Shanti Kumar Jain, born and raised in the bustling business hub of Palasbari, Assam, was immersed in a vibrant mix of industries, including silk, jute, ghee, and rice production. The local economy thrived, supported by wood mills and transport businesses. His father owned a prosperous silk business, and their family was deeply integrated into the local Assamese culture. In 1975, after working for several companies in Mumbai, Mr. Jain returned to Assam with a new vision.
He acquired a 40-bigha plot in Rajapara, Boko, about 70 km from Guwahati, and started a business focused on citronella, an aromatic grass. Despite the challenges of integrating into the local community, Mr. Jain drew upon his deep-rooted understanding of Assamese culture, quickly gaining acceptance. Mr. Jain established Kamrup Essential Oils, now known as Aroma India Pvt. Ltd. and MS Aromatics, by setting up a citronella distillation plant. This venture was supported by a loan of Rs. 54,000 from Dudhnoi UCO Bank, with early assistance from his elder brother, Mohanlal Jain.
Focused on empowering local communities, Mr. Jain employed over 300 women and 50 men, providing them with opportunities to uplift their families. For Mr. Jain, the business was never just about profits. It was about creating an ecosystem where local families could thrive, ensuring that the community was at the heart of his enterprise.
By 1985, Mr. Jain had diversified his ventures by establishing Bhagwati Bricks and Concrete Industries, a brick manufacturing company, along with training programs for local women in silk textiles like Pat and Mulberry. His efforts provided employment and skills development for over 200 women in the area. In 2002, he expanded further with the launch of a stone crusher factory, employing 400 workers. His sons, Amit and Sumit Jain, later joined the family business, helping to drive additional growth. Mr. Jain continued to diversify, setting up a Syntex water tank production unit in 2009 and a paper block manufacturing company in 2014. Throughout his life, Mr. Jain remained deeply committed to social welfare. His initiatives to promote local sports, education, and cultural harmony had a lasting impact on the region. One notable contribution was the Swahid Trophy football tournament, launched in 1983 in memory of the martyrs of the Assam Language Movement. This event remains a prestigious part of Assam’s sporting calendar.
Mr. Jain's contributions earned him numerous awards, including the North-East Excellence Award, the MSME National Award for Outstanding Entrepreneurship, and the Abhiruchi Sports Day Award in 2023 for fostering a sports culture in the region. Reflecting on his journey, Mr. Jain says, "My true success lies not in profits but in empowering people, building strong, self-reliant communities, and creating lasting opportunities for the next generation. My work continues as long as there is progress to be made."
FIRST Business Portal addressing the potential of business capability of North East Region.
