Odyssey of Courage: The Story of an Indian Multinational

by Habil Khorakiwala

`Do not be afraid of making mistakes, but never repeat them.'

With these words of paternal advice, Habil Khorakiwala set forth to create one of India’s most respected, research-based pharmaceutical companies—Wockhardt Limited. In Odyssey of Courage, Khorakiwala narrates a saga of Indian enterprise, talent and creativity.

Hailing from Palanpur, Gujarat, the Khorakiwalas arrived in Bombay in 1896 to build one of the city’s iconic retail chain stores—Akbarallys. Opting to strike out on his own, Khorakiwala entered the pharmaceutical business in 1967. Despite fierce competition at home and abroad, Wockhardt has emerged as a global firm with subsidiaries in the US and Europe. The pharma giant is now ready to launch an antibiotics ‘super drug’ that will mark a new stage in the evolution of the Indian pharmaceutical industry.

Odyssey of Courage is more than just the story of Wockhardt. It offers invaluable insights into the making of a knowledge-based Indian multinational. Policymakers, business executives, students of management and public policy will relate to Khorakiwala’s experiences in ‘learning by doing’, taking risks and handling crises, and in managing change—within the industry, within India’s policy environment, and within the world of global pharma.

Genres: Biography

232 pages, Hardcover

Published November 20, 2017

Reviews

[Pankaj Gurudasani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Odyssey of Courage is an inspiring tale of Habil Khorakiwala. He has lot to share and he does in the most beautiful way.

Book shares his success story with us and inspires us.

I loved the book very much.

[Booklovervaish · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is precisely a passionate account of Mr.Khorakiwala's adventures. He elegantly describes his work life as well as his personal one. The fascinating lessons he learnt from his father, his hands on experiences with business and his observations of the people surrounding him, his passions and dreams are all described precisely yet adequately. I felt as if I was having a deep conversation with him sitting right beside me. It is one of the many reads that hold your attention from the start to the end.
He learnt managing business from his father yet biology held his interest peculiarly. He briefly describes about his college life, his love for spicy food and the city of Mumbai. He built his now multinational company, brick by brick and the struggles and obstacles are clearly expressed in his account. What intrigues me is the way he anticipated and adapted to circumstances world put him through. Isn’t that the mark of a really amazing businessman? Something that connects the readers to him is the aptly placed quotes at the start of every chapter. They very much do reflect in our lives.
My favorite line from the book is, “the principle is one of balancing risk, continuing to do what one is already doing but acquiring the competence to move forward in a new area, building the strength one has.” Believe me the book inspires you and makes you really think, something that only a few autobiographies achieve.
But what makes this book a really good one is that, it gives so much of information about various issues that need to be raised in our country being Antimicrobial Resistance, dwindling antibiotic discoveries, patenting and so on. He explains in a simple manner that people not in touch with science can easily understand what he conveys. It was an inspiring yet entertaining read.

[Aayesha Hakim · Rating 5 out of 5]

In today’s time, when autobiographies have flooded the market, this particular book stands out as the most prolific yet humane account of an entrepreneur. Habil Khorakiwala who managed to take his small family chemical business to the zeniths of Medical Research, in matter of just four decades is a living legend.

However, the book is not just about the inception and journey of Wockhardt as a brand, but is also an up, close and personal account of the Khorakiwala family. It has some amazing anecdotes which give the readers a rare insight into the working of the genius mind and amazing human qualities which truly mark his passionate story as the ‘Odyssey of Courage’. Everything about this book is inspiring and makes us believe in our dreams.
Odyssey of Courage touched my heart. Habil Khorakiwala with his autobiography serves us a highly motivational story of courage, hard work and hope. Inspiring stories never fail to amuse me and this book was no exception. When the empowering essence of the stories was sprinkled with lucid writing, the book met my expectations.

VERDICT: Buy this book. Read it. And imbibe it within yourself to give a new direction to your life! This book is a gem. It is a must read for entrepreneurs.

Full review here: https://intheclassroomoflife.blogspot...

[Sadhika Tiwari · Rating 5 out of 5]

`Do not be afraid of making mistakes, but never repeat them., this is the particular line that hlitrally has stolen my heart just because of this adagee i wold like to give this book a 5 pointer .With these words of paternal advice, Habil Khorakiwala set forth to create one of India’s most respected, research-based pharmaceutical companies—Wockhardt Limited. In Odyssey of Courage, Khorakiwala narrates a saga of Indian enterprise, talent and creativity. one who is willing to get successful should not iss reading this book in his or her life.a very nice plot has been given in the book by habil.

[Radhika Sethi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is precisely a passionate account of Mr. Khorakiwala's adventures. He elegantly describes his work life as well as his personal one. The fascinating lessons he learnt from his father, his hands on experiences with business and his observations of the people surrounding him, his passions and dreams are all described precisely yet adequately. I felt as if I was having a deep conversation with him sitting right beside me. It is one of the many reads that hold your attention from the start to the end.

[Ujjwal Sharma · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was a good book by habil khorakiwala but it was just a one time read as i was expecting more from the book because it only dealt with business tactics and also about entrepreneurship that one should never ever be afraid of making mistakes in his or her life as life is way too short to get afraid of or to be feared or to be scared of doing anything in their own life whether no matter how big the circumstances around them are. great work by habil.

[Neharika Bhasin · Rating 5 out of 5]

habil khorakiwala has done an amazing job rather i would say a commendable and tremendous job by writing this book about entrepreneurs and for all the people who are seeking to move into the corporate world or the business world because they are tired of getting bossed around and doing works and stuff for others ,so for that they wish to be their own boss.Odyssey Of Courage is a perfect example for that as we can learn so much from this book.

[Vaibhav · Rating 3 out of 5]

habil has done a good work but i think he hasnt realised that most of the people dont even have proper resources to collect some money and start a business so they cannot make any sort of investments any where in the fields of business while people dont even have a two time bread and butter or rather a full 2 time meal for the day i was expecting much from him regarding life but i am a bit disappointed.

[Vijay Pareek · Rating 5 out of 5]

it is one of the greatest inspirational books that i have ever read in my entire life aand in my jod tenure or career he tells us about that one should never give up and never be afraid of making mistakes in your life and never back down but make sure you never make those mistakes again so always keep a record or a track of what all mistakes you have done but make sure you never repeat them, great book.

[Chinmoy Deori · Rating 4 out of 5]

habil khorakiwala has taken wockhardt limited to a huge and great heights not only in indiia but also internationally , particularly in the regulated markets of the europe , the united kingdom and the united states of america this story is of all about what it takes to build a great enterprise .habil's insights into leadership and teamwork are invaluable learning for those aspiring to be successful entrepreneurs.

[Shubhankar Kaushal · Rating 5 out of 5]

a fascinating account of the events and nsratives that actually led to the making of habil khorakiwala ,the person and wockhardt ,and the world class tremendous institution for pharmaceutical that he had he built is tremendous .An enjoyable retelling of how values were imbibed shared,& knowledge was acquired and imparted, mistakes were committed and resolved ,and success was achieved and even celebrated . this book inspires now and will even inspire generations to come.

[Areeb Ahmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

it is an amazing write up by habil khorakiwala and it is also for the people who are into business world or for the people who dream way up to shoot for the stars a must go for them so this books basically deals with that if you have a business idea never give up on it ,it might fetch you loads of success never be afraid of taking big steps and doing mistakes but make sure you never repeat them.

[Praveen Ponia · Rating 5 out of 5]

i being related to politics but due to that family trend of politics its really hard for us or rather me because i have high hopes from life and i have high dreams to deal with and to accomplish them so when i came through this book i really felt that i am the one who is lagged behind the world and i know i have so much potential to achieve so habil should teach people who are living behind the ages as well as his own native people

[Jayant Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book basically deals with most of the outsourcing that is taking place in our country and minds are being flushed and even drained sometimes like brain washing and all that sort of stuff.
habil khorakiwala has done a tremendous job by going with this write up good work i would say.one must go for this book such an inspirational book and great amount of work done by author.

[Vishal · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book awares us about that always one should keep records of all the mistakes that they have done in their entire lives and also that they have already done in their past lives ,so habil is one such epitome or one such example of that of the chairman of such big pharmaceutical companies and firms ,this book is a must go for everyone one should read it if he dreams of doing business.

[Abhishek Nadar · Rating 5 out of 5]

this lad up in here has done a great job i personally being filled with business ideas as im all about business mindedness while he tells us how to reach at the acme of pinnacle of any business you are into just stay determined, stay focused ,and work harder as your ass can, like they see work hard today and sow the seeds tomorrow which will help you in future.

[Dakshita Narang · Rating 4 out of 5]

i am a person who wants to live life own its own rather being bossed around so for that habil is the perfect example of one such person or rather a businessman i should say i loved his book religiously well so this book is for those who wish to and are adamant to do business and cannot do a fixed time job which has a fixed pay.

[Vevra Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

wokhardt limited really became one of the biggest medics firm in the world it was just because of habils hardwork and dedication towards business , this book is very very inspirational and gives you and rather boosts you up for your hustle towards the work and sets your spirit high up so you that the work you might be end up doing may not be enough to make you reach towards the goal

[Ashray Kant · Rating 5 out of 5]

odyssey of courage is a wonderful and tremendous doctrine to habil khorakiwala's success .it actually sheds light upon the struggles of entrepreneurial class in the initial decades of the independence of people as well as states. while remarking the excellence of the authors conviction and dedication .one must read this book if he or she wants to get success in our globalizing world.

[Liliya Svintitskaya · Rating 4 out of 5]

it is a great book for those people who dont see opportunities around them while they are everywhere around you we just dont try to find it and dont search for it enough so while if anyone is feeling demotivated lathargic, lazy do try and grab this book and make sure you are adamant enough to read it or else it will be of no use to anyone.

[Pawan Kashyap · Rating 5 out of 5]

i myself is working in a part time job and im loving it how bugger dreams are achieved because its sometimes just a vision that will move you forward this story tells us that by only and only sheer hustle and agility and ability of hard work towards work will pave your way to success by leaps and bounds a must go for all the dreamers and visionary people.

[Sweta Bagaria · Rating 1 out of 5]

this is a book for all the business tycoons who are capitalist in their own world without even thinking about the people outside their sphere who are struggling so much in their and dont even have a two time bread and butter to eat and cannot afford a to time meal in their day time daily i being a communist and socialist dont support such stuff i bought this book by mistake

[Arvind Kasana · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was an amazing book to read for the people who have big dreams in life and they think that i can be achieved by hardwork,dedication ,focus and one of the main determinant that is perseverance i really really liked the book as well the nice mindset of habil towards the corporate industry i will recommend this book to everyone and expecting more from the author.

[Pravesh Dayma · Rating 5 out of 5]

a must read for any of the entrepreneur anywhere in the world ...the book is about habil khorakiwala broke through the lines and, defied the prevailing wisdom that occurred during his tenure it is a great book one because it teaches you about a lot of things including one should never be afraid of making mistakes and rather he should learn from them.

[Mriganka Kar · Rating 5 out of 5]

in his erudite and impassioned account of the story of wockhardt limited and the important lessons to be learnt from it , habil khorakiwala has given us fascinating insight into the life and times of a mumbai businessman and the challenge of creating and actually sustaining and indian mnc or a multi - national company or a firm an inspiring book.

[Anushka Xess · Rating 5 out of 5]

habil has done an amazing job by writting this book it has inspired so many people to quit their jobs and actually be their own boss not only them but also growing entrepreneurs in the business field to grow their income flow and maximise their profits actually so its a must read for person specially for those one with high dreams.

[Shubham Yadav · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is one of the most amazing book i have ever read and have ever come across in my life there is so much to learn from this book habil khorakiwala is one of the best epitomes or in simple words i would say a perfect example book had a very nice gist to it i really really loved the book because it was actually for my types hahahah lol. very inspiring one actually.

[Anushka Ch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read ! My favorite line from the book is, “the principle is one of balancing risk, continuing to do what one is already doing but acquiring the competence to move forward in a new area, building the strength one has.” Believe me the book inspires you and makes you really think, something that only a few autobiographies achieve.

[Chahat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring stories never fail to amuse me and this book was no exception. When the empowering essence of the stories was sprinkled with lucid writing, the book met my expectations and I could finish it in one sitting. I would recommend this book to any book lover out there. Pick up this book and give it a read

[Prasad Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typical autobiography

"To be able to demonstrate courage in a non-aggressive manner is the epitome of civilized existence."

What a wonderful summary!

Author tries to be honest and like a typical autobiography talks maximum about good points but very less about failures.
Risk is directly proportional to reward and with well measured risky steps, result is also entirely different...