Interviewtimes 
Organic living has had a craze in the past few years, and rightly so. After all, having a healthy lifestyle is a necessity that we should all wrap our minds around. As such, in a world where almost anything and everything is laced with chemicals, organic products come as a ray of sunshine for anyone who cares about their well-being and the environment. As such, if you have resolved to switch to healthy living, then ‘Health on Top’ should feature on top of your to-do list for stocking up on organic fare. The largest outlet of organic products in Odisha, Health on Top was opened to the public only three months back and has already impressed everyone with its impressive catalogue of products ranging from organic products, medical and gym equipment to hospital furniture and fitness accessories and garments. It is the brainchild of Bhubaneswar-based Gaurav Ralhan who envisions a world free of chemically treated products, and swears by pure organic alternatives. Gaurav proved his credentials when his venture was recently awarded with the ‘Most Promising Brand in Health & Wellness’ by the Times Group in Bhubaneswar.
Gaurav was born and raised in Bhubaneswar. His father is a renowned businessman who deals with medical and surgical equipment supplies in the state. He grew up watching his father at work and aspired to follow in his footsteps. He completed his schooling from the famed St. Joseph’s High School, Bhubaneswar and then graduation in 2003. Post this, Gaurav decided to join his family business. But all hell broke loose when his father handed a capital of Rs 15 lac and asked him to start his own business. Baffled at the turn of events, Gaurav was clueless since he had no Plan B. After a few days of struggle and uncertainty, he came across a half-furnished four-storied building at Kharvel Nagar. On inquiring, he discovered that Big Bazaar was setting up its first-ever shopping mall in the state there. Excited, Gaurav decided to purchase a retail space to start his own business. Interestingly, he had no idea about which business to venture into or brand to get associated with until then. Gaurav then approached his father for help. Upon his insistence, he set out on a journey and travelled across the length and breadth of the country. By the time he reached Bhubaneswar, he was stuck by a national gift and gallery brand. Gaurav decided to open an outlet and retail its products. But his happiness was short-lived. Soon after, he found that the brand’s outlets have started mushrooming in Bhubaneswar. The fact that he won’t be able to stand out from the crowd dissuaded him from going ahead with his plans to open an outlet of that brand in Bhubaneswar. He again turned back to his father for help. His father suggested he travel the same route as before and plan wisely. Gaurav had lost all hope. He wanted to give himself the last shot and began travelling in search of his goal. Finally, he found his calling in Baskin Robbins. Thereafter, Gaurav took the exclusive dealership for Baskin Robbins in Odisha and he opened an outlet at Forum Mart on April 30, 2004. Baskin Robbins, the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty stores, was already a household name in India. But since the brand was new to the state and most of its flavours were steeply priced, Gaurav had an onerous responsibility on his shoulders to sell the products in Bhubaneswar. But to everybody’s surprise, his outlet had a bumper opening. Not only did the customers make a beeline to his store, there were outpourings of love and wishes from all ends for Gaurav. Reminiscing those days, he says, “Those were unforgettable days. The crowd, the craze and the demand- it went beyond my expectations. Since it was the only outlet in Odisha, customers were curious to have the first scoop. Initially, Baskin Robbins were not willing to partner us since Bhubaneswar was nowhere featured in their business radar. They were skeptical of its success and acceptance in Odisha. But we proved them wrong. With God’s grace, Baskin Robbins suddenly became the next big thing in Bhubaneswar then.”
Riding high on the foundation of Gaurav’s leadership skills and the frenzied demand among the customers, Neelam’s Baskin Robbins Bhubaneswar soon started to clock record-breaking sales and it went on to become the numero uno outlet in East and North East India. Buoyed by the overwhelming success, Gaurav soon opened 3 more outlets in Bhubaneswar, one each at Infosys, Sachivalaya Marg and Bhawani Mall (Sahid Nagar). In 2014, Gaurav ended his association with Baskin Robbins and forayed into the garment retail space. He opened up an outlet of John Miller & Indigo Nation to cater to the ever-increasing fashion needs of customers in Bhubaneswar. Despite tasting success very early in life, Gaurav always had an inclination towards the healthcare sector. He wanted to carve a niche for himself especially in the field of medical, laboratory and hospital equipment. Thus, he founded Neelam’s Medical Supplies Co in the year 2014.
The company acted as a liaison between the government and the medical equipment manufacturers. The company then grew from strength to strength and began strengthening its footprint in eight other states. Everything went smooth until the COVID struck the entire world. When businesses around the globe were shutting down their operations and the medical companies were retailing life-saving drugs and equipment at exorbitant prices, Gaurav and his team decided to close their operations. He says, “Humanity was facing the biggest invisible war against COVID-19. The situation was deteriorating with every passing day. The lives and livelihoods were badly affected. A few sections of people especially those associated with the healthcare sector were taking undue advantage of this situation. As responsible citizens, we always wanted to be a part of the solution. Our business ethics didn’t allow us to think of earning profits at such an unprecedented hour. Thus, it was decided to shut down all our operations after the lockdown was imposed across the country.” But as fate would have it. Gaurav and his team were offered an order of manufacturing a huge quantity of PPE kits within a week’s time. Back then, as the COVID cases took an upward trend in India, the demand for PPE kits among the medical professionals grew. Gaurav saw this as an opportunity. Not only did he set up a temporary manufacturing space in Bhubaneswar but with the help of 200 labourers and indefatigable efforts, the order of manufacturing around 3 lac PPE kits was ready exactly on the 7th day. He procured the necessary certifications for the kits and they were supplied to eight states in time. Gaurav and his team’s selfless and dedicated efforts received widespread appreciation from all quarters. Their efforts were recognized when Gaurav was awarded with ‘COVID Warrior’ award by the Times Group recently.
Besides, at a time when most of the companies were struggling to get back to normalcy post the unlock phase, Gaurav opened up a health lifestyle store named ‘Health on Top’, a unit of Neelam’s Lifestyle, at Janpath, near Master Canteen square, Bhubaneswar on January 29, 2021. The largest outlet of organic products in Bhubaneswar, Health on Top is thronged with products, all of which happen to be organically produced and high on quality. Awaiting you at this store is an array of organic products to cater to your daily needs. From grocery essentials and organic beverages and to personal and home care products, this store serves as the one-stop destination for all our organic needs, which is precisely why it warrants a place on our list. Additionally, you will also come across some orthopedic appliances and mobility aid, gym, health equipment and fitness accessories and garments, hospital furniture and more. Moving on, the store will soon deliver products right at your doorstep after you shop from its vast online catalogue as well.
Outlining the objective behind opening the store, he says, “During the lockdown period, I realized the importance of healthy living and was quickly drawn to fitness and exercise. My body underwent a transformational journey that inspired me to come up with an exclusive store that promotes the idea of clean and healthy living. That’s how Health on Top was conceptualized.” Moreover, plans are afoot to open an outlet, one each at Raipur and Nagpur by the end of this year. Notably, Mrs. Priya Ralhan, Gaurav’s wife has also been very supportive. As one of the partners of Health on Top, she has been creatively contributing towards the success of the store.
The dynamic and successful entrepreneur credits his success to the Almighty, blessings of his parents, Sri Sudesh Kumar Ralhan and Late Smt. Neelam Ralhan, support of his family, staff and well-wishers. “I would seriously fail in my duty if I do not thank my living Gods, my parents. My mother taught me to be compassionate towards others. My father taught me to be strong and firm in life and to always stand up for your own dreams. I am grateful to my sister, Neha Madan, who stood by me like a pillar when I was struggling hard to establish myself, my son, Vedant Ralhan for always encouraging me in my endeavours and of course Mr. Mithun Kumar Mohapatra for the much-needed moral support over the years. I feel blessed to have been surrounded by such beautiful people in my life,” said Gaurav who lost his mother in 2002. Such was his love, affection and respect towards his mother that he never failed to name any of his ventures in her memory. Be it the retail business or the health store, one can find the name “Neelam’s” attached to the brand. Truly, Gaurav has proved that children who treat their parents with respect are always successful and blessed ones in life.
He urges budding and new entrepreneurs to work with integrity and be positive, persistent, and constantly strive for progress. “Make clear and measurable goals and focus all energies to attain it. Never let fear stop you. It is also important to allocate time, energy, and resources for personal development,” says Gaurav who takes keen interest in cycling, fitness and philanthropic activities. He will be soon establishing Neelam Memorial Trust, a charitable organization that will engage in the welfare activities in the society especially promoting spiritual consciousness and healthy lifestyle among the masses.
At the outset, Gaurav is keen on taking the ‘Health on Top’ brand to the nook and corner of the country by 2025. He is also mulling to open an outlet in every district of Odisha in the next two years. “It is only the beginning of a long journey and we will set our turnover target as we grow. As of now, our only target is to become a major player in the healthcare and wellness industry and contribute to the nation’s growth. Ultimately, we would like to be remembered as a health movement, not just as a business house,” he concluded.
By Subhojit Panda
