In this Telugu podcast, we sit down with Ambica Krishna garu, the driving force behind the legacy of Ambica Agarbatti, for an intimate look into his life’s journey, the evolution of his family business, and his multifaceted roles in public life. Known for his deep-rooted faith and savvy business acumen, Krishna garu takes us through the inspiring story of how Ambica Agarbatti grew from humble beginnings into a symbol of trust and devotion for millions.
Starting with the brand’s foundation in the late 1960s, Krishna garu reflects on the legacy his father built. Driven by the motto "Bhagavanthundiki Bhakti Ki," which translates to "Devotion to God," Ambica Agarbatti set out to embody purity and spirituality in every product.
Running a family business of this scale comes with its own set of challenges, and Krishna garu shares the unique dynamics of managing a large joint family business that spans across 30 family members and employs over 2,500 people. He reveals how he maintains a close bond with long-term employees, some of whom have worked with Ambica Agarbatti for more than 15 years, fostering a culture that intertwines family values with corporate principles. Krishna garu firmly believes that faith and fate play integral roles in the journey of Ambica, a sentiment that he holds deeply as he continues his father’s legacy.
Despite a growing wave of atheism and a societal shift away from traditional practices, Krishna garu reflects on how Ambica Agarbatti has adapted. He observes that people, particularly the younger generation, no longer follow the traditional practice of visiting temples; instead, their approach to spirituality has transformed. While some see this shift as a challenge, Krishna garu views it as an opportunity to preserve and present the spiritual values embedded in Ambica Agarbatti’s products to a new audience.
The marketing legacy of Ambica Agarbatti is as unique as its inception. Krishna garu shares memories of how his father began with Doordarshan ads and created taglines like "Ammakam Ante Nammakam" (Faith Means Trust), which resonated deeply with the Indian audience. One quirky story involves a van Krishna garu used for advertising, which locals mistook for a cigarette van, adding to the product’s unique appeal. He recounts the days when their humble van roamed the streets, drawing in curious onlookers and slowly building brand recognition one stop at a time.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a traditionalist at heart, or simply interested in the spirit behind Ambica Agarbatti, this conversation is filled with insights and inspiration.
