Success Story: From Making Ink to Weapons, Satyanarayan Nuwal Earns Padma Shri Recognition

Nagpur: The government has announced the conferment of the Padma Shri to Satyanarayan Nandlal Nuwal, Chairman of Solar Industries, in recognition of his extraordinary journey from making ink to manufacturing defense-grade weapons. Hailing from a small village in Rajasthan, Nuwal built a multi-billion-dollar empire despite facing tremendous hardships. His achievement is being hailed as a boost to India’s self-reliance.

Education Limited to Class 10
Born in a small Rajasthani village, Nuwal’s early life mirrored the struggles of millions of underprivileged Indian families. Financial constraints meant he could study only up to the 10th grade. Family responsibilities fell on his shoulders early, and he married at the age of 19. Circumstances became so challenging that he had to leave home.

Journey to Chandrapur
In search of work, Nuwal moved to Chandrapur, Maharashtra, where a relative helped him find a job. Life started stabilizing, but his goals were still distant. During this period, he met Abdul Sattar Allabhai, a licensed explosives and ammunition depot owner, whose mentorship would change the course of Nuwal’s life.

Starting from Scratch
Nuwal rented the depot for ₹1,000 a month—a substantial amount at the time. When he delayed rent, Sattar reassured him, saying, “Pay once every three months; I trust you.” Nuwal proved his mentor right, gradually securing orders from coal mines and expanding his operations.

Turning Point
Small transactions soon grew into major deals. Initially handling shipments, he became a consignment agent and gradually made a name in the explosives industry by 1980. In 1995, he secured a bank loan of ₹60 lakh to establish Solar Industries. With licenses, projects, and increasing production, the company took off.

A Multi-Billion Dollar Empire
The company was listed on the stock market in 2006. By 2010, Solar became the first private Indian company licensed to supply explosives to the Indian Army. Today, the company operates in nearly 100 countries, serving sectors from defense to mining, and producing everything from explosives to ammunition. Nuwal’s wealth is measured in billions, and in 2022, he featured in Forbes’ list of billionaires.

Life Lessons Beyond Education
Despite limited formal education, Nuwal gained his greatest lessons from experience: patience, perseverance, trust, seizing opportunities, and timing. His name is now celebrated not just for his wealth but also for his contributions and achievements.

A Moment of Inspiration
Speaking to Maharashtra Times, Nuwal said, “While working in the defense sector, I never imagined receiving the Padma Shri. This recognition from the central government motivates me to work even harder and will give new momentum to the concept of a self-reliant India.”