Kalanikethan

About Kalanikethan

The year was 1942 and a summer night in the village of Savarkundla, Gujarat when the Parekh household was preparing to go to bed. Suddenly the stillness was shattered by an authoritative knock. It was the police. They were looking again for Jayantibhai, the rebellious son of the house. The boy was being hunted down for his vigorous participation in the Quit India Movement. This time old Vachhraj, Jayantibhai’s father, was fed up. So that night when the boy sneaked home, he was given a sound thrashing and unceremoniously packed off to Mumbai.

Alone in the swarming metropolis, Jayantibhai found employment as a sales boy in a saree shop called Kala Niketan. Those initial nights were spent on the footpath. Dreaming of owning an enterprise that would have people from all over the world (including the British), flocking for his wares.

Armed with all his fancy dreaming, the young man worked relentlessly. Learning everything he could about skills and sarees. Knowing them; loving them; he understood fashion. He interacted with weavers and craftsmen. And he built lifelong relationships with customers.

The sight of Jayantibhai cycling at noon, while delivering important consignments, became increasingly familiar. The year was 1951. And within the cramped 200 sq. ft confines of Kala Niketan, a dream was becoming real. His popularity soared to such levels that he was soon made manager of Kala Niketan. And finally, in partnership with Narandas Nathwani, he became the owner.

Life now became one big trip for Jayantibhai. He graduated from his bicycle to endless train journeys, painful bullock cart sojourns and bumpy camel rides as he repeatedly crisscrossed Gujarat, Banaras, Andhra Pradesh, Paithan and other places to coax weavers to create special editions and reviving near extinct design styles.

Jayantibhai had an eye for quality and design and spurred the weavers to create fabulous sarees. Soon enough these gifted artisans began to create masterpieces especially for Jayantibhai. He then started designing made to order prints for astute customers.

His expertise in easily understanding fabric began to take on legendary proportions. Whatever he selected turned in to a market trend.

“Anything that Jayantibhai touches just turns to gold” became a popular saying among trade circles.

This shy, humble man from Saurashtra realized that his growing stature was propelling an entire industry, and yet his first love remained his customers.

His dedication and level of service was legendary. He knew all his customers by their first names. This created a warm rapport between them, and there began a lifelong and loyal relation.

Maharajas, Head of State, Kings and Queens have repeatedly purchased sarees and silks from Jayantibhai’s hands. So have the commoners. He showers all of them with equal affection.

Mother insists on their daughter’s wedding ensembles being chosen by him. Father wants him to cut the first fabric for their babies. Ask Jayantibhai and he will tell you that it is these abiding relationships that provide him soul motivation.

Meanwhile, at one of its Khandani Baithaks (family meeting) the Kala Niketan group felt it was time to conquer fresh territories. Over the years, countless interaction with craftsmen has resulted in a priceless bank of design ideas. The Baithak resolved to put those ideas to work. Thus was born K.N Dyers and Printers Pvt. Ltd. Here, a custom built design studio evolves signature skills called K.N Prints. These are retained both in India and abroad.

Even today the clientele carries the Red bag with the Kala Niketan trade mark logo of Lady with a Lotus with great pride.

So what does Jayantibhai finally feel about his stupendous success and Kala Niketan’s ambitious plans of diversifying into readymade menswear and designwear? When asked he just smiled and said “Each day I thank my father for driving me out of the cozy home into the footpaths of Mumbai.”