I recently read this inspiring story about one of India’s richest men, also known as “the man with 27,000 daughters”!
KP Ramasamy, or KPR, built one of India’s largest apparel manufacturers with compassion at its core.
The textile company boasts a 30,000 workforce, of which 95% are women who are recruited from remote villages without even basic facilities.
When they join, all their needs are taken care of. The company trains them in essential soft skills, interpersonal communication, and hygiene practices.
But it doesn’t stop there. KPR also runs training programs every day, covering higher education, computer skills, and vocational training in fields like teaching, tailoring, and nursing.
Over 24,000 have completed secondary and higher education while working.
Many have become nurses, teachers, police officers and professionals – others refer friends back from their villages, creating a self‑sustaining talent pipeline.
And putting his employees first has paid off big – leading to superior production quality and productivity, and allowing him to expand operations to many other verticals.
In 2024, his company has a market cap of above USD $3B!
As KPR himself says, “We treat these women like we would treat our own daughters.”
For us at Scaling‑Up! Ventures, this is the kind of growth we champion – where Culture drives Strategy, and Growth empowers People so that the People can Execute with precision.
KPR shows us that building Capability across your workforce and investing in their Potential, even though they might leave, is Playing to Win!
Key Takeaways for SMEs:
- Think Beyond the Bottom Line: Define success by the lives you touch and capabilities you build – not just profit.
- Culture Shapes Growth: Intentional investment in people breeds loyalty, productivity and sustainable growth.
- Scale with Purpose: Strategic vision isn’t just about expansion – it’s about nurturing talent, community and long‑term value.
Want to find out more about KPR? Watch a full interview of his incredible journey here.
