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The Last Word
Joseph's Rave Party
Rajen Kumar
Jul 2011
Jul 2011
Joseph, was born, brought up and educated in a middle class family in the state of Maharashtra, also christened as the financial or business capital of India which is home to the formidable business tycoons like TATA, Jain, Goenka, Godrej, Lalbhai, Mittal and many others. Done with his graduation studies in computer sciences, he was enthused to enter the world - wide open. His father, a state government officer, held a modern outlook as he was aware of the umpteen opportunities the state offers.
He wanted his son, a forward looking boy, to add more to his scholastic career. Joseph decided to join a B-School as business was his 'cup of tea'. The professional course cost his father a fortune. A great career awaited Joseph, he believed.
Time flew like the spring leaves. Joseph finished his studies with distinction to enter a new era of business also described as entrepreneurship. He started evaluating himself as he had a choice of a few domains to enter. His best bet was computer hardware. He managed some space in the market on rental. Investment in the venture was taken care of by his father.
In a few months time, the lessons he learnt from his father and at his B school came handy. The seeds of sincerity and hard work put in by Joseph began to sprout into a successful enterprise. He was earning money as also happiness for his family comprising parents and two little sisters. He was headed for a bright future, indeed.
Travails began to envelop Joseph soon after as the fast changing technology demanded fresh investments for fresh stocks and the necessary infrastructure. Guidance came handy from his trusted friends. He approached his bank for funds. The bank manager gave him hope. He was handed a few loan application papers. His enthusiasm was amplified by his spirit which egged him on to take a plunge into the next level of growth.
He filled the papers carefully and submitted to the bank. The bank sought two weeks time to evaluate his case. The stipulated period over, Joseph again headed for the bank. He was directed to approach the loan officer. The loan officer told him that the papers have arrived but it takes time to process such applications.
He went back. Hope sprang eternal. A couple of trips to the bank later, he was asked if he could give any collateral security. He goes back dejected and enlightened his father about the bank's demand. He had no collateral security as the house they were living was over 50-year-old and without any registration papers.
Back to bank again, he tried to impress upon the loan officer explaining him the condition. Joseph was bluntly told that the security was mandatory to cover the risk. He argued that his business was successful and he was well qualified to turn into better success if funds are made available to him. But the bank had no ears for his abilities and acumen and talent.
He opted for private funding but again without success. In the meantime, he came across announcements of the upcoming seminars on entrepreneurship. He attended some and interacted with many people. He extended his network and met a few financial consultants. They offered him help but at a premium. Someone guided him to register his enterprise with the state small scale body. This gave him a ray of hope since registered units were entitled to financial assistance.
The process of registration began. He knocked at the doors again and again. Three months went by. But results were not forthcoming. In the process, he met a battery of officials and his enterprise could not be registered.
Joseph had turned a mental wreck. His father, being a father, stood by him. He told him to find a suitable job for he was hard working and talented. Joseph smiled and went to sleep saying good night to his younger sisters. One more day had gone by.
How much hope was left in this young entrepreneur? How much passion he still had? At least, I failed to gauge. Neither would I know in the near future? I was depressed as well and wondered if it was a rave party for this young entrepreneur addicted to work and prosperity?
(The story of Joseph (name changed) is almost a decade old but the same conditions persist.)
1 Comments >>
Bhavesh Kothari
16 Jul 2011 (02:43:42)
Its indeed a pity that we talk about entrepreneurship but do not mean it. There are many such Joseph across the length and depth of this globe with many hopes and ambitions to reach the sky. Where is the sky is what a thought that runs into these young minds...and is there anyone listening??? I don't think so!!!...
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