IT Happened in India - my humble opinion

Well if you think IT stands for Information Technology, sorry, it is just IT :) . "IT HAPPENED IN INDIA" is a book by Kishore Biyani. Now you may ask Kishore Biyani? who? Even I had the same question...

People who know me know what books I read( tinkle, tenali raman and birbal stories :) ). So a book review (not a traditional review, but my opinion) from me is one of the most unusual of things to have happened in this earth thus far :P . Seriously speaking I felt that the book deserved to be comment(d)ed, so this post.

This book was a gift from my friend Sasi.

Kishore Biyani, is the founder of Pantaloon Retail, Big Bazaar and now the Future Group. This book talks about how he along with his team built the retail empire and his vision for the future. No, this is not an autobiography, but a business (Success) story. Lot of people who were (are) involved in building the chain have shared their experiences, making it an interesting read.

I am one of the biggest fan of modern "value" retailing in general and Big Bazaar in particular. Because, my TV, washing machine, mixer and many things here in Hyderabad are bought from Big Bazaar, at almost a steal. So I felt lot more attached with the book :)

Kishoreji (as people refer to him in the book), talks about his background, his vision, his belief in the great Indian Consumer, his (dis)belief on the conventional (mis)management theories :P and the concept of "Brand Building".

When the whole business concept was "start, earn and consolidate", he dared to take the risk of setting up new businesses in the constantly dynamic environment. This story of his, which talks about "indianness in thinking, building trust and relationship, design as the center of building organizations", is truly inspiring. I think one would become kishoreji's AC (remember this? if sonia is my fan, then i am her AC; andha AC :P)

Kishoreji got this "gyan" on opening a retail format from, guess where? Walmart? NO hmm Marks & Spencer? NO. Then? namma Saravana Stores pa... He was amazed at how people vied each other for space and returned home with big baggages. Saravana Stores was his bodhi tree, which showed him that businesses that sell variety of consumer goods like utensils, clothes, etc under one roof can succeed. (collara thooki vittukunga :) )

He talks about creating "win-win-win" situation. Where the business owner, the supplier and the consumer benefit symbiotically at the same time.

Though there were many theories which he had proposed in his book, the one which I liked the most was "time pass" theory. Everyone in the world have to do something to keep them occupied from their birth till death. It is for passing this time that we study, work, talk, blog etc. He says, to "pass his time" he is doing this business(namma enna panrom ?!!) this may sound spiritual, but he calls himself a non-believer!!!

More than all these things, the book dispels fear and instills confidence in the mind of an upcoming entrepreneur. For those people who are like "cat on the wall", wanting to, but, holding back their ideas for new business ventures, this is a must read. Cos this book says how a "baniya" became a "Biyani". Take the plunge and take the risk he says, you actually fail when you don't try!!

Definitely a book to read!! Thanks Kishoreji for sharing this wonderful story with us, hope "IT will continue to happen in India" and we have a major role in ensuring that!!