Rajesh Kumar, Founder, Supramental Advertisement and Sound, Patna

Idea

I have always been ambitious. Even while in college I always thought and dreamt of establishing an organization, doing something different and making waves in society. The impetus came after I joined Nalini Singh's team in Delhi as researcher and correspondent. Her vision and will to work independently inspired me. In 1996, I left her team and came back to my home town,

Patna, to established my own firm' Supramental Advertisement & Sound. We started developing concepts and, producing and booking of advertisements for All India Radio. I also got an opportunity to produce and direct several radio serials and talk shows right at the beginning of my career.

Starting years

Developing concepts, recording, editing and booking the ads over AIR- I did everything all alone initially. Soon I got married and my wife, who had a long association with both electronic and print media, also joined me. I started getting ad campaigns from MNC clients and major NGOs such as Hero Honda, State Bank of India, UNICEF, CARE, Janani, Indian Railways, IIHER, BSNL, NLM, state resource centres like ADRI, Deepayatan, CENCORD, etc. Initially, to record these ad campaigns, I had to hire private studios. I did not have a mobile, a computer or a fax machine in my office. Every afternoon, I used to go to various STD booths to fax my letters or get it typed from private operators. There was no car waiting for me. I use to travel by scooter or bike. At times, I had to wait for four-five hours for a scheduled meeting. Still, I had the patience to pursue my clients and learn the secrets of trade. I use to go to customers personally, collect work orders, travel to meet various clients and also wait for days to collect the cheques. There were times when I was overlooked in favour of established ad agencies and I had to literary beg for an opportunity to prove my worth.

Turning point

My son's birth in the year 2000 brought lot of luck and change in fortune. I built my own digital multi-track audio studio in September 2001. I also set up a new office, with adequate computer facility and fax. I decided to give my company a new shape. I got an opportunity in the year 2004 to direct and produce mega serials for All India Radio sponsored by UNICEF and Janani respectively. UNICEF's weekly serial-Budha Bargad-based on polio eradication drive was a major success story for Supramental. So was Janani's weekly programme-Aap Aur Ham-based on reproductive health, which is continuing till date. Weekly mega radio serial 'Kartar Banayange Sartaz' is on air for the last eight years. The success in radio spurred me to step into the world of television. I set up a visual shoot studio and an advanced editing console, with lights, camera and a great crew. I produced several telefilms and documentaries for the National Literacy Mission's (NLM) state resource centre--Deepayatan and LEPRA society.

My struggle inspired me to start a communication school where students can be taught communication skills including sound recording, editing, camera and lights etc. I also decided to launch a practical training course for RJ's, announcers, news readers, TV and radio anchors etc. It was with this vision that I set up a public charitable trust in the year 2006, named as Supramental Foundation. With the Foundation was established my dream house-Supramental School of Communication. Few of its students have already been placed as RJs in private FM radios. The Foundation today has two units: Supramental Advertisement & Sound and Supramental School of Communication.

I now intend to set up my own FM radio in the state with special emphasis on community radio. Communication is key to knowledge.

I would to tell aspiring entrepreneurs to learn to be a fighter. Face the challenges on your way boldly and they are bound to disappear paving your way for sunny days. Never stop dreaming and do not grieve or lament over whatever you do not have.