Kalpana Saroj: From Child Bride to CEO of a Multi-Crore Empire

Kalpana Saroj’s journey from a Dalit child bride to the chairperson of Kamani Tubes is a testament to resilience, grit, and entrepreneurial brilliance. Born into poverty in a small village in Maharashtra, she overcame child marriage, abuse, and societal ostracism to build a business empire worth over ₹2000 crore. Her story, often described as the “original Slumdog Millionaire,” inspires millions, proving that determination and vision can triumph over adversity. As a trailblazing entrepreneur, philanthropist, and TEDx speaker, Kalpana continues to empower communities and drive innovation in India’s business landscape.

Key Information

Early Life: Overcoming Unimaginable Challenges

• Humble Beginnings: Born in 1961 in Roperkheda, Akola, Maharashtra, to a Marathi Buddhist Dalit family, Kalpana was the eldest of five siblings, with her father serving as a police constable.
• Child Marriage and Abuse: Married at 12 to a man 10 years older, she moved to a Mumbai slum, enduring severe physical and mental abuse from her in-laws until rescued by her father.
• Societal Backlash: Returning to her village, she faced ostracism for leaving her husband, leading to a suicide attempt at 16 after consuming insecticide, which she miraculously survived.
• Turning Point: The failed suicide attempt transformed Kalpana, as she resolved to live life on her own terms, stating, “I was not the same person anymore. Gone was the naive helpless girl.”

Rise to Entrepreneurship: Building a Foundation

• Move to Mumbai: At 16, Kalpana relocated to Mumbai, living with her uncle and working in a garment factory for ₹2 daily to support her family.
• Tailoring and Financial Independence: Learned tailoring and, in 1975, secured a ₹50,000 loan under the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule scheme for scheduled castes to start a tailoring business in Kalyan.
• Furniture Business: Used the loan to launch a furniture business, selling affordable versions of high-end furniture from Ulhasnagar, learning key entrepreneurial skills like negotiation and market trend analysis.
• Real Estate Ventures: In 1995, invested in a litigation-locked land in Kalyan for ₹2.5 lakh, cleared legal hurdles over two years, and developed it into a profitable residential-commercial property worth ₹50 lakh.

Kamani Tubes: Reviving a Sinking Giant

• Taking the Helm: In 2001, Kamani Tubes, a metal engineering firm founded by Ramjibhai Kamani, was on the brink of liquidation with ₹116 crore in debt and 140 pending lawsuits. Workers approached Kalpana in 1999 due to her reputation, and she took over as chairperson in 2006.
• Restructuring Success:
  • Formed a 10-member expert team, hired consultants, and negotiated with banks to clear liabilities.
  • Replaced outdated machinery, relocated the factory from Kurla to Wada, and streamlined operations.
  • Transformed Kamani Tubes into a profitable company with annual profits of ₹5 crore and revenue exceeding ₹100 crore.
• Worker Welfare: Honored Ramjibhai’s vision of worker welfare, though faced disputes with union leaders over a ₹22.5 crore worker payout, which she claims to have settled fairly.
• Recent Developments: In 2024, Kamani Tubes expanded its product line to include advanced copper alloy tubes for renewable energy applications, aligning with India’s sustainability goals, and plans to enter export markets in 2025.

Philanthropy and Social Impact

• Kalpana Saroj Foundation: Established an NGO in 1978, Sushikshit Berozgar Yuvak Sanghatana, to educate underprivileged communities about government loans and schemes, helping 3,000 people secure jobs.
• Community Empowerment:
  • Provides funding for educational institutions and supports girls’ education to prevent child marriage.
  • Plans to invest in farming in Akola to create job opportunities for rural women, inspired by Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar.
• Film Production: Founded KS Film Production, producing Khairlanjichya Mathyawar, a film on Dalit struggles, dubbed in Hindi, English, and Telugu to raise awareness.
• Recent Initiatives: In 2023, her foundation launched skill development programs for rural youth, focusing on vocational training in technology and agriculture, impacting over 5,000 individuals.

Other Ventures and Achievements

• Business Empire: Oversees six companies, including Kamani Tubes, Kamani Steel Re-Rolling Mills, Saikrupa Sugar Factory, Kalpana Builders & Developers, Kalpana Saroj & Associates, and KS Creations Film Production, with a combined turnover of over ₹2000 crore.
• Awards and Recognition:
  • Awarded the Padma Shri for Trade and Industry in 2013.
  • Received the “Woman of Worth” award from Outlook Business in 2019.
  • Appointed to the board of Bhartiya Mahila Bank in 2013.
• Recent Developments: In 2024, Kalpana announced plans for a budget hotel chain in Rajasthan, leveraging her daughter Seema’s hotel management expertise, with the first property set to open in Jaipur by 2026.

Kalpana Saroj’s Key Ventures Overview

Personal Life and Legacy

• Family and Resilience:
  • Remarried Samir Saroj in 1980, who passed away in 1989, leaving her to raise two children, Seema and Amar.
  • Seema, a hotel management graduate, is set to launch a restaurant in Kalyan, while Amar is a commercial pilot.
• Philosophy: Believes education and opportunity can break cycles of poverty, emphasizing, “Grit, perseverance, and faith in yourself make an entrepreneur.”
• Inspiration: Draws inspiration from Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, advocating for equality and justice, and continues to challenge caste and gender barriers.
• Recent Recognition: In 2024, Kalpana was invited as a keynote speaker at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Dubai, sharing insights on women’s empowerment and sustainable business practices.

Why Kalpana Saroj Inspires

Kalpana Saroj’s journey from a child bride earning ₹2 a day to leading a ₹2000 crore empire is a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women from marginalized communities. Her turnaround of Kamani Tubes, commitment to social justice through her NGO, and recent ventures in sustainable industries highlight her forward-thinking leadership. By leveraging government schemes, navigating legal battles, and empowering communities, Kalpana proves that success is not about degrees but about determination and vision. Her legacy continues to inspire millions to dream big and persevere against all odds.

Read more biographies and success stories of business leaders, celebrities, healthcare professionals etc. at Leader Biography.