Mr. Arvind Poddar guest on BKT Network: “The family is my mainstay”

Here is a new interview produced by BKT Network, the digital TV of the BKT universe, as part of the “Inspiring Talks” series, in which the interviewees tell us about themselves and reveal unknown aspects of their personality and daily lives. A new way to tell the story of BKT, through the voice of those who work there.

Mr. Arvind Poddar, Chairman and Managing Director of Balkrishna Industries (BKT), adds some new hues to the portrait we are used to seeing of him, revealing some aspects of himself beyond being the serious and calm leader committed to managing one of the most important multinationals in the field of Off-Highway tires. So he will tell us about the women in his family, his beloved grandchildren and one of his great passions, yoga.

You are one of the most important companies in the world in tire manufacture, what is the secret of your success?

The secret to our success is that we are a ‘focused' company. By focused I mean that we have managed to concentrate our specialization on a particular segment, Off-Highway tires, excluding, for example, passenger or TBR tires.

We have a number of goals: achieving the highest quality level possible, with the best equipment, the best raw material. We have expert checks at every stage of production. And to achieve these levels of quality, we need a skilled and specialist team. The team is our most important asset: people who come from India, Europe, the United States, Canada. It is a highly motivated team with a strong sense of loyalty.

Can we look further at the word “Team”? Did you introduce it as a business strategy or out of your own personal conviction? 

The team is an extension of my family, which represents the culture we inherited from the founder, my father. The team is together, works together, they are the real secret of my business.

Can you tell us something more about the family tradition?

As I said, BKT was founded by my father, who had a clear vision, that of creating a united group of people who could grow in mutual respect and trust, like a large family. In this way we have built a totally different model from other companies. 

Let's talk about traditional values, to what extent are they currently part of BKT's business philosophy?

There are values which are at the heart of BKT's business philosophy: passion, honesty, loyalty, trust and determination, to believe in what you are doing and in what you want to become.

You are a leader of a multinational and a family man at the same time. It seems a contradiction, what do you think about it?

No, I don't believe there is a contradiction. The dynamics of a family do not lend themselves to a model such as an entity and business has a different approach, but they can have many things in common. A team which works is made up of members with well-defined roles and common goals who share their own individual abilities.

There is much more to share in terms of products, materials, technologies. In BKT we share values and traditions. We share the idea of a great team where everyone makes their own contribution, where the team is called family. Who represents the company are not hundreds of faceless investors, but real people who can collaborate, exchange ideas, celebrate achievements. We care for people and we consider them precious.

The family is also important from a private viewpoint, I imagine.

Family is much more than being born under the same roof, it is the idea of the home. In my family there is a very strong bond and we are very united.

At this point we'd like to hear something more about your marriage to Mrs. Poddar.

My wife Vijayalaxmi and I have been married for over 40 years, she also chairs our CSR Foundation, the BKT We Care Foundation. We have a daughter, Pooja, who works with my wife in the textiles division and my son Rajiv, who works alongside me in BKT, is Joint Managing Director of the company. His wife, Khushboo, also works with the company. My family is my mainstay.

I have heard that you are also a grandfather, how do you feel in this role?

I have three grandchildren, Ronan, Anika and Radhika. They are aged 12, 7 and 5. The greatest satisfaction is to be able to spend time with them.

Where do you find the time given that you are a very busy entrepreneur?

When I am in Mumbai I take very opportunity to spend time with them, for example by taking them to the school bus-stop. These are the most beautiful moments of my day. Of course, I travel a lot for work, but I never miss a chance to speak to them regularly, through video calls.

Talking about traveling. Do you enjoy it? Is there a country you have never been before, and you would like to visit?

I consider myself very lucky to have the chance to see the world. I travel a lot to many different countries across the globe and I am very grateful that I have this opportunity.

I would like to travel to South America. I have heard that it is very beautiful and scenic. It has been on my bucket list for long and I am sure I will visit it soon.

Talking about your daily life, I know that you have a morning ritual, can you tell us what yoga means for you?

Every morning I go for a walk, followed by yoga. In yoga I focus on breathing and stretching exercises. Yoga is not just a physical activity, it offers much deeper values, breathing helps me clear my mind, so I can focus on my day. 

There are lots of things we'd like to know about your day, but talking of this, is there always time for a cup of tea, Mr. Poddar?

Of course, I drink green tea, I consider it a healthy habit, usually 4 or 5 times a day. My wife has an important role in my healthy habits and she always reminds me how important it is to feel well.

Taking care of others, very important. For this reason I would ask you to tell us more about your Foundation, in what areas does it operate?

Our philosophy has always been one of giving back. We support local and international initiatives. The focus of this project is children, their health, education, the possibility of offering them a free meal, a school program. In particular, it is aimed at girls.

On this particular aspect, female education, and seeing Mrs. Poddar's independence as a woman engaged in work and in the social sphere, what is your viewpoint on the position of women today in your country?

I firmly believe in the qualities of both women and men. Women are capable of contributing a lot in every aspect of society. In my family my wife, my daughter, my daughter-in-law, all make their contribution to the company and work independently in their respective areas. I am very proud of my wife, the Chair of our Foundation, who is responsible for helping BKT demonstrate its gratitude to society. I would like to have the contribution of numerous women in our group.

Before concluding, some personal questions.

Books that you would recommend?

I read numerous autobiographies by leaders, in politics, sport and business.

Currently I'm reading “Playing It My Way”, the autobiography of Sachin Tendulkar, India's greatest cricketing star.

Do you watch TV? News or films?

I follow the news closely, but recently I have started to watch Netflix series...

A final question, which is closely linked with inspiration, the theme of our chat: what is your greatest passion?

Without a shadow of doubt, my family. And my company.