"Where were you on New Year’s Eve, Siddhartha,” I asked the boyishly handsome man who serves a million cups of coffee a day, as he sat down in my study.
“I was in Calcutta,” he said. An unusual place for the man from Chikmagalur whose money could buy him a holiday in Bali, Big Island, New York or someplace on the French Riviera. Why Calcutta? Turned out that he prays at the Dakshineswar Temple. For two generations, the family has believed in the Ramkrishna Mission order.
(This story appears in the 05 June, 2009 issue of Forbes India. To visit our Archives, click here.)
How about the political connections? It always helps to be SM Krishna's son-in-law. GTV was not a major success either.<br /> <br /> Am sure Siddhartha must be humble, caring and hard working. But political connections can take you a long way in India...
on Nov 24, 2009Subroto's story telling is great..!! Sivan securities was one of the first offices next to Habitat in church street which now became "Way to Wealth" . It was next to the office of Dept of India Tourism . It was a very nice,small but very customer friendly office. I am sure Mumbai 'speed' and culture has lot to do in making it a client's delight. I have known Siddartha and am impressed with simplicity of Siddhartha during Kshema's time as a first IT company into which he invested his money as well. He also got the unique tech park where Mindtree and couple of other companies operate out of --as the only IT park on Mysore road ..The campus has a great landscape and a nice place to work at..
on Jul 30, 2009It couldn't have been better than this!!! What an inspiring article to start the Zen garden. Forbes India is doing a fabulous job to inspire the old and young alike.
on Jul 23, 2009Hi Mr Gardener, ,<br /> <br /> what a start to the articles on Forbes with Zen , siddhartha ( Buddha), garden .Truely it's in the name .Your book also mentions a lot about Mr.Siddhartha and as u said Cafe Coffee Day is truly a inspirational story coming from India at a time when Starbucks, Barista were embarking India today Coffee Day is a synonmyous<br /> with the lifestyle here. <br /> <br /> A good Article
on Jul 14, 2009Truly inspiring. I liked a couple of things, the selflessness with which Siddartha learn't and did not consider it work, Mahendra Bhai only reciprocated to a dedicated pupil who was sincere and persevering.
on Jul 3, 2009One of the most inspiring interviews that i have come across in the recent times. What a fantastic presentation! A great take-home...
on Jun 23, 2009Well... what can I say? An ace entrepreneur interviewing other great entrepreneurs ... Result = Immense invaluable knowlegde. Looking forward to your new book in September. Thank you.
on Jun 20, 2009The humility of Siddhartha is humbling.
on Jun 19, 2009Coming from a family in which 3 generations have served in the Army; leading from the front was what was taught to me. Unfortunately i missed out of being in the Army and landed in the hospitality profession. In the hospitality business in India, rarely have i seen a top Honcho pulling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty. I am proud to say that i work for him.
on Jun 3, 2009"In a world busy with the idea of success and failure, Siddhartha is a picture of equanimity. I look at him one more time and think to myself: Probably it is in the name!" Referring to a leader's ability to manage his emotions, Krishna tells Arjuna, "The wise are neither elated by pleasure nor saddened by pain. They remain in a constant state of inner joy that comes with the supreme state of consciousness." (From the book 'Bhagavad Gita on EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP by Pujan Roka)
on Jun 1, 2009Surely mention the fact that he is SM Krishna's son-in-law, it was warranted to provide the entire picture of the man. He maybe decent, hard working, shy, but also well-connected.
on May 25, 2009Why drag his political connections which happened due to his marriage. To put the record straight mr krishna was cooling his heels during 1984-89 after having lost the lok sabha elections. It was in 1988 that mr siddhartha was married to mr krishna's older daughter. Again during 1994-99 mr krishna was cooling his heels when he lost the assembly elections. It was in 1996 that coffee day was launched. Again between 2004 - 09 mr krishna was cooling his heels as governor. It was during this period that coffee day expanded rapidly. I hope mr ashok will give credit to mr siddhartha for being an epitome of humility despite his high connections. also, he is relatively scandal free.
on May 28, 2010Dreams do come true ! Where there is a will, there is a way.. hardwork and sincerety is the way to success.
on May 23, 2009