Awards
Overcoming great odds
The World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce awardees’ hard work and passion saw them rise to the top
At the age of four en route by sea from Shanghai to Bombay in 1941, Jal Soli Shroff and his family were stranded in Hong Kong as the Japanese attacked the British outpost. When the war ended in 1945 they returned to Shanghai only to be "uprooted four years later by the communists… and shipped out on the last American troop ship to evacuate foreigners from China.” They moved to Hong Kong as refugees "with only our bare essentials.” But despite these setbacks Shroff went on to succeed as a businessman and on January 7, 2012 the World Zarathushti Chamber of Commerce (WZCC) named the 74-year-old businessman its Honorary Member for 2011.
"Without any godfather to support him Jal began his journey with Fossil 35 years ago in Hong Kong and Dallas,” said WZCC global president Minoo Shroff addressing a large gathering at the Hotel Taj President on January 7, 2012. "I know of no other Zoroastrian who in the recent past has achieved such great heights. He is a man with a generous heart and helps social institutions. He has been a trustee of the Zoroastrian Charity Funds of Hong Kong Canton and Macao for the last 28 years and we laud his contribution. We also have Phil Madon to thank for doing such a great job in recognizing our awardees and also thank our three judges who maintain confidentiality.”
"Without any godfather to support him Jal began his journey with Fossil 35 years ago in Hong Kong and Dallas,” said WZCC global president Minoo Shroff addressing a large gathering at the Hotel Taj President on January 7, 2012. "I know of no other Zoroastrian who in the recent past has achieved such great heights. He is a man with a generous heart and helps social institutions. He has been a trustee of the Zoroastrian Charity Funds of Hong Kong Canton and Macao for the last 28 years and we laud his contribution. We also have Phil Madon to thank for doing such a great job in recognizing our awardees and also thank our three judges who maintain confidentiality.”
Clockwise from top right: audience at Hotel Taj President; (below): happy spouses of awardees: Pervin Shroff, Kainaz Daruvala, Dilshad Khambata, Zubin Limjerwala; section of the audience; first row: awardees receiving awards Jal Shroff from Minoo Shroff, Khurshed Daruvala from Rohinton Rivetna, Farrokh Khambata from Rustom Engineer, Dr Shazneen Limjerwala from Behroze Daruwalla; (second row) awardees with WZCC office bearers
Jal Shroff co-founded Fossil along with an American, who was actually a second generation Greek immigrant "who faced scarcity of food at home.” He had ventured to Hong Kong with very limited capital and no definite business plan,” Shroff told the gathering.
"Our first meeting started with friendship to the amazement of many and we named our watch brand Fossil, which was the first American brand to bring value and style to the affordable watch category.” Fossil grew from a watch to a global "must have accessory brand with handbags, belts, small leather goods, jewelry and sunglasses… We have always been in the avant garde whether in terms of technology, choice of material or design… We now have over 370 company operated and owned retail stores and independent retailers in over 120 countries and we also sell through our website. We plan to open 50 to 60 stores, the major portion in Asia this year, and have our main India office and service center in Bangalore and assemble watches in our small factory in Himachal Pradesh.” He intends to "source 10 percent of watches from India” and sell them in Fossil outlets globally. With the opening of 100 percent foreign direct investment in the Indian retail sector (with certain restrictions), Shroff is keen to open Fossil outlets in India.
Shroff attributed Fossil’s success to "the hard work, honesty, business integrity and respect for each one of our 12,180 employees,” plus 12,000 workers in "our joint venture factory in the Pearl River Delta of China… We expect our net sales in 2011 to exceed 2.5 billion dollars with 50 percent of our sales coming from outside the US. We shipped over 30 million watches. We first went public in 1993 at US $ 7 a share. It is split four times and now priced at US $ 78.”
Noting that the Chinese Lunar New Year which fell on January 23 this year brings in the Year of the Dragon, Shroff noted, "The Chinese Dragon is a creature of myth and legend. In ancient China, the celestial Dragon represented an emperor and power. Today it is the ultimate auspicious symbol signifying success and happiness. My sincere wish that the celestial Dragon brings you all lots of success, happiness and good luck…
"We need to encourage our young generation… The Chinese character for the word opportunity is appropriately made up of the combination of two characters, risk and reward, implying that taking risk offers opportunities and reward for the brave.
"I do not subscribe to the belief that our youth have lost the entrepreneur spirit... Perhaps business, government or family have to share some of the blame. Unfortunately in today’s world there also is a mismatch between what opportunities are available in the market place and what some youngsters aspire for. Businesses today are more and more looking for the soft and social skills rather than academic degrees which are taken for granted.
"My first involvement in the commercial world was in the late 50s when I joined my late father in our family import and export textile business specializing in silk piece goods imported from China and exported to India and the Middle East. Hormusjee and Sons were our major buyers in Bombay.
"I have always maintained that success in any business venture involves the convergence of the correct ingredients that blend together at a precise time to form the exact recipe for success. For each one of us ‘these ingredients’ differ with the exception of one vital and necessary component loosely termed as ‘luck.’
"In my case I often question if it was luck, fate, destiny or a combination of all three that guided a young American to come to Hong Kong in 1984 and walk into (my wife) Pervin and my small office? This one simple incident has certainly altered the course of many, many lives…
"Your Chamber’s aims and ethics very much mirror the articles of our Zoroastrian Charity Funds of Hong Kong, Canton and Macao which was set up in 1874,” observed Shroff.
"One can only admire the entrepreneurial spirit and foresight of our Parsi Zoroastrian ancestors who in a foreign land decided in 1874 to set up a charitable trust which stipulated that the funds are to give relief and assistance to any needy, destitute, distressed, sick and infirm persons of any nationality without regard to caste, creed or religion.
"Our trust financially assists Parsi Zoroastrian youngsters to do postgraduate studies abroad. Over the last two decades over l,000 Parsi students have received substantial educational loans. We require no personal or parental guarantee. We request the students to return the loan once they are earning. Over 45 percent honor their commitment…
"I am delighted yet humbled to be made an honorary member of the WZCC. In the past there have been an eminent group of people who have been honored in this way and I am somewhat mystified at my good fortune to be joining them.
"My emotions as I stand here and address this distinguished gathering are certainly mixed: surprise... pride…hu-mility… gratitude. To be recognized by one’s own community is the highest accolade in any category and I certainly do not take this recognition from your Chamber lightly.
"I am a practising Zoroastrian who values time at home… My family is of utmost importance and we have three children and four grandchildren,” said Shroff. "My wife Pervin has given me utmost support over these many years and has helped me be what I am today. She really deserves to share this honor with me.”
"Tough times”
In 1997 when young chartered accountant Khurshed Daruvala joined his father’s business Sterling and Wilson, the firm was "struggling. We were paying vendors after six to seven months. They were tough times.” But the difficulties were overcome because of the support extended by others and "the goodwill of our forefathers,” recalled the 42-year-old on being awarded the Outstanding Zarathushti Entrepreneur for 2011.
"The past five years have been fantastic” for business, said Daruvala. "Despite the bureaucracy, growth has been quite high. If not for them (the bureaucracy) it would have been higher. India is the right place to be.” He traced the company’s growth from a turnover of seven crore rupees 13 years ago to over 2,000 crores today and the number of employees from 100 to 2,600. The company has 13 branches in India and "has expanded its reach… and executed prestigious projects in Guyana, Mauritius, Ghana, Qatar, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia,” notes the WZCC publication.
"He changed the dynamics of the construction business,” said evening compere Burjis Taraporevala introducing Daruvala to the gathering. Sterling and Wilson "is India’s leading integrated organization offering MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) services… Until then no single player offered all these services,” noted Taraporevala.
"Without support of Shapoorji Pallonji and Company (SP) this would not have been possible,” noted Daruvala. SP does not interfere in the day-to-day working of the business but offers "guidance.” He also gave credit "to the goodwill that Zoroastrians enjoy both within and without the community.”
In 1997 when young chartered accountant Khurshed Daruvala joined his father’s business Sterling and Wilson, the firm was "struggling. We were paying vendors after six to seven months. They were tough times.” But the difficulties were overcome because of the support extended by others and "the goodwill of our forefathers,” recalled the 42-year-old on being awarded the Outstanding Zarathushti Entrepreneur for 2011.
"The past five years have been fantastic” for business, said Daruvala. "Despite the bureaucracy, growth has been quite high. If not for them (the bureaucracy) it would have been higher. India is the right place to be.” He traced the company’s growth from a turnover of seven crore rupees 13 years ago to over 2,000 crores today and the number of employees from 100 to 2,600. The company has 13 branches in India and "has expanded its reach… and executed prestigious projects in Guyana, Mauritius, Ghana, Qatar, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia,” notes the WZCC publication.
"He changed the dynamics of the construction business,” said evening compere Burjis Taraporevala introducing Daruvala to the gathering. Sterling and Wilson "is India’s leading integrated organization offering MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) services… Until then no single player offered all these services,” noted Taraporevala.
"Without support of Shapoorji Pallonji and Company (SP) this would not have been possible,” noted Daruvala. SP does not interfere in the day-to-day working of the business but offers "guidance.” He also gave credit "to the goodwill that Zoroastrians enjoy both within and without the community.”
What’s cooking?
"I grew up in Ness Baug where you could smell the food cooking in your neighbor’s home and if you stopped by to eat nobody complained,” noted WZCC Outstanding Zarathushti Professional awardee for 2011, Farrokh Khambata, proprietor of Catering and Allied. "It’s nice to see so many familiar faces of my clients in the audience. This is a real honor… I feel vindicated for all the hard work we have put in,” the 45-year-old entrepreneur-chef stated.
Khambata stated his "passion for cooking started at a tender age. My grandmother is a very good cook. My parents are chartered accountants. They would only cook eggs. At the age of 15 years I went to Thailand and Laos to study accountancy.” He was enamored by the great food and "forgot about single entry, double entry accounting. The countries left a great impression on me. The trip really helped.”
In Bombay Khambata cooked for friends and word slowly spread that "this guy can cook.” He studied architecture for six months but forsook designing buildings and instead joined the prestigious Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition in Bombay. At the interview for admission the renowned catering academician Thangam Philip asked him "Do you know the recipe for dhansak?” His correct and confident answer gained him admission. "I found my calling in the catering college.”
He then ventured to France and worked at the Au Normandy, a Michelin star restaurant and later at the Panorama Rue Boucicot in Paris. But when he returned in 1991 he found many of the ingredients required for gourmet cuisine were not easily available locally. "It was heartbreaking at that time.” He got job offers from various luxury chain hotels. But after working for a few days he found a 50-or-so-year-old colleague "still cutting onions and making chutney.” He decided instead to start catering from his kitchen at home. "My parents allowed me to cook at home. We were a two-man army called Flavours.” His assistant was a college dropout who would deliver the food.
In 1996 he moved to a 300 sq ft commercial kitchen at Marine Lines. Short of funds to pay for the premises, his mother withdrew money from her Provident Fund account and a close friend of his father’s gave a loan with the proviso "return it when you can.” The new venue "turned my life to where it is today.” From marketing, shopping, cooking, Khambata did it all. It was a "mad” existence with both partying and working.
In 1993 "Joss came by. The property was up for lease. I was blessed with a vision. I took those broken down offices, borrowed money and did up the premises and today it is the best Pan Asian stand alone restaurant. We have won numerous awards. I like to be on the crest of the wave and try to perfect whatever I do. It is the first Japanese, Malay, Thai stand alone restaurant. In the beginning we had to educate our clientele. Now we cater at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (through) Amadeus my dream restaurant in terms of décor, service, food, all world class. We spent a lot of money to make it the best. My wife, Dilshad, has always stood by me. My advice to youth would be get out of your comfort zone and seize the moment. Don’t get scared. Be passionate and luck follows those who are passionate. Also put in a lot of hard work. India is emerging and Parsi enterprise should step out.”
According to the WZCC publication Limjerwala earned a PhD from Lancaster University and served as an assistant professor at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. She researched "The experiences of rape victims in Gujarat: Dialectics of Voices and Silence.” She has been a visiting faculty member at the Mumbai Business School, Sophia College, Indian Institute of Management, amongst others. She has won several awards and has participated in the Federation of Zoroastrian Youth Associations (FOZYA) Congress. She is married to Zubin, a computer engineer.The Young Zarathushti Professional/Entrepreneur award went to 35-year-old Dr Shazneen Limjerwala. Hailing from Ahmedabad the psychologist exclaimed, "It feels great to be here today. When WZCC chose to honor me I felt that the path I have chosen is of value.” Choking with emotion, Limjerwala wished the gathering well and stepped off the podium.Of value
"I grew up in Ness Baug where you could smell the food cooking in your neighbor’s home and if you stopped by to eat nobody complained,” noted WZCC Outstanding Zarathushti Professional awardee for 2011, Farrokh Khambata, proprietor of Catering and Allied. "It’s nice to see so many familiar faces of my clients in the audience. This is a real honor… I feel vindicated for all the hard work we have put in,” the 45-year-old entrepreneur-chef stated.
Khambata stated his "passion for cooking started at a tender age. My grandmother is a very good cook. My parents are chartered accountants. They would only cook eggs. At the age of 15 years I went to Thailand and Laos to study accountancy.” He was enamored by the great food and "forgot about single entry, double entry accounting. The countries left a great impression on me. The trip really helped.”
In Bombay Khambata cooked for friends and word slowly spread that "this guy can cook.” He studied architecture for six months but forsook designing buildings and instead joined the prestigious Institute of Hotel Management, Catering Technology and Applied Nutrition in Bombay. At the interview for admission the renowned catering academician Thangam Philip asked him "Do you know the recipe for dhansak?” His correct and confident answer gained him admission. "I found my calling in the catering college.”
He then ventured to France and worked at the Au Normandy, a Michelin star restaurant and later at the Panorama Rue Boucicot in Paris. But when he returned in 1991 he found many of the ingredients required for gourmet cuisine were not easily available locally. "It was heartbreaking at that time.” He got job offers from various luxury chain hotels. But after working for a few days he found a 50-or-so-year-old colleague "still cutting onions and making chutney.” He decided instead to start catering from his kitchen at home. "My parents allowed me to cook at home. We were a two-man army called Flavours.” His assistant was a college dropout who would deliver the food.
In 1996 he moved to a 300 sq ft commercial kitchen at Marine Lines. Short of funds to pay for the premises, his mother withdrew money from her Provident Fund account and a close friend of his father’s gave a loan with the proviso "return it when you can.” The new venue "turned my life to where it is today.” From marketing, shopping, cooking, Khambata did it all. It was a "mad” existence with both partying and working.
In 1993 "Joss came by. The property was up for lease. I was blessed with a vision. I took those broken down offices, borrowed money and did up the premises and today it is the best Pan Asian stand alone restaurant. We have won numerous awards. I like to be on the crest of the wave and try to perfect whatever I do. It is the first Japanese, Malay, Thai stand alone restaurant. In the beginning we had to educate our clientele. Now we cater at the National Centre for the Performing Arts (through) Amadeus my dream restaurant in terms of décor, service, food, all world class. We spent a lot of money to make it the best. My wife, Dilshad, has always stood by me. My advice to youth would be get out of your comfort zone and seize the moment. Don’t get scared. Be passionate and luck follows those who are passionate. Also put in a lot of hard work. India is emerging and Parsi enterprise should step out.”
According to the WZCC publication Limjerwala earned a PhD from Lancaster University and served as an assistant professor at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. She researched "The experiences of rape victims in Gujarat: Dialectics of Voices and Silence.” She has been a visiting faculty member at the Mumbai Business School, Sophia College, Indian Institute of Management, amongst others. She has won several awards and has participated in the Federation of Zoroastrian Youth Associations (FOZYA) Congress. She is married to Zubin, a computer engineer.The Young Zarathushti Professional/Entrepreneur award went to 35-year-old Dr Shazneen Limjerwala. Hailing from Ahmedabad the psychologist exclaimed, "It feels great to be here today. When WZCC chose to honor me I felt that the path I have chosen is of value.” Choking with emotion, Limjerwala wished the gathering well and stepped off the podium.Of value
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