1. Early Foundation, Family Roots & Academic Journey
(2002–2003)
Family Anchors: Dr. Gaurav Ralhan grew up in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, in a close-knit family
supported by his father, Sudesh Kumar Ralhan (a prominent local businessman), his
mother, Late Mrs. Neelam Ralhan, and his sister, Neha Madan. He later built his
immediate family with his wife, Priya Ralhan, and their son, Vedant.
Academic Resilience: In March 2002, at age 22, he suffered the loss of his mother right
before his university final examinations. Taking a one-year gap to navigate the grief, he
completed his graduation in 2003 with the encouragement of his family.
A Second Academic Pursuit — Law: In 2020, on the counsel of his mentor Bibhu Prasad
Tripathi, he took up the study of law. He topped his batch in 2023 and went on to become an
advocate enrolled with the Odisha High Court.
2. The Entrepreneurial Spark & Franchise Success (2003–2010)
The Starting Capital: Upon graduating in 2003, Dr. Ralhan asked his father for an office seat
in the family business. Instead, his father handed him a cheque, granting him total freedom to
succeed or fail on his own, with the reassurance that home and family support would always
be there if he fell.
Exploring Cities: Guided by his father’s advice that “when in doubt, travel,” he visited major
Indian commercial hubs—including Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Kolkata—to
observe retail markets.
National Franchise Record: On April 30, 2004, he launched a Baskin Robbins franchise
in Forum Mart, Bhubaneswar, named Neelam’s Baskin Robbins in honor of his mother. On
January 26, 2005, the store set a nationwide single-day sales record. It maintained its status
as the #1 performing Baskin Robbins outlet in India for 10 consecutive years.
Garment Retail: Building on his retail experience, he opened a John Player apparel franchise
in 2006, which was converted into a John Miller outlet in 2010.
3. Medical Equipment Venture & COVID-19 Humanitarian Relief
(2014–2021)
Medical Supplies Division: Driven by an interest in healthcare technology, he established
Neelam’s Medical Supplies in 2014.
Conception of Health on Top: During the initial COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020, while
sitting on his home terrace with his wife Priya, son Vedant, father Sudesh, and their pet, he
conceptualized a brand focused on human and environmental wellness. Sitting on top of his
terrace prioritizing health led directly to the brand name Health on Top.
Launch & Rapid Scaling: Operating under the corporate umbrella Neelams Lifestyle, the
flagship store opened on January 29, 2021, on the 3rd floor (“top floor”) of a commercial
building in Bhubaneswar. The store achieved its full 1-year financial sales target within its
first two months.
Non-Profit Pandemic Relief: When the second wave hit in April 2021, Dr. Ralhan deployed
his earned capital to supply critical medical gear at non-profit rates:
– N95 Masks: Sold at ₹12.50 per piece (vs. ₹300–500 market prices)
– 3-Ply Masks: Sold at ₹1.50 per piece.
– PPE Kits: Sold at ₹250 per piece (vs. ₹1,000–3,000 market prices); his 200-person team
manufactured a massive PPE kit order in a single week.
– Pulse Oximeters: Sold at ₹225–250 per piece (vs. ₹1,500–3,000 market prices).
“Covid Warrior” Honor: On March 28, 2021, the Times Group honored him with the Covid
Warrior Award for his relief work. Health on Top subsequently expanded its retail footprint
across 8 Indian states and 7 countries globally.
4. Clean Energy Innovation, Green Leadership & Global Expansion
(2021–Present)
Solar and Wind Hybrid Clean Energy System: Dr. Ralhan collaborated with the innovator
Mr. Kumar from Wind Stream (who manages innovation and manufacturing while Dr.
Ralhan directs commercial strategy) to market an integrated solar and wind energy system.
He presented the design to Japanese technology leaders in 2024. In January 2026, the
Japanese team called back acknowledging they were unable to replicate or match the
system’s performance, validating the technology.
AACCI Green Conclave (Bhubaneswar, Feb 2024): Serving as Green Summit Leader for
the Asian African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AACCI) Odisha Chapter, he
spearheaded Eastern India’s first PVC-free, zero-pollution international business
summit. Collaborating with Mr. Mehta from Bangalore, the event used 100% recyclable flex
hoardings and brought together 45 international delegates from South Africa, Malaysia, and
Singapore.
TEDx Keynote Speaker: Delivered a keynote at TEDxBorrowdale in Harare, Zimbabwe,
titled “Ecological living is fashionable and sustainable”, urging a shift from theoretical
environmental discussion to active, simple living implementation.
Urban Infrastructure & Foreign Direct Investment: Under Neelams Lifestyle, his work
encompasses city Air Quality Index (AQI) management/air purification installations, municipal
urban landscaping, uPVC doors and windows manufacturing, and establishing medical
colleges. He also explored expanding Health on Top’s fitness equipment, apparel, and mobility
aids into Zimbabwe, South Africa, Malaysia, and Japan.
State & National Recognitions: Received the National Excellence Award 2023 from
London-based advisory firm WBR Corp in Delhi, and was subsequently honored at the House
of Commons in London in 2024. He also served as Guest of Honor at the Make in Odisha
Conclave, and contributed a testimonial on Odisha’s economic governance in the book
Towering Leadership.
5. Personal Ethics & Spiritual Philosophy
Spiritual Devotion: A strong devotee of Lord Jagannath and Mata Rani, Dr. Ralhan follows
a “One God” philosophy and integrates daily prayer into his corporate ventures.
Seed-Sowing Ethos: Mentored by retired mentor Sanjay Pramanik, he adheres to the
principle of “keep sowing seeds” across opportunities without worrying if the soil is
immediately fertile, leaving outcomes to Lord Jagannath.
Social Responsibility: He counsels young professionals that wealth (Lakshmi) must be
treated with purity and used responsibly for societal welfare rather than squandered on vices.
