“We've a Lot of Surprises in Store for Investors”

FACE TO FACE DISCUSSION

Please elaborate the impact of Covid and lockdown?

That was the worst time and it affected all the sectors. No one was spared. But now the worst is behind us and we don’t want to even remember those times. We’ve moved forward and now there is no problem as such on orders and supply front which in fact never was. But you see Covid has derailed the long term plans. For us, second lockdown was not as bad as the first one when for three months – April May and June everything had come to a standstill. We were closed for 90 days last year and from July onwards started functioning with 100 per cent strength. It continued but this year again from April to June it has to be reduced to 50 per cent. Now we are fully functioning with complete Covid protocol.

So two quarters, one each in two financial years, were worst hit – one was completely washout and the second was partial. So you see the production was going on though there was no logistical support to carry on goods to the desired destination. The stock kept on piling as all the malls, shops and other outlets were closed; even buyers had restrictions to move from homes. Domestically the inventory was dispatched in the next quarter; however there was no effect on exports. So altogether it was bad time but that’s part of the business.

You are a veteran in this industry - almost 45 years, and that’s a long time. How you reflect about the journey?