3. MEET TILAK MEHTA
(MEET TILAK
MEHTA, WHO BECAME AN ENTREPRENEUR AT 13 AND NOW OWNS A RS. 100 CRORE COMPANY)
-SHIBA
Summary
Tilak Mehta is a young and smart boy from Mumbai who
became an entrepreneur at the age of just 13. He proved that age is not a limit
when it comes to big dreams. Tilak had a simple idea that turned into a huge
success.
One day, Tilak needed some books from his home, but his
father had just returned tired from work, and there was no one to bring the
books quickly. That’s when Tilak thought—what if there was a fast and cheap
service to deliver small things like books, documents, or tiffin in a city like
Mumbai? This thought gave birth to his business idea.
With the help of his uncle and father, Tilak started a
company called “Papers N Parcels” in 2018. This company delivers small
parcels within the city on the same day. He made use of Mumbai’s famous dabbawalas—people
who deliver lunch boxes—to deliver these parcels too. It was a smart and unique
idea.
Tilak’s company became a big hit. He used technology and
mobile apps to manage everything. His startup grew quickly and became worth
over Rs. 100 crore. Even though he was just a school student, he managed
his studies and business together with great discipline.
Tilak is now an inspiration for young people across
India. His success shows that if we have a creative idea and the will to work
hard, we can achieve anything at any age. He faced challenges, but he stayed
focused and confident. His journey teaches us to be innovative, brave, and
determined.
COMPREHENSIONS
QUESTIONS
I. Answer the
following questions in a sentence or two
1. What position
does India hold among 51 countries for quality entrepreneurship ecosystem?
Ans:
India holds the 4th position among 51countries for the quality of
its entrepreneurship ecosystem.
2. What is the
name of Tilak Mehta’s Group?
Ans:
The name of Tilak Mehta’s group is Paper n Parcels (PnP)
3. In which city
did Tilak Mehta face the challenge that led to his entrepreneurial journey?
Ans:
Tilak Mehta faced the challenge in Mumbai.
4. At what age did
Tilak Mehta start his entrepreneurial journey?
Ans:
He started his entrepreneurial journey at the age of 13.
5. Which iconic
workforce did Tilak Mehta leverage for his delivery network?
Ans:
He leveraged Mumbai’s Dabbawalas for his delivery network.
6. What is the
estimated value of Paper n Parcels?
Ans:
The estimated value of Paper n Parcels is around ₹100 crore.
7. How many
packages does Paper n Parcels deliver daily?
Ans:
Paper n parcels delivers about 1200 packages daily.
8. How many
direct employees work for Paper n Parcels?
Ans:
More than 200 direct employees work for Paper n Parcels.
9. What inspired
Tilak Mehta to start Paper n Parcels?
Ans:
He was inspired when he couldn’t get his books delivered on time and realized
the need for a quick, same-day delivery service.
10. What
additional venture did Tilak Mehta start at the age of 15?
Ans:
At 15, he started an online platform to help students prepare for exams.
II. Answer the
following questions
1. Discuss the
significance of Tilak Mehta’s entrepreneurial journey in the context of India’s
growing startup ecosystem.
Ans: Tilak Mehta’s story is very important
in showing how India’s startup world is growing fast. He was only 13 years old
when he started his company, Paper n Parcels. This shows that age is not a
limit when someone has a good idea and strong determination. In India, many
young people are now coming forward with smart ideas and are starting their own
businesses. Tilak’s journey encourages these young minds to be confident and
take bold steps.
India is now known as one of the top countries with a
strong startup ecosystem. It supports young entrepreneurs with resources,
funding, and platforms to grow. Tilak used the help of Mumbai’s dabbawalas to
build his delivery service, which was a smart use of an already existing
system. His story proves that even young students can solve real-world problems
and create successful businesses.
Tilak’s journey adds value to India’s image as a land of
innovation. It inspires not just youth, but also parents, schools, and society
to support young entrepreneurs. It shows that with a clear vision, strong
willpower, and support, anyone can turn a simple idea into a big success. His
success is a symbol of how India is changing, where dreams can become reality,
no matter the age.
2. What lessons
can aspire entrepreneurs learn from Tilak Mehta’s story?
Ans: Aspiring entrepreneurs can learn many
valuable lessons from Tilak Mehta’s story. First, they learn that age
doesn’t matter when it comes to starting something new. Tilak was just 13,
but he had the courage and vision to solve a real problem.
One important lesson is to observe problems in daily
life and think of smart solutions. Tilak faced a small problem—he couldn’t
get his books on time—and turned it into a big business idea. This shows that
simple problems can lead to great business opportunities if we think
creatively.
Another lesson is to use what already exists.
Tilak used Mumbai’s famous dabbawalas to deliver parcels. This smart idea saved
money and time and made the business run smoothly. It teaches young
entrepreneurs to think wisely and use resources around them.
Also, Tilak’s story teaches the value of hard work,
focus, and teamwork. He did not build the company alone. He took help from
experts and built a strong team. So, it’s important to believe in teamwork and
ask for help when needed.
Lastly, Tilak shows that education and business can go
together. He didn’t quit studies; instead, he managed both. This inspires
students who want to balance school and business. His story gives hope,
encouragement, and strong life lessons for all young dreamers who want to be
entrepreneurs.
3. Examine the
challenges and strategies in creating a successful startup, as demonstrated by
Paper n Parcels?
Ans: Creating a startup is never easy, and
Tilak Mehta also faced many challenges while building Paper n Parcels. One big
challenge was his age. Being just 13, many people did not take him seriously.
But Tilak did not give up. He believed in his idea and kept working hard to
prove himself.
Another challenge was building a delivery network in a
big city like Mumbai. It needed good planning, trust, and speed. Tilak came up
with a smart strategy—he worked with the dabbawalas, who already had a strong
and trusted delivery system. This helped him build a fast and low-cost network.
He also had to build a team, get funds, and win customer
trust. These are common challenges for any startup. Tilak faced all these by
learning, listening to experts, and improving step by step. He used technology
to track parcels and made sure customers were happy with fast and safe
delivery.
His strategy was simple—solve a real problem, use
local help, keep it cost-friendly, and focus on service quality. These
steps helped Paper n Parcels grow quickly and become successful.
Tilak’s journey teaches us that problems will always
come, but with the right plan, help from others, and strong belief in the idea,
any challenge can be overcome. His story is a great example of how to build a
successful startup, even with limited resources.
Assignment
Topics
1. Create a
Business Plan Inspired by Tilak Mehta’s Vision.
Ans: Inspired by Tilak Mehta’s idea, I would
like to create a business called "QuickSchool Supplies". It
will be a same-day delivery service for school and college students who need
books, stationery, projects, and uniforms on an urgent basis. Sometimes,
students forget important items at home or don’t have time to go to the store.
My service will help them get what they need within a few hours.
Target Customers: Students, parents, and schools in cities.
Delivery Team: Like Tilak used dabbawalas, I will work with local
delivery boys and part-time college students who know the area well.
How It Works: Students or parents can place an order through a simple
app or WhatsApp. Our team will pick up the required item from the nearby store
and deliver it to the school or home on the same day.
Business Model: We will charge a small delivery fee. We can also
partner with bookstores and stationery shops to get discounts and earn
commissions.
Special Features:
- Fast
delivery in 3 hours
- Emergency
delivery for exams or events
- School
tie-ups for regular supply
The goal is to save students’ time and reduce stress.
Like Tilak’s Paper n Parcels, my idea is to solve a small but important problem
in students’ lives. With planning, teamwork, and technology, this can become a
useful and successful business.
2. Role-Playing
Activity: A Day in the Life of Tilak Metha
Ans: Let’s imagine I am Tilak Mehta for a
day.
I wake up early and get ready for school. Before leaving,
I check my phone to see if there are any important messages from my team. On
the way to school, I think about new ways to improve my company, Paper n
Parcels.
After school, I quickly grab a snack and sit with my
team. We discuss the day’s deliveries, any issues, and how to solve them.
Today, one parcel was delayed, so I talk to the delivery boy and help him
understand the importance of time.
In the evening, I meet a group of dabbawalas. They are
the backbone of our delivery network. I thank them for their hard work and
share how much customers trust them.
Next, I join an online call with a new school we want to
partner with. I explain how we can help students receive notes and books the
same day. They seem impressed and agree to try our service.
Before dinner, I help my younger sister with homework.
Then I check some emails and reply to customers who gave feedback. I feel proud
when someone says our service helped their child during exams.
At night, I plan for the next day, review goals, and
relax by reading. Being young and running a business is not easy, but I enjoy
learning, solving problems, and helping others. Every day is full of work and
fun—just like being Tilak Mehta!
