Having lost his eye sight, when this candle-making entrepreneur was asked why he chose candle making of all the other things he could have pursued, he smiles and says- “People usually chase after that one thing which they don’t have, but really want! I’m blind, and I chase light. Through candle-making, I spread light!” Not only is he an entrepreneur, but he’s also an awarded sportsman and a world record holder for a unique cycling adventure. His journey is filled with stories of hardship and adventure, ultimately leading to glory. Introducing to you all, this gem of a person, the founder of Sunrise Candles – Bhavesh Bhatia.
The Undying Candle-Making Passion
Having completed an MA in Economics, I first thought of becoming a lecturer. But somehow I was not very happy with the decision. I always wanted to do something different and creative. I got the opportunity to learn candle making at the National Association for the Blind in Mumbai. I first joined a course in massage, mastered the skill, and was even recognized as the best blind masseur by Maharashtra. But I was still keen on learning how to make candles.
I eventually found an instructor who promised to teach me candle making part-time. I used to work overnight, make candles and sell them. During my childhood days, I used to make shapes and figures using clay. That urge to make things is still alive in me. So it was easy for me to make candles in a variety of shapes.
No Employees, Just Friends
I began Sunrise Candles with just 20 kg of wax and a single dye, but today we use at least 200 tons of wax a month. Around 300 friends work with me. From the 71 manufacturing units, we make around 10,000 candles a day. We work 365 days. The company consists of four departments- Dyeing, Finishing, Packaging and Marketing.
Every month, every friend of mine makes between INR 15,000 to 45,000 based on the number of candles each one makes. With the help of my marketing team, we are associated with many corporate companies and our candles are being exported to around 65 countries. We have at least 10,000 different variety of candles.
The Blind Workforce Perfection
I’ve ensured that our company is truly an industry and not an NGO, so we don’t accept donations. It runs only on our quality of work. Except for logistics and accounts, all of my friends who work with me are blind. We recently got an order to make 2-lakh flower-shaped candles from Europe. Many volunteers came forward to help us complete this sooner.
But the irony is that many defective pieces were found from the candles that the volunteers made, whereas there were no defective pieces found from the lot that the visually impaired made. I don’t blame the volunteers, it’s just that they were distracted a lot. Some were getting calls, some had to reply to their text messages. Yet we achieved the target!
Cycling His Way To A World Record
In 1988, when I was studying in Nagpur, my friend and I decided to make a record. He was differently abled; he had only one leg but he was able to see. We learned to make a special cycle with two pedals— one for him to see and ride, and the other for me to support his pedaling. We practiced cycling every day before we got ready to set a world record. We made a good team and completed each other with our ability.
We decided to go from Nagpur to Vaishno Devi and back. It was an adventurous trip; we stayed overnight at various places including a jungle. Every morning my friend would wake me up at 5 am and we would continue cycling. We covered 5,620 km in 45 days and made a world record. After that I found my interest in shot-put, discus and javelin throw. I have taken part in Paralympics and won medals for the same.
Satyameva Jayate Experience
I had the wonderful opportunity to meet Mr. Aamir Khan through this reality show. We met at our factory itself. We showed him how we make candles. He was very appreciative about our creation. When Aamir said that the society needs to uplift the disabled, I promised him that in this century, the disabled will uplift the society since they are blessed with the strength to do so.
Vision For The Future
In my opinion, one should not take for granted the special consideration given to the disabled by the government. I see many who don’t stand on their own legs or work hard for their living by simply relying on the benefits. Every individual is worth something. One needs to find that out and try their best to be independent. At least if some of them start working towards self employment, I’m sure that would be a huge step towards developing our country.
KnowYourStar.com (KYS) interviewed Bhavesh Bhatia as part of India Inclusion Summit(IIS). IIS is a platform that brings awareness and drives inclusion of specially-abled people at corporates, schools, policy makers and NGOs. Yes, KYS is official blogging partner for IIS and backs the event whole-heartedly in a thirst to see an Inclusive India.