A Subhash Photos Moment: Stars of Belgaum
12:26 PM Posted by ukmad
The beginning of this great photographic era began way back in 1934 with the start of Shambhu Appaji Photo Artists near fish market in Camp by Shri. Shambhu Appaji Oulkar. His foresightedness led his two sons Mahadev & Bahirji to go to Bombay & study about photography, its techniques and also the latest equipment and what is the future of this business.
Bhairji, Shambhu’s son who had got himself trained in photography did a commendable job during the Goa liberation movement and he won a National award for the same, this was the first feather in the crown.
Anand Oulkar nephew of Bahirji Oulkar under the able guidance of Bahirji developed himself to be master in black & white portrait photography. This confidence and recognition laid the strong foundation stone of ‘Subhash Photos’.
The Panchratnas of Laxmanrao Oulkar, namely Anand, Shashikant, Subhash, Shivaji & Dinesh started Subhash Photo Studio at Hutatma Chowk, Ramdev Galli in 1974. Innovative ideas prompt service and customer satisfaction meant Subhash Photos was on the right track and gained popularity in short time.
During that time the 120 mm film were being used mainly B & W, color photos came in early 1974 and demand grew for Color photos. In the same dark room colour photos were printed using enlarger and basket developing, but this process took a long time and mainly rolls were collected and sent to Bombay for printing.
1980 saw the coming of 35 mm rolls and color printing. At this moment, Subhash Oulkar said we need to go and see what the future of Color printing is and what the latest technology is. In 1983, Subhash Color Centre was started in Deshpande Galli, with a manually operated color developing machine. In 1985 imported a QSS 701 machine from Japan which was fully computerized. Business grew and 1987 saw one more import of the machine.
In 1990 the latest then, QSS 1201, was imported which gave print outs in 13 minutes, with this machine Subhash photos became the full fledged lab in North Karnataka and South Maharashtra.
Opportunities were seen not only in the Belgaum market but also in Kolhapur where a lab was opened in 1992 with affiliation with Kodak Express which was the 2nd Kodak Express lab in India only after Ahemdabad. The machine installed in Kolhapur was first in India and SAARC countries. Kodak Express store was opened in Belgaum in 1997 on college road, the first one in north Karnataka.
Beginning humbly with a Single branch at Hutatama chowk to the now 4 storied one stop shop in photography in Ramdev Galli and 11 branches in Kolhapur, Sangli, Miraj, Ratnagiri , Madgaon, Ponda and of course 3 branches in Belgaum.
A new branch is being opened at Deshmukh road to cater to the suburban markets.All the labs are equipped with Noritsu's latest technology machines. That ensures the best quality prints, at high speeds. The group entered into digital photography business with importing three Noritsu machines, at Belgaum, Kolhapur and Sangli. The group believes in providing the best service at a competitive price, at the best speed. Subhash Photos strongly believes in Customer Satisfaction and Quality Product and this has been the main objective of the group. Subhash photos is a leader in studio portraits and conventional imaging business. The strategy developed here is to be a leader in digital imaging business. Innovativeness and getting the best in technology for the consumers is the mission of Subhash Photos and they achieve it with many new ideas like installing a self operated Kiosk for taking orders. You just go to the kiosk put in your memory card or CD select the pictures, the size you want them to be printed and you place the order and your photos directly go for printing, an easy way to do.
Management:
They have a decentralized management system. Each branch takes it own decisions. Each member of the family is looking after different functions of each branch.Each individual Oulkar is given the authority on the decisions for the projects undertaken by him/her. Trustworthiness amongst the Oulkar’s & employees, Sense of Togetherness & Service to the Society is their management goal.
The second generation Oulkar’s have specialized themselves in different aspects of photography. It’s a family business but run professionally. The Oulkar Ladies are not behind either; they take active part in the day to day running of the studio and also look after the human relations part. All the 2nd generations Oulkar’s have been trained for specialized jobs. Amit (son of Anand) manages the lab and its process. Deepak (son of Anand) has studied family business management from Naseeer Munjee Institute of Management studies Mumbai. Prajakat (son of Sashikant) has made himself a master in Designer album making. Shambhu (son of Sashikant) has specialized himself in sales from NMIMS again.Dyansesh (son of Subhash) has sought training in photography from Girish Mistri of Shary Academy. Dyanesh won the third prize from the PIEA (Photo imaging education association) under students and teachers group.
Whether you're an occasional snap shooter or a seasoned professional, Subhash Photos is your one stop shop for all your photographic needs. From the latest digital technology to hand-processed black & white and everything in between, they do it all.
In all it’s a Subhash Photos moment.
Excerpts of the interview done with Mr.Deepak A Oulkar:
1. Do you remember the first ever photo taken in the studio when it was started?No not the first one but, I remember the portrait photo done for Dr.Jambavlikar which was liked by all. During those days, there were not many press photographers and here the Oulkar brothers covered all major events and this gave us a lot of exposure.
2. The prices you charge for photo printing are normally higher than the normal market rates, why is this?
Our prices are a bit on the higher side, but our pricing is correct taking into consideration the latest laser machines and raw materials we use. The main aspect is that our photos will last longer and the colours also will stay on as original for many years due to use of high quality chemicals.
3. With the advent of Digital cameras isn’t there a fall in printing of photos?
Yes very true, it was there in beginning, now the printing is growing. People click photos on mobiles, digi cams etc and the picture taking has increased by over 100% so there is growth in photo taking and same is the case with printing. People earlier used to think before they click but now it’s reverse, just go on clicking. There are other new segments like greeting cards, visiting cards which also have helped in the growth of printing.
4. Technology keeps on changing every month how do you keep a track of this and plan your future?
Visiting metros & companies and visiting photo expos worldwide which enable us to know the latest technology and what might be coming in the future, by which we plan what and in which machine we need to invest.
5. You are now a brand in photography do you plan to diversify from this field into something else?
Nothing at this time, we plan to open a one stop shop like Subhash photo plaza in Sangli and Kolhapur.
6. In 1983 when u bought the 1st QSS machine what were you feelings?
It was a major risk but positive and risk paid off as a reward. If we don’t take risks we can’t succeed.
7. What is the main aspect which draws consumers towards you?
Prompt service, quality innovativeness.
8. What quick advice do you have for someone who simply wants to improve their photography skills? Study photographs; look at as many picture books and magazines as you can. Analyze the images carefully and learn why some are more successful than others.
Go on taking photos and then study those analyze them then go to Photoshop and reading about some technical aspects of photography and trying them out.
Seeing the photos on a computer screen is completely different from a print out version. So click print them out and analyze them.
9. Have you done or plan to do some training programs for upcoming photographers?
We normally do awareness sessions for photographers and this time we plan to do the same for amateurs also. We have an Imaging school at our Subhash Photo Plaza where you can get yourself trained in different imaging soft wares.
10. What do you feel about this blog?
This blog is doing a good job and I don’t have to wait for tomorrows newspapers and we get the news instantly and the special stories on business people is very encouraging and informative. Personally came to know many new things about Belgaum which I never knew. All the best to your entire team of Allaboutbelgaum.com you make us proud.
BTP Construction: A Tunnel Expert: Stars of Belgaum
7:34 PM Posted by ukmad
I guess not many of this group and their achievements, heres another Star of Belgaum
BTP Group
Shri Jayant B. Patil, Balasaheb B. Patil, & Bapusaheb B. Patil in the year 1988 started a tunneling construction company, B.T.Patil & Sons Belgaum (Construction) Pvt. Ltd. This company has made long strides in tunneling and underground construction.
BTP is contributing with guts and determination for the cause of infrastructure development which has been a key work in economic progress of the country, especially after embarking on liberalization programme. May it be Power, Irrigation & Water Supply; Railways tunneling through mountains has been a challenging task that BTP has always accepted through its conscientious, trained and hard working team of 2000. BTP is committed to attain excellence in everything that requires commitment & vision in years to come.While India is passing through extremely competitive phase of globalization young BTP is looking forward to enormous opportunities in its self-selected challenging and difficult path of being the harboring of infrastructural development through tunneling and underground construction. The company has diversified into future's biggest industry Road Construction
An US $ 18-million company today. BTP with an unabating quest for betterment is set to grow by leaps and bounds.
Tunneling and construction work of more than 65 kms at diversified locations of hydroelectric projects, irrigation projects and railway projects have proven the mettle of BTP, setting it to face the rigors of imminent down to earth competition necessary for improving critical infrastructure for overall economic development.
While constructing Tike tunnel on Konkan Railway through sound basalt strata, trees and plants 107 meters above remained unperturbed yet the 3072-m tunnel has been kept cool and fresh through scientifically designed ventilation system; is one of many examples.
The Construction of TILLARI HYDRO_ELECTRIC PROJECT heralds the fulfillment of a long cherished dream of millions of people of Konkan belt.
The main water storage for Tillari Hydro Electric Project is formed by Construction of a masonry dam, 38m high, across the Tillari River, with a capacity of about 113m. cum(4 T.M.C.)The impounded water will be led through a "Power Canal" 15 km in length to balancing reservoir formed by construction of a Forebay Dam (masonry).Some important Tunnels constructed by BTP:
Some Important Tunnels constructed:
Chiplun Tunnel - Total Tunnel Length 2125 m.
Tike Tunnel, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra - Total Tunnel Length 3,072m
Karbude Tunnel- Total Tunnel Length 6.5 kms
Achievements
National and International HonorsBTP, a name fast becoming synonymous with tunneling in the last decade and a half as acquired accolades aplenty, like.
National Record & International Honors:
* Tunnel excavation progress of 168 m/ month on a single face on Koyna Hydro-Electric Project (1995). * Tunnel excavation progress of 236m/ month on a single face on Jath Tunnel (M.K.V.D.C 2001). * 196.5 m / per face through shaft in one month while working on Bhima-Sina Link Tunnel (M.K.V.D.C 1999). * 330 m through one shaft in one month. * 1183 m per month on a single tunnel. * 10548 m in one year on a single tunnel. * 8,48,000 cum of Underground Excavation through shaft on a single Tunnel.
Record :
* Executing four blasts in 24 hours while working on Tike Tunnelof Konkan Railway. * 'World Tunnelling News ' an internatinal magazine dedicated to underground construction has featured B.T.P. time and again in their issues citing our achievements.
The BTP group is made of sister concerns that facilitate the overall construction process.
Patson Structural (India) Pvt.Ltd. A heavy engineering company having core competence in turnkey fabrication, erection and commissioning of turnkey structures is the backbone of BTP, while providing mechanical back-up to BTP, PSIL is looking forward to have the most modern engineering facilities state of the art machine shop & technology
B.T.Patil & Sons Belgaum (Const) Pvt.Ltd. A major Civil & Structural Construction Company of BTP into Hydro-power projects, Irrigation Tunnels, Roads and Rail Tunnels, Radial Crest Dam Gates & Highway/Water Supply Projects
B.T.Patil & Sons Foundation. A Charitable Trust which belongs to Patson Group, which helps the needy in Educational, Medical students & also contributes in Social & Sports promotional activities.
Truly the Patil’s are the Stars of Belgaum.
Website: http://www.btpconstruction.com/
3:06 PM Posted by ukmad
“We will create an island of excellence through focus on customer, employee-empowerment and continuous improvement.”- Mission Statement
“Polyhydron will nurture an ethically managed organization. We will not exploit our
Customers, suppliers, government, society and nature” - Vision Statement
Those 4 lines of hefty looking words are a brain child of Mr.Suresh
Hundre, CMD
Polyhydron Pvt.Ltd. Belgaum. He does not run a business he runs Business Ashram, that
not me who says that, numerous case studies by prominent management Gurus mention the same thing.
Mr.Suresh Hundre a down to earth man aimed differently and achieved it. He dreamt of doing business ethically and yet grows the business 30% year after year, be debt free and cash rich.
Polyhydron is in the manufacturing of Industrial Hydraulic Valves, very back from 1981-82. Mobile Hydraulic Valves (Import Substitution) production added in the year 2001-02.
When he took over the executive responsibility of the company in the year 1986, anaging he show was easier said than done. With cash flow problems due to pending payments and very high inventory leading to pressure working capital management. Mr.Hundre analyzed the situation to find out that there was much non-compliance with regulatory requirements.
He is influenced deeply by Swami Vivekanand, the scriptures and spirituality, the Gita & Ricardo Semler’s Maverick. He took the best from all and runs his organization as ‘business ashrama’ as he calls it, where “Honesty is not the best policy, it is the only policy!
We are honest. We are transparent & we do not pay BRIBE.”
The Ashrama itself is a place to see and believe. The first plant was constructed in hexagonal shaped structure, surrounding a central octagonal place. This layout provides more floor space, better lighting and ventilation. In Business Ashrama eight groups of three hexagonal structures are constructed. Each group is a ‘focused factory’ for specialized products dedicated to one customer.
The word Ashrama is aptly used as the place gives a feeling of being close to the nature where ducks, fishes and turtles are also a part of life and also a Dhyan Mandir .
Mr.Hundre does not pay any bribes anywhere. Customers were not given any credit, and the business was to be done only on payment, He scrapped the material store and established a transparent supplier management system. No price bargain with the customer and started following a transparent discount policy, known to all.
He does not like pushing people to do duties, on the contrary he believes in creating an environment where people work without compromising ethics and morality. Which company will share its balance sheet with employees, Hundre’s company does it.
Productivity, profit, growth such data are shared on a NOTICE board and anyone can question a financial transaction of the company. He believes that any business big or small should be built on own financial strength then only one can achieve sustained growth.
Trust is the core in the company. Security guard is there only during night hours when no one is in the factory, as he does not question the honesty of his employees.
Only one level of management exists between the CMD and workers and those are the co-oridinators. No supervision what so ever. The workers can stop the production at anytime if they notice some flaw in the product or the raw material.
The Company maintains almost a paperless office and well networked MIS system. As there is no store for raw materials, the materials are brought Just in time directly to the workstation. Even the quantity brought in is not formally counted as Polyhydron has developed a respect with its suppliers. If something goes wrong only, the workers directly contact the supplier directly as they know the best.
Mr Hundre does not welcome any consultant in his office who may like to offer advice on how to reduce the tax burden! The company plans how they can pay more tax to the Government in the current year as compared to previous year!
Mr. Hundre’s role models are Mahatma Gandhi, Kiran Bedi, Ratan Tata and Narayan Murthy.
When he deiced to computerize the whole company all original hardware and software were brought for a high price almost double that of pirated, the employees decided that only half of the computers be bought and employees were ready on rotation basis.
He does participate in social activities but it will be after 6 p.m. If he has to go somewhere his casual leave application will be on the notice board. In fact, all the employees have to do the same.
A few more questions I asked to Mr.Suresh Hundre.
Ø Your view on Belgaum, its development over years and what you think is in store for it in the future.
It is a Slow growing Industrial Place , mostly owned by Local People with Small Vision(There are very few exceptions)
Ø Now that your son also handles some aspects of your business, do you think he will also carry your legacy forward?
Yes, Certainly.
Ø How has been the support of your parents and family at home?
I had no support from my Parents for starting the Business, but my wife supports me 100% (She shares max. returns From the company -Dividend)
Ø You have given so many lectures at so many places, any experience worth sharing here?
Once in GIT after my Lecture a North indian Student met me outside the hall and said “All what you talked inside the Hall is Bullshit- what is you comment” I replied “I Pity You”
Ø You have made your factory a temple of ethics where, even I made my first ever industrial visit way back in 1996 we were impressed and till date people have the same feeling. How do you keep the legacy?
Perspective, Patience & Persistence
Ø You are very active in the social field, especially in social justice forum and in the fight to save Vaccine depot. What is your thought on the young generation and their contribution to back to the society?
Generally, Young Generation does not feel obliged to social commitments/responsibility. The young generation is more attracted to worldly pleasures at least efforts and no sacrifice.
Ø Has you thought of retiring yourself form the day to day activities of the company?
Yes, definitely. I will play role of a mentor.
Ø You believe in being simple and living simple. Has that raised some conflicts amongst your family members?
My wife also comes from same middle class, . My son also belives in simple living.
Ø Your thoughts for upcoming entrepreneurs in Belgaum?
Have a Big Vision and Go Mad After it. Keep your personal agenda aside until you establish.
Ø You believe in debt less company operation, but how do we achieve it, if we area first time entrepreneurs?
Nothing wrong in borrowing loans. The earlier you are out of it the better.
Ø What relaxes you after a day’s work?
Social Work
Ø You have some hobbies, which keep you engrossed elsewhere?
Reading Spiritual Books
Ø What do you think of this blog and its contribution to Belgaum?
Excellent Keep it up.
After reading all this, I am a fan of Mr.Suresh Hundre. Many have their idols or role models like Sharukh Khan, Amir Khan, a few like Gandhi and Nehru, but to be successful in life the correct way is to follow Mr.Suresh Hundre. Its difficult but is the right path.
See company website http://www.polyhydron.com/
