Chennai
Devadoss is known for his humbleness, sincerity and a sense of discipline. He is now ably supported in his venture by his son D Pratish, a graduate from Cardiff, as the managing director of the company. Devadoss in a freewheeling chat with DT Next spoke about how he started his career and what he wants to change in the industry.
What is your success mantra?
Hard work, sincerity, discipline, eye for details and straight forwardness are my success mantra. We should think and be positive, leave the negativities in life. Even if you think you know a lot, always believe there is a lot to learn.
How did you begin your career in construction business?
VGN is name of my grandfather. He started his brick manufacturing unit in 1942. Our business was small until his death when I was 12 years old. After I completed pre-university college, I entered the business. Once I stepped into the business it was entirely a new experience for me as I had no prior experience then. I chose few people from my industry as role models and followed some of their good practices. Our brick unit was ranked among the top three in terms of quality, turnover and best selling prices. Later I slowly expanded my business and started selling layouts after which I ventured into construction business by 2000.
Do people still prefer to buy layouts?
People still buy plots as it would fetch them better appreciation value, but if they want space to live immediately, they go in for flats. There are various factors which people take into account before buying property like budget, how far is it from place of work and transportation available around the area. There is a lot of change in the scenario from 1985 to 2016. In 1985 people bought properties based on instincts but now there is lot of awareness. Buyers do a lot of research now and check information available online before making a choice.
What kind of stimulus do you expect from the government to help realty sector?
We want single window clearance from the approving authority. Promoters should get approvals at the earliest, we should not be made to go to different departments to get no-objection certificates (NoC) and then give it to the approving authority. Single window clearance will help promoters a lot. It will bring in healthier competition and bring down the cost of the project.
What is the one thing you wish to change in the construction industry?
Change is required to a certain extent, but too much change is also not good. We have to catch up with latest trends, including technology. There are lot of areas to improve, for example if you go to New York you can see them constructing an entire floor in just five days. Little more technology needs to be brought into the construction industry in India. More machinery should be deployed to balance the cost.
What is your advice to youngsters?
Once you start earning you should think of having your own house then think about cars and other gadgets. It is essential for stability. You have to be pragmatic, practical and save a lot of money, then only you will succeed in life. If you are working for somebody, don’t think that you are working for them but rather think that it is ‘your organisation’ and perform to your fullest potential. You will surely shine.
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