As one of the seven children born in a Patna-based family of limited
means, I had a hard time growing up. So, in 1971, while pursuing a
degree in political science, I picked a part-time job as a trainee
reporter at a publication called Searchlight, in an attempt to
supplement the family income. As part of my job, I had to cover the
Indo-Pak conflict, and in the process, stayed with the Bihar Regiment at
a border post. This is where I made friends with the army personnel,
who helped breathe life into my entrepreneurial venture—Security and
Intelligence Services (SIS)—two years on.
Before this, I had to complete my graduation and file stories as a full-time reporter with Searchlight. In 1973, deeply influenced by Jayprakash Narayan and his political activism, I openly advocated his ideas. As a result, I got into trouble with the company management and was asked to resign. As part of the severance package, I was given two months' salary, which came to around Rs 250. I had no idea what to do, but then a friend, who was in the construction business, informed me that he was looking for former armymen to guard his project site. When I told him that I knew some soldiers who would be able to help, he suggested that I form a company and handle all such work for him.
Recognising the potential of the idea, I leased a small garage in Patna with my severance pay and set up SIS in February 1974 when I was 23 years old. The next step was to scout for manpower. I met my contacts in the Bihar Regiment and took the details of retired personnel. I got in touch with them and convinced them to join my venture.
In those days, private security agencies were unheard of, and since these people were idle after retirement, they agreed to work with me. I employed 14 ex-army men as private security guards and met my friend's requirement, for which he paid me nearly Rs 400 per person, per month.
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Before this, I had to complete my graduation and file stories as a full-time reporter with Searchlight. In 1973, deeply influenced by Jayprakash Narayan and his political activism, I openly advocated his ideas. As a result, I got into trouble with the company management and was asked to resign. As part of the severance package, I was given two months' salary, which came to around Rs 250. I had no idea what to do, but then a friend, who was in the construction business, informed me that he was looking for former armymen to guard his project site. When I told him that I knew some soldiers who would be able to help, he suggested that I form a company and handle all such work for him.
Recognising the potential of the idea, I leased a small garage in Patna with my severance pay and set up SIS in February 1974 when I was 23 years old. The next step was to scout for manpower. I met my contacts in the Bihar Regiment and took the details of retired personnel. I got in touch with them and convinced them to join my venture.
In those days, private security agencies were unheard of, and since these people were idle after retirement, they agreed to work with me. I employed 14 ex-army men as private security guards and met my friend's requirement, for which he paid me nearly Rs 400 per person, per month.
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