Ramesh Ruparelia, a man who once earned just ₹80 a month herding cows, now runs a thriving dairy business with an annual turnover of ₹8 crores. His journey from a small village in Gujarat to becoming a successful entrepreneur is a testament to perseverance, hard work, and seizing the right opportunities.
Humble Beginnings and Early Struggles
Ramesh Ruparelia hails from a small village in Gujarat and faced financial hardships from a young age. With education only up to the seventh grade, he tried opening a cowshed (Gaushala) on his father’s advice, but this venture plunged his family into debt. By 2005, he moved to Gondal and began farming. At the time, he earned just ₹80 a month herding cows, barely making ends meet. However, his love for cows and determination to succeed never wavered.
A Turning Point in Farming
The major turning point in Ramesh’s life came when his onion crop yielded a profit of ₹35 lakh. This windfall gave him the financial boost and confidence to pursue his true passion — working with cows. With the funds, Ramesh started caring for stray cows and eventually purchased Gir cows, a breed known for their high-quality milk. This decision laid the foundation for his dairy business.
Starting a Dairy Business
Ramesh founded a cowshed under the name Shri Gir Gau Krishi Jatan Sanstha, focusing on organic dairy products made from Gir cow milk. Initially, Ramesh faced challenges, as he lacked land of his own and had to lease a plot from a Jain family in Gondal. Committed to natural farming, he used only organic fertilizers like cow dung and urine, which he sourced from various regions to enrich the soil.
Cycling His Way to Success
In the early days, Ramesh sold milk but received complaints about its odor, prompting him to shift his focus to making ghee. Starting from a small rented room, he produced ghee and sold it in plastic and glass jars, pedaling from one place to another on his bicycle. His ghee quickly gained popularity among customers, encouraging him to expand production. As he learned more about proper cow feeding and high-quality ghee manufacturing, his business began to flourish.
Expanding to Global Markets
Ramesh’s innovation didn’t stop with traditional ghee; he also produced medicinal ghee from Gir cows, which became highly sought after. His commitment to quality and organic methods led to a surge in demand, and today, he exports ghee to 123 countries around the world. From a modest start, Ramesh now manages a herd of 250 Gir cows and earns close to ₹8 crores annually.
A Story of Resilience and Success
Ramesh Ruparelia’s inspiring journey from herding cows for ₹80 a month to running a multimillion-rupee global dairy business proves that with passion, perseverance, and a strong work ethic, no dream is too big. His story stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome with determination and the right opportunities.
Ramesh’s success showcases the power of following one’s passion and the rewards of hard work. His journey reminds us that even the toughest of beginnings can lead to incredible success, as long as one keeps moving forward.