KR Nagarajan is an Indian entrepreneur and the founder of Ramraj Cotton, an Indian textile brand specializing in traditional Indian wear, particularly veshtis (dhotis).

Early Life and Education

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KR Nagarajan was born in 1960, and hails from Avinashi, near Tirupur, Tamil Nadu, India. He started his career in 1977, after completing his SSLC.

Career

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Nagarajan spent 18 months in a dhoti manufacturing firm in Rayalaseema, Andhra Pradesh to learn about production and marketing in the textile industry.[1]

A failed joint venture in Tirupur, the textile capital of Tamil Nadu, left him with dhotis worth Rs 85,000 in return for his investment. He went back to Rayalaseema to sell the dhotis as there was a demand there. He came up with the idea of improving the cotton used for dhotis and building a business based on this.[2]

Entrepreneurship

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In 1983, Nagarajan started Ramraj Khadi Traders in Tirupur. He sourced dhotis, and cycled from Avinashi to Tirupur every day to sell them.

In 1986, he began manufacturing dhotis under his own brand. Due to poor agricultural returns and drought at this time, many farmers were involved in knitwear manufacturing in Tirupur. Nagarajan approached them to weave dhotis from 80s count cotton. He offered a higher price than the market rate. He then approached a retailer in Rayalaseema, pricing the dhotis at nearly double the going rate. He saw demand in the market, and customers wanted more of this product.[3]

In 1987, Ramraj Khadi Traders became Ramraj Cotton, as khadi was replaced by cotton.

In 1999, he started manufacturing white cotton shirts. He also launched the first showroom for the brand in Tirupur.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Ramraj Cotton expanded its product line to include shirts, innerwear, and other traditional garments. They also added over 275 new stores across the country.[4]

Cultural and social impact

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On multiple occasions, Nagarajan was denied entry into spaces like five-star hotels and boardrooms because he was wearing a dhoti.

These incidents gave birth to the ‘Salute Ramraj’ anthem. These advertisements had film stars, industrialists and other men of substance dressed in dhotis, alighting from luxury cars at five-star hotels, banks and other important places. His aim was to show the respectability of the dhoti as a garment.[5]

On August 5, 2024, Ramraj Cotton announced a partnership with Chennaiyin FC where they are the club's presenting sponsor. On the occasion, Nagarajan said, "Partnering with Chennaiyin Football Club, a team that resonates with our values of quality, tradition, and innovation, aligns perfectly with our brand’s journey from a local textile brand to a global icon... We believe this collaboration is not just about supporting a successful club but also about celebrating our shared cultural heritage and passion for excellence."[6]

References

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  1. ^ "Veni, vidi... veshti!". BusinessLine. 2012-07-26. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  2. ^ "HE BUILT up A BRAND to help weavers". The Times of India. 2022-05-23. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  3. ^ "Ramraj weaves a success story with labour innovation". BusinessLine. 2013-10-21. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  4. ^ "Ramraj opens its 275th showroom at Lakshmi Mills".
  5. ^ "A white revolution". The Hindu. 2013-10-11. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-07-03.
  6. ^ Admin, C. F. C. (2024-08-05). "Chennaiyin FC announce Ramraj Cotton as Presenting Sponsor". Official Chennaiyin FC Website. Retrieved 2024-08-26.