Our two months of social internship under the Development of Corporate Citizenship (DoCC) programme were very profound and illuminating. We came across many inspiring people who extensively work for the social cause and strive for the welfare of the society. During our social internship with Sahaja Samrudha in Hubli, Karnataka, four of us—Saksham Mittal, Siddharth Pandey, Satyarth Vats, and Vaibhav Goel—found ourselves on a field visit in Thimmapur, a remote village in the heart of the region.
It was there that we had the privilege of meeting Mr. Manjunath Pagare, a self-made man who had built an impressive millet processing empire from humble beginnings. His story of perseverance and innovation left a lasting impression on us. This visit was particularly significant for all of us, as it provided valuable insights into social entrepreneurship and community-focused enterprises, which are key areas of learning within the DoCC programme.
Initially a cycle repairman in the village, Mr. Pagare’s fascination with mechanical systems eventually led him into agriculture. Despite facing difficulties in securing loans, he launched a millet processing unit, combining his savings and borrowings. Over the years, his relentless dedication to improving supply chains and ensuring high-quality control enabled him to transform his modest operation into FACL, a ₹5 crore enterprise with the capacity to process 50 tons of millet per day. His products now reach markets as far as Mumbai.
What struck us most was Mr. Pagare’s humility and his deep connection to his roots. Despite his modern appearance and confident demeanour, he remained closely tied to the community and took immense pride in his relationship with farmers. He shared how he used to stand outside Dharwad Agriculture University, eager to gather knowledge from students, always looking for ways to innovate and improve his operations. His commitment to learning had been key to his success. After our conversation, Mr. Pagare graciously offered us a tour of his facility, showcasing the scale of his achievements.
As we walked through, he pointed out an old hut across the road—his family home. It stood as a symbol of his journey from modest beginnings to his current success. Meeting Mr. Pagare challenged my perception of business, showing me how entrepreneurship, when driven by passion and a desire to make a positive impact, can be a powerful tool for change. His story of resilience and self-reliance will remain one of the most inspiring moments of our social immersion during the DoCC programme. Mr. Pagare is an example of how social entrepreneurship from the small villages of India can flourish through dedication, hard work and strong commitment towards the societal impact.
Development of Corporate Citizenship (DoCC) is an SPJIMR initiative launched over 30 years ago rooted in the belief that civil society is a vital learning tool. A mandatory course for PGDM and PGPM particpants, DoCC cultivates awareness and empathy for societal issues through social internships across India and South Asia. Participants apply management skills in real-world settings, fostering reflection and learning.