You’ve likely read and heard plenty about the success stories of prominent businessmen, but the journey behind this particular tale is truly captivating. Much like a film plot, Ramachandran’s path to success is bound to surprise and inspire.
He didn’t launch his business with a large investment, nor did he create a luxury product. Instead, with a humble item priced at just Rs 2, he managed to reach households across the nation, eventually building a vast business empire worth thousands of crores.
Early Life
Hailing from Thrissur in Kerala, Ramachandran’s story begins in his school days. He earned a B.Com degree from St. Thomas College and later completed his postgraduate studies before taking up a job as an accountant. Although the job provided him with
a decent income, his true ambition had always been to start something of his own.
From the outset, Ramachandran was a creative mind, constantly exploring ideas for innovative products. One persistent dream was to develop a laundry whitener.
Discovering The Formula For Success
He began experimenting in his own kitchen, trying to create a laundry whitener. Despite numerous attempts, success eluded him, until he came across an article in a magazine that explained how to make a purple fabric whitener which enhanced the brightness of clothes.
Inspired by the article, Ramachandran spent an entire year refining the formulation. His persistence eventually paid off as he succeeded in creating the whitener he had envisioned.
Starting Small With A Loan Of Rs 5,000
In 1983, armed with his new formula, Ramachandran borrowed Rs 5,000 and set up a small laboratory on his ancestral land, which he named after his daughter, Jyothy.
This humble lab became the foundation of a small factory. Initially producing a few items, he struck gold with a product called Ujala Supreme Liquid Fabric Whitener.
Affordable and effective, this product quickly gained popularity across India and became a staple in households nationwide.
A Growing Company And Expanding Reach
Ramachandran’s company first found success in South India, and by 1997, began expanding its reach to the North. Over the next decade, through relentless effort, Jyothy Labs became a household name.
Today, its products enjoy popularity across the country, and the company’s market capitalisation has reached around Rs 17,000 crores.
Diverse Range Of Popular Products
Following the success of Ujala, Jyothy Labs expanded its product range significantly. Today, the company offers a variety of household and personal care products. These include dishwashing products like Henco, Mr. White, More Light, Exo, and Pril; personal care items such as Margo, Neem, and Fa; and home care goods like Maxo, T-Shine, and Maya Agarbatti.
The company also manufactures insect and mosquito repellents.
