People’s Person

A businessman and a philanthrope, Jeh Wadia director of Wadia Group, wants to make a difference in people's lives and he is starting from the grassroots, literally, by reaching out to farmers. Charmaine Fernz catches up with him for a candid conversation...

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for life,' goes the old cliché. And like all old cliches, this too has its moment of truth. And making people independent is what Wadia is aiming for.

The Chitrakoot Connection

Thirty-one year old Wadia wants to work towards the upliftment of farmers and wants to make at least 60,000 villages in Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh self-reliant before his time on earth is up. Towards this cause, Wadia has helped set up seed banks and financed the development of organic fertilisers by using only local resources. He has also developed a farming research and development centre in Chitrakoot called Krishi Vidya Kendra.

After having worked alongside Nanaji Deshmukh for a long time, he has a firm grounding. Deshmukh is a ninety-year-old member of the Rajya Sabha. He says, "If I had to choose three people that I look up to, it would have to be my mother, father and Nanaji Deshmukh. He taught me that we don't have to change our lifestyle to make a difference in anyone's life. Individuals who can be themselves and still manage to change the way things are around them are an inspiration to others."

Early Life

Born and brought up in Mumbai, Wadia did his initial schooling at St. Lawrence's Boarding School in Sanawar. After that, he moved to a boarding school in England where he completed his graduation.

"Life in boarding schools brought out the independent streak in me," reveals Wadia. In the years that followed, it was not education but business that beckoned him. So he took a break from education and decided to join the family business. “I started looking after various departments like cars, import and export while living in London," he says.

But while he was busy concentrating on business, he felt an urge to get back to books. That is when he decided to complete his MSc. from Warwick University, London. However, his real interests lay elsewhere. Wadia says, "I had had my share of English weather and I wanted to come back to India. So I landed here, bag and bedding and joined the family textile business.'

Of course, the journey to the top was not without its hurdles. "Being the boss's son is not all that easy. I had to work my way up and learn and re-learn the way every department functions. This is what my father believed in and it was a rule throughout the organisation," states Wadia.

Diverse Interests

Interestingly, Wadia is a man with diverse interests. Being a "business enthusiast" as he calls himself, he has dabbled in various projects and even forged a joint venture with Tata Nova during the dot com boom. A fighter to the core, he has never given up his passion for adventure.

So what is Jeh Wadia like on the personal front, we ask? Almost instinctively, he answers, "Just like a normal person". He met his wife Celina in London 10 years ago and they have been married for two years now. They also have a 16-month old son - Jahangir.

"Having been born in a prosperous family, I have always questioned the distinction that is made between the rich and the poor and have been aware of the world's reality since a very tender age. It was just my good luck to be born into a rich family and I thank god for giving me everything that I have today. But having said that I won't accept things for the way they are. I want to make a difference in people's lives and that is exactly what I'm trying to do today," Wadia exclaims.

This passionate Cancerian seems to have tried out everything in life, be it business or leisure. "I love living life in the fast lane and so driving fast cars and participating in car rallies are my passion. But apart from that I enjoy fishing and indulging in adventure sports," says Wadia.

Since work requires him to travel often, he is particular about the mode of transport. "I love to travel which is evident from the various modes of transport I have taken. I have explored everything from trains, which has been one of my most memorable trips, to a bus and, of course, flying," Wadia reveals.

Therefore, considering that he travels extensively, he is very particular about the airline that he flies. "Internationally, I would vote Singapore Airlines as the best for its excellent service while on the domestic front, Jet seems like the best choice," discloses Wadia. And as far as destinations go, Thailand remains one of his favourite holiday spots for the sun, sea and surf. He is a complete beach person and loves to spend time with his family in Goa. Chitrakoot also has a special place in his heart. And while his loyalty lies with The Oberoi Hotels as far as domestic accommodation goes, Four Seasons & Resorts take the slot for overseas stay.

Music is another favourite. And the fact that he set up his own music company, called Paradiso in Goa as well as the metros, at the age of 17 proves that he takes his music very seriously. Music, according to Wadia, should be, "Natural sounds with not too many words."

Known to explore business ideas regularly, Wadia's latest venture is Go Airlines - a low cost carrier. This makes it very difficult to balance work with family. "Although I try to be with my family as often as I can, I end up spending more time at work. But this is the time when I can work and accomplish something. Once I am in my 40s and made a mark for myself, I can spend more time with my family. But right now I am working almost 12 to 14 hours per day," Wadia says.

A positive thinker, he believes in giving his employees the freedom to explore their potential. He says, "I am not a taskmaster and like to give people a chance to prove their worth," adding, rather on a philosophical note, "It is better to lead than be a leader".