From Banyan to CEO: The Rise of Indiren

Born into a poor family in Cap-Malheureux, Renganaden Parasuraman (Indiren) has forged his path through sheer determination and hard work. As he approaches his 63rd birthday, his unconventional journey embodies a truth: starting from nothing is not a curse, as long as one never gives up.

"Life was very hard." A simple phrase loaded with experience. Indiren grew up in a family of nine children, two of whom died at birth. In their modest home in Cap-Malheureux, every meal depended on what they could grow. "We ate what we cultivated." His father, Balaramal (Rajoo), a hardworking farmer, and his mother, a homemaker, struggled daily to provide for the family. They had no electricity, and every purchase of food was a luxury.

Yet, amidst this hardship, a strong bond is forged. "My father taught me everything." Very close to him, Indiren accompanied his father to the plantations from a young age, learning the value of hard work, discipline, and sacrifice.

From Fields to the Sea

Due to financial difficulties, his father sold a two-acre plot of land to support his children and invest in a 24-foot by 7-foot fishing boat, which became their new means of survival. He hired a fisherman and launched a new business.

After school, Indiren didn't rest. "I packed the fish in boxes with large ice blocks." Without electricity, he had to be resourceful to preserve the goods. In the morning, his father would sell 100 to 150 kg of fish: red mullet, captain fish, and cateau at the central market in Port-Louis. The child understood the harsh realities of commerce.

Sacrifice and Education

In 1974, he joined Bhujoharry College in Port-Louis. But every morning he arrived late. "The administration reprimanded me." Until one day, he explained the truth. He was transporting fish to the central market in Port-Louis before rushing to school.

Teachers' perceptions changed. Behind the late student was a brave child. "I knew effort was important." With the introduction of free schooling in 1977, he continued his studies at Friendship College. He worked hard and achieved his School Certificate with distinctions in Economics, Accounting, and other subjects. However, English posed an obstacle. "I couldn’t complete Lower Six." A hard blow, but not the end.

From Banyan to Merchant

In 1979, he ended his schooling and faced reality. He became a fish and vegetable vendor, traveling door-to-door in the northern part of the island. "I wanted to earn a living." He saved, and every day was a struggle. Yet, a greater ambition stirred within him. "I didn’t want to stay small." This ambition drove him to look beyond the borders.

Exporting

In 1983, he attempted the unthinkable: exporting fish to Réunion. "I took a risk." Without a model or guide, he ventured out alone. He became one of the pioneers of seafood export to Réunion. Success came, but so did jealousy. In 1987, the shock was brutal. "They sabotaged my cargo." Liquid bleach was injected into his products, resulting in a loss of Rs 250,000. A massive sum. "I lost everything." But he refused to sink.

Taxi Driver

"I couldn’t give up." He reinvented himself and became a taxi driver. Even in this role, he innovated. "I was the only one who issued a receipt." This detail inspired confidence and attracted tourist customers. He rebuilt himself, slowly but surely.

Seafood

In 1991, he opened a new chapter: importing seafood from India. Tiger prawns, lobsters, and camarons, among others. Once again, he was ahead of the curve. "Many doors closed on me." But he persisted. In 2002, he founded Belle Amigo, continuing the seafood business started by his father in 1971 under the name Amigo. A legacy turned into success.

Starting in 1999, he invested in land in Petit-Raffray. He developed five acres into a unique space: a seafood shop, a garden with fruit trees, a venue for weddings and anniversaries, and a restaurant. A visionary concept that attracted and delighted.

Recognition

"I started alone." Today, he employs around a hundred people, both directly and indirectly. His business generates a revenue of Rs 400 million. From banyan to CEO, his journey is a life lesson. "Determination always pays off in the end."

As he nears his 63rd birthday, Indiren remains true to his roots. "Everything I am, I owe to my father." His story transcends financial success. It is that of a poor child who became a builder. "It doesn’t matter where you come from; what matters is where you want to go," he says. He has built an empire.