An Odyssey of Showing Time to the Whole World

This is for the first time I have tried to aggregate, and pen down the thoughts that are scattered in my mind. As usual, today morning I looked up at the wall clock to see the time, and an idea struck my mind, that let me explore the story and the journey of the Indian Conglomerate Ajanta Limited. Ajanta Limited is popularly known by its brand name “ORPAT”. This blog is dedicated to none other than Mr. O. R. Patel, Chairman, ORPAT Group.

His journey started as a Science teacher in V.C. Technical High School, Morbi (Gujarat). In the year 1971 he came up with a small unit for the manufacturing of Mechanical Clocks under the name of Ajanta Transistor Clock Mfg. Co. This small initiative by him displayed his ability to forecast and his vision. This step can be called as “looking for inefficiencies in the system and capitalizing it”.

The name ORPAT is derived from his own name. Today the success of ORPAT Group is noteworthy; it is the world’s largest Wall Clock Manufacturer and the market leader in Telephone Manufacturing. The company has diversified its business into electricals, electronics, ceramics, home appliances and lighting. The company has achieved a World record of Manufacturing 1,25,41,602 clocks during 2001-2002. Today, ORPAT products enjoy a prominent place in more than 45 countries. Dedication, commitment and hardwork have shown company the ladder of success.

There are many feathers in Mr. O. R. Patel’s hat, and one such accolade is "Man of the Year" (Horological Field) Highest Export Award of Electronics Consumer Goods for year 1991-92. ORPAT Group has also won the ESC award for the Excellence in Exports in the field of Electronics by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology for 7 consecutive years.

The lessons which can be learned from his life are; simplicity is his way of life, and despite of being a millionaire he goes to his office by taking walk. He has involved himself in the upliftment of needy people. Now he has assumed the role of philanthropist towards the society. Spreading education and providing highest employment in the state are included in the vision of the company.

There are total 4000 employees working with ORPAT Group, out of which 90% are female employees. By this he has set an classic example of women upliftment across the globe. Big organizations are run by men is the established rule, which is proven wrong by this gentleman.

This was a small attempt from me to make the people around know about such rarely heard and rarely known personalities.