From Handcart to National Recognition: The Inspiring Journey of Sunrise Candles
In the picturesque hill station of Mahabaleshwar, where mornings typically awaken with the sweet fragrance of strawberries and the lively chatter of tourists exploring local markets, a remarkable entrepreneurial story has quietly unfolded. Among the bustling street stalls that characterize this popular destination stands Sunrise Candles, a brand now recognized across India for both its quality products and its extraordinary origin story.
A Journey Beginning with Rejection and Resilience
Behind this successful enterprise is Bhavesh Chandubhai Bhatia, a visually impaired entrepreneur whose path to success was paved with significant obstacles. His journey recently captured national attention when industrialist Anand Mahindra shared his story on social media, describing it as more inspiring than many celebrated startup successes. However, long before this recognition arrived, Bhatia's life was defined by profound personal challenges and unwavering determination.
In his early years, Bhatia faced rejection when a rehabilitation center reportedly refused to train him in candle-making due to his visual impairment. Rather than accepting defeat, he embarked on a path of self-learning, experimenting relentlessly with different techniques. Relying on touch, texture, and smell rather than sight, he developed an intimate understanding of candle shapes and designs through tactile exploration.
The Humble Beginnings in Mahabaleshwar
In 1994, with just five kilograms of wax and a single dye, Bhatia began his candle-making venture in Mahabaleshwar. His first storefront wasn't a traditional shop but a simple handcart stationed on local streets. Each day involved long hours of production followed by direct selling to customers—a physically demanding routine that nevertheless provided him with precious independence.
Customers initially saw only a blind man selling candles, but over time they began to recognize and appreciate the exceptional craftsmanship in his products. This gradual shift in perception marked the beginning of his business's transformation from a survival venture to a respected enterprise.
Personal Losses and Transformative Wisdom
Bhatia's journey included significant personal setbacks, including job loss, financial struggles, and the emotional blow of losing his mother, who had been his strongest pillar of support. During this difficult period, he found strength in what he later described as "the best advice I've ever received." In an interview with YourStory, he recalled his mother telling him, "So what if you cannot see the world? Do something so that the world will see you."
These words didn't instantly change his circumstances, but they provided crucial direction and motivation, pushing him toward rebuilding his life rather than surrendering to despair. This philosophy became the foundation upon which he constructed his future success.
Innovation Through Alternative Approaches
What distinguished Bhatia's approach was his innovative adaptation to his circumstances. Unable to visually study competitors' products, he visited malls and premium stores to touch and feel different candle designs, mentally mapping textures and forms to understand market trends. This unique method allowed him to evolve from producing plain candles to creating decorative, scented, and customized creations that appealed to diverse customer preferences.
His wife, Neeta, became an essential partner in this journey, managing logistics, assisting with sales, and supporting business expansion during periods of scarce resources. Together, they transformed what began as a modest experiment into a growing enterprise with increasing market presence.
Building an Inclusive Business Model
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Sunrise Candles is its workforce model, which emphasizes inclusion and empowerment. The company trains and employs thousands of visually impaired individuals, providing not just employment but comprehensive skill development and financial independence opportunities. Many trainees eventually launch ventures of their own, multiplying the positive impact beyond a single organization.
In 2012, Bhatia expanded this mission by founding the Oshonic Vision for the Blind Welfare Society, a non-profit organization focused on empowering people with visual disabilities through vocational training and support services. His business philosophy represents a radical departure from conventional competitive models, emphasizing that success should be shared and that businesses can thrive while creating social value.
National Recognition and Broader Impact
Bhatia's journey reached a wider national audience when Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra shared a video about him on social media platforms. Describing the story as more motivating than "a zillion unicorns," Mahindra expressed admiration for Bhatia's accomplishments while acknowledging he felt embarrassed for discovering this inspiring work only recently.
This endorsement amplified a narrative that had developed quietly outside mainstream startup headlines, serving as a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship in India often thrives far from traditional venture capital hubs and corporate centers. The small handcart operation has evolved into Sunrise Candles, a company that now produces thousands of designs and operates across multiple Indian states, reportedly generating annual revenues worth hundreds of crores.
Beyond Inspiration: Redefining Business Leadership
While often framed as an inspirational story, reducing Bhatia's journey to mere motivation overlooks its deeper significance. His success challenges long-held assumptions about disability, capability, and business leadership. He didn't merely overcome blindness; he fundamentally redesigned how business could function, placing empathy alongside ambition and creating a model where social impact and commercial success coexist harmoniously.
From saving small daily amounts to purchase wax to running a large-scale manufacturing operation, his story reflects a truth rarely highlighted in contemporary startup culture: resilience compounds slowly, often invisibly, before the world finally takes notice. The transformation from street vendor to nationally recognized entrepreneur demonstrates how determination, innovation, and inclusive values can create lasting change.
Today, as Sunrise Candles continues to grow and empower thousands, Bhavesh Bhatia's journey stands as a testament to his mother's enduring wisdom. Though he may not see the world visually, through his work, determination, and the countless lives he has illuminated, the world has certainly learned to see him—and the transformative power of inclusive entrepreneurship.
