Zero to Zenith

Kurian John's helplessness in the face of his father's sudden death due to cardiac arrest spurred him on to help those without access to proper medical care, leading to the establishment of the Melam Foundation in 1986. As the number of poor patients who approached him increased, he dealt with the issue of fundraising by creating his own source of income, which resulted in the institution of the Melam Group of Companies in 1992.

Though Kurian John's spices and curry-powder business began with zero capital-a classic yet unique and innovative example of bootstrapping-it enjoyed spectacular growth and rose to become the largest exporting spice brand in India.

In Zero to Zenith, Kurian John retraces his entrepreneurial journey, detailing how the Melam Foundation has helped innumerable poor patients through a strong network of over 1000 hospitals, and elucidates on the lessons that life taught him and the various business skills he picked up along the way. This heartwarming account of a man with a clear vision-as a businessman and a philanthropist-and a business venture with a difference is sure to instruct and inspire.

Kurian John Melamparambil was born on 14 May 1954, the second son of Leelamma and the late M.V. John Melamparambil, a traditional business family of Thiruvalla in central Kerala, India.

He studied at M.G.M. High School, Thiruvalla, and after schooling, joined the pre-degree course in Mar Thoma College, Thiruvalla (1970-72). He completed his graduation and obtained an arts degree from Mar Ivanios College, Trivandrum (1972-75), majoring in economics. He then moved to the Indore School of Social Work in Madhya Pradesh and obtained his postgraduate degree in social work in 1978. After that, he joined as an executive at Malayala Manorama, a Malayalam daily.

The sudden demise of Kurian John's father, who passed away due to lack of proper treatment, made him commence the Melam Group of Companies to raise funds to help poor and needy patients through the Melam Foundation (MVJM Charities).

Kurian John has received numerous awards, including the Outstanding Entrepreneur Award and a Padma Shri in the field of social work from the Government of India.

For more details, please visit www.melamfoundation.org. The author can be contacted at kurianjohn@melamcharities.org.

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