HIS BACKGROUND
Manu was born in the Manilal Premachandran area of Nairobi, Kenya in 1929, to Indian parents. His father was an Indian merchant from Saurashtra, Gujarat, who moved to Kenya in 1915, to start a grocery store in Nairobi. Chandaria grew up in the Ngara area of Nairobi. Indians are traditionally family-oriented, and Chandaria’s home was also home to three other families. As a young man, Chandaria assisted his father in the provision shop. A semi-illiterate who understood the value of quality education, Chandaria’s father was determined to give him the best education available.
Chandaria’s education started in Nairobi and Mombasa Kenya, and later in India, where he obtained his undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree from Jamnagar India University, Bombay in 1949; BSc Engineering from the University of Oklahoma USA, in 1950; and his MSc Engineering also from Oklahoma University, in 1951 before returning to Kenya to join his family’s business and apply his new knowledge to a thriving family enterprise, started by his father years ago. It was during this period 50s and 60s, that Comcast Group began massive expansions into other countries including Ethiopia, Nigeria, Congo, India, and Zambia among others. Chandaria at this time, controlled business affairs in Uganda and Congo.
VENTURES AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Manu Chandaria besides being the Chairman of Comcraft Group, Chairman of Bank of India Advisory Committee in Nairobi, and has extensive business interests spanning many aspects of the Kenyan economy, and many other countries.
Under his leadership, Comcraft has grown to become a conglomerate with a workforce of over 30,000 people, in 50 countries, and on 3 different continents. It is the largest steel and aluminum products manufacturer in Africa. In 2011, Comcraft Group was valued to be worth over US$2.5billion.
LIFE & BUSINESS PHILOSOPHIES
Chandaria is a devotee of Jain or Jainism – a religion of self-help that believes that there are no gods or spiritual beings that will help human beings. It advocates for three guiding principles also known as the ‘three jewels, which are: right belief, right knowledge, and right conduct. The supreme principle of Jain living is non-violence, or (ahimsa).
The philosophy of Jain belief is evident in shaping Chandaria’s life philosophies. In an interview, he granted to Caroline Okello titled: Lessons I Have Learnt in My 90 Years; (Sunday Magazine; April 21st, 2019). Manu Chandaria gave philosophical nuggets for success in business and personal life, which can be referred to as ‘Chandaria’s 12 Philosophies’ (For Success in Life and Business)
PHILOSOPHY #1:
Business Isn’t Easy. If You Don’t Have Grit, Don’t Go In. According to Chandaria, “Failure is the basis for the growth of human beings. But if you fall, you must come up twice determined to face it and get out of it.” He further explains that “It takes stamina, honesty, and hard work to run a business.” According to this philosophy, “In every aspect of life, you will encounter difficulties and if you give up, you move back. If you do nothing, nothing happens. Simple as that.” He said.
PHILOSOPHY #2:
Children Can’t Be What They Can’t See. Chandaria advised that “It is important to teach your children integrity, honesty, and hard work, and you can effectively do so by being an example, even in the instances you think don’t make a difference.” He addressed this principle with an illustrated story. “When someone you don’t want to see shows up at your door and you tell your child, “Go and tell him I’m not in”, and at the same time you’re telling them how it’s important, to be honest, they will likely do as you do, not as you say.” He advised, “Start them early and be a good role model.” He emphasized.
PHILOSOPHY #3:
Death Is A Fact Of Life: This philosophy explains that “One who is born will die, you just don’t know when. The best way to prepare for it is by always making sure to do your best in everything that you embark on, and using your influence and resources positively. That way if nothing else, you have left some positivity behind. Always remember that you will go. Your loved ones too.
Could be later today. Or tomorrow.”
PHILOSOPHY #4:
Money Is Good or Bad Depending On How You Use It: Chandaria believes that “Money always multiples if you invest it well. The opposite is true. Just that simple. Don’t spend beyond your means.” He also counseled. “Money used to help others is not evil. In fact, it is a basic need”.
PHILOSOPHY #5:
Who’s Life Have You Helped Lately? Chandaria believes that “Life is about doing well and helping others.” Taking a swipe at Kenyan politicians, he says, “About 60% of our children go to sleep with one meal a day. Can’t they see that? Can’t they see the slums? I think the worst part is that we are indifferent to our people; people are dying, we don’t care…” He stated.
PHILOSOPHY #6:
Kindness To Your Spouse Is Integral: In his own words, Chandaria who’s been married for over 65 years believes that “For a marriage to last that long, you need to have common goals, respect each other, have patience and accept the other’s shortcomings.’
PHILOSOPHY #7:
“Little Things Keep A Marriage Alive”. He infers that little things are big things within the marriage. According to him, “The biggest thing I give her (his wife,) is appreciation and taking interest in her activities.” He said.
PHILOSOPHY #8:
You Learn The Game While In The Game. This lesson is instructive and beneficial, both in business and in life. Chandaria believes that ‘Life teaches you a lot, but you can only learn if you’re willing to. You can’t just stand by the sidelines and hope you will learn enough, by observing so that you can take the plunge. You will waste valuable time. Don’t wait. Just act now.” That is his advice.
PHILOSOPHY #9:
Grudges Only Hurt You: Chandaria says that he lives on the principle of “forgive and forget, to always keep my mind and heart clear.”
PHILOSOPHY #10:
There Is Great Opportunity in Trying to Solve Problems around You; ‘Look beyond the words “I” and “me” and think about what you can do for others.” He counsels. “Leadership”, Chadaria said, “is not just something you learn in school.” He believes that “You must first want to serve, have patience, listen to all the voices, understand them and find a common solution.”
PHILOSOPHY #11:
Stick To Your Values. Always:
Chandaria, who is a practicing vegetarian says that he “Lives a simple life.” His being a vegetarian according to him, is because he believes all animals deserve to live. “I believe in truth and in holding the hands of others. I believe in humility and always being honest.” He said. The billionaire industrialist and business conglomerate firmly believe that “You don’t need money to help others. There’s a lot you can give — time, or a lesson, to help eradicate someone’s helplessness.” He explains that “Before making a decision, I consider if it is good for everybody. Will it be beneficial to me and others, and will it bring goodwill?”
PHILOSOPHY #12:
You Are Only Happy If You Make Others Happy: This philosophy, is probably one of the key anchors of his philanthropic and humanitarian activities. Chandaria has the firm conviction that “To be happy is not just to have everything. Happiness for me is being available to others for their happiness.”
African multi-billionaire of Indian descent, Manu Chandaria, hopes that his life and philosophies will inspire the younger generation of Africans. His future dream is of a borderless Africa, where goods move freely from country to country as he believes this will help Africans achieve their full potential
