To honor the bravery and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces, India commemorates Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26th every year. This day marks the victory of Indian troops over the infiltrating forces of Pakistan in the Kargil War of 1999. The conflict, fought in the treacherous terrains of the Kargil district in Jammu and Kashmir, showcased the unwavering courage and strategic brilliance of the Indian military. Kargil Vijay Diwas is a tribute to the soldiers who fought and laid down their lives to reclaim the Indian territories. Their sacrifice and valor are remembered with pride and gratitude, symbolizing the strength and resilience of the Indian Armed Forces.
Life after military service poses its own challenges. Transitioning from the battlefield to civilian life is not straightforward, and not all personnel navigate it successfully. However, some veterans seize this as an opportunity to serve the nation in new ways, establishing innovative enterprises. Here are a few inspiring stories of Kargil War veterans who have successfully transitioned to entrepreneurship, bringing the discipline and rigor of the military to the business world:
Olive Planet
Captain Chethan YK, along with fellow veteran Niranth Bymana, founded Olive Planet in 2009.
After serving as a short service commission officer (6 Engr Regt – Madras Sappers) from 2002 to 2007, Captain Chethan realized the demand for high-quality army-inspired products. Olive Planet started as an online shop for military merchandise and now also operates a retail store in Bengaluru, serving both army personnel and civilians.
Healthy World
After a distinguished 33-year career in the army, Rajeev Mannali ventured into the healthcare sector post-retirement in 2009. Leveraging his extensive experience, he founded Healthy World in 2013, a consultancy firm focused on preventive healthcare. His work continues to reflect his dedication to public service.
Mitkat
Colonel Samrendra Kumar, after 21 years in military service, co-founded Mitkat Advisory Services in 2010 with ex-Navy officer Pavan Desai. This risk management consultancy draws on Col. Kumar’s decorated military background. He also founded Def Mart, a social enterprise promoting energy-efficiency.
Faujnet
Captain Ramana Rao Venkat, alongside Flight Lieutenant Srinath, established Faujnet to support fellow veterans transitioning to civilian careers. They created a platform matching veterans with corporate roles, achieving remarkable placement success. Faujnet now collaborates with over 250 corporate partners, becoming a premier employment platform for former military personnel.
Onetimejobs
Prashant Rai, a former army officer, tapped into India’s services sector by launching Balram Corporate Services and Fire Prevent System in 2006. Building on this experience, he founded Onetimejobs in 2015, a Bengaluru-based resource aggregator for personalized services. Prashant aims to expand to 100 cities and significantly grow the company in the coming years.
Navrang Creations
Major Sonal Gupta, one of the pioneering women officers in the Indian Army, founded Navrang Creations in 2014. After nine years in the army and a decade in the corporate world, she focused on preserving India’s handloom heritage. Her venture sources products from local artisans, blending military discipline with entrepreneurial spirit.
These stories of transition from serving the nation to addressing its internal needs demonstrate the enduring leadership and commitment of our army veterans. Their journeys inspire us all, showing that success is most meaningful when it serves a greater good.
