Mr. Guru, the Founder and CMD of the Celkon Group, stands out as a visionary entrepreneur in the fast-paced world of technology and innovation. With a career spanning over three decades, Guru exemplifies an unwavering commitment to excellence and adaptability to evolving trends. His leadership has left an indelible mark on the mobile industry, marked by pioneering advancements and strategic collaborations. Through Celkon, he has redefined industry standards, setting a precedent for innovation and quality. Guru’s journey serves as a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to navigate the dynamic landscape of technology with unparalleled foresight. Mr. Guru secured the Young Entrepreneur of the Year and Make in India Excellence Award as well for his excellent efforts.
In an exclusive interview with Mobility Magazine, Mr. Guru provided valuable insights into the brand’s fundamental values, future ambitions, and strategic direction. He discussed the vision, mission, and upcoming goals, shedding light on the existing product lineup and anticipated releases. Additionally, he conveyed a positive outlook on the Make in India initiative, underlining its importance for the brand’s expansion and its role in bolstering the local economy.
What inspired your career in the tech/mobile industry?
My career in the tech/mobile industry was inspired by a deep fascination with the potential of technology to transform lives and businesses. The dynamic nature of the industry, coupled with the rapid pace of innovation, and the ability to create products and solutions that impact people’s daily lives, were all compelling factors. Additionally, my early experiences in retailing provided valuable insights into consumer preferences and needs, igniting my passion to innovate and contribute to the ever-evolving world of mobile technology.
Please provide an overview of the Celkon’s journey.
The establishment of Celkon in 2009 was spurred by my deep-rooted passion for innovation and my ability to identify emerging opportunities. Around 1999, as the mobile phone industry began to take shape, I foresaw its immense growth potential. Through interactions with customers in our retail chain, I gained valuable insights into their needs and preferences. This inspired me to create an Indian mobile brand, Celkon, with a focus on affordability and meeting consumer demands. Initially, Celkon focused on feature phones, pioneering advancements such as a unique musical phone in collaboration with AR Rahman. As the industry shifted towards smartphones, we continued our commitment to innovation, introducing India’s first 3G and subsequent 4G smartphones. My entrepreneurial journey began in the early 1990s with his foray into watch retailing. Recognizing the revolution in the mobile phone industry in 1999, I transitioned to mobile technology, launching his retail chain. In 2009, I, alongside my partners, established Celkon, marking a moment synonymous with innovation and quality in the Indian mobile landscape. Initially focusing on feature phones, Celkon introduced groundbreaking advancements like ‘King Movies,’ compressing 40 films into a mere 2GB of storage. Strategic collaborations with music maestro AR Rahman and digital assets integration further solidified Celkon’s standing. The brand’s milestone of launching India’s first 3G smartphone made a strong impact.
Discuss how Celkon has become a leading manufacturer.
Today, Celkon has manufacturing units in Hyderabad and Tirupati, pivotal to the ‘Make in India’ initiative. We also launched retail brands like ‘Celekt’ and ‘Conekt,’ catering to diverse consumer segments. Celekt’s network of 125 retail stores across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra exemplifies our commitment to widespread accessibility.
Furthermore, Guru’s innovation extended beyond mobile devices with the establishment of “7 Hills Digital Park,” driving forward and backward integration in the manufacturing sector. He also acquired Touch Mobiles and the established distribution network ‘Techrappo.’ We expanded globally with the brands ‘SPRINT’ and ‘Unikorn.’
Elaborate on the transformation and diversification journey of CELKON.
Celkon has undergone a remarkable transformation, expanding its portfolio across various sectors within the mobile industry. This evolution includes an OEM Brand (Celkon), Mobile Retail Chain (Celekt Mobiles & Touch Mobiles), Accessories and Gadgets Brand (Conekt), Electronics Manufacturing (7 Hills & Sprint), Product Distribution (Techrappo), and Global Electronic Exports (Unikorn). This diversification has positioned Celkon as a symbol of innovation and versatility, with a presence across multiple aspects of the mobile industry through various subsidiaries. Additionally, Celkon has ventured into the realty industry, exploring diverse verticals. Our commitment to diversification has firmly established Celkon as a powerhouse not only in the mobile industry but also beyond.
As the CMD of multiple companies, how do you view the present environment in the mobility sector?
The current state of the mobile and tech industry is dynamic and brimming with possibilities. We’ve witnessed remarkable advancements and innovations that have reshaped how we live, work, and communicate. As the CMD of multiple companies in this sector, I see immense potential for growth and evolution. The industry is characterized by rapid changes, driven by emerging technologies like 5G, IoT, AI, and augmented reality. Moreover, the industry’s adaptability to meet the evolving needs of consumers and businesses is impressive. However, it also presents challenges in staying ahead of the curve and remaining competitive. Success lies in identifying emerging trends, investing in R&D, and continually innovating to meet the demands of a tech-savvy market.
Which emerging industry trends or technologies that your companies are investing in?
Remaining at the forefront of technological advancements is a fundamental aspect of our companies. We closely monitor emerging trends and technologies, investing in them as needed to maintain competitiveness. Currently, we are particularly focused on the adoption of 5G technology and its potential applications, including IoT and smart devices. Furthermore, we are actively exploring opportunities in electronic exports. With a keen eye on the education sector, we’re embracing transformative technologies like Interactive Flat Panels to enhance educational empowerment. Particularly, we’re intrigued by the potential of Interactive Flat Panels to revolutionize the educational system by enriching the learning environment in smart classrooms.
What is your primary vision for the future?
Our primary vision is to drive innovation and empower individuals and businesses through technology. We aim to expand our presence in the mobile and tech industry, both nationally and globally. With plans to achieve a half-billion-dollar turnover in 2024 and become a 2 billion-dollar company in the coming years, we are committed to growth and impact. Our focus remains on serving the evolving digital needs of B2C, B2B, B2G, and global exports, with a commitment to timely deliverables and customized solutions. Additionally, we prioritize nurturing entrepreneurship, particularly among the youth, and promoting gender diversity within our organizations.
How do you balance your personal life and professional life?
Balancing personal and professional life requires effective time management and prioritization. My structured work schedule allows for quality family time, essential for maintaining equilibrium. Delegation and teamwork in my professional life ensure I can focus on strategic decisions. My family, particularly my wife Hema, plays a crucial role in supporting this balance. Periodic rejuvenation through family travels helps maintain perspective and recharge. Additionally, creating a dream home, Guru’s Helisha, with my family, has been a fulfilling endeavor, further strengthening our bond.
What is the contribution of your family in your professional life and success?
My family plays a vital role in our family businesses, contributing expertise, shared values, and a collective commitment to success. My elder daughter, Likitha, brings fresh perspectives and international insights to our operations, contributing significantly to marketing strategies. My wife, Hema, serves as the Managing Director of 7 Hills Digital Park, showcasing her pivotal role in its success. Even my younger daughter, Tanvisha, displays a keen understanding of business, enriching our family dynamics. In essence, our family’s involvement fosters a harmonious blend of talent and commitment, shaping the success of our enterprises.
What message do you give to the younger generation pursuing their goals and aspirations?
I advise the youth to pursue their goals with unwavering passion and execution. Genuine passion fuels success, making hard work effortless. Remember, brilliant ideas are only a fraction of success; diligence and effective execution are paramount. Embrace this mindset, navigate your path confidently, and success will follow.
Covered By: Mobility India / Celkon
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