Humble beginning from one single truck: Vijay Sankeshwar’s Journey of Entrepreneurial Spirit and Vision
Only when someone is determined about doing something and puts tremendous effort towards their goal can they succeed. The success of Vijay Sankeshwar, also referred to as the "trucking king of India," is proof positive that perseverance and hard work are always worthwhile. Vijay's strong work ethic, independent thinking, and unwavering determination have brought him this far that from a single truck he purchased with a loan, he is now the proud owner of about 5700 vehicles. Vijay Sankeshwar owns the largest logistics company in India, VRL Group.
The millionaire businessman also owns India's largest fleet of commercial vehicles. He has launched the leading newspaper in Kannada, Vijaya Vani. In addition, he has been awarded the Padma Shri by the government of India for his contribution to trade and commerce.
Early life of Vijay Sankeshwar Vijay Sankeshwar was born in Karnataka. He holds a degree in commerce. Vijay's father owned a printing press and encouraged him to follow in his footsteps, but he had no interest in the family business. Vijay desired to launch his own company in the transportation industry. Journey from one truck to the owner of India's biggest fleet of commercial vehicles A Father's worry about his teenage son's decision to plunge into an unknown business terrain proved wrong.Little did Dr. Vijay Sankeshwar's father realise that his 19-year-old son's entry into the transport business would make him an industry tycoon someday. Sankeshwar, who started with a single truck in 1976 by launching Vijay Transport, is now the CMD of VRL Logistics Limited, a Rs. 1,800 crore listed company.
From this humble beginning VRL has today grown into a nationally renowned logistics and transport company which is also currently the largest fleet owner of commercial vehicles in India with a fleet of 4866 Vehicles (Including 291 Passenger Transport Vehicles & 4575 Goods Transport Vehicles amongst others).
VRL finds mention in the Limca Book of Record as the largest fleet owner of commercial vehicles in india in the Private Sector. Mr. Vijay Sankeshwar has now been joined by his son Mr. Anand Sankeshwar who brings in newer strategies to further drive the growth of the Company. With more than 15,000 employees, the VRL Group is into transportation, courier service, publishing, wind mills and air chartering business. From a turnover of Rs. 2 lakh in 1976, Sankeshwar has built a conglomerate that includes VRL Media Limited, a Rs. 300 crore publishing house. It is hard to believe that this unassuming man from Gadag in North Karnataka had the fire in him as a teenager to step out from the comfort zone of family business to attempt something different.
In 1976, he started Vijay Transport with a single truck, investing Rs. 1.20 lakh on the truck with borrowed money. operate through a network of 875 Branch and franchisees to cater our valuable customers and we are now in the process of expanding our services to reach even the remotest locations of the Country.
Vijay Sankeshwar defied his parents' wishes and entered the transportation industry. It was futile to expect financial assistance from the family because Vijay started the logistics company against their wishes. For Vijay, the transportation business was really challenging at the moment. In 1976, he launched a transportation company with a truck bought with borrowed money of Rs 2 lakhs. Vijay first experienced significant losses in business.
However, he didn't waver in his resolve to be successful in this industry. He had to work day and night in order to turn his dream of becoming a prosperous businessman into reality. For Vijay, the transition from one truck to over five thousand trucks was never easy. Despite having numerous financial obstacles, he never gave up. Every time Vijay overcame an obstacle, he emerged stronger than before to move on to his next endeavor. Vijay started the logistic business with the name Vijayanand Travels which later got changed to VRL Logistics.
The business kicked off and from just one truck Vijay now became the owner of about 5700 vehicles. In 2012, Vijay launched Vijaya Vani, which rose to prominence as Kannada's leading newspaper. The Kannada-language biographical film Vijayanand, which is based on his life, was released in 2022. If Vijay Sankeshwar's life so far is any evidence, his journey is far from over.
Vijay Sankeshwar's name will forever be etched as a symbol of innovation, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. His journey serves as a beacon of hope for those who dare to dream and aspire to carve their own path in the world of business and beyond.
very inspiring story
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