Hello YOU , wherever you are on planet earth.
I had a chance to know about a few brilliant people and Mukesh Panjanathan is one of them.
He is a Surf instructor from Mahabalipuram, India.
Web site: http://mumusurfer.wixsite.com/indiasurfing
Facebook: Mumu Surf School
He loves what he is doing, surfing and teaching people how to surf.
He not only connects cultures but also brought a fun activity/sport into his area which surely improves the quality of life.
Not to mention, each time a person learns a new skill, they have that much freedom in life.
I would like to acknowledge the other surf instructors and schools in India , since they are all pioneers in their region .
Mukesh is here on this blog because the opportunity wasn't handed to him but he created his own opportunity.
Thanks for sharing your story Mukesh!
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| Mukesh Panjanathan |
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| image from tripadvisor.co.uk |
Why did you decide to have your own
business (as opposed to getting a job somewhere.)
I have been employed for a long time. I was employed as a shop keeper, waiter in a café, cook in different
restaurants. After some time, I decided to be my own employer. I can decide whenever I
want to take holidays, to get up, to do what I want to do.
Q: Did you have any worries at first?
And how did you overcome them?
The surf industry in India is different.
In other countries it’s a world known sport and they get more support.
Because it is still new in India, the cops saw surfing as a dangerous and
illegal sport and at one point I had to go to the office to explain what I am
doing. I had to bring magazines and tried to explain everything. In the end I
spoke to coastal guard and he gave the okay.
I started with one surfboard and
slowly, slowly built it up.
Q: What were the first five actions you
took to get started?
1- I quit my job,
2- Borrowed someone’s surf board to
train tourists,
3- Saved money to buy my own surf
board,
4- Rented a small garage and
5- Finally started to have my own free
webpage for Mumu Surf School
Q: Did you come across with challenges
and doubt yourself (thinking “what am I doing?)
No, I know what I am doing. I am
passionate about surfing and this is what I want to do in life. I became a
professional surf instructor and I will keep doing it.
Q: Did you invest a lot of money?
Yes. To maintain a surf school in India is not that easy. We
have to bring most of the equipment from overseas. Step by step I am getting
the money back.
Q: How do you see the future of your business?
Surfing is growing, every
day there is a new surfer coming. the last three years Indians started to get
to know more about beach life, surf culture and it became more as a hobby.
Result: more students, more rentals, more surfing
Q: Do you have any advice for people who want to start a business?
It’s hard work. you have to believe
that you can make it! choose a business you are passionate about!
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| image by Jyothy Karat |
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| image from deccanchronicle.com |
