Early Life and Education

I was born on February 5, 1964, in Hisar (now in Haryana) into a modest yet values-driven family. My father served as a Sub-Inspector in the Agriculture Department, while my mother, though a homemaker, was a pillar of wisdom, discipline, and perseverance. She instilled in us the virtues of education, hard work, and healthy living. I have an elder brother and a younger sister, and even today, I look up to my brother for guidance, as he has always been a source of wisdom and balance in my life.

My early education began at A.G. Nursery School, Kapurthala, and I later moved to M.D.S.D. Public School, Kapurthala. I completed my 10th from PSEB in 1979, followed by a B.Sc. from Government College, Kapurthala in 1983. Academically inclined, I consistently performed well and enjoyed learning. I then pursued a B.Ed. from Government College, Jalandhar, and later, an MBA from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana (1984-86). My time at PAU was transformative — living in the hostel broadened my perspective, fostered lifelong friendships, and nurtured my ability to live independently. These formative years played a crucial role in shaping my professional and personal ethos.

Corporate Career

After completing my MBA in December 1986, I embarked on my professional journey, working across different industries. My early roles included stints at ICL, Rajpura (Management Trainee, 5 months), JCT, Phagwara (Probationary Officer, Sales, 11 months), and Modistone Tyres (Territory Manager, 5 months). These experiences helped me develop a strong foundation in sales, marketing, and corporate operations.

In 1988, I joined PUNWIRE, Chandigarh, as an Assistant Manager in Marketing, where I worked for a decade. This role provided me with extensive national and international exposure. Under the mentorship of Late Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Gurdayal Singh, I honed my professional skills in business communication, strategic problem-solving, and leadership. He appreciated my work and even recognized me as a “Commando Marketer” for successfully resolving complex cases with ONGC, SAIL, and SECL. I also had the privilege of working with Mr. Ved Parkash, our Executive Director, whose unwavering faith in his team instilled a deep sense of responsibility and loyalty in me.

Personal Life

During my tenure at PUNWIRE, I got married to Dr. Poonam Sehgal in 1993—a woman of exceptional intellect and accomplishments. She has been a Punjab University topper with 13 gold medals in B.Sc., M.Sc., M.Phil., and Ph.D. in Mathematics and is currently an Associate Professor at Punjab University, Chandigarh. Her support and encouragement have been invaluable in my journey.

Today, I am happily settled in Panchkula, a serene town at the foothills of the Himalayas, with my loving and highly accomplished wife. Our home is made warm and lively by our three wonderful children—two daughters and a son—who bring immense joy and purpose to our lives.

Entrepreneurial Journey

The desire to create something of my own led me to take a bold step in 1998—I left my stable corporate job and ventured into entrepreneurship. With a capital of Rs. 5 lakh (our savings) and office space provided by my father-in-law, I founded Surya Telecom Pvt. Ltd. It was a challenging transition, requiring me to build the company from the ground up—handling procurement, accounts, technical operations, and business development. The initial two years were tough, but through relentless effort, the business gained a strong foothold and earned a reputation in the industry.

My foray into real estate began in 1999-2001 when I led the development of 53 flats as the President of a Cooperative Society. This experience sparked my interest in real estate development. In 2005-2006, I acquired Chandigarh Colonisers Pvt. Ltd., which had an approved project—Chandigarh Enclave. This marked the beginning of my journey as a real estate developer. Today, our flagship projects include “Opera Garden,” a premium residential complex of approximately 1000 flats, and “Sai Enclave,” a plotted colony with 170 plots.

Challenges and Growth

The path of entrepreneurship is never without challenges. Over the years, I have navigated numerous legal and regulatory hurdles, including litigations related to the Punwire case, Punjab Police wireless scam, sales tax, income tax, and GST matters. The real estate sector, in particular, is fraught with land disputes, regulatory bottlenecks, and unpredictable customer and seller behaviors. However, I have always believed in conducting business with integrity and resilience.

One of the most disheartening aspects of doing business in India is the lack of transparency and well-defined rules, which leads to unnecessary delays and litigations. Unfortunately, ethical conduct is often undervalued, and innocence can be mistaken for naivety. Despite this, my core belief remains steadfast—hard work, honesty, and ethical business practices ultimately yield long-term rewards.

At the same time, I am grateful for the many good people who have crossed my path. Their kindness, guidance, and support have helped me stay positive and navigate through difficulties. I firmly believe that life is a balance of struggles and blessings, and every challenge only strengthens one’s character.

Looking Ahead

As I reflect on my journey, I feel deeply grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped me. Beyond business, I am now keen to contribute meaningfully to society—whether through ethical business practices, community initiatives, or mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs.

My guiding principles remain rooted in hard work, honesty, and a commitment to excellence. I continue to believe that success is not just about financial achievements but about leaving a legacy of integrity, fairness, and positive impact.

Through all the ups and downs, I remain deeply grateful to God for his blessings and to my family, friends, and well-wishers who have stood by me. My journey continues with a renewed sense of purpose—to build, to grow, and to give back.