Trump card! Partho's business idea

Trump card!

Poulomi Banerjee
KOLKATA, April 27: The only way to realise one's dream is by working hard. And that's what Partho Ghosh has been doing. He had been living a ho-hum life until the day Zee Telefilms chose him to participate in the channel's new reality show, Business Baazigar. And Partho has played it to the bone and has made it to the finals.
"It was the hope of being one's own boss, which motivated me to a degree," says Partho, branch manager at a shipping company.
It's not that he doesn't enjoy his job. "Shipping is a lucrative profession. There's money, adventure, glamour, girls... everything. As far as a job is concerned, I wouldn't want to switch. But then, having your own business is a completely different thing," he smiles.
Partho landed his job while in college.
"I had never thought of working in a shipping company. I didn't know the first thing about the profession. In fact, I wanted to be a designer and was working towards that goal by clearing the entrance examination of NIFT.
"But the institution was yet to open a branch in Kolkata, and my family didn't want me to shift base to New Delhi. So, I began studying chemistry. Then someone introduced me to the owner of this shipping company at a party and he offered me a job. He liked my attitude," remembers Partho.
Years have passed since that evening. And Partho retains his zeal. While competing on Business Baazigar he has done it all ~ from surviving in Mumbai for a day with one rupee to managing someone's wedding.
"I haven't enjoyed any of it. They were all hair-raising experiences. But I must say they are innovative ideas that test our practical sense, managerial skills, leadership qualities and team spirit. The most difficult task till date was of course surviving Mumbai. I found a job as a waiter at a restaurant and that gave me food and shelter," he explains.
Yet, the last thing on his mind is the prize money. With a desire to sell the most prized lifeline ~ water ~ at affordable rates, investment costs do not bother him. It's the platform and mileage, the ability to get your basics evaluated by stalwarts and a stint at IIM Ahmedabad that has inspired him.
"I have had this idea (selling water) since 2000. In 2001 I had also conducted a test run around Park Street with a few of my friends. The response was awesome. We sold a glass of water, just pure, drinking water, no mineral glam-sham at Rs 1.50 (200 ml)… In most cities there are numerous options when it comes to selecting streetside food. But there are few alternatives to bottled mineral water, an expensive commodity... I want to present an affordable alternative," he says.
He already has selected a brand name ~ Visti. "I don't need to employ highly qualified individuals. In Kolkata
"I will require 12,000 to 15,000 people. Investment cost is very low ~ Rs 15 lakh to start business (in Kolkata).
"The plant would require Rs 36 lakh, for I need to import equipment. The land I have belongs to my family and is in Tarakeshwar, which is close to a water source."
So, will Partho's dream come true? Stay tuned.