How this fifth generation is driving the business into the digital era and other top stories of the week
This week SMBStory released the fifth episode of the GenNEXT series, covering the legacy of a century-old optical business, along with other top stories.
The remarkable history of SR Gopal Rao, a Bengaluru-based optical company, traces back to the late 1800s when SN Rama Rao, a distinguished watch and clockmaker, assumed control of the business from his father, S Narayen Rao, on Cavalry Road in Bengaluru.
Later, in Bengaluru, SN Rama Rao opened a business outside Tipu Sultan's Fort, near Vani Vilas Hospital and Victoria Hospital. His son, SR Gopal Rao, qualified as Bengaluru's first optometrist and relaunched the NR Road establishment.
A multifaceted entrepreneur, SN Rama Rao excelled in opticianry, watchmaking, and dentistry, and emerged as the pioneering optician in Karnataka. He also served as the exclusive optician to the Maharaja of Mysore, Rajarshi (Nalvadi) Krishnaraja Wodeyar IV. Some of the spectacles he crafted for the Maharaja are still displayed among his personal belongings at the Mysore Palace, a testament to his craftsmanship.
Meghana Manay, the chief operations officer of SR Gopal Rao, digs into the rich history of her century-old family firm in an exclusive interview with SMBStory for the GenNEXT series. She also discusses how she is helping the business keep up in today's competitive landscape.
“As the fifth-generation entrepreneur in this business, I bear the weight of immense responsibility, facing numerous challenges while preserving the rich history that I am entrusted to uphold,” says Manay.
Other top picks of the week
Videomax International
Noida-based Videomax International Pvt Ltd—an electronic manufacturing services supplier for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of consumer electronics—launched Skyball in May 2023.
The company’s decision to launch Skyball as its own brand was driven by the potential of the Indian market and the demand for innovative products. It aims to tap into this demand, offering customers cutting-edge technology at affordable prices.
Videomax's homegrown brand offers a range of audio and smart accessory devices, including portable music bars, party speakers, and tower music systems, currently available on Amazon. The audio devices range between Rs 2,999 and Rs 12,999.
T'he company's roots can be traced back to the late 70s, when Vinod Kumar Aggarwal ran an electronics repair shop in Delhi, where he honed his skills and developed a deeper understanding of consumer electronics for four years.
His vision for began to take shape during a visit to Singapore. He saw an opportunity to import radio and video cassette recorder (VCR) parts to India, which he skillfully assembled in his own home basement. He formally launched the company in 1980.
QL One launch
Rajiv Talreja, a prominent business coach for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Asia, unveiled QL One, a desktop app designed to empower small businesses in India at Proficorn 2023.
QL One is a rebranded version of Quantum Leap, a training and coaching company started by Talreja in 2006. Since its inception, it has helped more than three lakh business owners with its business programmes.
QL One’s mission and vision is to support and celebrate heroes within the country’s economy, Talreja told SMBStory in an interaction.
QL One offers a range of features for MSME owners, currently accessible to existing members of QL. There are plans to extend access to non-members within the next two months.
Among its notable features are training programmes for business growth, networking, funding, events, Business Success Awards, and Business Success Magazine.
Edited by Swetha Kannan