In the bustling lanes of Delhi’s Bhagirath Palace in 1958, a schoolteacher from Punjab walked into the world of electrical trading with just Rs 10,000 in his pocket and a heart full of dreams. Qimat Rai Gupta, a man of quiet resolve and remarkable foresight, began a journey that would eventually revolutionize India’s electrical appliance industry and create one of the most iconic brands in the sector.
A Humble Start of Qimat Rai Gupta
Qimat’s story didn’t start in plush offices or corporate boardrooms. It began modestly in a crowded wholesale market where he founded GuptaJi & Company. His initial focus was on trading fixtures, wires, and cables. In those early years, Gupta slowly built a reputation for reliability and quality, earning the trust of local retailers and customers.
But the true turning point came in 1971 when an opportunity presented itself. Qimat was distributing industrial switchgear for a brand called “Havells.” The brand had potential but had struggled to find its footing. Recognizing the hidden value, Qimat boldly acquired the Havells brand name for Rs 7 lakh—a decision that would prove transformational.
Building a Legacy
Under Qimat’s stewardship, Havells evolved from a mere trading operation into a manufacturing powerhouse. He recognized that the key to long-term success lay in controlling quality, and that meant making the products himself. In 1976, Havells opened its first factory in Delhi’s Kirti Nagar, specializing in switches.
But Qimat’s vision didn’t stop there. Understanding that quality and efficiency depended on specialization, he established dedicated factories for different products. By 1979, Havells was manufacturing HBC fuses, and by 1980, energy meters. The company’s steady expansion and commitment to excellence positioned it as a serious contender in India’s growing electrical market.
Rising to the Challenge
The path to success was not without obstacles. In the 1980s, the Indian market faced an onslaught of cheaper Chinese imports. While many businesses buckled under the pressure, Qimat saw an opportunity to set Havells apart. Rather than competing solely on price, he doubled down on quality. In 1983, he acquired the ailing “Towers and Transformers” and turned it around, bolstering Havells’ production capacity and reinforcing its reputation for reliability.
By 1992, Havells had grown into a Rs 25 crore company and went public, listing on the stock exchange. This pivotal move allowed Qimat to raise the capital needed for further growth, setting the stage for a new era of acquisitions and innovation.
Building a Global Powerhouse
As the electrical appliance market evolved, Qimat’s strategy grew more ambitious. Between 1997 and 2001, Havells made a series of key acquisitions: ECS, Duke Arnics Electronics, Standard Electricals, and Crabtree India. These moves expanded its product portfolio, enhanced its manufacturing capabilities, and solidified its presence in the domestic market. By the turn of the millennium, Havells had become a Rs 1,000 crore company with a state-of-the-art headquarters in Noida.
But Qimat was not one to rest on his laurels. In 2007, he orchestrated one of the most significant deals in the industry’s history by acquiring Sylvania, the world’s fourth-largest lighting solutions company, for Rs 2,000 crore. This bold acquisition transformed Havells into a global player, elevating it to a Rs 7,000 crore business.
Electrifying the Nation
To capture consumer attention, Qimat invested heavily in branding and marketing. The now-iconic “Shock Laga” advertising campaign became a household favorite, helping Havells become a trusted name across India. The brand diversified into consumer appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and kitchen appliances, cementing its place not just in the commercial sector but also in the hearts of everyday customers.
By 2019, Havells had reached Rs 10,000 crore in revenue, and the momentum only continued. Today, it stands as a 14,000 crore empire with over 20,000 distributors, 16 manufacturing plants, and a presence in 65 countries.
A Legacy That Shines Bright
Qimat Rai Gupta passed away in 2014, but his legacy endures. The values he instilled—quality, innovation, and a relentless drive to improve—remain the foundation of Havells’ success. Under his son Anil Rai Gupta’s leadership, the company continues to honor Qimat’s vision, ensuring that Havells remains a global leader in the electrical and electronics space.
Qimat’s journey from a small shop in Bhagirath Palace to creating one of the world’s most respected electrical brands is a testament to the power of determination, ingenuity, and a commitment to excellence. His story serves as an inspiration to entrepreneurs everywhere, proving that with a clear vision and unwavering resolve, it is possible to electrify not just an industry, but an entire nation.
