This Cuttack-based entrepreneur proves education is no bar to success
Amiya Kumar Behera launched Om Sai Subashree, a food processing and packaging company, with an aim to make a difference and to train unemployed youth in Odisha
The road to entrepreneurship is always unpredictable. Entrepreneurs across India are now constantly challenging the notion that they need to be highly educated in order to succeed. However, above education and experience, it is the drive to achieve something that leads one to success.
For 49-year-old Cuttack-based entrepreneur Amiya Kumar Behera, the ability to learn quickly and think on his feet proved far more important. With no formal higher education or skill training, he launched Om Sai Subashree Packaging System in 2009 and led it to great success.
The company is engaged in manufacturing custom packing and food processing machines in Odisha, a state that is largely dependent on agriculture. At present, Sai Subashree has a turnover of Rs 1.8 crore and is a leading machinery manufacturer.
Sai Subashree team
How did Behera, who had no ‘textbook skills’ in machine manufacturing and running a business, become successful?
“I am originally from Odisha. Around 2006, I was working for a Delhi-based company doing all kinds of odd task,” he describes. “One day, I went back to my native state as a service engineer to troubleshoot a machine. Upon my arrival, I noticed that my state was lagging behind in terms of automation development technology, product knowledge and manufacturing capabilities.”
Looking at the state of affairs, Behera was determined to work to make a difference for his state. “When I worked as a helper, I had acquired hands-on skills and the technical knowledge of assembling and fixing packaging machines,” he says.
“I did not get any official training, but the skill I had gave me confidence to venture into this industry.”
“I was so passionate to make a difference, that I wanted to stand in front of the mirror and be proud of what I have done for the land and for myself,” he says. “I could clearly see a large market size since the state was largely agrarian. Food processing units definitely required packaging machines. In 2009, I took the first step towards plugging this gap when I registered my company and setup my first factory in a rented house,” he adds.
Neither did he have any prior experience in entrepreneurship nor to run a business and hire the right people.
At this stage, Behera could only invest Rs 5 lakh in his business and also found it challenging to acquire the right talent. “It was tough to search for and hire adequately-skilled personnel from the area. Therefore, I planned to train people to equip them with the necessary skills,” he explains. “Apart from this, the business also faces publicity issues. Without enough information provided to customers, they go to bigger cities to acquire packaging machines without realising that the same product is available right at the doorsteps.”
His main aim is to continue serving the state and his customers. However, he also strives to serve as an example that “someone with a lower level of education can also become a successful entrepreneur”.
In the near future, he wishes that Sai Subashree becomes the number one packaging manufacturer in Odisha. “After this, I dream to start a small in-house training centre, where I will personally train unemployed youth to improve customer service.” With more funds and publicity, Behera believes he can make it happen.
(This story is published in partnership with the MSME Ministry to showcase success stories of SMEs)
