“When the willpower within you burns brighter than any obstacle before you, and your determination stands unwavering like an unyielding tide, there is nothing in this world that can halt your journey towards greatness.“
In the bustling town of Mahabaleshwar, amidst the serene beauty of nature, a story of resilience and determination unfolds. Meet Dr. Bhavesh Bhatia, a visually impaired entrepreneur and the proud owner of Sunrise Candles.
Bhavesh Bhatia’s story is an inspiring entrepreneurship tale, as he defied his total blindness and never allowed it to hinder his path to success.
The Early Struggles:
Life had not been kind to Bhavesh Bhatia. He lost his beloved mother to cancer, and the financial strain of her treatment left him with nothing but determination to turn his life around. Previously working as a telephone operator, he saved up some money and, in 1994, with a single dye and 5 kgs of wax, Bhavesh embarked on his candle-making venture.
Starting from the Streets:
With nothing but a cart full of homemade candles, Bhavesh hit the streets as a vendor, facing numerous challenges along the way. Yet, his wife Neeta stood by his side, supporting him through thick and thin. Despite facing resistance from her family, Neeta’s belief in Bhavesh’s vision gave him the confidence to keep pushing forward.
A Vision for Empowerment:
As his candle-making business began to grow, Bhavesh’s focus transcended mere financial success. In 1998, he was honored with the prestigious ‘Best Blind Entrepreneur’ award by Reliance Industries. Instead of accepting a substantial monetary reward, he turned it down, voicing his desire for meaningful work that could empower visually impaired individuals to become self-dependent.
Empowering Lives through Sunrise Candles:
With a passion for creating a sustainable impact, Bhavesh Bhatia has transformed Sunrise Candles into a beacon of hope for the visually impaired community. For 30 years, the company has been providing employment and skill development training to visually impaired people and fulfilling lives.
Growth and Success:
Today, Sunrise Candles boasts an astounding 72 manufacturing units spread across 14 states. They import wax from the UK and produce a wide range of candles, including pillar candles, floating candles, fruit basket candles, and traditional candles. The company has developed over 10,700 unique designer scented, plain, and aromatherapy candle designs.
Touching Lives and Impressing Clients:
The success story of Sunrise Candles does not end with its remarkable growth. The company’s client list is a testament to its quality and innovation, boasting names like Reliance Industries, Ranbaxy, Big Bazaar, Naroda Industries and various renowned hotel groups.
Conclusion:
Dr. Bhavesh Bhatia’s journey from a humble street hawker to a visionary entrepreneur is a tale of courage & compassion. Through Sunrise Candles, he empowered thousands of visually impaired individuals to lead self-reliant lives. Bhavesh’s life story stands as an elite example of how hard work and the desire to create a positive impact can lead to achievements. Let his journey inspire us to overcome our own challenges and work towards creating a brighter, more inclusive world for all.
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