Keeping in mind his stature, his success rate, current market position and his every growing brand, it was expected that Dr Nawal Agrawal would say that he was born to be a jeweller and always dreamt of being one. To our surprise, he minces no words in admitting the fact that like any other responsible Indian boy, circumstances forced him to take up his family business, which was a stark contrast to his interest, that is, zoology. %% Holding a doctorate degree in Zoology, Dr Agrawal, was keen on pursuing a career in the field of research. Immersed in the world of animals, little did he realise that destiny had something else in store for him. “I completed my PhD and had a couple of research offers and appointments from overseas companies. But some circumstances developed at home which forced me to join my family business against my wishes. So I joined our family business in 1981. I am the third generation in the business and I believe though my interest differed, my genes definitely had those qualities that were required to be a jeweller,” smiles Dr Agrawal. %% So much so was his interest in zoology that he was given a number of awards, including Jawaharlal Nehru Outstanding Research Award, and recognition for various researches that he carried out. We asked an obvious question, if he regrets that if he ever regretted decision of ignoring his interest and ‘succumbing’ to circumstances. And we got an unexpectedly positive and practical response. He says, “After spending 32 years in business, I firmly believe that it’s all about destiny. Today, I am successful and happy. Though, this was not my will, this was God’s will. I now believe that we should take life as it comes and not get too rigid about our plans. We should do whatever work is given to us with utmost dedication and sincerity.”%% No matter how positive and practical he sounds today, he also admits to the fact that initial few years in the business was not as pleasant as today. “Though initial two to three years in the business proved to be difficult for me, but I don’t blame it on business or time or situation. It’s all in mind; I was fresh out of research lab into the office that was all about gem and jewellery. Business requires a mindset and I took some time to adjust, that was only when I faced problem. Once I got a hang of the business and its own unique ways, it was an interesting journey for me. My business background also helped me understand the nuances and I easily settled,” says Dr Agrawal. %% Once settled, he focused, Agrawal invested his time, effort and vision in bringing positive changes in the business and the industry as a whole. “I started exploring how I can create some difference in the business. When I joined the manufacturing methods were almost primitive. I joined hands with World Gold Council and also started workshop in Jaipur where artisans were given modern machinery and better environ to work in. This led to bringing in of innovative designs and manufacturing techniques. The idea was to provide improved work conditions to artisans,” explains Dr Agrawal. %% When asked about his mentors, who helped him find foot in the business and lead a successful life of a businessman, he says, “My elder brother, Ramanuj Agrawal, was my first mentor. He introduced me to business and helped me understand the finder details of the trade. He gave me complete freedom to explore options, experiment and learn from my mistakes. I also look up to Rashmikant Durlabhji, who groomed me to become a better person and a better businessman.”%% Apart from his mentors, he also feels grateful to the business. “I have grown with the business. While in contributed to business some new ideas that helped it expand, it helped me learn newer things in life. I learnt with every task, every work that I took up on. It was like a practical learning workshop where I was exposed to newer techniques, strategies, innovative designs and many more things,” adds Dr Agrawal. %%

Giving an example, he says, “Once, a client held our payments for a long time, citing reasons of impurity in our jewellery. I was shocked, as I have been very sure about the purity and perfection of our jewellery. However, we had to undergo test and once proven pure, we got our due payment. After this incident, I decided to have our own verification department, where every piece of jewellery is checked before delivering to the client.”%% Though Dr Agrawal entered the business against his wish, he says that he never saw any low points. “I know it may sound impossible, but I believe in positive thinking so my journey in gem and jewellery business has been either a success or a learning experience. So I have gained in every situation and hence I cannot say I ever had low point in my business career,” explains Dr Agrawal. %% When quizzed about changes in the industry and its impact on it, he says that changes are usually for better and even a dull market scene comes packed with many positive impacts. “Many outsiders, who actually come from other business background, have come to the industry. During recession we saw that some sustainable players stayed on, while others who could not hold, had to withdraw. Also, a long success leads to developing a casual attitude towards business. SO hard times help us to remain focused and alert and bring in innovative ideas to make our business richer. We tend to explore unexplored market, work harder and develop a vision,” explains Dr Agrawal. %% We shifted topic to a more important one and when we asked him about his family, he says, “Business is all consuming, it consumes all time and energy. So I do regret that I did not give enough time to my wife Asha Agarwal, who has been my greatest strength and support system. However, she has been most generous and she has understood me and my requirements at every point. She understands that I need to devote more time to business. She was almost single handedly looking after the family and kids. Later she also helped me in business. My son Yash Agarwal and his wife Pragya Agarwal have also joined me in business. Both are trained and certified by Gemological Institute of America (GIA). With both my son and daughter-in-law joining the business, I am able to find more time for some social activities, which again revolve around gem and jewellery industry.”%% Today his business is looked after by his son Yash Agarwal and his nephew Vaibhav Agarwal. Both of them have received formal training from GIA. While Yash has done a course in designing and manufacturing, Vaibhav has received training in gemology. “We knew that Yash has to join business so I always kept his focus towards this and sent him for one of the best institutes. This was not only to equip him with knowledge needed for the business, but also to avoid the trouble which I faced during initial years of my business career because of my different interest.”%%

“Though business keeps me fairly busy, I don’t ignore my family. I make sure that I be there when my family needs me. If I am not able to make it then I don’t mind apologising for my absence,” says the humble Dr Agrawal.%% He finished his extra-ordinary story with a message for the younger lot. He says, “Youth is already much well-equipped with knowledge and open-mindedness. All they need is little bit of hard work and a vision of the future to make it big.”%%

Keeping in mind his stature, his success rate, current market position and his every growing brand, it was expected that Dr Nawal Agrawal would say that he was born to be a jeweller and always dreamt of being one. To our surprise, he minces no words in admitting the fact that like any other responsible Indian boy, circumstances forced him to take up his family business, which was a stark contrast to his interest, that is, zoology. %% Holding a doctorate degree in Zoology, Dr Agrawal, was keen on pursuing a career in the field of research. Immersed in the world of animals, little did he realise that destiny had something else in store for him. “I completed my PhD and had a couple of research offers and appointments from overseas companies. But some circumstances developed at home which forced me to join my family business against my wishes. So I joined our family business in 1981. I am the third generation in the business and I believe though my interest differed, my genes definitely had those qualities that were required to be a jeweller,” smiles Dr Agrawal. %% So much so was his interest in zoology that he was given a number of awards, including Jawaharlal Nehru Outstanding Research Award, and recognition for various researches that he carried out. We asked an obvious question, if he regrets that if he ever regretted decision of ignoring his interest and ‘succumbing’ to circumstances. And we got an unexpectedly positive and practical response. He says, “After spending 32 years in business, I firmly believe that it’s all about destiny. Today, I am successful and happy. Though, this was not my will, this was God’s will. I now believe that we should take life as it comes and not get too rigid about our plans. We should do whatever work is given to us with utmost dedication and sincerity.”%% No matter how positive and practical he sounds today, he also admits to the fact that initial few years in the business was not as pleasant as today. “Though initial two to three years in the business proved to be difficult for me, but I don’t blame it on business or time or situation. It’s all in mind; I was fresh out of research lab into the office that was all about gem and jewellery. Business requires a mindset and I took some time to adjust, that was only when I faced problem. Once I got a hang of the business and its own unique ways, it was an interesting journey for me. My business background also helped me understand the nuances and I easily settled,” says Dr Agrawal. %% Once settled, he focused, Agrawal invested his time, effort and vision in bringing positive changes in the business and the industry as a whole. “I started exploring how I can create some difference in the business. When I joined the manufacturing methods were almost primitive. I joined hands with World Gold Council and also started workshop in Jaipur where artisans were given modern machinery and better environ to work in. This led to bringing in of innovative designs and manufacturing techniques. The idea was to provide improved work conditions to artisans,” explains Dr Agrawal. %% When asked about his mentors, who helped him find foot in the business and lead a successful life of a businessman, he says, “My elder brother, Ramanuj Agrawal, was my first mentor. He introduced me to business and helped me understand the finder details of the trade. He gave me complete freedom to explore options, experiment and learn from my mistakes. I also look up to Rashmikant Durlabhji, who groomed me to become a better person and a better businessman.”%% Apart from his mentors, he also feels grateful to the business. “I have grown with the business. While in contributed to business some new ideas that helped it expand, it helped me learn newer things in life. I learnt with every task, every work that I took up on. It was like a practical learning workshop where I was exposed to newer techniques, strategies, innovative designs and many more things,” adds Dr Agrawal. %%

Giving an example, he says, “Once, a client held our payments for a long time, citing reasons of impurity in our jewellery. I was shocked, as I have been very sure about the purity and perfection of our jewellery. However, we had to undergo test and once proven pure, we got our due payment. After this incident, I decided to have our own verification department, where every piece of jewellery is checked before delivering to the client.”%% Though Dr Agrawal entered the business against his wish, he says that he never saw any low points. “I know it may sound impossible, but I believe in positive thinking so my journey in gem and jewellery business has been either a success or a learning experience. So I have gained in every situation and hence I cannot say I ever had low point in my business career,” explains Dr Agrawal. %% When quizzed about changes in the industry and its impact on it, he says that changes are usually for better and even a dull market scene comes packed with many positive impacts. “Many outsiders, who actually come from other business background, have come to the industry. During recession we saw that some sustainable players stayed on, while others who could not hold, had to withdraw. Also, a long success leads to developing a casual attitude towards business. SO hard times help us to remain focused and alert and bring in innovative ideas to make our business richer. We tend to explore unexplored market, work harder and develop a vision,” explains Dr Agrawal. %% We shifted topic to a more important one and when we asked him about his family, he says, “Business is all consuming, it consumes all time and energy. So I do regret that I did not give enough time to my wife Asha Agarwal, who has been my greatest strength and support system. However, she has been most generous and she has understood me and my requirements at every point. She understands that I need to devote more time to business. She was almost single handedly looking after the family and kids. Later she also helped me in business. My son Yash Agarwal and his wife Pragya Agarwal have also joined me in business. Both are trained and certified by Gemological Institute of America (GIA). With both my son and daughter-in-law joining the business, I am able to find more time for some social activities, which again revolve around gem and jewellery industry.”%% Today his business is looked after by his son Yash Agarwal and his nephew Vaibhav Agarwal. Both of them have received formal training from GIA. While Yash has done a course in designing and manufacturing, Vaibhav has received training in gemology. “We knew that Yash has to join business so I always kept his focus towards this and sent him for one of the best institutes. This was not only to equip him with knowledge needed for the business, but also to avoid the trouble which I faced during initial years of my business career because of my different interest.”%%

“Though business keeps me fairly busy, I don’t ignore my family. I make sure that I be there when my family needs me. If I am not able to make it then I don’t mind apologising for my absence,” says the humble Dr Agrawal.%% He finished his extra-ordinary story with a message for the younger lot. He says, “Youth is already much well-equipped with knowledge and open-mindedness. All they need is little bit of hard work and a vision of the future to make it big.”%%

Keeping in mind his stature, his success rate, current market position and his every growing brand, it was expected that Dr Nawal Agrawal would say that he was born to be a jeweller and always dreamt of being one. To our surprise, he minces no words in admitting the fact that like any other responsible Indian boy, circumstances forced him to take up his family business, which was a stark contrast to his interest, that is, zoology. %% Holding a doctorate degree in Zoology, Dr Agrawal, was keen on pursuing a career in the field of research. Immersed in the world of animals, little did he realise that destiny had something else in store for him. “I completed my PhD and had a couple of research offers and appointments from overseas companies. But some circumstances developed at home which forced me to join my family business against my wishes. So I joined our family business in 1981. I am the third generation in the business and I believe though my interest differed, my genes definitely had those qualities that were required to be a jeweller,” smiles Dr Agrawal. %% So much so was his interest in zoology that he was given a number of awards, including Jawaharlal Nehru Outstanding Research Award, and recognition for various researches that he carried out. We asked an obvious question, if he regrets that if he ever regretted decision of ignoring his interest and ‘succumbing’ to circumstances. And we got an unexpectedly positive and practical response. He says, “After spending 32 years in business, I firmly believe that it’s all about destiny. Today, I am successful and happy. Though, this was not my will, this was God’s will. I now believe that we should take life as it comes and not get too rigid about our plans. We should do whatever work is given to us with utmost dedication and sincerity.”%% No matter how positive and practical he sounds today, he also admits to the fact that initial few years in the business was not as pleasant as today. “Though initial two to three years in the business proved to be difficult for me, but I don’t blame it on business or time or situation. It’s all in mind; I was fresh out of research lab into the office that was all about gem and jewellery. Business requires a mindset and I took some time to adjust, that was only when I faced problem. Once I got a hang of the business and its own unique ways, it was an interesting journey for me. My business background also helped me understand the nuances and I easily settled,” says Dr Agrawal. %% Once settled, he focused, Agrawal invested his time, effort and vision in bringing positive changes in the business and the industry as a whole. “I started exploring how I can create some difference in the business. When I joined the manufacturing methods were almost primitive. I joined hands with World Gold Council and also started workshop in Jaipur where artisans were given modern machinery and better environ to work in. This led to bringing in of innovative designs and manufacturing techniques. The idea was to provide improved work conditions to artisans,” explains Dr Agrawal. %% When asked about his mentors, who helped him find foot in the business and lead a successful life of a businessman, he says, “My elder brother, Ramanuj Agrawal, was my first mentor. He introduced me to business and helped me understand the finder details of the trade. He gave me complete freedom to explore options, experiment and learn from my mistakes. I also look up to Rashmikant Durlabhji, who groomed me to become a better person and a better businessman.”%% Apart from his mentors, he also feels grateful to the business. “I have grown with the business. While in contributed to business some new ideas that helped it expand, it helped me learn newer things in life. I learnt with every task, every work that I took up on. It was like a practical learning workshop where I was exposed to newer techniques, strategies, innovative designs and many more things,” adds Dr Agrawal. %%

Giving an example, he says, “Once, a client held our payments for a long time, citing reasons of impurity in our jewellery. I was shocked, as I have been very sure about the purity and perfection of our jewellery. However, we had to undergo test and once proven pure, we got our due payment. After this incident, I decided to have our own verification department, where every piece of jewellery is checked before delivering to the client.”%% Though Dr Agrawal entered the business against his wish, he says that he never saw any low points. “I know it may sound impossible, but I believe in positive thinking so my journey in gem and jewellery business has been either a success or a learning experience. So I have gained in every situation and hence I cannot say I ever had low point in my business career,” explains Dr Agrawal. %% When quizzed about changes in the industry and its impact on it, he says that changes are usually for better and even a dull market scene comes packed with many positive impacts. “Many outsiders, who actually come from other business background, have come to the industry. During recession we saw that some sustainable players stayed on, while others who could not hold, had to withdraw. Also, a long success leads to developing a casual attitude towards business. SO hard times help us to remain focused and alert and bring in innovative ideas to make our business richer. We tend to explore unexplored market, work harder and develop a vision,” explains Dr Agrawal. %% We shifted topic to a more important one and when we asked him about his family, he says, “Business is all consuming, it consumes all time and energy. So I do regret that I did not give enough time to my wife Asha Agarwal, who has been my greatest strength and support system. However, she has been most generous and she has understood me and my requirements at every point. She understands that I need to devote more time to business. She was almost single handedly looking after the family and kids. Later she also helped me in business. My son Yash Agarwal and his wife Pragya Agarwal have also joined me in business. Both are trained and certified by Gemological Institute of America (GIA). With both my son and daughter-in-law joining the business, I am able to find more time for some social activities, which again revolve around gem and jewellery industry.”%% Today his business is looked after by his son Yash Agarwal and his nephew Vaibhav Agarwal. Both of them have received formal training from GIA. While Yash has done a course in designing and manufacturing, Vaibhav has received training in gemology. “We knew that Yash has to join business so I always kept his focus towards this and sent him for one of the best institutes. This was not only to equip him with knowledge needed for the business, but also to avoid the trouble which I faced during initial years of my business career because of my different interest.”%%

“Though business keeps me fairly busy, I don’t ignore my family. I make sure that I be there when my family needs me. If I am not able to make it then I don’t mind apologising for my absence,” says the humble Dr Agrawal.%% He finished his extra-ordinary story with a message for the younger lot. He says, “Youth is already much well-equipped with knowledge and open-mindedness. All they need is little bit of hard work and a vision of the future to make it big.”%%