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Rajinder Gupta was born on January 2, 1959, in Bhatinda, Punjab. He came from a modest background—his father was a small-time cotton trader. From an early age, Gupta was exposed to financial hardships, which would later fuel his hunger for success.
Due to financial constraints, Gupta had to leave school in Class 9. At just 14 years old, he began working odd jobs to support his family. He made cement pipes, candles, and more—earning just Rs 30 a day.
In 1985, despite having no formal business training or wealth, Gupta took a massive risk. He invested Rs 6.5 crore into a fertiliser venture named Abhishek Industries. This bold step marked the start of his entrepreneurial journey.
By 1991, Gupta had expanded into textiles by launching Katai Mill as a joint venture. His business diversified into textiles, paper, and chemicals—eventually evolving into the Trident Group, one of North India’s leading industrial powerhouses.
Under his leadership, Trident became a global name in home textiles and paper. The company now supplies towels, bedsheets, and paper products to international giants like Walmart, JCPenney, and Luxury and Linen.
As per the Hurun India Rich List 2024, Rajinder Gupta is the richest man in Ludhiana, with a net worth of Rs 11,666 crore (approx. USD 1.6 billion). He is also one of only two billionaires from the city.
In 2007, Gupta was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India for his contribution to trade and industry. In 2022, he stepped down from Trident’s Board but continues to serve as its Chairman.
Rajinder Gupta’s story is one of true grit and determination. From earning Rs 30 a day as a teenager to building a billion-dollar empire, his journey is a powerful reminder that no dream is too big if you dare to chase it.
(Images group: @Rajinder_Gupta/X, TridentGroupGLB/X)
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