|*Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons is a name to reckon with in the jewellery retail business, and its name and fame radiates far beyond the city of Kolkata where it is based. Bachchraj Bamalwa, one of the four brothers who founded the business, is the Vice Chairman of the All India Gems & JewelleryTrade Federation (GJF) and is a well-known and respected figure in the jewellery industry. {{Nilan Singh}} traces the journey of{{ Bachhraj Bamalwa}} since his early years in the continuing series which portrays the personalities behind the business personae of members of the jewellery industry.*| All great things, it is said, have small beginnings. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. Today, the well-known Kolkata jewellery retailer Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons is an enterprise that is widely known, and jeweller to a discerning clientele in the city. The eminence of Bachhraj Bamalwa, one of the four brothers who set up the enterprise, can be gauged by the fact that he is Vice Chairman of the GJF, the central apex body representing jewellery retailers of India, and respected throughout the industry.%% Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons has been engaged in the retail Jewellery business since 1987. The firm was founded by Madanlal, Hansraj, Bajaranglal and Bachhraj Bamalwa, who was then 27 years old. “We are the pioneers in introducing 22/22 karat gold jewelry (known as hallmarked jewellery today) in 1987,” says Bachhraj Bamalwa. “Today, it is one of the most respected and dignified jewellery houses in the country.” %% Bamalwa grew up in the City of Joy- Kolkata, where his father had a small scale jewellery business. He completed his B.Sc from Scottish Church College affiliated to Calcutta University. “Even as a child, I had a very keen interest in my father’s business,” Bamalwa recalls. “My father taught me the minute tricks of the trade at a very early age, something I am very grateful to him for. It is his nurturing in my formative years that helps me in the business to this very day. I honestly believe that those initial years laid a foundation of what I am today.” %% When Bachhraj was only a young boy, the Brothers Bamalwa set up an entity involved in rhodium plating of jewellery. “It was from this business that the idea of Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons was conceived,” he explains. “In the early years of my childhood, I had not even thought that a firm like Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons would even see the light of day.” %% Though involved in business activities even as a young boy, his education carried on uninterrupted. “My father never asked me to compromise on my education,” he says with appreciation. “As such, juggling between the family business as well as my college, life posed quite a challenge then; but today, when I look back, I don’t regret a bit of it. I can proudly say that I enjoyed both, to the fullest.”

But it was not a case of all work for Bamalwa, life also included some fun times. “My school days were golden and I made some wonderful friends as I grew up,” he remembers. “I used to love sports such as cricket and badminton and still don’t miss an opportunity to try my hand at them and teach the youngsters a strategy or two!” %% But the ruling love of his life remained business – “My interest in my father’s business and my passion for entrepreneurship were my companions every day,” he says. %% The jewellery business was not only his passion, it was his dream, his ambition and goal in life: “From the beginning, I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur in the jewellery business,” says Bamalwa. “I would also want the future generations of my family to be a part of the jewellery business as well.” %% What comes as a surprise however, is that though firm in his intentions, there was a secret love too – “I had a hidden passion,” Bamalwa confesses, “I wanted to be a doctor I thought that a doctor’s profession was a noble one.” But that remained a distant dream as he continued on his path in the jewellery business. Today there is no looking back. “I have never regretted not pursuing my hidden ambition,” says Bamalwa. “After many years of experience, I now feel that a jeweller’s profession is undoubtedly a noble profession indeed.” %% Perhaps the knowledge of the joy his jewellery brings to his customers; that their beauty has made some bride’s day and made her all the more gorgeous and the happiness of constantly being associated with people in their joyous occasions, leads to a satisfaction of its very own kind. %% As he says, entrepreneurship with all that it entailed has been the driving force of his life. But he also had a scientific bent of mind so that the twin interests produced some interesting developments. “I entered the rhodium plating business at the very young age of 12 years and have carried on since then,” he asserts. “Amidst the responsibilities of looking after the day-to-day affairs of business, I also had to think about the strategies of expanding our enterprise. I used to spend a lot of time in a small research laboratory set up by us. It is here that in the infant stage of Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons, I developed the use of zinc in place of cadmium to prepare a 22 karat solder.”

From there, the achievements of Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons were only a step away. “To actually start a company of such stature, invoked a sense of achievement,” he says. “Pioneering 22/22 karat gold jewellery at a national scale was really a great experience. To actually change the face of the industry, and to boost the confidence of the customer in such a resounding manner, was, to say the least, overwhelming. Of course, seeing it happen in front of my eyes, and actually being a part of this revolution was simply an indescribable experience.” %% Not much has changed since those early days. Along with looking after the daily affairs of the business, Bamalwa’s aim has always been to expand it as much as he could. And that has been his constant striving. Each of the four brothers, share equal responsibility – “There is no sense of individualism,” says Bamalwa. “Of course, with the coming of the next generation, the burden has been delegated to a certain extent.” %% The four brothers not only work together but also live together. “I am proud to be living in a joint family,” Bamalwa informs us. “I live in a house where the individual families of each of the four brothers live together. It is an immensely rewarding experience to have three generations under the same roof.” %% Introducing his own immediate family he says, “Speaking of my personal family, I have my lovely wife, Renu and I am blessed with a daughter and a son. My daughter, Meenakshi is currently pursuing MBBS (3rd year) and my son, Rahul is studying in class 11.” %% Confessing to being a workaholic, he does nevertheless find time to spend with his family and pursue his interests. “Spending time with my family and friends always gives me limitless and unparalleled joy and peace,” Bamalwa says. “Occasionally playing some sports energises me. In order to unwind and to recharge and rejuvenate I often listen to music. On the odd weekend, I go to my getaway home which is about an hour’s drive from the city. Staying there with family and friends in a peaceful and serene environment helps me to be rest and relax. Of course, small holidays in and out of the country with family never fail to calm the nerves.” %% Today, Bamalwa can take satisfaction in the fact that Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons has reached the heights, and Gen Next, has entered the business. “Most people would want to achieve supremacy in their own field,” he says. “At Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons, however, that is not the only priority. With God’s will, we have made an excellent reputation in the jewellery industry, and among our clientele. We have always aimed at providing customer satisfaction. Our main goal is to give the customer Value for their Money. I am very satisfied with what we have done, and what we have achieved. To sustain this reputation will be an obvious goal, and we hope to do that. As part of our future plans, as of now, we are aiming at opening multiple stores across India.” %% Now that the enterprise is running smoothly, his ingrained and ever growing love for the jewellery industry has fired him towards yet another goal – “I want to take the gems and jewellery industry to new heights so that the industry commands respect from all sections of society,” he says. %% Not only has his experience given him a rich insight, but his innate wisdom has enabled him to summarise the learnings of decades in the business. “At a personal level, I believe that there is no substitute for hard work, honesty of heart and transparency in business,” he concludes. “These are the key factors for the success of any business enterprise. My message to the upcoming generation-‘If you devote 10-15 prime years of your life to hard work, forgetting about the rest of the world, entertainment, and even your family(sometimes), you can achieve such levels of success that not only you but the generations following you can live in peace. Do not expect anyone to guide you, but find your own way to success.”

|*Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons is a name to reckon with in the jewellery retail business, and its name and fame radiates far beyond the city of Kolkata where it is based. Bachchraj Bamalwa, one of the four brothers who founded the business, is the Vice Chairman of the All India Gems & JewelleryTrade Federation (GJF) and is a well-known and respected figure in the jewellery industry. {{Nilan Singh}} traces the journey of{{ Bachhraj Bamalwa}} since his early years in the continuing series which portrays the personalities behind the business personae of members of the jewellery industry.*| All great things, it is said, have small beginnings. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. Today, the well-known Kolkata jewellery retailer Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons is an enterprise that is widely known, and jeweller to a discerning clientele in the city. The eminence of Bachhraj Bamalwa, one of the four brothers who set up the enterprise, can be gauged by the fact that he is Vice Chairman of the GJF, the central apex body representing jewellery retailers of India, and respected throughout the industry.%% Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons has been engaged in the retail Jewellery business since 1987. The firm was founded by Madanlal, Hansraj, Bajaranglal and Bachhraj Bamalwa, who was then 27 years old. “We are the pioneers in introducing 22/22 karat gold jewelry (known as hallmarked jewellery today) in 1987,” says Bachhraj Bamalwa. “Today, it is one of the most respected and dignified jewellery houses in the country.” %% Bamalwa grew up in the City of Joy- Kolkata, where his father had a small scale jewellery business. He completed his B.Sc from Scottish Church College affiliated to Calcutta University. “Even as a child, I had a very keen interest in my father’s business,” Bamalwa recalls. “My father taught me the minute tricks of the trade at a very early age, something I am very grateful to him for. It is his nurturing in my formative years that helps me in the business to this very day. I honestly believe that those initial years laid a foundation of what I am today.” %% When Bachhraj was only a young boy, the Brothers Bamalwa set up an entity involved in rhodium plating of jewellery. “It was from this business that the idea of Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons was conceived,” he explains. “In the early years of my childhood, I had not even thought that a firm like Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons would even see the light of day.” %% Though involved in business activities even as a young boy, his education carried on uninterrupted. “My father never asked me to compromise on my education,” he says with appreciation. “As such, juggling between the family business as well as my college, life posed quite a challenge then; but today, when I look back, I don’t regret a bit of it. I can proudly say that I enjoyed both, to the fullest.”

But it was not a case of all work for Bamalwa, life also included some fun times. “My school days were golden and I made some wonderful friends as I grew up,” he remembers. “I used to love sports such as cricket and badminton and still don’t miss an opportunity to try my hand at them and teach the youngsters a strategy or two!” %% But the ruling love of his life remained business – “My interest in my father’s business and my passion for entrepreneurship were my companions every day,” he says. %% The jewellery business was not only his passion, it was his dream, his ambition and goal in life: “From the beginning, I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur in the jewellery business,” says Bamalwa. “I would also want the future generations of my family to be a part of the jewellery business as well.” %% What comes as a surprise however, is that though firm in his intentions, there was a secret love too – “I had a hidden passion,” Bamalwa confesses, “I wanted to be a doctor I thought that a doctor’s profession was a noble one.” But that remained a distant dream as he continued on his path in the jewellery business. Today there is no looking back. “I have never regretted not pursuing my hidden ambition,” says Bamalwa. “After many years of experience, I now feel that a jeweller’s profession is undoubtedly a noble profession indeed.” %% Perhaps the knowledge of the joy his jewellery brings to his customers; that their beauty has made some bride’s day and made her all the more gorgeous and the happiness of constantly being associated with people in their joyous occasions, leads to a satisfaction of its very own kind. %% As he says, entrepreneurship with all that it entailed has been the driving force of his life. But he also had a scientific bent of mind so that the twin interests produced some interesting developments. “I entered the rhodium plating business at the very young age of 12 years and have carried on since then,” he asserts. “Amidst the responsibilities of looking after the day-to-day affairs of business, I also had to think about the strategies of expanding our enterprise. I used to spend a lot of time in a small research laboratory set up by us. It is here that in the infant stage of Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons, I developed the use of zinc in place of cadmium to prepare a 22 karat solder.”

From there, the achievements of Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons were only a step away. “To actually start a company of such stature, invoked a sense of achievement,” he says. “Pioneering 22/22 karat gold jewellery at a national scale was really a great experience. To actually change the face of the industry, and to boost the confidence of the customer in such a resounding manner, was, to say the least, overwhelming. Of course, seeing it happen in front of my eyes, and actually being a part of this revolution was simply an indescribable experience.” %% Not much has changed since those early days. Along with looking after the daily affairs of the business, Bamalwa’s aim has always been to expand it as much as he could. And that has been his constant striving. Each of the four brothers, share equal responsibility – “There is no sense of individualism,” says Bamalwa. “Of course, with the coming of the next generation, the burden has been delegated to a certain extent.” %% The four brothers not only work together but also live together. “I am proud to be living in a joint family,” Bamalwa informs us. “I live in a house where the individual families of each of the four brothers live together. It is an immensely rewarding experience to have three generations under the same roof.” %% Introducing his own immediate family he says, “Speaking of my personal family, I have my lovely wife, Renu and I am blessed with a daughter and a son. My daughter, Meenakshi is currently pursuing MBBS (3rd year) and my son, Rahul is studying in class 11.” %% Confessing to being a workaholic, he does nevertheless find time to spend with his family and pursue his interests. “Spending time with my family and friends always gives me limitless and unparalleled joy and peace,” Bamalwa says. “Occasionally playing some sports energises me. In order to unwind and to recharge and rejuvenate I often listen to music. On the odd weekend, I go to my getaway home which is about an hour’s drive from the city. Staying there with family and friends in a peaceful and serene environment helps me to be rest and relax. Of course, small holidays in and out of the country with family never fail to calm the nerves.” %% Today, Bamalwa can take satisfaction in the fact that Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons has reached the heights, and Gen Next, has entered the business. “Most people would want to achieve supremacy in their own field,” he says. “At Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons, however, that is not the only priority. With God’s will, we have made an excellent reputation in the jewellery industry, and among our clientele. We have always aimed at providing customer satisfaction. Our main goal is to give the customer Value for their Money. I am very satisfied with what we have done, and what we have achieved. To sustain this reputation will be an obvious goal, and we hope to do that. As part of our future plans, as of now, we are aiming at opening multiple stores across India.” %% Now that the enterprise is running smoothly, his ingrained and ever growing love for the jewellery industry has fired him towards yet another goal – “I want to take the gems and jewellery industry to new heights so that the industry commands respect from all sections of society,” he says. %% Not only has his experience given him a rich insight, but his innate wisdom has enabled him to summarise the learnings of decades in the business. “At a personal level, I believe that there is no substitute for hard work, honesty of heart and transparency in business,” he concludes. “These are the key factors for the success of any business enterprise. My message to the upcoming generation-‘If you devote 10-15 prime years of your life to hard work, forgetting about the rest of the world, entertainment, and even your family(sometimes), you can achieve such levels of success that not only you but the generations following you can live in peace. Do not expect anyone to guide you, but find your own way to success.”

|*Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons is a name to reckon with in the jewellery retail business, and its name and fame radiates far beyond the city of Kolkata where it is based. Bachchraj Bamalwa, one of the four brothers who founded the business, is the Vice Chairman of the All India Gems & JewelleryTrade Federation (GJF) and is a well-known and respected figure in the jewellery industry. {{Nilan Singh}} traces the journey of{{ Bachhraj Bamalwa}} since his early years in the continuing series which portrays the personalities behind the business personae of members of the jewellery industry.*| All great things, it is said, have small beginnings. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. Today, the well-known Kolkata jewellery retailer Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons is an enterprise that is widely known, and jeweller to a discerning clientele in the city. The eminence of Bachhraj Bamalwa, one of the four brothers who set up the enterprise, can be gauged by the fact that he is Vice Chairman of the GJF, the central apex body representing jewellery retailers of India, and respected throughout the industry.%% Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons has been engaged in the retail Jewellery business since 1987. The firm was founded by Madanlal, Hansraj, Bajaranglal and Bachhraj Bamalwa, who was then 27 years old. “We are the pioneers in introducing 22/22 karat gold jewelry (known as hallmarked jewellery today) in 1987,” says Bachhraj Bamalwa. “Today, it is one of the most respected and dignified jewellery houses in the country.” %% Bamalwa grew up in the City of Joy- Kolkata, where his father had a small scale jewellery business. He completed his B.Sc from Scottish Church College affiliated to Calcutta University. “Even as a child, I had a very keen interest in my father’s business,” Bamalwa recalls. “My father taught me the minute tricks of the trade at a very early age, something I am very grateful to him for. It is his nurturing in my formative years that helps me in the business to this very day. I honestly believe that those initial years laid a foundation of what I am today.” %% When Bachhraj was only a young boy, the Brothers Bamalwa set up an entity involved in rhodium plating of jewellery. “It was from this business that the idea of Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons was conceived,” he explains. “In the early years of my childhood, I had not even thought that a firm like Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons would even see the light of day.” %% Though involved in business activities even as a young boy, his education carried on uninterrupted. “My father never asked me to compromise on my education,” he says with appreciation. “As such, juggling between the family business as well as my college, life posed quite a challenge then; but today, when I look back, I don’t regret a bit of it. I can proudly say that I enjoyed both, to the fullest.”

But it was not a case of all work for Bamalwa, life also included some fun times. “My school days were golden and I made some wonderful friends as I grew up,” he remembers. “I used to love sports such as cricket and badminton and still don’t miss an opportunity to try my hand at them and teach the youngsters a strategy or two!” %% But the ruling love of his life remained business – “My interest in my father’s business and my passion for entrepreneurship were my companions every day,” he says. %% The jewellery business was not only his passion, it was his dream, his ambition and goal in life: “From the beginning, I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur in the jewellery business,” says Bamalwa. “I would also want the future generations of my family to be a part of the jewellery business as well.” %% What comes as a surprise however, is that though firm in his intentions, there was a secret love too – “I had a hidden passion,” Bamalwa confesses, “I wanted to be a doctor I thought that a doctor’s profession was a noble one.” But that remained a distant dream as he continued on his path in the jewellery business. Today there is no looking back. “I have never regretted not pursuing my hidden ambition,” says Bamalwa. “After many years of experience, I now feel that a jeweller’s profession is undoubtedly a noble profession indeed.” %% Perhaps the knowledge of the joy his jewellery brings to his customers; that their beauty has made some bride’s day and made her all the more gorgeous and the happiness of constantly being associated with people in their joyous occasions, leads to a satisfaction of its very own kind. %% As he says, entrepreneurship with all that it entailed has been the driving force of his life. But he also had a scientific bent of mind so that the twin interests produced some interesting developments. “I entered the rhodium plating business at the very young age of 12 years and have carried on since then,” he asserts. “Amidst the responsibilities of looking after the day-to-day affairs of business, I also had to think about the strategies of expanding our enterprise. I used to spend a lot of time in a small research laboratory set up by us. It is here that in the infant stage of Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons, I developed the use of zinc in place of cadmium to prepare a 22 karat solder.”

From there, the achievements of Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons were only a step away. “To actually start a company of such stature, invoked a sense of achievement,” he says. “Pioneering 22/22 karat gold jewellery at a national scale was really a great experience. To actually change the face of the industry, and to boost the confidence of the customer in such a resounding manner, was, to say the least, overwhelming. Of course, seeing it happen in front of my eyes, and actually being a part of this revolution was simply an indescribable experience.” %% Not much has changed since those early days. Along with looking after the daily affairs of the business, Bamalwa’s aim has always been to expand it as much as he could. And that has been his constant striving. Each of the four brothers, share equal responsibility – “There is no sense of individualism,” says Bamalwa. “Of course, with the coming of the next generation, the burden has been delegated to a certain extent.” %% The four brothers not only work together but also live together. “I am proud to be living in a joint family,” Bamalwa informs us. “I live in a house where the individual families of each of the four brothers live together. It is an immensely rewarding experience to have three generations under the same roof.” %% Introducing his own immediate family he says, “Speaking of my personal family, I have my lovely wife, Renu and I am blessed with a daughter and a son. My daughter, Meenakshi is currently pursuing MBBS (3rd year) and my son, Rahul is studying in class 11.” %% Confessing to being a workaholic, he does nevertheless find time to spend with his family and pursue his interests. “Spending time with my family and friends always gives me limitless and unparalleled joy and peace,” Bamalwa says. “Occasionally playing some sports energises me. In order to unwind and to recharge and rejuvenate I often listen to music. On the odd weekend, I go to my getaway home which is about an hour’s drive from the city. Staying there with family and friends in a peaceful and serene environment helps me to be rest and relax. Of course, small holidays in and out of the country with family never fail to calm the nerves.” %% Today, Bamalwa can take satisfaction in the fact that Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons has reached the heights, and Gen Next, has entered the business. “Most people would want to achieve supremacy in their own field,” he says. “At Nemichand Bamalwa & Sons, however, that is not the only priority. With God’s will, we have made an excellent reputation in the jewellery industry, and among our clientele. We have always aimed at providing customer satisfaction. Our main goal is to give the customer Value for their Money. I am very satisfied with what we have done, and what we have achieved. To sustain this reputation will be an obvious goal, and we hope to do that. As part of our future plans, as of now, we are aiming at opening multiple stores across India.” %% Now that the enterprise is running smoothly, his ingrained and ever growing love for the jewellery industry has fired him towards yet another goal – “I want to take the gems and jewellery industry to new heights so that the industry commands respect from all sections of society,” he says. %% Not only has his experience given him a rich insight, but his innate wisdom has enabled him to summarise the learnings of decades in the business. “At a personal level, I believe that there is no substitute for hard work, honesty of heart and transparency in business,” he concludes. “These are the key factors for the success of any business enterprise. My message to the upcoming generation-‘If you devote 10-15 prime years of your life to hard work, forgetting about the rest of the world, entertainment, and even your family(sometimes), you can achieve such levels of success that not only you but the generations following you can live in peace. Do not expect anyone to guide you, but find your own way to success.”