“Be the change you want to see in the world”. Golden words by Mahatma Gandhi with a profound wisdom that few have the ability to grasp and implement. Aneel Murarka is one of them. He not only has comprehended the real meaning of this proverb but has also adapted to it and changed with times. Son, parent, industrialist, socialite and philanthropist, he has successfully concocted a potion that blends tradition with nouveau practices which gives him contemporary approach to life. An ardent and doting father, Aneel takes a keen interest in his son’s education and is a hands-on parent, spending time on a day-to-day basis. A fitness freak, he loves playing sports such as squash and cricket.
In an exclusive Interview with India Unbound Mr. Muraraka shared his experience as businessman and various social activities he is doing since last 30 years. He also shared his opinions on working of government, PM’s campaign of Make in India, Swachcha Bharat Abhiyan, and Denomination of currency and its effect.
Your company Mirachem Industries has adopted the latest Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS) in all the manufacturing activities and is amongst distinguished few to get accredited by SKAL, Netherlands (Control Union Certifications) for textile processing chemicals. Please tell us about it.
Mirachem Industriies is my prime company; it was started by my father in the year 1975 with a modest beginning, offering domestic laundry products. The Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) is the worldwide leading textile processing standard for organic fibres, including ecological and social criteria, backed up by independent certification of the entire textile supply chain. Mirachem Industries ensure that organic status of textiles, from harvesting of the raw materials, through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing up to labelling in order to provide a credible assurance to the end consumer. So we are one of the few companies who got accredited by SKAL, Netherlands (Control Union Certifications) for textile processing chemicals and we are so proud about it.
How your philanthropic activities get started along with your company?
When In was in college I had this thought that when I will be well settled in my life I will do something to promote our youth. I joined my Father in company at the age of 14 and when I completed my graduation I started my activities to promote youth in extracurricular activities. Today I am associated with 42 colleges in Mumbai and promoting youth at large. Because I always feel that there is unique talent in everyone and it has to groom. So we are promoting their talent.
Let us rewind your formative years, where were you born and did your schooling?
I was born and brought up in Mumbai. When I was General Secretary in College I was less at lectures and more at other activities. So whatever knowledge I obtained while working at Mirachem from the age of 14, I applied it in college activities.
Please tell us about your family background?
My father did his schooling from Jaipur and then he migrated to Mumbai. He did many odd jobs which were paying him around Rs. 100 to Rs. 120 a month. But he had a vision to do something better and with lots of hard work he started Mirachem Industries in 1975 and made it a brand in textile industry. I have a brother and a sister. Have a gorgeous wife and a charming son. My son is my best friend.
As a child, what you had aspired to become?
When you are child you always thought that our life is so hectic due to pressure of studies and adult people’s life is so easy. So we aspire to become adult person. As a child my though was the same and I always wanted to join my father in business because I thought it is easy. But when you get into something you understand that these things are not that easy. Each field needs hard work for success
What charitable activities you are engaged in?
I am putting all my efforts to social causes. We have been promoting youth of the nation from last 30 years. We have built a new corporate-style crematorium near the Western Express Highway in Goregaon with the local authorities help. Because there was no Hindu crematorium from Vile Parle East to Borivali East. It has waiting rooms, lockers, Bathrooms, modern hall for doing last rituals. Under Samarpan Charitable trust we have also completed Air Conditioned Bus Stand in Rajasthan also the Hospital for TB and many more activities we do for social causes.
Please brief us about Ample Mission?
We all see the award functions on TV like, Filmfare, Startdust, IIFA and many more. It belongs to film starts and celebrities. So we thought that, we can honor to those common people who are doing something great for social cause. Thus under the Ample Mission we started an Award Funtion, International Indian Achiever’s Award (IIAA). It is an award for NRI’s who have made difference in society at large and glorifying India at International level. One of them is Mr. Sanjeev Sanyal who is Indian economist, bestselling writer, environmentalist, and urban theorist based in Singapore. He has everything in life and he can afford anything but still he use bicycle to travel from his home to his office. He is inspiration to many people.
We have completed two editions of awards and in 2017 we are planning our third edition. Apart from IIAA we have also started Shoorveer Awards for common people, who have done great courageous work but still they are unrecognizable. We are promoting their work through this award. Last year we honoured a girl Named Roshan Shaik. Her story is very inspiring. She lost her both legs in train accident at Jogeshwari, Mumbai. But still with her strong willpower she managed to stand up again with the help of Jaipur Foot. She wanted to study MBBS but government declared her unfit for MBBS course. Then one advocate took her case and in that they win. She completed her MBBS and now she is Dr. Roshan Shaikh at KEM Hospital. We try to come with these real heroes and give them recognition by taking award show on air, so it can reach to masses. My request to our government is that please find such unsung heroes who can inspire billions and honor them.
Please tell us about the Award Zindagi Ke which you have started recently?
We have started Awards Zindagi ke as a tribute to martyrs who have died while serving the nation. We have people from Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Fire Brigade, and Police.
Tell us about your short film “11 Minutes” on anti-smoking which had been the talk of the town?
We are working for social cause since many years. To reach out to masses we thought that the short films are the best medium. So we did our first short film, “11 Minutes” on anti-smoking. We called it 11 Minutes because World Health Organization (WHO) claimed that every cigarette smoker reduce their life span by 11 minute with each cigarette they smoke. We released it on YouTube and they declared it as the Most Happening Social Film.
You are also the founder of Ample Mission Event and Entertainment, are you entering into film industry as producer? Please comment.
Not now. But certainly I will do a film if it is based on some social cause.
What difference do you see in previous and present government?
Every government has their own working style and they take efforts in favor of nation’s progress. We as a citizen has to understand that new Government will take some time to prove their self because they are not magician who can change the situation overnight. So we have to give them some time because time is the solution right now.
As a businessman what do you think about various policies of Modi Government, are they beneficial for business community?
Modiji have initiated very great concept, ‘Make In India’. If that works in proper manner India will shine. All business markets will grow.
Aneel Murarka With Dr. Roshan Shaikh
Please comment on PM Modi’s Swachch Bharat Abhiyaan.
PM Modiji has started a good campaign but it should have more than that. People here are not obeying laws and orders because Government is not strict. Government should charge fine at maximum level if anybody is disobeying the rule. This is our nation, our home and it is our responsibility to keep it clean.
Your grandfather was associated with RSS and big follower of Shri. Atal Bihari Vajpai, do you have any plan to join politics?
Yes, my grandfather was follower of RSS and also freedom fighter. He had worked with Chandrashekhar Aazad and Bhagat Singh. So I have that will to do something good for our nation. But I am not interested in joining politics.
In your opinion PM’s decision of denomination of currency good or bad? Have it affected your business in any case?
Denomination of currency is very great initiative by PM. As a businessman I am not affected by this move. But somehow common people have affected. I think there is little miss management in process but when we see it in long run it will be beneficial to all of us.
To whom you consider as your role model?
My father is role model for me.
How do you spend your leisure time?
I am very simple family man. I love to spend my time with my family.
What message you want to spread through India Unbound Global Magazine?
The way India Unbound is progressing it is phenomenon. My message to citizen is that, ‘Live and Let Live’
){kind=link}