Many veterans of the armed forces are unsure about their future after serving their country for many years. Some retire, while others start successful enterprises that transform society for the better! It is only right that we stand behind our courageous service members. We can make a difference by providing veterans with the support, guidance, and resources they need to start their businesses. As founders, these faujis are finding new meaning in farming and oil production. Some of the most renowned companies established by former Indian soldiers are here!
Veteran-owned Businesses you should know about
An International Handicrafts Company
Bikaner, Rajasthan native and former army officer Manmohan Singh Rathore got his start in the craft industry so he could provide for his family. Despite serving for only four years in the army, Manmohan did not qualify for a pension. The financial crisis returned to him like a spectre in this nightmare. From then on, he went job hunting from Rajasthan to Delhi, but he was unsuccessful. He began his career in information technology after completing IT courses in Delhi. As he travelled to Jodhpur for a family reunion, a new chapter in his life began. There, he noticed the exquisite handicrafts of Rajasthan and realised they had great commercial potential. He believed that Rajasthani handicrafts had the potential to gain global renown.
A former army officer decided to launch his website after finishing a digital marketing course. He launched his company, Craftyther.com, in 2024 to offer Rajasthani handmade items on a worldwide scale. Those artisans who are masters of Rajasthani handicrafts get work with his startup.
OTJ24X7
The three businesses owned by retired Major Prashant Rai rely heavily on the services of veterans. Balram, a security agency owned by Prashant; OTJ247—a "man on Friday" for the city—and Fire Prevention System—a company whose name implies it works with fire safety and similar matters—are all under Prashant's ownership. Additionally, it does fire audits and maintenance. Rai, who has over 80 employees, said their ability to finish projects makes them valuable. He brought up OTJ247 during his "We Are Your Man Friday" speech. The business underwent a rebranding and became a one-stop shop for many services, including plumbing and carpentry. Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, Gurgaon, and Bengaluru are the five cities where OTJ247 is now available.
Faujnet
A platform that assists jawans in their second innings after retirement was built by Captain Ramana Rao Venkat and Flight Lieutenant Srinath of the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow. The two men were inspired to do this after seeing that their fellow army officers were having difficulty finding employment after leaving the Indian army. They went from having no placement offers at all to a 1:5 ratio once they began crafting compatible profiles for different corporate roles. Faujnet came into being as a result of the greatest turnout ever recorded for the Defence MBA batches at IIM Lucknow. Rapid expansion led to partnerships with more than 250 corporations, and the firm is now the go-to resource for those seeking to recruit veterans.
Navrang Creations
Sonal Gupta has been an innovator throughout her career since she was one of the few female officers to enlist in the Indian Army. She served for nine years in the Indian Army, then spent another decade working for corporations before choosing to start her own business. In early 2014, she founded Navrang Creations to preserve the illustrious handloom heritage of India. The company sources its goods from local craftsmen in each of its locations. Sonal plans to use her background in the military and corporate America to propel her enterprise to new heights in the future, drawing on the discipline and tenacity she honed during her time in the military.
Olive Planet
In 2009, Captain Chethan YK and fellow veteran Niranth Bymana founded Olive Planet, transforming their love for army items into a successful company. From 2002 to 2007, the now-retired captain was a short-service commission officer (6 Engr Regt - Madras Sappers) in the Indian Army. The potential for decent army-inspired goods, for both citizens and soldiers, was brought to Captain Chethan's attention upon his retirement. Olive Planet evolved from an online military supply store to a brick-and-mortar location in Kattigenahalli, Bengaluru, where customers may browse merchandise and have their purchases fulfilled. This is a one-stop-shop for all you adventure and travel needs. You have to check out this brand for their quality goods and bags!
BR Life
You have to have a lot of respect for someone who serves for 33 years in any branch of the military, but especially when you consider that they did it in many army units. After Rajeev Mannali retired in January 2009, he continued serving the people of our nation by working in healthcare. Before founding "Healthy World" in 2013, he put his education and expertise to use for almost five years at BR Life Hospitals in Vellore and Kerala. As a consulting organisation at its core, it assists individuals seeking employment in the healthcare industry. The focus is on prevention, not just solutions.