Draft:Ravindran Premkumar

Ravindran Premkumar

Early Life and Education: Ravindran Premkumar, more popularly known as BLM Premkumar, was born in Thiruvananthapuram but was brought up in Chennai due to his father's employment with Chennai Port Trust. He pursued his education at [University/College] where he specialized in [Field of Study].

Career: Ravindran Premkumar began his career in the transportation business and was actively involved in politics before venturing into the cooperative sector. His entrepreneurial journey began with a bitter experience at a cooperative bank, which inspired him to create an inclusive financial institution.

Founding of BLM Society: In 2006, Ravindran Premkumar founded the Bharath Lajhna Multistate Housing Cooperative Society (BLM Society) with the support of four like-minded friends. BLM Society has grown into a multi-crore enterprise with operations in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry, boasting over 100 branches and five lakh members. The society spans several verticals including housing, land development, hospitality, jewellery, civil supplies, and transportation.

Contributions and Achievements: - Developed housing projects benefiting close to 50,000 people across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry. - BLM Society operates a cement factory, a fleet of transportation services, and is the largest biogas producer in South India. - Established a jewellery showroom and plans to open 17 more in Kerala. - Owns and operates several premium hotels and is planning a mega shopping mall in Kochi. - Expanded into the healthcare sector with plans for a medical college and has already established a college in Kannur.

Awards and Recognition: - Awarded [Name of Award] in [Year] for his contributions to the cooperative sector. - Recognized by [Organization] for his outstanding leadership and service.

Personal Life: Ravindran Premkumar is married to Prabha, a homemaker, and they have two children: Manusha, an advocate practicing at the Madras High Court, and Madumkesh, an upcoming Kollywood actor. He attributes his success to the support of his family and his spiritual mentor, a Hindu ascetic with whom he spent 20 years.

Philanthropy and CSR: BLM Society is at the forefront of CSR activities, providing assistance to kidney patients, impoverished hospitals, and extending support to individuals in need. Notably, BLM built a new house for Kerala volleyball player Bhumika after her family's house was confiscated by a bank.

Vision and Motto: Ravindran Premkumar's motto, "We Rise By Lifting Others," reflects his commitment to ensuring the well-being of those around him. His enterprises are geared towards making a positive impact on the lives of others, providing homes, jobs, and essential services.

The Painful Experience at the Cooperative Bank:

Context: The incident took place several years ago when Ravindran Premkumar accompanied a friend to a cooperative bank. The friend needed a loan to fund his sister's wedding, a common yet significant financial requirement in India.

Challenges Faced: 1. Corruption and Bribery: Upon reaching the bank, they discovered that securing a loan was fraught with difficulties and corruption. To get the loan sanctioned, the bank's secretary demanded a bribe of Rs 7,000. This was a substantial amount, especially for individuals already in need of financial assistance. 2. Political Influence: In addition to the bribe, obtaining a loan required a recommendation from the ruling party's district secretary. This requirement highlighted the pervasive influence of politics in financial institutions, further complicating the process for ordinary citizens.

Impact: This experience laid bare the systemic issues within cooperative banks, where accessing financial support was hindered by corruption and political bias. For Ravindran Premkumar, this was more than an inconvenience; it was an eye-opening moment that revealed the hardships faced by many in obtaining financial assistance.

The 'Nirvana' Moment:

Realization: The ordeal at the cooperative bank led to a critical realization for Ravindran Premkumar: there was a dire need for a financial institution that operated without discrimination based on politics, religion, or caste. He envisioned a cooperative society that would provide loans and other financial services fairly and transparently, without the corruption and biases that plagued existing institutions.

Initiative: Motivated by this realization, Ravindran Premkumar decided to establish a multistate cooperative society that adhered to ethical practices and served all members equally. He shared his vision with four like-minded friends, who supported his idea and helped lay the groundwork for what would become the BLM Society.

Establishing BLM Society:

Overcoming Hurdles: The journey to establish BLM was not easy. Ravindran Premkumar faced significant challenges, particularly when seeking the necessary license from authorities in New Delhi. His traditional South Indian attire and regional bias led to the rejection of his application twice. However, his perseverance paid off during his third visit, where he successfully convinced an IAS officer of the positive impact his enterprise would have, ultimately securing the license.

Foundation: In 2006, with the necessary approvals and the backing of his friends, Ravindran Premkumar founded the Bharath Lajhna Multistate Housing Cooperative Society in Chennai. The society was built on principles of fairness, inclusivity, and service, directly addressing the shortcomings he had witnessed in his earlier experience.

Growth and Impact:

Expansion: Since its inception, BLM Society has grown significantly, expanding its operations across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry. With over 100 branches and more than five lakh members, the society now provides a wide range of services including housing, land development, hospitality, jewellery, civil supplies, and transportation.

Mission: Ravindran Premkumar's mission for BLM has always been to create a positive impact on the lives of its members and the broader community, ensuring financial services are accessible to all without discrimination.

References: 1. [Bharath Lajhna Multistate Housing Cooperative Society](https://www.bharathlajhna.com/) 2. [Unique Times Interview] 3. [Other sources]

For more detailed information, visit the [BLM Society's official website](https://www.bharathlajhna.com/).