It is an extraordinary story of what Jit Paul chooses to call “an entirely ordinary life”. For Jit Paul never went to a business school; he was destined to discover the skills in the business of life. In his book, he journeys back to relive this inspiring process of growth that taught the Paul family to value the simple virtues of living. It was essentially an investment of these human treasures that made a humble family enterprise into a diversified business conglomerate, Apeejay Surrendra Group. The Business of Life is an answer to Jit Paul’s inner call that he “must tell the story of Apeejay, a larger story” into which his “own story was very closely interwoven”.

Modest words from a modest man – one who sees himself “as an instrument of the Divine, to do whatever you have to do on its behalf, to abjure your ego-sense.” It is reflection of learning that no business school can ever teach. This is one of the many reasons why this book should be read - not just by a successful ‘I-me-myself” generation but by all and sundry.

Although the firm of Amin Chand Payare Lal was established in Lahore (around 1918), it was in Jullundur that the foundation of Apeejay was laid, a foundation that was grounded in “love and a sense of how to live life”.

It was an enterprise that capitalized on the idea that “we will all do better if we are together” and this active participatory spirit -“everyone…should contribute something to the business and its growth” - of the family members infused a new dynamism to the business.

So Jit Paul who joined the family business at a young age “would help by cleaning up the factory and do odd jobs” – an experience that the author reminisces fondly as it helped him to imbibe the “values” that his parents had faith in. As he honed his skills under the tutelage of his father, he learnt the significance of being “dedicated to hard work that was imbued with a sense of the dignity of labour and modest in its material wealth”.

On the strength of such core values, the business evolved with the changing times and ventured into new territories. From a producer of agricultural tools, they became “a manufacturer of gun metal and brass fittings and castings”. They were already one of the fourteen stockists of TISCO products in Jullunder. With a shortage of steel in the market during World War II, they decided to head east, as there was “a possibility in those days of getting some steel directly from TISCO in Jamshedpur”.

With their base established at Jullundur, Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi by 1943, the firm expanded and prospered as the “new generation” took over. Necessity often motivated them to take decisions at a ripe moment. Luck smiled and so did the brothers (Stya, Jit, Swraj and Surrendra) gifted with sharp business acumen and intuitive powers.

In the post-independence era, they strengthened their steel business, and exploited business opportunities in shipping, construction, pharmaceuticals and hotels. Often they trod on bumpy roads but the experience made them smarter and stronger. Despite the prosaic style, the facts provided make it one of the most riveting sections of the book. In course of time, Apeejay opened educational institutions and emerged leaders in the tea industry, which they ventured into 1980.

Occasionally Jit Paul strays into philosophical broodings. From Mahatma Gandhi to Ayn Rand to Bhagvad Gita, from his parents’ witty sayings to his own intense musings, the author intersperses them intelligently and leaves an indelible impression on the reader. The last section recapitulates the lessons that Jit Paul mastered in the business of life. His words turn out to be beautifully crafted maxims that have engendered from his experience of growing up with Apeejay. Not only students, budding entrepreneurs and managers but also lay readers can pick up this inspiring book for their shelves.

What is truly remarkable is the humility of the author. In the very beginning, therefore, he says, “The only option available to us is to do our duty to the best of our availability and leave the rest to a power higher than ourselves”. Moreover, he acknowledges one and all who have endeavoured to build Apeejay. The book has a profound elegiac note for a value-driven world that no longer exists now. But the business of life goes on. And as the sub-title would suggest, the story doesn’t end here…Jit Paul and Apeejay continue to grow.

- Satarupa Ray