RAMAN R. JAIN FOUNDER & CHAIRMAN, MONTEX GROUP THE INDELIBLE TOUCH Raman R. Jain (Founder & Chairman, Montex group) SAYS the Internet and gadgets do not have the personal touch that a pen has Issue Date - 01/03/2013 |
 Q. In this internet age, what potential do you see in the writing instrument industry?A. The approach of comunication has changed to the point where Google has become the information centre. However, it has not fully replaced or substituted pen and other writing instruments. Internet and gadgets are also tools of communication for young generation, but they do not have the personal touch that a pen has. Q. Do you believe pen is mightier than the sword? A. A pen is an instrument to express one’s thoughts on paper, which is read and communicated over the years. It is one of the non-violent weapons that can bring in a revolution. Q. Is it the right time for new players to enter the industry? What challenges do they face? A. Over the years, the manufacturing base for the industry has shifted from Europe to far east (Japan, Korea, Taiwan). However, the growth of industry has increased in India and China that accounts for more than 75 per cent of the world consumption. The business scenario has become competitive with lot of innovation, but the basic need for pen remains the same. Q. What drives you to stay active in today’s competitive arena? A. The present generation is glued to all the developments in the world and is continuously looking for change. The idea is to keep pace with the changing times. Competition persists in every field of operation today. Q. How do you keep your team motivated and engaged? A. The current trend is to have a personal relationship with people. Our strategy is also to create a family-like environment at workplace. Some of the ways to keep employees motivated and engaged are calling people by their first names joining them in their times of joy and sorrow and having regular meetings to understand their needs. |
SHISHIR PARASHER
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