Page 98 - The Indian Optician Digital Edition July-August 2021

TIO: You have worked hard to give
this wonderful legacy to your children/
grandchildren. What advice would you like to
give them?
RM: Well, I started my journey when I had
nothing in my pocket other than honesty
and ethics. I have preserved these values
throughout my business career and that
has ensured that Alankar continues to be in
business.

I would very much like my grandchildren
RAMNIKLAL MODI to know that even today I believe in being
CELEBRATING 90
TH
BIRTHDAY grounded. I want them to continue their
journey with patience, hard work and honesty.
It is important to not run but walk with
business, that I told my partner too, is, "Honesty sincerity and ensure that they do not lose their
is the best policy". client's faith ever. Trust is the most important

In 1985, the sudden demise of my partner left emotion in this context.
a huge void in my life. I now had to shoulder the TIO: The life you have lived is sure to be
responsibilities of both our families. However, I full of many good and bad stories. Please
overcame this challenge also with God’s grace share an interesting anecdote that you fondly
and today, I am proud and happy that my remember till date.
extended family reciprocates with the same love
and respect they had for their late father and my RAMNIKLAL MODI
partner – Shri Jayantibhai Shah. IN YOUNGER DAYS

With the efforts of all the family members,
both my family and my partner’s children, we
slowly and steadily developed our business with
a better turnover and continued the journey of
Alankar, together. Our collective efforts paid off
and we soon added more stores in Mumbai.
TIO: We are happy to note that even though
you are 90+, you still work every day when so
many of your peers have already retired. What
motivates you to do so?

RM: I enjoy the busy work environment in the
retail and wholesale shops. I love to see the day-
to-day business operations and meet the clients
in the retail showroom. The clients fondly call me
"Kaka" and continue to ask for my opinion on
their glasses and that really motivates me to go
to work every day. I am pleased to see how much
the business scenario has changed since the
time when I began my journey. I am fortunate FROM L TO R
to have worked with three generations of my JEETU SHAH, SURAJ
OPTICAL, RAMNIKLAL MODI,
customers and now even the fourth generation LATE S. L. KUMAR
has joined in to seek my blessings. - THE INDIAN OPTICIAN

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