Why Kalpana Saroj, President of Kamani Cylinders, Is The First Slumdog Mogul

Meet Kalpana Saroj who is the President of Kamani Cylinders with individual resources worth $112 million. Realize the reason why is she the first slumdog tycoon. 

We now live in a world full of many successful women entrepreneurs, and just like all those powerful women, Kalpana Saroj had to fight off many societal prejudices to emerge as the first women entrepreneur in India. 

A Dalit Girl with unshakable courage and a stubborn heart, Padmashree Dr. Kalpana Saroj not only had to fight societal prejudice but also faced many hardships in her life. With a will to never give up and keep going, she not only brought her dreams to reality but also paved the path for many women.

Life as a Dalit Girl Child

Born in Roperkheda village in Maharashtra, Kalpana Saroj belonged to a Dalit family. At that time, it was difficult for the lower caste to enjoy freedom, independence, and basic education and we all know, child marriage was also very common. A girl child was considered a burden on the family and was married off at earlier age.

Her father was a police constable and was adamant about getting his daughter a good education for which he sent her to the local village school. Even though she was good at studies she faced a lot of discrimination at school.

Kalpana Saroj was married off at 12 Because of societal and familial pressure, her father got her married at the age of 12. But with the help of her father, she was able to get out of the living hell. The ending turned into the start of a new journey for Kalpana Saroj. Upon returning home, she tried to resume her studies but she faced a lot of criticism and cruel comments from the people of her village for abandoning her marriage. Unable to face the antagonism of the villagers to her attempts to become independent, she attempted suicide by drinking poison.

Rise of one of the most powerful women entrepreneurs in India. She started her first job at just 2 rupees in a garment factory & mastered the art of operating a sewing machine. With her father out of job and her becoming the sole breadwinner of her family, she realized the importance of money.

She decided to start her own business which led her to become one of the most powerful women entrepreneurs in India. She came across a government scheme, that offered loans to lower-caste women. With this money, she started her business by installing some sewing machines and started working 16 hours a day. 

Her journey took a new turn when she started KS Film Production and launched her first movie. Within some time and a lot of hard work, she was able to turn around the distressed assets of Kamani Tubes Company and successfully steer the company back to profits.

Kalpana Saroj today is the CEO of Kamani Tubes with personal assets worth $112 million. Her hard work and contribution received due honor when she was awarded the Padma Shri for Trade and Industry in 2013 and previously the Ninth Rajiv Gandhi Award for Women Entrepreneurs in 2006. She is involved in various social welfare activities and has founded the Kalpana Saroj Foundation.

After many hardships and hurdles, Kalpana Saroj broke free from society’s labels – Dalit, a school dropout, child bride, slum dweller, and suicide survivor, to be widely acclaimed as the first female corporate entrepreneur in India. Often described as the ‘original slumdog millionaire’, Kalpana Saroj has proved dreams can only become reality when you put in your hard work and dedication. She is an inspiration for thousands of young girls who want to be like her.

correspondent by: