“DREAM big, and donotbe afraid of failure. That belief has guided me in everything I have undertaken,” says Narendra Jichkarbusinessman, social worker and a familiar political face in the city - during a candid conversation on The People’s Mic with Dheeraj Fartode, Chief Reporter, The Hitavada. An engineering graduate who began his career as a lecturer, Jichkar admits his heart was never fully in academics. “I have always believed in standing on my own feet- creating something that not only sustainsmebutalsogenerates employment,” he says. And so he forayed and dabbled into multiple businesses like trading, transportation, government contracts before finally zeroing in on real estate and Food & Beverage sector. While he always nurtured a desire to step into politics, as he had a political legacy to follow,hechosetostepintoactive politics only after establishing a firm footholdinthebusiness world. Having had no formal business background, by trail and experimentation, Narendra Jichkar, carved a nicheforhimselfthroughsheer grit and determination.

 

His association with the Congress party has been long andcommitted.Knownforhis affable nature and organisational skills, he worked extensively to strengthen the party at the grassroots. However, a suspension- “for reasons beyond my control,” he maintains - altered his trajectory. Choosing principle over convenience, he contested elections as an independent candidate. “I may have lost the election, but I was not defeated,” he says with a quiet conviction.“IstillbelieveintheideologyoftheCongressandhope to be recognised as a sincere worker.” “Politics is not my profession,” he asserts. “Even when other parties approached me, I refused to join them. I am a committed Congressman”. Critical of what he terms the growing commercialisation of politics, he places himself as someone who values ideology over opportunism. “I take great pride in having enrolled over 23,000 digital members for the party - a recordyetunbroken.AndIcontinue toorganise programmes aligned with the principles of the Congress party, even thoughI am notformallyassociated at present with it,” he states. Jichkaris equally enthusiastic when he speaks about his business ventures. His real estate venture,AnjaniExotica, a 330-flat township with nearly90percentend-users,isnearingcompletionaheadofschedule.Hishospitalityventure,July 7, is poised for expansion into anationalchain,whilehisfinedining restaurant in Pune is already garnering attention. Amonghismoredistinctiveinitiatives is a road repair technology imported from New Zealand, aimed at addressing cracks and patchwork issues, now adopted across several states. “At the heart of all my ventures is a desire to generate employment,”hesays.“Mysole objective is not profit alone.

 

Empowering youth through meaningful livelihood opportunities remains central to my vision,” he avers. While acknowledging the inherentrisksofthe real estate business,heisofthefirmbelief that credibility of the builder isparamountinamarketwhere consumers are increasingly informed.OnregulatoryframeworkslikeRERA,heisunequivocal,“It benefits theconsumer and ensures discipline within the sector”. Speaking about Nagpur’s growth, Jichkar highlights the city’sstructureddevelopment. “Nagpur is a planned city. Infrastructure came first-the ringroads,thelayout-andthen investment followed. If you look at cities like Pune and Bengaluru, it’s the other way round.” HebelievesthatNagpur’sreal estate sector is poised for significant growth as he talks about the various upcoming projects including the many 5 star hotels that will soon dot the city’s skyline. His deep engagement with the community is reflected by his social initiatives. From organising free health camps and surgeries to employment fairs and sports support, his efforts span multiple sectors. One initiative he recalls with prideisadoptingahockeyteam from Vasantrao Naik Zopadpatti- providing coaching, equipment and mentorship - which has now seen one of its players make it to the national squad.

 

“Political power can amplify good work,” he observes, whileunderscoringthathehas never compromised on his ethics to achieve success. Asked to choose between businessandpolitics,hesmiles, “I believe I can do justice to both.” For more insights into his journey,strategyandvisionfor the future, watch the full conversation on The Hitavada's YouTube channel, @TheHitavada1911. ■