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The Ambuja Story: How a Group of Ordinary Men Created an Extraordinary Company
WINNER OF THE 2022 TATA LITERATURE LIVE! BUSINESS BOOK AWARD
'I had never seen a cement plant in my life. I had no idea about limestone deposits or the cement industry in Gujarat. And I had never negotiated an industrial agreement. Yet, in the next few weeks, I would need to be ready for a substantive meeting with Gujarat government officials.'
The year was 1983. A cotton trader, still in his early thirties, began to dream big. His aspiration was to become an 'industrialist'. The venture he was about to embark on was uncharted territory for him. He knew nothing about cement, limestone or anything remotely associated with it.
In the era of Licence Raj, where everything from production to consumption was controlled by the government, Narotam Sekhsaria saw the huge potential in cement and its role in a growing nation. Trusting his instinct, he started Ambuja Cement and went on to create one of the most successful cement companies in the world.
Told by the man himself, The Ambuja Story is a tale of grit, determination, honesty and integrity. For a cement company, it's a unique case study that broke many stereotypes, such as cement production can't be an environmental friendly activity, good cement can't be cheaper and it's difficult to market a product as boring as cement.
Narotam Sekhsaria's vision for Ambuja wasn't just limited to financial success; he undertook community development around all Ambuja plants to a whole new level. Ambuja's work in women empowerment, skill development, health and education created new benchmarks for the industry long before corporate social responsibility became mandatory in India.
The Ambuja Story provides a new perspective on business and life, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs to scale greater heights.
'I had never seen a cement plant in my life. I had no idea about limestone deposits or the cement industry in Gujarat. And I had never negotiated an industrial agreement. Yet, in the next few weeks, I would need to be ready for a substantive meeting with Gujarat government officials.'
The year was 1983. A cotton trader, still in his early thirties, began to dream big. His aspiration was to become an 'industrialist'. The venture he was about to embark on was uncharted territory for him. He knew nothing about cement, limestone or anything remotely associated with it.
In the era of Licence Raj, where everything from production to consumption was controlled by the government, Narotam Sekhsaria saw the huge potential in cement and its role in a growing nation. Trusting his instinct, he started Ambuja Cement and went on to create one of the most successful cement companies in the world.
Told by the man himself, The Ambuja Story is a tale of grit, determination, honesty and integrity. For a cement company, it's a unique case study that broke many stereotypes, such as cement production can't be an environmental friendly activity, good cement can't be cheaper and it's difficult to market a product as boring as cement.
Narotam Sekhsaria's vision for Ambuja wasn't just limited to financial success; he undertook community development around all Ambuja plants to a whole new level. Ambuja's work in women empowerment, skill development, health and education created new benchmarks for the industry long before corporate social responsibility became mandatory in India.
The Ambuja Story provides a new perspective on business and life, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs to scale greater heights.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 28, 2021
76 people are currently reading
558 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
February 14, 2022
A MUST buy. Exceptional storytelling with tons of insights and learnings of a 'brick and mortar business
Why?
- An actual, real-life narration of the legend behind Gujurat Ambuja - one of the biggest success stories of Corporate India
- A bone-chilling close-up of WHAT it takes to make a hugely successful business and the PERSONAL COST of achieving it.
Snippets:
- How the UP govt blundered, and the Gujarat govt prospered.
- If you're from South Mumbai, there are many passages that will delight you.
- "Once I found my wife Nalini packing cash worth a few lakhs into my father's bag. Nilu told me that he took that much cash every time he went to Vrindavan and gave it out as alms to the needy. The bags were sent to their homes only at night. He did not want people to know about the charity he was doing. (Alok - the best charity is anonymous).
- "What I learnt at UDCT had a significant role to play in everything that I did thereafter in life, from the transformation of our family's cotton-trading business to the setting up of Gujarat Ambuja and its success over the years" (Alok - Education is PARAMOUNT).
- "When I told him that there was no future in cotton, he said, 'This is where your skills will come into play. Your challenge will be to revive the business in a bad environment.' It was a piece of advice that made a significant impact on me, something that has remained with me all my life."
- How Narotam wedged himself into Mumbai textile factories via courage, ethics & long term thinking.
- The importance of Banks in creating successful businesses - The role VCs play today.
- "Some call it a stereotype, but I am a firm believer in the idea that most Marwaris possess an intangible asset that we call baniya buddhi or the trader's mindset."
- "Ninety per cent of people cheat you because they feel that they have not got a fair deal."
- "We finally achieved the goal of a dust-free plant. We planted a rose garden right under the kiln to demonstrate our claim. The flowers bloomed and became a showpiece of our commitment to a dust-free environment around the factory."
- The genius idea of using the sea to transport cement to Mumbai from the Gujarat plant and the profit margins that came with it.
- The vital role Trikaya Grey played in creating the Ambuja Brand and its 'Hinglish' punch line.
- "I insisted that Ambuja Cement Salespersons wear a tie as the pharma reps did."
- Umpteen lessons in distribution, dealing with real on-ground problems
- The sad repeat Mouth Cancer attacks that Narotam had to endure all through his young adult life.
- How Narotam scaled and sold his business at its peak and continues to work and contribute to society.
500+ Notes - https://bit.ly/dkb-ambuja
Why?
- An actual, real-life narration of the legend behind Gujurat Ambuja - one of the biggest success stories of Corporate India
- A bone-chilling close-up of WHAT it takes to make a hugely successful business and the PERSONAL COST of achieving it.
Snippets:
- How the UP govt blundered, and the Gujarat govt prospered.
- If you're from South Mumbai, there are many passages that will delight you.
- "Once I found my wife Nalini packing cash worth a few lakhs into my father's bag. Nilu told me that he took that much cash every time he went to Vrindavan and gave it out as alms to the needy. The bags were sent to their homes only at night. He did not want people to know about the charity he was doing. (Alok - the best charity is anonymous).
- "What I learnt at UDCT had a significant role to play in everything that I did thereafter in life, from the transformation of our family's cotton-trading business to the setting up of Gujarat Ambuja and its success over the years" (Alok - Education is PARAMOUNT).
- "When I told him that there was no future in cotton, he said, 'This is where your skills will come into play. Your challenge will be to revive the business in a bad environment.' It was a piece of advice that made a significant impact on me, something that has remained with me all my life."
- How Narotam wedged himself into Mumbai textile factories via courage, ethics & long term thinking.
- The importance of Banks in creating successful businesses - The role VCs play today.
- "Some call it a stereotype, but I am a firm believer in the idea that most Marwaris possess an intangible asset that we call baniya buddhi or the trader's mindset."
- "Ninety per cent of people cheat you because they feel that they have not got a fair deal."
- "We finally achieved the goal of a dust-free plant. We planted a rose garden right under the kiln to demonstrate our claim. The flowers bloomed and became a showpiece of our commitment to a dust-free environment around the factory."
- The genius idea of using the sea to transport cement to Mumbai from the Gujarat plant and the profit margins that came with it.
- The vital role Trikaya Grey played in creating the Ambuja Brand and its 'Hinglish' punch line.
- "I insisted that Ambuja Cement Salespersons wear a tie as the pharma reps did."
- Umpteen lessons in distribution, dealing with real on-ground problems
- The sad repeat Mouth Cancer attacks that Narotam had to endure all through his young adult life.
- How Narotam scaled and sold his business at its peak and continues to work and contribute to society.
500+ Notes - https://bit.ly/dkb-ambuja
June 11, 2025
I recently finished reading The Ambuja Story, and it left me both inspired and introspective. In many ways, it reminded me of Harsh Realities by Harsh Mariwala — another founder-led narrative rooted in the Indian entrepreneurial experience. But what makes this book stand apart is the sheer scale and audacity of what Narotam Sekhsaria achieved with Gujarat Ambuja Cements.
The book takes you through his journey — from his early days in cotton trading to his deep desire to become an industrialist, and eventually building India’s most efficient and profitable cement company. It’s an account filled with bold decisions, calculated risks, and an obsession with productivity and efficiency.
As a fellow chemical engineer from ICT Mumbai who also joined the family business, I found the story deeply personal and relatable. His clarity of thought, commitment to systems, and emphasis on execution offer so much to learn from — especially for second-generation entrepreneurs like me.
Parts of the book where he describes the high-stakes ACC and Holcim deals are genuinely exhilarating. His journey wasn’t without personal cost either — he battled cancer and underwent multiple surgeries during these high-pressure years. That part of his story added a raw and human layer to the otherwise business-dense narrative.
Despite my busy schedule, I couldn’t put it down — it took me about 8–10 days to finish, but I always looked forward to getting back to it. The detailed insights into plant set-ups, capacity ramp-ups, and achieving operational excellence in a capital-heavy, regulation-intensive industry like cement were particularly fascinating.
This book is not just about building a company; it’s about building character, conviction, and legacy — brick by brick.
Highly recommended for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone who appreciates what it takes to build something extraordinary in India.
The book takes you through his journey — from his early days in cotton trading to his deep desire to become an industrialist, and eventually building India’s most efficient and profitable cement company. It’s an account filled with bold decisions, calculated risks, and an obsession with productivity and efficiency.
As a fellow chemical engineer from ICT Mumbai who also joined the family business, I found the story deeply personal and relatable. His clarity of thought, commitment to systems, and emphasis on execution offer so much to learn from — especially for second-generation entrepreneurs like me.
Parts of the book where he describes the high-stakes ACC and Holcim deals are genuinely exhilarating. His journey wasn’t without personal cost either — he battled cancer and underwent multiple surgeries during these high-pressure years. That part of his story added a raw and human layer to the otherwise business-dense narrative.
Despite my busy schedule, I couldn’t put it down — it took me about 8–10 days to finish, but I always looked forward to getting back to it. The detailed insights into plant set-ups, capacity ramp-ups, and achieving operational excellence in a capital-heavy, regulation-intensive industry like cement were particularly fascinating.
This book is not just about building a company; it’s about building character, conviction, and legacy — brick by brick.
Highly recommended for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and anyone who appreciates what it takes to build something extraordinary in India.
July 2, 2023
He started as a cotton trader but later established one of the most efficient cement companies in India, comparable to the leading cement players worldwide.
He revolutionized the cement industry by:
- Introducing the concept of exclusive dealership for Ambuja cement.
- Choosing not to rely on government contracts, which was the conventional method of securing business.
- Prioritizing the construction of cutting-edge cement plants that excelled in efficiency and pollution control.
- Personally constructing ports for sea transportation of cement, whenever necessary.
- Traveling extensively around the globe to adopt the best practices from renowned companies,
implementing them at Ambuja with the help of an in-house team.
- Emphasizing strong ethical standards throughout the organization.
He revolutionized the cement industry by:
- Introducing the concept of exclusive dealership for Ambuja cement.
- Choosing not to rely on government contracts, which was the conventional method of securing business.
- Prioritizing the construction of cutting-edge cement plants that excelled in efficiency and pollution control.
- Personally constructing ports for sea transportation of cement, whenever necessary.
- Traveling extensively around the globe to adopt the best practices from renowned companies,
implementing them at Ambuja with the help of an in-house team.
- Emphasizing strong ethical standards throughout the organization.
October 1, 2025
It’s a fascinating story of a trader-turned-industrialist who built one of India’s most admired cement businesses. The specific stories about taking on industry giants, creating brand for a commodity product, and navigating both successful and failed acquisitions are especially engaging and offer valuable insights. Overall, a good read.
November 23, 2023
A good book about how business and a brand is built in the license-raj era of India. Also, the conviction of a man who came from small time trading to making it as a big industrialist!
Well written, and a good read!
Well written, and a good read!
March 2, 2022
Better than expected. I generally shy away from business autobiographies. The subject matter, although an interesting character, is generally full of himself/herself. Not surprising given that ego is a key ingredient in success.
This story is about Narotam Sekhsaria, who built Ambuja Cement, one of India's largest cement companies, and also one of the most admired ones. Mr. Sekhsaria was born in a small mofussil town in North India, shifted to Bombay (now Mumbai) at age 3. Was adopted by his uncle at age 5, did very well at school and college, joined family business of cotton trading thereafter. Success followed, but he was restless as he felt that he was not getting the due respect given otherwise to an industrialist. SO he turned one himself, founding Ambuja Cement.
Story is straightforward, like any business story. There are challenges, kinks, euphoria of success, chasm of challenges. Nothing unusual there. The book has all the tropes of a business autobiography: the author thinks that the biggest factor in his success was he himself, not the externalities. His challenges are overblown and contributions of others are acknowledged but not fully. His adversaries are given a short shrift. The underlings who disagreed are cast in not so favorable light and so on.
One thing I would have liked more from this book was the context. Most of the focus is on the author and the company he built. The story coincides with one of history's profound economic transformations. But very little time and ink is spent on taking a long view, either on political, social, or economic currents of the time. Whatever is there is nothing new. Also, from my personal knowledge, I can say for sure that the author is little economical with truth.
Having said that, the easy writing and the flow of the book means that you can finish it in few hours. The book is definitely better than the last business biography that i read recently and it surely a crash course on history of Indian cement industry.
Recommended for any follower of Indian business landscape.
This story is about Narotam Sekhsaria, who built Ambuja Cement, one of India's largest cement companies, and also one of the most admired ones. Mr. Sekhsaria was born in a small mofussil town in North India, shifted to Bombay (now Mumbai) at age 3. Was adopted by his uncle at age 5, did very well at school and college, joined family business of cotton trading thereafter. Success followed, but he was restless as he felt that he was not getting the due respect given otherwise to an industrialist. SO he turned one himself, founding Ambuja Cement.
Story is straightforward, like any business story. There are challenges, kinks, euphoria of success, chasm of challenges. Nothing unusual there. The book has all the tropes of a business autobiography: the author thinks that the biggest factor in his success was he himself, not the externalities. His challenges are overblown and contributions of others are acknowledged but not fully. His adversaries are given a short shrift. The underlings who disagreed are cast in not so favorable light and so on.
One thing I would have liked more from this book was the context. Most of the focus is on the author and the company he built. The story coincides with one of history's profound economic transformations. But very little time and ink is spent on taking a long view, either on political, social, or economic currents of the time. Whatever is there is nothing new. Also, from my personal knowledge, I can say for sure that the author is little economical with truth.
Having said that, the easy writing and the flow of the book means that you can finish it in few hours. The book is definitely better than the last business biography that i read recently and it surely a crash course on history of Indian cement industry.
Recommended for any follower of Indian business landscape.
September 12, 2022
Sharp and insightful. Although lacking the dirty details of the real governmental/local mafia challenges, the book is an inspiring story of how to build a worldclass brand in India.
March 16, 2022
The book ‘The Ambuja Story’ is written by Narotam Sekhsaria, founder and former CEO of Ambuja Cements Ltd. one of the largest cement manufacturers in the world. The thing about Indian Business biographies is that they can teach us more about how to succeed in our own country. It is more relatable as compared to reading about foreign businesses.
Belonging to the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, the author started from running local businesses to being a cotton trader and ultimately starting a cement manufacturing business. He had no background in the cement industry and yet with his grit, determination, honesty and integrity he managed to create one of the best cement manufacturing companies in the world.
The story provides a fresh perspective on business and life.
Belonging to the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, the author started from running local businesses to being a cotton trader and ultimately starting a cement manufacturing business. He had no background in the cement industry and yet with his grit, determination, honesty and integrity he managed to create one of the best cement manufacturing companies in the world.
The story provides a fresh perspective on business and life.
May 11, 2025
Book Review: The Ambuja Story: How a Group of Ordinary Men Created an Extraordinary Company by Narotam Sekhsaria
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Overview
Narotam Sekhsaria’s The Ambuja Story provides an insightful chronicle of how a modest Indian startup grew into a cement industry leader through vision, perseverance, and ethical business practices. Blending corporate history with leadership philosophy, this work serves as both a memoir and a case study in entrepreneurial success. Sekhsaria, as the company’s chairman and key architect, offers rare firsthand perspectives on overcoming early challenges while maintaining a values-driven approach to growth.
Key Strengths
Authentic Leadership Narrative: The author’s personal involvement lends credibility, particularly when detailing operational hurdles like initial plant inefficiencies, funding challenges, and regulatory navigation. His transparency about failures enhances the book’s educational value.
Ethical Business Framework: The text distinguishes itself by emphasizing stakeholder capitalism—highlighting employee welfare (“ordinary men” as co-creators), environmental sustainability initiatives, and community development through the Ambuja Foundation.
Actionable Strategic Insights: Beyond theoretical propositions, the book delivers practical wisdom on decentralized decision-making, local partnership models, and quality-focused scaling—relevant for both startups and established enterprises.
Critical Limitations
Contextual Gaps: While rich in operational history, the analysis occasionally lacks broader industry perspectives, such as competitive responses to Ambuja’s growth or macroeconomic factors influencing cement demand cycles.
Uncritical Triumphalism: Certain sections adopt an overly celebratory tone, minimizing discussion of contentious issues like labor relations or market dominance critiques that could have provided balanced analysis.
Structural Redundancies: The core “ordinary men” thesis, while powerful, becomes repetitive in later chapters, diminishing its rhetorical impact.
Theoretical Implications
Sekhsaria’s narrative empirically validates several management theories while challenging conventional wisdom:
The “patient capital” approach counters short-term profit maximization models
The “ordinary men” thesis disrupts elitist entrepreneurship paradigms
Stakeholder-centric growth models demonstrate alternatives to shareholder primacy
Conclusion
This work makes significant contributions to Indian business historiography and leadership studies, particularly in demonstrating how ethical foundations can drive commercial success. Despite some narrative repetitions and occasional lack of critical distance, the book offers invaluable insights for business students, practicing leaders, and policymakers interested in sustainable industrialization.
Acknowledgements
My thanks to NetGalley and the author, Narotam Sekhsaria, for providing a review copy of this book. The advance access enabled this substantive engagement with an important work of corporate history.
Final Assessment
The Ambuja Story merits four stars for its unique blend of personal memoir and professional wisdom. While not without analytical limitations, it succeeds as both an inspirational account and a practical guide for building organizations that balance scale with social responsibility—proving that extraordinary institutions are indeed created by ordinary people working with extraordinary commitment.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Overview
Narotam Sekhsaria’s The Ambuja Story provides an insightful chronicle of how a modest Indian startup grew into a cement industry leader through vision, perseverance, and ethical business practices. Blending corporate history with leadership philosophy, this work serves as both a memoir and a case study in entrepreneurial success. Sekhsaria, as the company’s chairman and key architect, offers rare firsthand perspectives on overcoming early challenges while maintaining a values-driven approach to growth.
Key Strengths
Authentic Leadership Narrative: The author’s personal involvement lends credibility, particularly when detailing operational hurdles like initial plant inefficiencies, funding challenges, and regulatory navigation. His transparency about failures enhances the book’s educational value.
Ethical Business Framework: The text distinguishes itself by emphasizing stakeholder capitalism—highlighting employee welfare (“ordinary men” as co-creators), environmental sustainability initiatives, and community development through the Ambuja Foundation.
Actionable Strategic Insights: Beyond theoretical propositions, the book delivers practical wisdom on decentralized decision-making, local partnership models, and quality-focused scaling—relevant for both startups and established enterprises.
Critical Limitations
Contextual Gaps: While rich in operational history, the analysis occasionally lacks broader industry perspectives, such as competitive responses to Ambuja’s growth or macroeconomic factors influencing cement demand cycles.
Uncritical Triumphalism: Certain sections adopt an overly celebratory tone, minimizing discussion of contentious issues like labor relations or market dominance critiques that could have provided balanced analysis.
Structural Redundancies: The core “ordinary men” thesis, while powerful, becomes repetitive in later chapters, diminishing its rhetorical impact.
Theoretical Implications
Sekhsaria’s narrative empirically validates several management theories while challenging conventional wisdom:
The “patient capital” approach counters short-term profit maximization models
The “ordinary men” thesis disrupts elitist entrepreneurship paradigms
Stakeholder-centric growth models demonstrate alternatives to shareholder primacy
Conclusion
This work makes significant contributions to Indian business historiography and leadership studies, particularly in demonstrating how ethical foundations can drive commercial success. Despite some narrative repetitions and occasional lack of critical distance, the book offers invaluable insights for business students, practicing leaders, and policymakers interested in sustainable industrialization.
Acknowledgements
My thanks to NetGalley and the author, Narotam Sekhsaria, for providing a review copy of this book. The advance access enabled this substantive engagement with an important work of corporate history.
Final Assessment
The Ambuja Story merits four stars for its unique blend of personal memoir and professional wisdom. While not without analytical limitations, it succeeds as both an inspirational account and a practical guide for building organizations that balance scale with social responsibility—proving that extraordinary institutions are indeed created by ordinary people working with extraordinary commitment.
October 30, 2025
Book Review: The Ambuja Story – How a Group of Ordinary Men Created an Extraordinary Company
By Narotam Sekhsaria
Caption: “A story of values cast in concrete.”
Who could have imagined that a chemical engineer from UDCT Mumbai, stepping into his family’s cotton-trading business, would go on to build one of the world’s most admired cement empires? Yet that is precisely what Narotam Sekhsaria achieved.
In The Ambuja Story, Sekhsaria narrates his remarkable journey — from humble beginnings to creating a world-class enterprise known for efficiency, trust, and innovation. It is not just the story of a company; it is a lesson in perseverance, grit, and the art of project execution.
While most corporate histories focus on numbers and scale, this book stands out for its philosophy of fairness and human values. It reveals how Ambuja became one of the greenest, most profitable, and investor-friendly cement companies — and how its founder eventually exited after 25 years, staying true to his principles and health priorities.
Key Takeaways
• Hire for competence, not credentials. Avoiding “super-achievers” with inflated egos helped Ambuja retain loyalty and stability.
• Trust your team. Empower professionals, back their judgment, and create an environment where they solve problems as owners.
• Be fair in business. Never squeeze vendors; long-term relationships matter more than short-term margins.
• Respect all contributors. From truck drivers to dealers, everyone forms the brand’s living backbone.
• Lead decisively. Announce ambitious schedules, act swiftly on roadblocks, and empower teams to take local decisions.
• Frugality and consistency. Small improvements each day strengthen both spirit and bottom line.
• Trust begets trust. The foundation of any enduring enterprise lies in faith and fairness.
Sekhsaria’s journey shows that world-class companies are not built on borrowed brilliance but on steady conviction and ethical leadership.
This book should be mandatory reading in management schools and project management programs. It blends finance, execution, manufacturing, marketing, and people management into one living case study.
I’ve come away a true admirer of Narotam Sekhsaria — a man who built not just a cement company, but a culture of integrity and excellence.
By Narotam Sekhsaria
Caption: “A story of values cast in concrete.”
Who could have imagined that a chemical engineer from UDCT Mumbai, stepping into his family’s cotton-trading business, would go on to build one of the world’s most admired cement empires? Yet that is precisely what Narotam Sekhsaria achieved.
In The Ambuja Story, Sekhsaria narrates his remarkable journey — from humble beginnings to creating a world-class enterprise known for efficiency, trust, and innovation. It is not just the story of a company; it is a lesson in perseverance, grit, and the art of project execution.
While most corporate histories focus on numbers and scale, this book stands out for its philosophy of fairness and human values. It reveals how Ambuja became one of the greenest, most profitable, and investor-friendly cement companies — and how its founder eventually exited after 25 years, staying true to his principles and health priorities.
Key Takeaways
• Hire for competence, not credentials. Avoiding “super-achievers” with inflated egos helped Ambuja retain loyalty and stability.
• Trust your team. Empower professionals, back their judgment, and create an environment where they solve problems as owners.
• Be fair in business. Never squeeze vendors; long-term relationships matter more than short-term margins.
• Respect all contributors. From truck drivers to dealers, everyone forms the brand’s living backbone.
• Lead decisively. Announce ambitious schedules, act swiftly on roadblocks, and empower teams to take local decisions.
• Frugality and consistency. Small improvements each day strengthen both spirit and bottom line.
• Trust begets trust. The foundation of any enduring enterprise lies in faith and fairness.
Sekhsaria’s journey shows that world-class companies are not built on borrowed brilliance but on steady conviction and ethical leadership.
This book should be mandatory reading in management schools and project management programs. It blends finance, execution, manufacturing, marketing, and people management into one living case study.
I’ve come away a true admirer of Narotam Sekhsaria — a man who built not just a cement company, but a culture of integrity and excellence.
June 3, 2025
'The Ambuja Story' is more than a corporate biography, it’s a playbook for entrepreneurs who dare to dream big and back it up with relentless execution. This book is highly recommended for entrepreneurs who are not just looking to start up but to scale up and stay relevant over decades. It is also a tribute to Indian enterprise, the belief that with courage and character, ordinary people can indeed build extraordinary companies.
Narotam Sekhsaria, the reclusive yet visionary founder of Ambuja Cements, offers a front-row seat to one of India’s most compelling industrial success stories. What makes this book stand out is its authenticity. There’s no fluff, no PR polishing, just an honest, detail-rich account of how a group of 'ordinary men' defied industry norms, navigated brutal competition and built an empire that redefined the Indian cement landscape.
Sekhsaria's journey from a cotton trader to the cement czar of India is a case study in calculated risk-taking, humility in leadership, and resilience in the face of adversity. The book offers sharp insights into operational excellence, frugal innovation, and team building, all while navigating the regulatory and political minefields of 1980s–90s India.
For entrepreneurs, this book is a goldmine. Sekhsaria doesn’t just share victories, he unpacks failures, doubts, and moments of near-collapse with grace and objectivity. The emphasis on values, long-term thinking, and customer-centricity makes The Ambuja Story a masterclass in sustainable entrepreneurship.
This book isn’t just about cement. It’s about building something lasting - brick by brick with courage, integrity, and vision.
The Ambuja Story is as much about the entrepreneurial journey as it is about the process of capturing it with honesty and depth. Sekhsaria acknowledges this with warmth when he recounts a serendipitous meeting with Radhakrishnan Nair, a gifted business writer and master of his craft. It was Nair who helped him pen down his thoughts and gave structure to the scattered memories and experiences that eventually formed this book.
Narotam Sekhsaria, the reclusive yet visionary founder of Ambuja Cements, offers a front-row seat to one of India’s most compelling industrial success stories. What makes this book stand out is its authenticity. There’s no fluff, no PR polishing, just an honest, detail-rich account of how a group of 'ordinary men' defied industry norms, navigated brutal competition and built an empire that redefined the Indian cement landscape.
Sekhsaria's journey from a cotton trader to the cement czar of India is a case study in calculated risk-taking, humility in leadership, and resilience in the face of adversity. The book offers sharp insights into operational excellence, frugal innovation, and team building, all while navigating the regulatory and political minefields of 1980s–90s India.
For entrepreneurs, this book is a goldmine. Sekhsaria doesn’t just share victories, he unpacks failures, doubts, and moments of near-collapse with grace and objectivity. The emphasis on values, long-term thinking, and customer-centricity makes The Ambuja Story a masterclass in sustainable entrepreneurship.
This book isn’t just about cement. It’s about building something lasting - brick by brick with courage, integrity, and vision.
The Ambuja Story is as much about the entrepreneurial journey as it is about the process of capturing it with honesty and depth. Sekhsaria acknowledges this with warmth when he recounts a serendipitous meeting with Radhakrishnan Nair, a gifted business writer and master of his craft. It was Nair who helped him pen down his thoughts and gave structure to the scattered memories and experiences that eventually formed this book.
August 16, 2023
The book is autobiographical account of Narotam Sekhsaria of Ambuja Cement. I picked up the book from the store as the book is endorsed by who's who of Indian Industry and was not disappointed at all. it is lucid, fast paced and entertaining besides being inspirational and educating.
The decision to get into cotton trading despite topping UDCT in Chemical Engineering and switching to start cement factory from cotton trading one of the best example of entrepreneurship. the display of ethics as cotton trader allowed him to enhance his scale of operations and is lesson to all entrepreneurs.
Along with the journey of Mr Narotam, one also travels along journey of India during its 80s and 90s especially in cement industry. During the course of his journey, his entrepreneurship, leadership, philanthropy, risk taking abilities are very clearly visible. Under his stewardship, Ambuja opened first state of the art cement facility with requisite focus on pollution control and social responsibility. it was first to transport cement in ships, pioneers in cement factories becoming self sustained in power. I found his decisions to have redefine marketing by making dealers deal with only Ambuja cement and refusing to deal with government contracts extremely bold ones. However he does not elaborate how he was able avoid pilferage from coal mines in Bihar. Did he resort to extra legal measures there? it is open ended.
He has rightfully avoided naming persons whom he had no so good experiences. He has given credit to his team but has kept the Lion's share of that with him. His battles with Cancer almost coincided with his pursuit of take overs and expansion.
Overall I would say, it is good read and one of autobiographies very well written. lets allow some Hubris as we are all humans
The decision to get into cotton trading despite topping UDCT in Chemical Engineering and switching to start cement factory from cotton trading one of the best example of entrepreneurship. the display of ethics as cotton trader allowed him to enhance his scale of operations and is lesson to all entrepreneurs.
Along with the journey of Mr Narotam, one also travels along journey of India during its 80s and 90s especially in cement industry. During the course of his journey, his entrepreneurship, leadership, philanthropy, risk taking abilities are very clearly visible. Under his stewardship, Ambuja opened first state of the art cement facility with requisite focus on pollution control and social responsibility. it was first to transport cement in ships, pioneers in cement factories becoming self sustained in power. I found his decisions to have redefine marketing by making dealers deal with only Ambuja cement and refusing to deal with government contracts extremely bold ones. However he does not elaborate how he was able avoid pilferage from coal mines in Bihar. Did he resort to extra legal measures there? it is open ended.
He has rightfully avoided naming persons whom he had no so good experiences. He has given credit to his team but has kept the Lion's share of that with him. His battles with Cancer almost coincided with his pursuit of take overs and expansion.
Overall I would say, it is good read and one of autobiographies very well written. lets allow some Hubris as we are all humans
June 18, 2023
The Ambuja Story: How a Group of Ordinary People Created an Extraordinary Company" is an exceptional book that left me in awe of the incredible journey of Ambuja Cement. From the very first page, I was captivated by the author's storytelling and the remarkable achievements of the company.
This book stands out among the biographies I have read. It masterfully combines intricate details with a compelling narrative, making it an engaging read for anyone interested in entrepreneurship and business success. The author's ability to convey complex concepts in a relatable manner is commendable, making it accessible even to those unfamiliar with the construction industry.
What truly sets "The Ambuja Story" apart is its focus on the human side of the organization. The values of integrity, teamwork, and inclusivity shine through each page, emphasizing the role of every individual in the company's success. It's a testament to the power of collaboration and determination in creating something extraordinary.
Throughout the book, I found myself inspired by the unwavering commitment of Ambuja Cement to sustainability and quality. The company's management philosophy and innovative approaches serve as valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders alike. It's a true embodiment of the spirit of resilience and adaptability.
"The Ambuja Story" is a book that will leave a lasting impression. It showcases the power of vision, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of what it takes to build a successful and socially responsible organization.
This book stands out among the biographies I have read. It masterfully combines intricate details with a compelling narrative, making it an engaging read for anyone interested in entrepreneurship and business success. The author's ability to convey complex concepts in a relatable manner is commendable, making it accessible even to those unfamiliar with the construction industry.
What truly sets "The Ambuja Story" apart is its focus on the human side of the organization. The values of integrity, teamwork, and inclusivity shine through each page, emphasizing the role of every individual in the company's success. It's a testament to the power of collaboration and determination in creating something extraordinary.
Throughout the book, I found myself inspired by the unwavering commitment of Ambuja Cement to sustainability and quality. The company's management philosophy and innovative approaches serve as valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders alike. It's a true embodiment of the spirit of resilience and adaptability.
"The Ambuja Story" is a book that will leave a lasting impression. It showcases the power of vision, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of what it takes to build a successful and socially responsible organization.
June 1, 2024
The Ambuja Story is the candid biography of Narotam Seksaria, it touches his days a chemical engineer turned cotton trader, to later starting Gujrat Ambuja in partnership with gujrat government to build a cement company, working over the next 15 years to build an cement industry giant, his battle with cancer, the acquisitions & post retirement life.
Unlike so many other Indian-business biographies this book was so well written, the story-telling was exceptionally well done & I thoroughly enjoyed reading this amazing book.
Some of the important lessons I learned included : -
1. Being fair when negotiating, make sure you leave something on the table for the other person, people generally only cheat you when they feel they're getting the shorter end of the stick.
2. Build a work environment where people are free to share ideas & take decisions, when a employee is truly trusted his work becomes his mission.
3. Environmental consciousness is not just good for the planet but also for a company, it makes you more efficient and has a direct effect on the bottom line.
4. Be a pioneer in your industry- have the courage to do things the unconventional way.
5. Lastly, always stick to your core values, it is what gets you through the thicks and thins of life.
Overall an amazing read that will stay with me for a long time.
Unlike so many other Indian-business biographies this book was so well written, the story-telling was exceptionally well done & I thoroughly enjoyed reading this amazing book.
Some of the important lessons I learned included : -
1. Being fair when negotiating, make sure you leave something on the table for the other person, people generally only cheat you when they feel they're getting the shorter end of the stick.
2. Build a work environment where people are free to share ideas & take decisions, when a employee is truly trusted his work becomes his mission.
3. Environmental consciousness is not just good for the planet but also for a company, it makes you more efficient and has a direct effect on the bottom line.
4. Be a pioneer in your industry- have the courage to do things the unconventional way.
5. Lastly, always stick to your core values, it is what gets you through the thicks and thins of life.
Overall an amazing read that will stay with me for a long time.
October 23, 2025
Few biographies have been as inspirational as this one. His life arc, decisions to get into business and then the scale that he built and the respect that he commanded in the industry is truly commendable. The book takes you through his journey — from his early days in cotton trading to his deep desire to become an industrialist, and eventually building India’s most efficient and profitable cement company. It’s an account filled with bold decisions, calculated risks, and an obsession with productivity and efficiency.
As a fellow chemical engineer from ICT, his story became personally relatable to me. While at ICT, I was a recipient of the Narotam Sekhsaria scholarship for being among the class toppers. It was then that I had visited the Narotam Sekhsaria foundation office to receive the scholarship cheques. I got a glimpse of his story then and then got to know that my father had held shares of Gujarat Ambuja Cements for a long time.
To read about his repeated incidences of cancer was heart wrenching, and at the same time I was amazed how he was still able to carry through leading the business. A bone-chilling close-up of what it takes to make a hugely successful business and the personal cost of achieving it.
Definitely a recommended read for people interested in cement, chemicals or the broader industrials sector.
As a fellow chemical engineer from ICT, his story became personally relatable to me. While at ICT, I was a recipient of the Narotam Sekhsaria scholarship for being among the class toppers. It was then that I had visited the Narotam Sekhsaria foundation office to receive the scholarship cheques. I got a glimpse of his story then and then got to know that my father had held shares of Gujarat Ambuja Cements for a long time.
To read about his repeated incidences of cancer was heart wrenching, and at the same time I was amazed how he was still able to carry through leading the business. A bone-chilling close-up of what it takes to make a hugely successful business and the personal cost of achieving it.
Definitely a recommended read for people interested in cement, chemicals or the broader industrials sector.
December 19, 2022
An easy, informative book on that rare, elusive species - a well-run and (seemingly) corruption free Indian industrial corporation, set up from scratch in the 1980s by an industry outsider.
I was particularly intrigued by the vignettes of the "ordinary men" mentioned in the title - the OG startup hustlers of the Indian corporate ecosystem. They achieved some truly spectacular milestones - setting up cement plants in a matter of months, building plants in treacherous terrains like Himachal Pradesh, designing their own shipping ports without prior domain knowledge, "kaizen" measures to take production capacity to >100% consistently - amazing stuff! Their ingenuity and hard work truly shines through.
Mr Sekhsaria deserves more recognition, and I'm glad to have read his first person account of building a company and becoming an industry titan. He does not carry the burden that comes with multi-generational wealth (like his other Marwari business brethren) and he talks freely about everything from lackadaisical politicians to unscrupulous Madras-based cement companies.
A recommended read.
I was particularly intrigued by the vignettes of the "ordinary men" mentioned in the title - the OG startup hustlers of the Indian corporate ecosystem. They achieved some truly spectacular milestones - setting up cement plants in a matter of months, building plants in treacherous terrains like Himachal Pradesh, designing their own shipping ports without prior domain knowledge, "kaizen" measures to take production capacity to >100% consistently - amazing stuff! Their ingenuity and hard work truly shines through.
Mr Sekhsaria deserves more recognition, and I'm glad to have read his first person account of building a company and becoming an industry titan. He does not carry the burden that comes with multi-generational wealth (like his other Marwari business brethren) and he talks freely about everything from lackadaisical politicians to unscrupulous Madras-based cement companies.
A recommended read.
July 6, 2025
Sekhsaria was once a wealthy cotton and fabric trader. He enjoyed a life of working only nine months a year and traveling the world for three. However, this comfortable lifestyle didn't satisfy him. He yearned to be an industrialist—someone more respected by others. His cement factory in Gujarat marked the beginning of his career.
The book highlights fundamental aspects to consider carefully in the cement business—and more broadly, in construction materials. It reminded me a lot of the lessons from John D. Rockefeller when he built his Standard Oil petroleum empire.
The business of commodities intertwined with finished products is always fascinating. Advantages lie in every corner of the business: low-cost production, smart process improvements, quality raw materials, easy transportation, good prices, and so on.
In his time, Ambuji built India's most efficient cement plant (Chandrapur), a private port with the lowest-cost sea logistics ( Muldwarka), and a series of continuous improvements in the cement production process, among others.
A book full of useful insights.
The book highlights fundamental aspects to consider carefully in the cement business—and more broadly, in construction materials. It reminded me a lot of the lessons from John D. Rockefeller when he built his Standard Oil petroleum empire.
The business of commodities intertwined with finished products is always fascinating. Advantages lie in every corner of the business: low-cost production, smart process improvements, quality raw materials, easy transportation, good prices, and so on.
In his time, Ambuji built India's most efficient cement plant (Chandrapur), a private port with the lowest-cost sea logistics ( Muldwarka), and a series of continuous improvements in the cement production process, among others.
A book full of useful insights.
July 8, 2025
Ever wondered how an ordinary textile trader built a cement empire against all odds?
Curious about how navigating the cutthroat markets with integrity makes a person stand apart from the crowf?
Or how public-private partnerships fueled community growth and what exactly is the famous gujarat's model which brought a new wave of industrialization ?
📚 *The Ambuja Story* by Narotam Sekhsaria unveils the gritty journey of the founder from a Marwari childhood to revolutionizing India’s cement industry. This memoir blends resilience, ethical leadership, and innovation, offering vivid insights into pre-liberalization India and sustainable business. Dive into this inspiring tale! 🌟
Read the full book review at
https://paradoxphilos.wordpress.com/2...
Curious about how navigating the cutthroat markets with integrity makes a person stand apart from the crowf?
Or how public-private partnerships fueled community growth and what exactly is the famous gujarat's model which brought a new wave of industrialization ?
📚 *The Ambuja Story* by Narotam Sekhsaria unveils the gritty journey of the founder from a Marwari childhood to revolutionizing India’s cement industry. This memoir blends resilience, ethical leadership, and innovation, offering vivid insights into pre-liberalization India and sustainable business. Dive into this inspiring tale! 🌟
Read the full book review at
https://paradoxphilos.wordpress.com/2...
March 3, 2022
It is an inspiring story of an Indian Entrepreneur. A person who can look into the future and make course corrections.
It really makes you feel amazing, how the son of a cotton trader emerges successful in a totally different industry-cement. He has many firsts to his credit in this field like transportation of cement in barges.
One cannot stop admiring him for his honesty in his profession and also his philanthropic work, Pan india. He has always been attached to his roots. A very frank and open book, where the writer has readily accepted his shortcomings and mistakes in business decisions.
Repeated attacks of oral cancer cut short his professional career or else he would have taken Gujarat Ambuja to even greater heights
A true Indian and a great human being !
It really makes you feel amazing, how the son of a cotton trader emerges successful in a totally different industry-cement. He has many firsts to his credit in this field like transportation of cement in barges.
One cannot stop admiring him for his honesty in his profession and also his philanthropic work, Pan india. He has always been attached to his roots. A very frank and open book, where the writer has readily accepted his shortcomings and mistakes in business decisions.
Repeated attacks of oral cancer cut short his professional career or else he would have taken Gujarat Ambuja to even greater heights
A true Indian and a great human being !
March 27, 2022
An honest, humble and precise account of how the author succeeded in a traditional business by bringing in efficiency, honesty, professionalism, leadership and foresight. Will definitely be a treat for those in the cement business. But the book serves as a great guide for those wanting to execute an industrial business of scale. I did not get an opportunity to meet the author but while he went about building the Ambuja brand, I was around examining the investment landscape during the course of my role as a business journalist.
June 25, 2023
As the title says it discuss how ambuja was built from scratch. I have lots of respect for this person after reading, hats off sir your courage is something out of the world! I have to say he's such a man, Who made every opportunity turned into fortune. I can't imagine how he lived his life in early 20's with that much hard work for earning money. Am still can't make something great in my 20's.
Book is recommended to every entrepreneurial mindset. You could get a feel that sometimes bad decisions will have good lesson to teach in life later. Recommended
Book is recommended to every entrepreneurial mindset. You could get a feel that sometimes bad decisions will have good lesson to teach in life later. Recommended
June 4, 2025
The story of Narotam Sekhsaria is simply brilliant. Excellence is whatever you are doing or do is something I have learnt from this.
Questioning everything, not just following something or doing something in a way because it is status quo is another insight.
This is one of the best business books I have read.
PS : I was studying the cement industry in India, on going M&A and expansion by different players, when I stumbled upon this book.
A must recommended book to learn how to do things in life in a better way and the positive implications of it.
Questioning everything, not just following something or doing something in a way because it is status quo is another insight.
This is one of the best business books I have read.
PS : I was studying the cement industry in India, on going M&A and expansion by different players, when I stumbled upon this book.
A must recommended book to learn how to do things in life in a better way and the positive implications of it.
October 20, 2022
This book is really a very inspiring read. When you start something new, make sure you have adequate resources and then take that kind of risk. In other words, take risks appropriate to the size of one's resources. It was a vivid chronicle of the journey of the protagonist and being a person linked to the state where the protagonist belongs, I could relate very well with his childhood and the social strata.
I must say a very good read and I could finish the same in a few days.
I must say a very good read and I could finish the same in a few days.
March 15, 2024
A candid tell-all about the travails and thrills of building a business in the first wave of liberalization in India in the 1980s. The author is frank about the toll it took on his life and frank about various people he dealt with during his years building it. Ultimately, timing is everything and he successfully capitalized on the wave of liberalization in the cement market and the opportunities it created by moving faster and more efficiently than established rivals.
January 15, 2025
It was really good to read the origin story of one of the biggest cement companies in India. This is one of the better books I have read about Indian businesses. However, one critique I have is that it at times, there was too much details in the book that does not add enough value to the story.
Inspiring story from a man who knew nothing about the cement industry and used that as his weapon to succeed.
“Trust begets trust”
Inspiring story from a man who knew nothing about the cement industry and used that as his weapon to succeed.
“Trust begets trust”
December 23, 2025
One of the best books I have read in a long time. The book shares the story of a cotton trader creating one of the largest cement companies in India. The content is structured in a chronological order making it easier to consume. The innovative approaches to solve problems such as pioneering sea transport, to setting up own power plants, building a brand etc. are some of the spotlights. Building and Exiting a sustainable business after no long term transition option is another key takeaway.
June 27, 2022
I was excited to learn more about the team behind the inception and scale of a familiar brand I've grown up watching TV ads for - Ambuja Cement. It is a case study of top-notch execution - doing ordinary things with extra-ordinary rigor/discipline. Mr. Sekhsaria's grit and focus on execution while battling with cancer are exemplary.
July 24, 2022
More often than not I’d stay away from businessmen writing autobiography- mostly there is ego stoking, chest thumping and little to learn.
This one is refreshingly different.
It has a candid account of destiny, luck, entrepreneurship, courage, bravado, impetuousness, and shrewdness.
A small bit of whining.
That’s an entrepreneur.
A success story.
Nice writing. Straightforward.
This one is refreshingly different.
It has a candid account of destiny, luck, entrepreneurship, courage, bravado, impetuousness, and shrewdness.
A small bit of whining.
That’s an entrepreneur.
A success story.
Nice writing. Straightforward.
May 30, 2024
First hand account of rise of the iconic cement manufacturer Ambuja cements. Being a marwari I could easily understand the stories of his childhood and concerns of the family members when someone deviates from the family traditions.
Early years in cotton trading and Ambuja is full of interesting anecdotes which makes it a very pleasant read.
Early years in cotton trading and Ambuja is full of interesting anecdotes which makes it a very pleasant read.
February 22, 2022
Interesting read.. But
It certainly helps to be born into a successful trading family and have a fancy network to begin with before kick-starting on your ambitions as an industrialist ;)
Nevertheless , Sekhsaria is a razor sharp businessman.
It certainly helps to be born into a successful trading family and have a fancy network to begin with before kick-starting on your ambitions as an industrialist ;)
Nevertheless , Sekhsaria is a razor sharp businessman.
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