About seven years ago on a sultry morning, Kannan Menon, a man of about 20 walked into our office holding a box of writing pens of different qualities. Dressed well, his eyes shone bright as he entered into my cabin smiling confidently. “Sir, can I talk to you for a while? I am Kannan Menon. I am selling pens at good rates. Should I show you a few?” He initially surprised me but his sincerity clearly shone on his face. I made him sit. “Please do show me,” In a swift move, he opened up a box containing pens of different colours and make. I looked at each one of them and asked him the cost. “Sir, just Rs.30/- for these four pens,” he said it with some hesitation. I smile. “Sir, I can give you one as a gift from my side,” he was quick to add. I gave him Rs. 30/- and he gives me the selected ones along with another as a gift.

 

Deal over, I made him sit for a cup of tea while I feel inquisitive. “What made you sell pens, Mr. Menon. You seem to be educated and could have taken up a good job, “I provoke him into revealing something about him. “Sir, I am from Palaghat (Kerala) and came to Delhi about two months ago. I tried hard for a job but somehow a deserving job didn't come my way. Making umpteen rounds of offices gave me an idea to sell pens as pens are the primary requirement in every office. So I thought why not start selling pens at everyone's doorsteps rather than sitting workless. Whatever little money I was left with, I thought of investing in pens,” his smile grew more visible expressing not an iota of losing any self-esteem. “How is the business going?” I ask him. “People are cooperative. I already sold the first stocks in just three days and I bought fresh stocks only yesterday.” Taking his last sip of tea, he gathered his stocks and rose from the chair thanking me generously but not without asking, “sir, should I come again next month with more variety? I am sure you must be requiring good pens for your staff also.” I gave him a friendly smile, “please do come.”

 

After about five weeks, Menon visited my office again but this time with a bag full of more boxes and more varieties of pens. “Good afternoon sir. How are you? I have a very big variety now.” He appeared a better professional salesman now. “How is your business going on, Mr. Menon?” I ask him impatiently. “It is very good. You can make out from the stocks I am carrying now. Now I have started getting bulk orders from offices. I think the coming festival (Diwali) time will be good for me.” Without waiting, he opens box after box containing a variety of ball point, gel and fountain pens. Taking a fountain pen out of a box, he draws my attention. “Sir, this is your gift from me.” “No, no, Mr. Menon. You already gave me a gift last time. Why again now?” Wearing more pride, “Sir, you must accept this. This pen is a very special pen I brought for you.” And he hastened to add, “but please don't think that I am luring you to buy more. We are like friends now.” He left me speechless. I bought more pens. We exchange pleasantries over tea. I told him to do come before Diwali as I wanted more pens.

 

Diwali was round the corner and I started wondering why has Menon not come. One morning I got a call. “Sir, this is Kannan Menon. Sorry I could not come. If you have time tomorrow afternoon, I can make it. I am very busy. I have to fulfill heavy orders.” I felt very happy for him.

 

He appeared the following day along with another person. “How are you sir. I hope I am not late as you wanted pens for diwali gifts” and without waiting for my reply, he began to introduce me to the person accompanying him. “Sir, he is Mr. Pandey. Due to workload, I have a one-man staff now,” as he bursts into a comfortable laughter. “That is good Mr. Menon. I am happy that you are making it a successful venture.” A bit upset, he tells me, “I am facing some problems now,” I wondered what could be his problem now. “What is that Mr. Menon?” I ask him confused. “I have got heavy orders from many offices and I must execute the orders before the new year dawns and I have little time left. I am short of funds also. Orders need huge investments.” I felt like intriguing him, “Then how are you going to arrange funds?” He looked lost in thoughts. “I went to my bank where I have my account but they are asking for guarantors and my accounts of the last three years. How is this possible? I came to Delhi hardly a year ago. I showed them the progress and the record of cheques I am getting but banks have a different system. Now I am thinking of requesting the pen manufacturers to give me some credit and I am trying to raise some private loans from friends.” He said it in one breadth and continued, “sir can you help me with some funds. Rest assured I will return you the money by January. I just need Rs.10,000/-.” He appeared very honest and genuine. I said ok. I gave him a cheque.

 

Come January and I thought whether Menon could meet his orders. I got a call from Menon one evening and he informed me jubilantly, “Sir, season went excellent. I did good business and I earned sufficiently.” I felt like on Cloud Nine as if I had gained personally. “I will come next week. I can give you cash or cheque whatever you wish.”

 

Kannan Menon kept his word. He came with both cash and a cheque. “Sir, you may be happy to know that I have almost finalized an office in the backlane of Connaught Place. Someone offered me little space at a rent of Rs.4,000/- per month. I have also employed another assistant” I felt hungry for words to express my joy. “Mr. Menon, you don't know how happy I am for you. You have proved that hard work and sincerity always pay.” I suggest him to register your enterprise with the government so that he could avail funds from so many schemes floated by the government for small entrepreneurs and take your business to next level. I guide him to register with the Development Commissioner (MSMEs). I give him necessary details. He promised me to do it.

 

Two weeks later he rang me to inform me what ordeal he went through. “I went to the office as advised by you. I was sent to Patparganj for registration. There I met an official after making three rounds. I told him all about my enterprise. He listened to me carefully and suggested me not to waste time. They discouraged me and questioned me as to why on earth you need registration and that it is a long cumbersome process. They told me to go home and do business nicely.” I had no answer.

 

Menon's last visit was about a year ago. He came with a box of sweets and a card. “Sir, I am getting married. But the marriage is in Kerala. My would-be wife is a teacher in central school and will eventually be transferred to Delhi.” He said it so comfortably. I again gasped for words. “Sir, I wish that you also come along for my wedding.” Without waiting for my answer, he informed me, “It is a matter of one week. My employees will take care of my business.” I stand up and warmly shake hands with him as a standing ovation. I could only say, “Congratulations, Menon,” thinking how a humble job-seeker made himself a vibrant entrepreneur with no help forthcoming from anyone.

 

I wonder how many persons in our economic development chain are waiting to be successful like Kannan Menon and bring success at their feet. How can a young man infused with zest and vigour, grit and determination aspire to become an entrepreneur in India? Day in and day out, we talk of the growth of the MSMEs sector but the ground reality is quite different. Our paper schemes need to be translated. Otherwise, we will keep harping again and again that MSMEs sector drives economies. Do they really do in India? If this sector really drives Indian economy too, then with things set right the sector can as well manage the Indian economy.

 

If only we can put things in order and make our schemes work to derive a mechanism which inspires and aids the entrepreneurs of tomorrow, things would be different.

 

Menons are found everywhere in India – in cities, in towns, in villages, in lanes and by-lanes. And they number millions and remain invisible. They all have one thing in common. They are all contributing to the national development silently and they are all waiting for a brighter tomorrow.