known for its award functions. In 1985, Priyadarshini Academy introduced ‘Global Awards’, ‘National Awards’ and ‘Smita Patil Memorial Awards’ for a Nationwide recognition of Indian talent.
Priyadarshni Academy has accomplished many ventures till date. The major events include:
- 19 September 1984- Established Priyadarshini.
- 18 March 1985- Inauguration of Priyadarshni Academy
- 21 September 1985- Priyadarshni Academy’s MAIDEN awards function
- 21 December 1986- Family Planning Medical Camp
- 1 February 1987- Formation of Priyadarshni Academy’s Anti- Dowry Committee
- 20 April 1990- Opening of Priyadarshni Academy sponsored telephone booth
- 17 June 1992- Tree plantation drive
- 6 December 1992- Felicitation of four eminent Sindhis
- 2 March 1993- Formation of Priyadarshni Academy’s Science & Technology Committee
- 20 August 1993- Unveiling a life-size portrait of late Mr. Rajiv Gandhi in Parliament House
- 22 January 1994- Felicitation of Nanik Rupani
- 16 April 1996- Inauguration of the first batch of Bharata Natyam and Sanskrit Classes
- 25 August 1996- Inauguration of the Laughter Club of Juhu by Priyadarshini Laughter Club International
- 4 November 1996- Launching of Cuffe Parade & Ballard Estate Directory
- 30 November 1996- Unfurling the World’s longest Banner with anti-drug messages
- 15 to 22 March 1998- SAARC delegation to Pakistan
- 29 November 1998- Opening of a Cardiac Care Centre for Rehabilitation and Stress Management
- 25 January 1999- Electric Parade to celebrate ‘India Tourism Day’
- 2 February 1999- Inauguration of ‘Priyadarshni Academy Forum for Environment Protection’.
- 9 December 2003- Foundation of National Society for Equal Opportunities for the Handicapped
- 15 June 2008- Inauguration of Academy’s ‘Healthy Youth, Healthy India’ Project
- 6 November 2009- Launching ceremony of the book ‘Kautilya’s Arthashastra: The way of financial management & economic governance.
Political Associations
Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, India
Established in 1968, the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) is a non-government, industry-led and industry-managed organization, playing a proactive role in India’s development process and serves as a much-needed link between the business communities of India and the United States of America. IACC is the only bilateral Chamber of Commerce in India which is committed to the development of Indo-US business and trade relations.
Personal life
Rupani was born to Kisharam Rupani and Radha Rupani in undivided India (now Pakistan) in 1941. With a choiceless situation at the front, all the wealth and property was left behind by the family and they moved to India with nine children when Nanik was 6 years old. Nanik and family later moved to Wadala, a modest distant suburb of Mumbai. His father was a trader who later had to work as a commission agent with cloth dealers.
At a young age, he dreamt of starting work and settling for a job that gives a steady income. He applied for a job at Accra in Ghana for which he was interviewed in Bombay (Now Mumbai). With a starting salary of Rs.150 per month, he sailed to Ghana on the West African Coast. As Ghana gained freedom in 1957 he became in charge of the M/s Bhojsons Warehouse and this later resulted in receiving a great experience from Star Trading House. With a deep love for his nation, he promoted Indian goods and products to all wherever he transacted.
After returning to India in 1963, Nanik Rupani went through a series of business development and a few breakthroughs. He married Geeta Rupani (earlier Geeta Chandani, daughter of Ishwari and Dunichand Chandani) in May 1967. The couple was blessed with two daughters, Neeta (1969) and Reena (1975).
In 1971, during the Indo-Pak war, Nanik Rupani supported the Jawans. He started with a canteen to serve the Jawans who were severely injured in the war. As a part of Wadala Junior Chamber, he was financially and physically assisted by many other people. The canteen was held live for "As Long As The War Went On" as promised by Nanik at the 1971 press conference.
Nanik Rupani also faced a dicey situation where he was presented with a clearing notice for his house at Vikas Valley in Khandala. The Government had planned the construction of Mumbai-Pune Express Highway through the residential area. He cleared the situation by laying out a smart alternative route with the help of Balasaheb Thackeray.
With a span of business achievements and a few failures, Nanik Rupani has now become the pioneer in the telecom industry. He personally believes that "Service to mankind is the best work of life" and he has lived up to his philosophy by initiating Priyadarshini Academy in 1984. In spite of all the odds against him, he has sustained to achieve success in the industry and is known for his smart business implementations.
Publications by Priyadarshini Academy
- Success Is Our Birthright.
- Success Is Our Birthright Comic.
- Kautilya Arthashastra.
- Laughter Therapy.
Awards
- Presented a portrait of late Shri Rajiv Gandhi, Former Prime Minister of India, to Parliament for installation in Central Hall of Parliament House, New Delhi, on 20 August 1993.
- Was declared BR Man of the Year- Hong Kong- 1998.
- Accorded Henry Giessenbier Fellowship- Jaycees International- 1973
- Winner of Hassanand Jadugar Trophy Award-1987
- Arranged Film Talent Contests and contributed large amounts towards the welfare fund of three wings of India’s Defence forces-1971
- These projects won three National Jaycees Awards and one International Award- The Bradford Forester Trophy at XXVVILJCI World Congress held at Taipei 1972.
- Was conferred H.H. Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Jayendra Saraswathi 3rd National Eminence Award 2003.
- Received Appreciation Memento for exemplary services to Society from K. C. College, Mumbai, on 10 October 2004.
- Conferred Summa-cum-Laude, given to people of high repute for their contribution, by Jai Hind College Alumni Association, 4 March 2005.
- Conferred the first Kriyasheel Global Award from Sadguru Shri Mangesh Kriya Yoga Foundation on 24 October 2006.
References
- "Interview with Nanik Rupani Founder & Chairman of Priyadarshni Academy".
- us/board-directors.asp "Telephony Systems, Voice Loggers, Audio and Video Conferencing Solutions by Neutron Electronic Systems Pvt. Ltd" Check
|url=value (help). - "Nanik Rupani is new President of Indo-American Chamber of Commerce". timesofindia-economictimes.
- "Green tribunal fines Mumbai builder ₹40 lakh for destroying Khandala hill". hindustantimes. 3 March 2017.
- "Judgement of the National Green Tribunal regarding devastation due to hill-cutting and tree felling in Lonavala". indiaenvironmentportal.
- "Nanik Rupani takes over as the Regional President (Western India Council) of IACC". masterbuilder.
- "Juhi Chawla and Katrina Kaif among the awardees at the 32nd Priyadarshni Academy Global Awards". firstpost.
- "PIX: Katrina receives Smita Patil Memorial award". rediff.