In India’s competitive manufacturing sector, where the drive for output and financial results often takes precedence, Ronak Chiripal, a key figure in the $1.3 billion Chiripal Group, is forging a different path. He is cultivating a legacy that seamlessly integrates robust business performance with a profound commitment to his workforce and environmental stewardship.
As a second-generation entrepreneur with advanced business studies from Syracuse University in New York, Chiripal returned to India with a distinct vision for the family enterprise. This led to the establishment of Nandan Terry Ltd. in 2016, marking the group’s entry into the specialised terry towel market. In a relatively short period, Nandan Terry has ascended to become a leading manufacturer in India, supplying its products to international markets including the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, the Middle East, and Australia.
Beyond the company’s impressive growth trajectory, Chiripal’s leadership is fundamentally guided by a belief that enduring success is rooted in its people.
Nandan Terry has also introduced a premium domestic brand, Casa Lino, focusing on high-quality, absorbent towels produced with advanced techniques and materials. The brand is now expanding its offerings within the home linen category, aiming to bring a sense of luxury and comfort to Indian consumers’ daily lives.
A notable aspect of Chiripal’s approach is the emphasis on a progressive workplace culture. Recognising the evolving expectations of modern employees regarding work-life balance and overall well-being, Nandan Terry has implemented several forward-thinking policies. These include the introduction of two additional fixed holidays per month, moving away from a traditional six-day work structure to provide employees with increased personal time. The company’s leave policies have also been enhanced, featuring improved provisions for new mothers and the formal introduction of paternity leave, a progressive step particularly within the manufacturing landscape.
Furthermore, acknowledging the pressures inherent in high-performance environments, Chiripal has championed mental health support, promoting emotional resilience and self-care as integral components of professional development. His leadership philosophy encourages smarter work methodologies focused on output rather than merely physical presence.
The culture within the Chiripal Group is characterised by a strong sense of community and shared celebration. Regular events such as blood donation drives, sports competitions, foundation day festivities, and community service initiatives like food distribution foster a sense of belonging among employees, transforming them into advocates for the organisation. These activities, ranging from observing International Women’s Day to shared viewings of sporting events, contribute to a close-knit workplace environment.
Extending his people-centric vision beyond the immediate workforce, Ronak Chiripal, through the Chiripal Foundation, is actively involved in empowering rural women. A vocational training centre near the Bareja plant has provided skill development in garment stitching and machine operation to over 3,000 women from surrounding villages, facilitating their financial independence and self-reliance. Additionally, initiatives in collaboration with financial educators are equipping employees with essential financial literacy skills to manage their futures effectively.
Environmental responsibility is another cornerstone of Chiripal’s vision. He is a driving force behind the “Chiripal Mirchi Green Yodha” campaign, a significant tree plantation effort that has already seen over 150,000 trees planted towards a goal of one million within five years. This initiative actively involves employees across all levels, making environmental sustainability a collective endeavour. The group also focuses on water recycling and other sustainable practices within its operations.
Further demonstrating a commitment to community and well-being, the Chiripal Foundation launched a Cricket Premier League in 2024, providing a platform for local talent while promoting health, enthusiasm, and teamwork within the organisation.
Integrity is a core value underpinning Chiripal’s leadership. He has reinforced systems to ensure transparency, rigorous audits, and strict compliance, aiming for the Chiripal Group’s growth to be not only rapid but also conducted ethically and accountably.
At 35, Ronak Chiripal is significantly influencing the operational ethos of businesses in India. His efforts have garnered recognition, including being named in Fortune India’s 40 Under 40 and receiving awards for export performance and as a leading towel supplier. However, his lasting impact is likely to be measured by the inclusive and sustainable culture he is fostering. As India continues its industrial evolution, leaders like Ronak Chiripal are demonstrating that prioritising purpose and people alongside performance is fundamental to building lasting and meaningful success.
