Meet Karsanbhai Patel, The Founder Of Nirma Who Built His Brand From Scratch

Nirma founder Karsanbhai Patel was born in a poor farmer’s family in Gujarat in 1945. He worked with all his dedication since his childhood, to not only earn money but also make a name for himself. He completed his early education in Patan, Gujarat. Karsanbhai Patel spent many years of his life struggling with financial issues. Poverty couldn’t stop the great man from succeeding, as he worked for success with all his determination and passion. After graduation from college, Karsanbhai Patel worked as a technician in a government lab. For many people, getting a government job is often considered to be a great achievement. This thought never suited Karsanbhai Patel. He aimed to earn more money and respect for himself. Soon, after he secured the government job, Karsanbhai Patel’s income brought relief to the family’s financial condition. Though his family’s financial situation improved, Karsanbhai Patel was not happy with the job. He aimed to go beyond limits and one day he took the decision to quit his job in order to succeed in his own goal.

The journey of the great successful man began in 1969. Patel observed that ordinary people were struggling to afford expensive detergent powder and hence he took the decision to start a company of his own. With the aim to manufacture cheap detergent powder, Karsanbhai Patel started to manufacture detergent powder in the backyard of his house. He built the factory by taking a loan of Rs 15,000. He named his brand Nirma. This detergent powder is presently used in the majority of households across the country.

Karsanbhai Patel started door-to-door on bicycles to sell the detergent powder. He started the sales by pricing it at Rs 3 per kg. With the affordable price range, sales increased rapidly. According to Forbes, Karsanbhai Patel’s net worth is estimated to be around USD 3.3 billion (approximately Rs 27,545 crore), as of May 2024. He ranks 949 in the esteemed Forbes Billionaires’ List of 2024.

Nirma is one of the biggest names in the market of detergent powders worldwide at present.