Penned by Prisita Das
From building a trusted business legacy in North Odisha to transforming lives through humanitarian initiatives, Shri Bhagwan Gupta’s journey reflects a rare blend of entrepreneurial vision, social responsibility and an enduring commitment to community welfare.
In an era when success is often measured by business growth and financial achievements, Shri Bhagwan Gupta stands out for a philosophy that extends beyond commerce. An entrepreneur and dedicated social worker based in Balasore, Odisha, Gupta has spent over four decades building businesses while actively contributing to education, healthcare, disaster relief and community development.
Born in 1960 in a village in Rajasthan, Gupta completed his bachelor’s degree from Maharani Shri Jaya College, Bharatpur, in 1983. His association with Balasore began through his family’s business connections. Joining his elder brother’s enterprise, Shree Krishna Steels, in 1982, he became part of one of North Odisha’s longstanding steel trading businesses.
His entrepreneurial journey expanded in 1984 when he ventured into civil contracting through R.B. Construction, undertaking projects with Military Engineering Services at Chandipur. He subsequently diversified into cement and AC sheets before entering the construction chemicals business in 1998, establishing a presence in Bhubaneswar the following year and expanding into Raigarh, Chhattisgarh. Over the years, these ventures have built a reputation for ethical business practices and sustained regional engagement.
The next phase of growth came in 2014, when his elder son, Sonu Khandelwal, a civil engineer with an MBA from NICMAR, joined the family enterprise. He subsequently established an automobile business with a Force Motors dealership, serving Balasore, Mayurbhanj and Bhadrak. Today, the three businesses collectively generate an approximate annual turnover of ₹30 crore and employ around 45 people.
Yet, Gupta’s professional achievements represent only one dimension of his journey. His deeper commitment lies in serving communities and creating opportunities for those who need them most.
His social engagement dates back to 1983, when he joined Vivekananda Kendra in Balasore, contributing to yoga camps and the development of its premises. He later helped organise the first Art of Living camp in Balasore in 2000, during his tenure as President of the Lions Club of Balasore. His involvement with these organisations reflects a longstanding interest in community well-being and personal development.
Education has remained another important pillar of his philanthropic work. Through his association with Anand Marg schools in Fuladi, Aikinia and Bhograi, he has facilitated financial and material support for underprivileged children. His efforts helped secure ₹20 lakh in CSR funding from SBI for the Fuladi school and ₹10 lakh through MPLAD funds for the tribal girls’ school at Bhograi. He has also supported Saraswati Shishu Mandir in Mitrapur with infrastructure, computers, sports equipment and drinking-water facilities.
Healthcare is equally central to his service initiatives. As a founding trustee and founding vice-chairman of Lions Eye Hospital, Balasore, Gupta helped mobilise US$25,000 in 2005 to establish the institution. He subsequently facilitated an ambulance worth approximately ₹22 lakh and secured ₹20 lakh towards a modular operating theatre. During his tenure as District Governor of Lions International District 322C2 in 2021–22, he helped secure US$75,000 for ten vision centres and advanced hospital equipment. These initiatives have strengthened access to eye care across the region.
His humanitarian work has also extended to disaster relief, including assistance following the 1999 Odisha Super Cyclone and during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has contributed to public safety through CCTV installations and traffic infrastructure, while continuing to support schools, public institutions and environmental initiatives.
As President of Balasore’s Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) and the Balasore sub-chapter of Friends of Tribal Society, Gupta remains engaged in supporting traders, promoting grassroots education and addressing community needs.
For Shri Bhagwan Gupta, entrepreneurship and social service are not separate pursuits. They are complementary responsibilities. His journey demonstrates how business leadership, when guided by integrity and compassion, can become a lasting force for regional development and human welfare.
