Woman Power Desk, Delhi Magazine: Kalpana Saroj’s life story is a profound testament to resilience, transformation, and social impact. Rising from a life marked by personal and systemic challenges, she emerged as a prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist. Her journey not only exemplifies the triumph of the human spirit but also highlights the transformative power of determination and advocacy. This article provides a detailed exploration of her life, achievements, and the remarkable legacy she continues to build.
Early Life and Education
Kalpana Saroj was born on January 15, 1961, in Roperkheda, a small village near Akola in Maharashtra, India. Her father was a police constable, and the family struggled with financial constraints. Saroj’s early life was fraught with societal and familial challenges, particularly due to her Dalit Buddhist background, which placed her at the intersection of multiple layers of discrimination.
Education for girls in her community was not a priority. Despite her father’s insistence on at least completing the seventh grade, societal norms were rigid. Girls were traditionally expected to focus on domestic responsibilities. Kalpana’s father, however, was adamant that she receive some level of formal education, a rare stance in her community.
Marriage and Early Struggles
At just 12 years old, Kalpana Saroj was married to Shubhkaran, a decision made under the pressures of her extended family. Her early marriage thrust her into a dire situation in Mumbai, where she lived in squalid conditions with her husband’s family in a slum. This period was marked by severe abuse and exploitation. Saroj was subjected to physical violence and harsh treatment, which made her daily life unbearable.
Her father eventually intervened, rescuing her from this abusive environment after six months. This dramatic rescue was a pivotal moment in her life, but it came with a heavy social price. Saroj faced intense societal stigma and was ridiculed for leaving her husband, which exacerbated her trauma.
Attempted Suicide and Recovery
Overwhelmed by the stigma and trauma, Saroj attempted suicide, a heartbreaking act that she described as a result of feeling utterly hopeless. Her aunt’s timely intervention saved her life, and she was rushed to the hospital where she spent 24 hours fighting for her life. This near-tragic event became a profound turning point, leading Saroj to a realization that her survival depended on her own resolve.
This experience profoundly impacted Saroj, shifting her perspective from seeking validation from others to focusing on self-empowerment. It was this renewed sense of purpose that fueled her subsequent achievements.
Career Beginnings
In 1975, Kalpana Saroj moved to Mumbai, a city teeming with opportunities and challenges. She started working at a textile mill in Lower Parel as a tailor. Initially, she was relegated to clearing threads and earned a meager salary of Rs. 60 per month. However, Saroj’s determination saw her quickly adapt and eventually earn Rs. 250 per month. This initial success was a crucial step in her journey towards financial independence.
After enduring a difficult first marriage at a very young age, Kalpana Saroj eventually found love and stability in her relationship with Samir Saroj. Their marriage marked a new chapter in her life, providing her with the emotional support she needed to continue her journey of transformation from a victim of societal oppression to a successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. In 1980, at the age of 22, Kalpana Saroj remarried Samir Saroj. Together, they had two children: a son named Amar Saroj, born in 1985, and a daughter named Seema Saroj, born in 1987.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Saroj’s entrepreneurial journey took a significant leap in 1984 when she obtained a government loan of Rs. 50,000. With this loan, she started a furniture business that quickly became profitable. By 1986, she had successfully repaid the loan and established a stable financial footing.
Her success in business led to the establishment of her NGO, Sushikshit Berozgaar Yuvak Sangathna, in 1985. The NGO aimed to assist individuals in accessing government schemes and loans. Saroj’s efforts through this organization facilitated loans worth approximately Rs. 40 million, enabling many people to start small businesses and improve their livelihoods.
However, tragedy struck in 1989 when Samir Saroj passed away, leaving Kalpana to manage not only her young children but also the steel cupboard manufacturing business that she inherited from him.
Real Estate Success
In 1995, Saroj invested in a problematic piece of land in Kalyan, which was fraught with legal issues and bureaucratic hurdles. Her perseverance in navigating these challenges resulted in the successful development of the land into a profitable real estate venture. This project included residential and commercial properties, establishing her as a significant player in the Mumbai real estate market.
Kamani Tubes Rescue
One of Saroj’s most notable achievements was her intervention in the Kamani Tubes crisis in 2000. The company, once a major industrial entity, was facing severe financial distress and was on the brink of liquidation. Saroj took over as president, addressing a staggering debt of Rs. 1.16 billion and managing over 140 litigation cases. Her strategic negotiations with banks led to a significant reduction in penalties and interest, allowing the company to stabilize and recover.
Saroj’s leadership not only saved Kamani Tubes but also ensured that the workers, who had previously been deprived of their wages, received their dues. This achievement was widely recognized and earned her significant acclaim.
Awards and Recognition
In 2013, Kalpana Saroj was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to trade and industry. This award was a testament to her remarkable ability to turn around a failing business and her broader impact on social and economic empowerment.