“I (Swarna Sudarshan) believe that success is not just about achieving goals but about creating a meaningful journey that inspires others. Being the founder of Pro Hotels, Pro Events, and Pro Properties, I learned what business is, how it works, and what works where. My entrepreneurial journey began with a deep-rooted family legacy in real estate, but today, it extends far beyond that. I’d like to share how my path unfolded, fueled by passion, resilience, and a commitment to growth.

Growing up in a family steeped in the real estate business, I developed an early appreciation for hard work and perseverance. My father was my first mentor, and watching him build relationships, negotiate deals, and solve problems inspired me to follow in his footsteps. I pursued a diploma in civil engineering to equip myself with technical knowledge, but my education went beyond the classroom.

After I joined my father in the real estate business, I realized the untapped potential of diversification. Inspired by Swami Vivekananda’s words, “Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life – think of it, dream of it, live on that idea,” I took the plunge into hospitality and event management. What began as a simple idea has grown into Pro Hotels, a chain of ten well-established hotels, and Pro Events, a wedding venue that is the heart of many memorable celebrations.

Transitioning from real estate to these new ventures was not without challenges. The learning curve was steep, and balancing work with personal life often felt overwhelming. I had to unlearn certain habits and adapt to the evolving demands of running multiple businesses. One of the most important lessons I learned was the need to separate family from business. It was a difficult but necessary step to ensure both thrived without one overshadowing the other.

My spiritual and philosophical outlook has been my anchor throughout this journey. My mentor once told me, “If a man has to be complete, he must have three relationships – one with himself, one with others, and one with God.” These words resonate deeply with me, and I have tried to reflect this idea in how I run my businesses.

I believe a true leader is not someone who commands but someone who nurtures potential. At Pro, I have always preferred to hire employees who demonstrate skill and the willingness to grow rather than those with just a list of degrees. Experience is often the best teacher, and I’ve seen many of my employees rise to leadership positions by harnessing their talents.

To maintain high morale, I regularly organize activities and training sessions for my team. Leadership is a quality I strive to inculcate in them, as I believe that an empowered workforce is the backbone of any successful enterprise. My role as a leader is not to dictate but to guide, inspire, and provide opportunities for growth.

Giving back to society has also been an integral part of my journey. Working with charitable organizations has taught me the value of humility and gratitude. It has reminded me that success is not just about personal gain but about making a positive impact on the community.

Planning has always been my strength. I’ve carefully drafted a roadmap for my future projects and even my retirement life. Vision without execution is mere dreaming, and I ensure that every idea is backed by a concrete plan.

I have two pieces of advice that I hold close to my heart. First, patience is the cornerstone of success. In a world driven by instant gratification, it’s easy to feel disheartened when results don’t come overnight. But everything worthwhile takes time. Secondly, education is non-negotiable. Whether formal or informal, knowledge equips you to navigate the complexities of life and business.

Looking back, I’m proud of what Pro Hotels, Pro Events, and Pro Properties have achieved, but I’m even more excited about what lies ahead. My journey is far from over, and every day brings new challenges and opportunities to grow.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that life is a beautiful blend of vision, effort, and faith. Success is not a destination but a continuous process of becoming. The road may not always be easy, but it’s in overcoming challenges that we truly discover our potential.

For me, the journey continues, with gratitude in my heart and determination in my spirit. After all, as Swami Vivekananda said, “Arise, awake, and stop not until the goal is reached.”