Mavericks of the printing industry: The stories of Khushru Patel and K Selvakumar

Kherodawala began by defining a maverick as an independent-minded individual who challenges norms and brings innovative perspectives to life and business. "A maverick sees opportunities where others see limitations," he said, setting the tone for an engaging exploration of the lives and philosophies of these two luminaries through two films.

Khushru Patel’s journey is a testament to resilience and innovation. From starting a press in a modest 375-sqft space with his partner to creating a sprawling, award-winning facility in the heart of Mumbai, Patel’s focus on quality and creativity has earned Jak Printers 33 international and 400 national awards. Kherodawala described him as "obsessively passionate about quality" and someone who approaches problems with a single-minded focus. Patel’s approach to business, which combines family-first values and an unrelenting commitment to innovation, was celebrated as a model of leadership.

Beyond business, Patel’s personal pursuits further illustrate his maverick spirit. From mastering horseback riding and endurance racing to restoring a vintage 1937 BMW, his interests showcase an insatiable appetite for learning and excellence. "Khushru is the kind of person who will make your problem his own and won’t rest until he finds a solution," Kherodawala remarked, highlighting Patel’s unique combination of compassion and determination.

Beyond business, Patel’s maverick spirit is evident in his personal pursuits and his unique ability to support others. One notable example is when he stepped into the dairy industry to help his wife grow her business. Not content with simply supporting her venture, Patel innovated machinery to streamline and enhance the production of dairy products, applying his problem-solving skills from printing to a completely different sector. "Who else but a maverick would master horses, win endurance races, and then go on to innovate in the dairy business?" Kherodawala remarked, highlighting Patel’s versatility and ingenuity.

In contrast, K. Selvakumar’s story unfolds in the less-heralded town of Sivakasi, a hub for printing and fireworks manufacturing. Selvakumar leads Lovely Offset, a printing powerhouse on a 30-acre property, with a reputation for world-class operations. Despite its remote location, Lovely Offset boasts over 1,000 employees, generates surplus solar power, and has transformed Sivakasi’s water table through rainwater harvesting. Kherodawala noted Selvakumar’s adherence to three standout business principles: letting the market come to him, creating his own products when the market resists, and focusing intently on his business to spot opportunities ahead of others.

Selvakumar’s maverick credentials extend to his environmental initiatives. Faced with a lack of birds in Sivakasi, he planted forests rather than relocating, leading to over 3,00,000 trees already in place, with plans for one crore more in the coming decade. "Who else but a maverick would plant a forest to attract birds?" Kherodawala observed.

Kherodawala described him as someone who "not only plants forests but channels water to revive catchment areas, transforming barren land into thriving habitats."Selvakumar’s water conservation efforts have revived Sivakasi’s depleted water reserves, reducing the water table depth from 800-ft to just 25-ft in some areas.

The session concluded with reflections on the deeper motivations of these two leaders. Both Patel and Selvakumar emphasised that success is more than financial gain. "After a point, you realise money isn’t everything. It’s about giving back," Selvakumar said.

Selvakumar shared a pivotal moment that fuelled his passion for change. He recalled how his mentor, Vincent Palgraz, guided him through the complexities of setting up his first forest, teaching him about soil, fertilisers, and trees. "I knew nothing about these things, but his generosity and guidance transformed my vision," Selvakumar reflected. Now, he passes on this knowledge to others, training them to replicate his environmental efforts. "This isn’t about doing a favour for Mother Earth; it’s about ensuring the future of the human race," he said, underscoring the urgency of collective action for the planet.

Patel echoed this sentiment, adding that a lifelong passion for learning drives his enthusiasm and energy. "Never stop learning," he urged.

Kherodawala summed up the session by noting that the stories of Patel and Selvakumar highlight the extraordinary impact individuals can have when they blend innovation, passion, and a commitment to the greater good. "These are the kind of stories that inspire us to think beyond the immediate and imagine what’s possible when we dare to dream," he said.