Kumud Dugar predicts 2013 and 2014 to be the most decisive years for his Group. Numerous projects and products are in the pipeline, making these two years full of equal challenges and opportunities for him, and the Group. “These two years will decide the future of KL Dugar Group. If all goes well, the Group’s turnover will increase three folds within this time,” says Dugar. 

Dugar has been taking care of the Group since 1991, right after he completed his graduation. More specifically, he looks after the Food Grain Business of KL Dugar Group that includes eight different industries. Dugar had joined the Group as the Director, but recalls working as a cashier. “I kept track of where the money comes from and where it goes. It was very essential for me to know about the exact finances of the Group,” says Dugar. 

From the moment he joined, he had a dream of professionally managing the group, although at that time he didn’t know what professional management exactly was. To start with, he ordered a customized accounts package from Kolkata, customised for his Group. He brought in new technologies, computerized the systems and set up numerous industries and took the Group where it is today. He says he was driven by a thirst to work and move ahead, with a strong passion of do something novel. 

Early Life

Born in 1967 in Biratnagar to Krishan Lal Dugar and Jatan Devi Dugar, Dugar’s mind was set to business right from childhood. Most of his childhood was spent in Kolkata as he was there for about 18 years, from kindergarten to graduation. He was in Nepal only for vacations then. Dugar was involved with Dugar Group long before it separated into three groups in 1990. He used to work in the liaison office of the Group in Kolkata since he was in Grade 9.  After graduating from St Xavier’s College in Kolkata, he thought of starting a business in India. In the process, he bought a granite mine and a solvent plant in Hyderabad, but wasn’t able to go on with that business. Due to the separation of Dugar Group, he felt he was needed in the newly formed KL Dugar Group, so he returned to Nepal. 

As soon as he joined KL Dugar Group, he set up a vanaspati factory in Biratnagar. As the Group was newly formed, he felt immensely challenged and pressurized. Driven to prove himself, he says he set up the factory from scratch in just six months. “No one could have done this back then. I set up Swastik Oil Industries at a cost of 22 million rupees. It still is the largest oil industry of the country,” says Dugar with pride. This was his first venture as the MD of the Group, and a lot more industries were about to follow. During his stay in Biratnagar, he set up numerous industries. Saurabh Oil Mill, Vikas Flour Mill, Gyan Food Products, Pratibha Rice Mill and Gyan Herbals Pvt Ltd are among a few of them. Dugar shifted to Kathmandu in the year 1995.  

Dugar considers the separation to be a major turning point in his life. He first took it as a challenge, but later he figured it out that it was beneficial for him, as it gave him his individuality and helped him grow more. Rather than import export business, he focussed on local materials and set up locally based industries. “I always wanted to do something for the country. Today, I think I have contributed by branding the local products,” says Dugar. At present, the food products of the Group are exported to numerous countries worldwide. 

As a child, Dugar was not so mischievous, but rather disciplined, a quiet one. He says he was not very good in school and always was mediocre student, but very good in accounts. “I was very interested in accountancy, and was also very good at it,” recalls Dugar. He also possessed leadership in his school but remember being shy around girls. 

Personal Side

Dugar was married with Namita Dugar in 1991, and the marriage was an arranged one. It was immediately after the formation of his Group, and business was his top priority then.  As a result, his personal life was somehow out of balance. He says he went for his honeymoon after three years of his marriage. “Back then, I felt much challenged, and was very busy. I could not give time to my family and children. I didn’t take any holidays either,” says he. But later, when all his businesses went well, he was able to balance both the professional and personal aspects of his life. 

Dugar likes to takes immediate decisions and doesn’t want to linger on issues.  He says he can’t stay idle for even an hour. He remembers him being bored once on a three-day vacation with his family. He says he is very industrious, and is always thinking about his business. He firmly believes in teamwork and says that the system should work, not a person. Regarding his finances, he maintains that the accounts should be updated till the present moment, and not yesterday. Dugar believes in doing fair business, and strictly follows his business ethics. 

Not at all a party goer, Dugar likes to spend his evenings with his family after a stressful day. He likes to watch TV and spend most of his free time at home, with his children. “I feel more responsible towards my family and children because I couldn’t give much attention to them when I started business. Now I can afford time for them, and I feel I have to make up for the lost time,” says he. Dugar is the proud father of son Saurabh and daughters Bhavika and Drishika. A scrupulous follower of traditions, Dugar strictly abstains from alcohol, tobacco and non-vegetarian food. He loves Indian vegetarian food and is not very fond of trying new dishes.

Hobbies

Dugar loves to travel, especially to modern cities in the world. He loves branded stuffs and loves to shop. He has been to Dubai, US and many countries in Europe. His other interests are music and dancing. He loves to listen to Hindi songs, and watches movies once in a while. He says he is quiet brand conscious. “I am very obsessed with being dressed properly. All my outfits are stitched in Mumbai. I am also very fond of clothes,” says Dugar. He also loves branded watches, and carries the latest gadgets though he is not too fond of them. He believes he has to be familiar with technology as it helps in the business too. 

Way Ahead

According to Dugar, KL Dugar’s future ventures will be in sectors of hydropower and construction. The Groups’ largest project United Cements is all set to start by the end of this year. KL Residency will be handed over in 2013 and Nepal Hydro Developers Pvt Ltd will also commence in 2013.  In addition, more than 30 products related to home appliances, automobiles and others are in the pipe line. Dugar says that he has to work even harder now, as the recent times are even more competitive. 

Nepali entrepreneurs are as capable as any others in the world. “We are doing our best even when faced by worst of situations. We have load shedding and political problem; still Nepali entrepreneurs are doing their job. We can do even more if the government is more supportive,” says he. Dugar wants to be number one in whatever he does, and is always striving for excellence. “Dhara oil and Gyan flour are one of my best products. I want to remain number one, and want my legacy to go with the products,” says Dugar. According to him, his greatest asset is the trust that his customers have put in him and the Group. 

Dugar believes that three things are very crucial for the success of any business. One has to be loyal and committed towards his business, have knowledge the business, and most importantly, one should be very critical of finances.  He says he gives equal importance to one thousand rupees and one million. Moreover, he thinks one should have faith in his staffs and should have frequent interactions as they have more knowledge than the boss. “A good suggestion from them can change your entire perspective and help the business,” says Dugar.