Ramesh Kumar Dua: The Visionary Who Built India’s Leading Slipper Brand
Ramesh Kumar Dua, a name synonymous with resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit, is the driving force behind Relaxo—India’s largest slipper brand. From humble beginnings marked by financial struggles to creating a household name in footwear, Dua’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. His story is not just about business acumen; it’s a testament to perseverance and a willingness to evolve in the face of challenges.
The Unlikely Entrepreneur
Born into a family running a bicycle parts and footwear business, Ramesh Kumar Dua’s early life was far from comfortable. The division of the family business left the teenage Ramesh grappling with a massive debt of one lakh rupees. At just 17 years old, he made the difficult decision to forgo his medical studies and step into the world of commerce, supporting his father’s ventures. After two years of juggling both bicycle parts and footwear, Ramesh Kumar Dua chose to focus on footwear—a choice that would later transform his life and reshape the Indian footwear industry.
In the mid-1970s, armed with a modest advance of ₹10,000 obtained by renting out the family property, Ramesh Kumar Dua founded Relaxo in 1976. This small step, taken in the face of financial adversity, laid the foundation for what would become a multibillion-rupee empire.
An Education in Rubber
Realizing the critical role of rubber in footwear production, Ramesh Kumar Dua decided to gain formal training. He approached the prestigious Plastics and Rubber Institute in London, hoping to study rubber technology. Despite not meeting the standard admission requirements, Ramesh’s sheer determination earned him a spot. Although he wouldn’t receive a degree, he gained invaluable knowledge and skills that would prove instrumental in crafting high-quality, durable footwear.
Navigating a Restrictive Market
The late 1970s were a turbulent time for businesses in India. During the Emergency, the government reserved 70% of the footwear sector for small-scale manufacturers. To adapt, Ramesh Kumar Dua structured Relaxo as multiple small units to fit the government’s criteria, ensuring the company could thrive under these restrictions. This strategic move allowed Relaxo to survive in a tightly regulated market and positioned it for growth once the industry opened up.
In 1977, Relaxo introduced its first product: the iconic Hawaii chappal. Unlike traditional slippers, these were crafted with a unique blend of natural and synthetic rubber, offering comfort and durability at an affordable price. To promote his brand, Ramesh Kumar Dua took an unconventional route—radio advertisements. With just ₹100, he ran jingles that helped Relaxo gain recognition at a time when radio advertising was virtually unheard of.
Breaking the Mold
Despite these early successes, Ramesh Kumar Dua faced new hurdles. His unbranded products were often overshadowed by higher-margin branded footwear. Recognizing the importance of brand identity, he consolidated Relaxo’s various units into one cohesive entity and took the company private in 1983. This allowed Relaxo to operate more efficiently and prepare for a future in which large-scale production would become a necessity.
When the government finally opened the footwear market to larger manufacturers in 1995, Ramesh Kumar Dua seized the opportunity. He invested ₹7.5 crore in a state-of-the-art plant capable of producing 50,000 pairs per day. Shortly after, Relaxo went public, raising ₹4.5 crore through its IPO. These bold moves marked the beginning of Relaxo’s transformation from a local player into a national powerhouse.
Scaling New Heights
By the late 1990s and early 2000s, Relaxo’s growth was accelerating. Ramesh Kumar Dua established multiple manufacturing units, including a facility in Bhiwadi capable of producing 100,000 pairs daily. By 2003, the company’s revenue had reached ₹150 crore. But success came with increased competition. Established brands like Bata responded by offering deeper discounts, forcing Ramesh to think creatively.
He diversified Relaxo’s product line, launching sports shoes under the Sparx brand, sandals under the Flite brand, and casual slippers under the Bahamas brand. This strategy not only allowed Relaxo to capture new market segments but also solidified its reputation as a versatile and innovative company. With Bollywood stars like Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, and Sonakshi Sinha as brand ambassadors, Relaxo became a household name.
A Legacy of Leadership
Today, Relaxo stands as a shining example of what determination and vision can achieve. With annual revenue exceeding ₹2,783 crore, Relaxo produces over 7 lakh pairs of footwear every day and sells a staggering 18 crore slippers each year. It boasts a 9% market share, serves customers in 24 states, and exports to more than five countries.
What makes Ramesh Kumar Dua’s journey so remarkable is not just the scale of his achievements but the path he took to get there. Starting with a debt-ridden family business, limited capital, and little knowledge of the footwear industry, he built a brand that has become synonymous with quality, affordability, and reliability.
The Bottom Line: A Pioneer’s Legacy
Ramesh Kumar Dua’s story is more than a tale of entrepreneurial success. It’s a narrative of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence. His ability to adapt to market changes, embrace new technologies, and invest in branding and product diversification has ensured Relaxo’s place as a leader in the Indian footwear industry.
The man who once faced the daunting challenge of repaying a family debt has created a legacy that not only transformed his own life but also improved the lives of millions of customers and employees. His journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, a testament to the power of determination, and a reminder that with hard work and vision, even the most modest beginnings can lead to extraordinary success.
