The initial weeks at the helm of his family's jewellery enterprise were a test of patience for Ramesh Narang. Taking charge in 1987, he encountered a workplace divided between seasoned but unstructured veterans and a raw, untrained new team. The 60-year-old Director of Delhi-based Hazoorilal Legacy describes this challenging phase as trying to bridge two distinct eras simultaneously.
Stepping into a Legacy: Blending Old Wisdom with New Vision
Ramesh Narang was destined to lead the business, having spent his youth observing his father's singular management. His early immersion gave him a deep appreciation for the craft, but also revealed a critical gap: the operation was rich in tradition but lacked formal structure. Armed with an MBA and formal Gemology education, Narang embarked on a mission to modernise the legacy without discarding its soul.
"I entered a domain my father had perfected," Narang explains. "My contribution was a fresh perspective—grounded in gemological science and a passion for art. This fusion of time-honoured trade secrets and academic precision became the bedrock for our renewed vision."
The Pillars of Guidance: Mentors Who Shaped a Leader
Narang attributes his professional ethos to three pivotal mentors. His mother taught him humility and spirituality, while his father imparted both trade knowledge and a strong moral framework. His gemology instructor, AK Jain, instilled the discipline and ethical rigour essential to the craft. Narang views mentorship as a transformative process, believing colleagues absorb and mirror the values of their guide.
This philosophy extends to his own role as a mentor. He sees his team as receptive learners, reflecting the wisdom and principles shared with them, a belief that shapes his leadership style at Hazoorilal Legacy.
Daily Routines and Principles for Success
Narang's days begin with meditation and prayer, creating a calm foundation that gradually builds into dynamic work energy. His core productivity principles are straightforward yet powerful: hard work, sharp focus, discipline, and strict adherence to deadlines. He emphasises the critical importance of following standard operating procedures to ensure consistency and quality.
An unexpected positive routine emerged during the pandemic. The slowdown allowed his entire family to convene daily, turning their home into a strategic war room to critically analyse business operations, identify weaknesses, and devise robust plans for the future.
Unwinding with Wisdom and Melody
For intellectual and spiritual growth, Narang turns to a diverse library. He finds unique solutions and insights in the sacred texts of various world religions. Complementing this, he reads management books to spark innovative ideas and strategies. To unwind, he immerses himself in music, finding peace across genres—from classic Bollywood tunes and soulful ghazals to energetic pop and trance.
Ramesh Narang's journey exemplifies how respecting heritage while embracing structured change can propel a family business into a new era, guided by timeless values and a clear, educated vision.
