“In an era where businesses often prioritise profit over principles, ‘The Original Muffler Man’ offers a refreshing narrative of a family that built a global empire without compromising its values.”
Intro: A Story of Values
With my decade-long association with Akhil Jain (who leads Jain Amar’s global expansion), I saw something rare : a third-generation entrepreneur whose humility defies his success. Later, I realised that Akhil inherited this trait from his grandfather, Kasturi Lal Jain, whose life story unfolds in The Original Muffler Man.
I had the privilege of meeting Shri Kasturi Lal Jain while he was in Pune. It was then that Kasturi Lal Ji, 92, handed me his memoir. As I held it, I knew it offered powerful lessons in principled business. Written by Shubhra Krishan, the book tells Kasturi Lal’s amazing story: from his humble beginnings in Kasur to building a global company.
This book stands out because it’s about building a business on strong values like resilience, family, and faith, not just profit. It’s a story of integrity that offers valuable lessons for everyone.
Historical Roots: Simplicity & Struggle
1940s Ludhiana was a world of bullock carts, dhoti-kurtas, and tight-knit communities. The Jains migrated there, drawn by the knitwear industry’s promise.
The 1947 Partition brought tough times (“terrifying turmoil”) with riots and refugees. Kasturi Lal, then a student, helped displaced families. Despite the chaos, people stayed united—helping others while preserving dignity.
Early Life: Learning Values
“Mehnat” (hard work) and “Imandari” (honesty) weren’t choices—they were life.
Kasturi Lal’s character was shaped by life in those days. Hard work and honesty weren’t merely ideals; they were expected. His words, “We just did what we had to do,” Life was easier and less stressful than it is now. He observes, “Modern life has a lot of comfort and style, but ‘peace’ has gone missing.”
His college days brought freedom and simple fun, like sharing snacks with friends (and joking about the friend who always missed paying the bill!). These stories show a young man finding his way in a new India.
Keys to Success: Work, Family, Ethics
Jain Amar’s success is built on clear principles:
- Strong Ethics: Kasturi Lal worked incredibly hard, often late into the night. Honesty was key. “Even their slightest complaint was attended to immediately,” he says, showing his focus on trust. He paid debts promptly and gave generously but wisely.
- Family First: Unity was vital from the start. The family worked together, shared everything, and supported each other. Women played key roles in both home and business. Even when facing challenges like business separations or differing ideas between generations (like using bank loans), respect and communication kept the family strong. Akhil Jain values his grandfather’s sharp judgement of people.
Struggles & Triumphs
The journey had its share of struggles: poverty, partition trauma, employee theft (“We realised that we had been losing up to 20% of our profit,” son Sunil recalls), and family business splits.
But these challenges built resilience. Key wins include diversifying into fashion with the “Madame” brand (led by his son, Bipan) and later “Camla” and modernising with Akhil’s help. Growing from one machine to a global brand with 150+ stores, while keeping their ethical reputation, shows their perseverance. As the book’s preface says, the challenge is to “ride out” life’s ups and downs.
Jainism: A Moral Compass
Faith was more than belief; it was a guide. Core Jain principles (nonviolence, truthfulness, non-stealing, non-possession, chastity) shaped their ethics. “Jainism teaches us to earn and then give,” Akhil explains.
Daily practices like Samayik (reflection) and Pratikraman (seeking forgiveness), plus fasting and dietary rules, fostered discipline. Seeking guidance from Jain saints was common. This spirituality led to actions like Kasturi Lal making meditation mats from scrap fabric for monks. These age-old values connect to modern ideas like ethical business (Ahimsa, Satya) and sustainability (Aparigraha).
Lighter Moments: A Human Touch
The book includes humorous stories showing Kasturi Lal’s lighter side:
- A friend “coincidentally” needed the bathroom at bill time.
- A love-struck administrator with mismatched shirt buttons!.
- The visitor mistook the “Samayik” ritual for a “smack”!
Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy
In a world chasing quick profits, Kasturi Lal’s legacy asks, can success be both ethical and enduring?
His life answers yes—with values as the foundation.
