Varanasi’s Young Business Tycoons: The ‘Sanjay Singhanias’ of Banaras

VARANASI – In the heart of the world’s oldest living city, a new wave of enterprise is taking flight. Often referred to as the "Sanjay Singhanias of Banaras," a group of visionary young leaders is redefining the business landscape of Purvanchal. These tycoons are not just inheriting legacies; they are expanding them into global markets, modernizing traditional sectors, and putting Varanasi on the map of India’s economic revolution.
The Faces of Modern Banaras From retail giants to healthcare pioneers, here are the leaders driving Varanasi’s transformation:
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Bhagirath Jalan (JALANS) As the Managing Director of Jalan’s Retail, Bhagirath Jalan has successfully transitioned a family wholesale business into a modern retail powerhouse. An alumnus of Cardiff University, Jalan has been instrumental in the group's massive expansion into supermarkets and hypermarkets, ensuring the brand remains the go-to destination for quality and value.
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Siddharth Gupta (Banaras Beads Ltd.) Leading Banaras Beads Ltd. as Executive Director, Siddharth Gupta represents the pinnacle of specialized export. Having studied Glass Technology in London, he has helped maintain the company’s status as India’s largest exporter of beads and jewelry, supplying major international chains like Michael’s and Walmart.
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Gaurav Jaiswal (Ramada / JHV Mall) A key figure in the city’s hospitality and entertainment sector, Gaurav Jaiswal oversees the iconic JHV Mall and Hotel Ramada. As the Managing Director of the Varanasi Hoteliers Association, he is a central voice in promoting the city as a world-class tourism hub.
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Mohit Kamboj (KBJ Group) Though now a prominent name in Mumbai’s business and political circles, Mohit Kamboj’s roots are firmly planted in Varanasi. Through the KBJ Group, he has made significant strides in bullion, jewelry, and real estate, serving as a bridge between the spiritual capital and the financial capital of India.
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Rajesh Shah (JDS) The name Jagdish Das Shah & Company (JDS) is synonymous with the heritage of Banarasi sarees. Rajesh Shah continues this century-old legacy, blending traditional handloom craftsmanship with modern retail strategies to ensure that the art of Varanasi reaches a global audience.
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Rahul Goenka (Rajendra Toyota / Goenka Greens) Rahul Goenka is driving the automotive revolution in Eastern UP. Managing Rajendra Toyota and Goenka Greens, his group has expanded its footprint across multiple states, bringing world-class automotive services and sustainability initiatives to the region.
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Adil Rai & Dr. Akash Rai (Heritage Hospital) Representing the future of healthcare, Adil and Dr. Akash Rai are at the helm of Heritage Hospital and Medical Institute. Their focus on advanced medical technology and quality patient care has turned the institute into a lifeline for millions in Eastern Uttar Pradesh.
A Legacy of Growth These "Young Tycoons" share a common thread: the ability to respect the deep-rooted traditions of Banaras while embracing the "Ghajini-style" relentless focus and ambition required in the 21st century. Their success stories serve as a blueprint for the next generation of entrepreneurs emerging from the city’s schools and colleges.
Varanasi is no longer just a city of ghats and temples; it is a city of high-speed growth, and these leaders are the ones holding the wheel.
Stay tuned to DALIMSS NEWS for more updates on the people shaping our city
