From Loan To Lakh: Read Tale Of India's Richest Jeweler And His INR 17,000 Crore Empire

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New Delhi: In the realm of dreams and aspirations, there exists a testament to the power of relentless pursuit and unwavering determination – the story of T.S. Kalyanaraman, the visionary founder of Kalyan Jewellers. Born into a business family, Kalyanaraman embarked on a journey that began with humble origins. Taking a leap of faith, he opened his jewelry shop, starting from ground zero.

The journey wasn't challenging; he even took a loan to kickstart his venture. However, the tale takes a fascinating turn as today, Kalyan Jewellers isn't just a local jewelry store; it's a celebrated brand with a national footprint. ()

Kalyanaraman's story is a testament to the belief that no dream is too big and no feat is impossible. From a single shop to a flourishing jewelry empire, he has proven that with resilience, even starting from zero can lead to soaring heights. ()

T.S. Kalyanaraman: Early Life

Kalyanaraman was born on April 23, 1947, in Thrissur, Kerala, to T.A. Seetharammaiya, a cloth merchant. Despite his grandfather being a priest, the family later shifted to a business-oriented approach.

Kalyanaraman assisted his father in their shop from the age of 12, learning intricate details of the business.

T.S. Kalyanaraman: Educational Life

He pursued his graduation in Commerce from Shri Kerala Varma College, Kerala.

T.S. Kalyanaraman: Business Beginnings With Loan

Initially uninterested in the family business, Kalyanaraman worked elsewhere for a while, saving Rs 25 lakh. However, to open his jewelry shop, he needed more funds.

Opting for a loan of Rs 50 lakh from the bank, he accumulated a total of Rs 75 lakh. With this amount, he opened his first jewelry shop in Thrissur, naming it Kalyan Jewellers.

T.S. Kalyanaraman: Business Expansion

Kalyanaraman's hard work paid off as Kalyan Jewellers expanded not just within Kerala but across India. The brand now boasts 200+ stores nationwide. The journey didn't stop there; Kalyan Jewellers reached global shores with 30 showrooms in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman.

T.S. Kalyanaraman: Success And Recognition

T.S. Kalyanaraman is now hailed as India's wealthiest jeweler. Kalyan Jewellers' market capitalization has surpassed INR 17,000 crores, and Kalyanaraman's net worth stands at INR 16,200 crores. What began as a loan-funded venture has transformed into a colossal brand.