Shri Thanedar

Shri Thanedar
Born	Belgaum, India
Occupation(s)	Chairman, Managing Director The Chemir Group
Spouse	Shashi Thanedar
Children	Neil Thanedar Samir Thanedar
Website	http://www.shrithanedar.com

Shri Thanedar (Marathi: श्री ठाणेदार) is an Indian born author, business owner, activist, and social entrepreneur. Shri rose from a low-income family in southern India to become a successful entrepreneur, while overcoming many personal and professional hurdles. In 2004, an autobiography describing his experience with the American Dream became a best-seller in Maharashtra, India. A film adaptation of his memoirs is currently in development [1]. An English version of his autobiography is expected to be released in late 2009 [2].

Personal Life

Shri grew up in a lower-class family in Belgaum, India. When his father was forced to retire at age 55, a 14-year-old Thanedar worked odd jobs to support his family of eight. He graduated from college at 18, and then attended a masters program at University of Bombay. He came to the United States in 1979 to pursue a PhD at the University of Akron. After holding research and management positions at the University of Michigan and Petrolite Corporation, Thanedar purchased Chemir/Polytech Laboratories in 1991, and has been managing and growing companies ever since [3].

Recently, Thanedar has established a family foundation to promote the arts and to encourage under-privileged youth to seek entrepreneurship in America and India [4]. Thanedar lives in Miami, Florida, with his sons, Neil and Samir, and his wife, Shashi.

Business Success

Thanedar bought his first company, then called Chemir/Polytech Laboratories, in 1991 for $75,000 [5]. Since then, the business has grown from annual sales of $150,000 in 1991 to $60 Million in 2008. Thanedar is currently chairman and full owner of Azopharma Contract Pharma Services and Chemir Analytical Services Inc. These companies together employ over 390 employees, including 75 PhD chemists.

Books

ही श्रीची इच्छा (English: This Is Shri's Wish) was first published in 2004 by Majestic Prakashan in Marathi. This version of Thanedar's autobiography has sold over 25,000 copies in Maharashtra and was named a best-seller by The Maharashtra Times. The book was met with positive reviews by both critics and fans [6][7][8][9]. Recently, the book has also been translated into Hindi and Gujarati, and an English edition is currently in development [10]. Also, a dramatized version of the book was developed into a radio show, which has been broadcasted on stations in Bombay and Pune, India, and a film adaptation is currently in pre-production [11]. Thanedar is also currently writing two new novels; both scheduled to be published in 2010.

Honors

Shri Thanedar was awarded the Outstanding Overseas Entrepreneur Award in 2003 by then Indian Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao. Among other awards, Thanedar has been named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 1999 and 2007 [12][13]. Chemir has also received numerous awards for its fast growth, business success, and overall size [14].

External Links

• Official Website
• Thanedar Foundation
• ही श्रीची इच्छा