In the 78th episode of Jam With Sam, host Sampath Iyengar welcomes Alfred Arambhan, the founder and group head of The Arambhan Group, a diversified business empire spanning shipping, real estate, investment banking, innovation consulting, and more. In this riveting conversation, Alfred shares his entrepreneurial journey, lessons from his early days, and his vision for building ethical, forward-looking businesses.
Growing Up in Mumbai and the Spirit of Adaptability
Alfred Arambhan’s roots lie in the vibrant city of Mumbai, where he grew up in Mahim and later Bandra. He credits his schooling at St. Anthony de Silva for shaping his street-smart attitude and resilience. Despite humble beginnings, Alfred was exposed to diverse perspectives, which later fueled his ambition to succeed.
His education continued at St. Xavier’s College, where he became the youngest lecturer, igniting a lifelong passion for teaching. Despite his affinity for education, Alfred’s restless curiosity and love for efficiency led him to explore diverse industries.
Accidental Beginnings and Entrepreneurial Spirit
Alfred’s foray into business was unplanned. Initially pursuing a career in electronics, he found himself managing a catering company by accident. What began as an assignment to shut down a struggling catering business evolved into a thriving venture, marking the start of Alfred’s entrepreneurial journey.
He attributes his success to his knack for identifying inefficiencies and turning challenges into opportunities. This mindset allowed him to diversify into other sectors, including shipping, logistics, and real estate, all while maintaining his focus on ethical business practices.
The Arambhan Group: A Story of Diversification
Today, The Arambhan Group is a powerhouse with interests in:
- Shipping and Logistics: As the exclusive shipping agent for Reliance Industries since 1989, the group handles India’s largest liquid bulk cargo operations. They also manage logistics for global giants like Amazon and DHL.
- Real Estate: Alfred spearheaded a 150-acre township project in Mysore, backed by foreign direct investment. The township is one of the first in the region to feature underground fibre-optic networks, setting new benchmarks in urban development.
- Innovation Consulting: Through SIT Israel, The Arambhan Group teaches companies like the Tata Group and Marico to innovate on demand, helping them stay competitive in an ever-evolving market.
- Investment Banking: The group has facilitated multi-million-dollar transactions, including raising $50 million for ICICI Ventures and managing mergers and acquisitions for the Aditya Birla Group.
- Homeland Security: Alfred has collaborated on high-stakes projects like safeguarding the Bombay Stock Exchange and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, leveraging cutting-edge technologies from Israel.
The Philosophy of Empowerment and Efficiency
Alfred’s personal philosophy is encapsulated in his company’s tagline: “Ethically Forward.” He emphasizes the importance of honesty, integrity, and values in business, even during challenging times.
He also champions innovation, encouraging entrepreneurs to think creatively and solve problems with efficiency. Through his collaboration with SIT Israel, Alfred has pioneered initiatives in agriculture, fintech, and smart cities, blending innovation with practical applications.
Giving Back: Charity and Community Impact
Alfred’s commitment to social causes is evident in his work with the Kiwanis Club, which focuses on children’s welfare, and the Indian Documentary Foundation, which brings global filmmakers to India. His notable contributions include reopening the river route between India and Bangladesh and supporting programs like iodized salt initiatives, which have saved millions of lives worldwide.
About Alfred Arambhan:
Alfred Arambhan is the founder of The Arambhan Group, a conglomerate with interests in shipping, real estate, investment banking, and innovation consulting. Known for his integrity and entrepreneurial spirit, Alfred empowers people and businesses to excel. He is also a passionate philanthropist, committed to improving lives through education, healthcare, and community development.