After passing out of Apeejay School, Faridabad in Sector 15, this alumnus did his Chemical Engineering from REC Jaipur which is now National Institute of Technology, Jaipur. He then went on to work with Infosys for a year. Subsequently, he joined MDI Gurgaon, did his MBA specialising in marketing, and became the Area Sales Manager for Delhi-NCR. Later, he joined his family business of manufacturing construction chemicals. Meet Mrinal Prasad.
“We have three manufacturing units in India and supply to major infrastructure projects across the country. We are one of the largest suppliers of construction chemicals in the country, involved in projects like the Delhi Metro, national highways, and hydroelectric power projects,” he tells you.
In an impromptu conversation, this entrepreneur (Kunal Conchem Pvt Ltd) talks about his school days among other things.
Can you explain what construction chemicals are?
Construction chemicals include a range of chemicals used in construction. We specialise in admixtures, specifically superplasticizers, which are used wherever concrete is used. These chemicals help reduce the cement content in concrete while achieving the desired strength. This reduction in cement usage not only saves costs but also helps the environment by reducing CO2 emissions. Our chemicals are used in various infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and ports. We take pride in supplying major infrastructure players in India like L&T, Shapoorji Pallonji, and Afcons. We also produce waterproofing products used to waterproof buildings, including terraces and bathrooms.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My typical day involves a lot of traveling across the country, visiting our three manufacturing units located in Faridabad, Gujarat (Vapi), and Kolkata. When I’m not traveling, I work from my office and visit the factories two or three times a week. My day also includes constant communication with our area sales managers and technical teams across major cities, interacting with clients, and handling various business operations such as taxation, legal issues, and environmental concerns.
Can you share some memories from your school days at APJ?
My school experience was wonderful and contributed significantly to my overall development. The school provided a holistic education, emphasising academics, extracurricular activities, and sports. I was part of various sports teams and participated in dramatics, arts, and cultural activities. The school actively participated in district events and competitions, providing us with ample exposure. The supportive environment and the strong bond with teachers were crucial in shaping my personality and skills.
Did you join APJ from the nursery?
Yes, I this school from the nursery and studied there throughout my school life; I spent 14 years here. An interesting anecdote is that I scored 100 per cent in Science in class X, and during that time, an upcoming popular school was actively recruiting bright students from other schools. However, my association with Apeejay and its teachers was so strong that I rejected their scholarship offer and continued to study here.
What skills learnt in school have been useful in your job and business?
It is difficult to pinpoint specific skills, but the overall development at school has been invaluable. Personality development, confidence in public speaking, leadership skills from sports, and teamwork have all played a significant role. The love and support from teachers, along with the holistic education, have greatly influenced my professional life.
For example, speaking in the assembly, a chance that we got in rotation, helped to overcome stage fright and gave the confidence in public speaking when we entered college and professional life. Playing sports taught me leadership skills and how to be a team player.
How were the teachers here?
They were amazing. We had so much respect for them. Even today, whenever we see our teacher we touch their feet as a mark of respect. This was the kind of bonding and feelings that we had for them.
Message for present Apeejayites.
Like I tell my kids, it is important to make the most of what you have in hand. Take benefit of the exposure that you get in school – be it sports, dramatics, or any other activity. You may not be good at all but try everything and choose where your niche lies. School days are when you can experiment. The diverse opportunities that you get in school will never be available later as you will have to specialise in a particular field.
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