Surat: There is a tradition of giving bonuses to employees on Diwali in almost every business and institution, but this time a textile businessman in Surat, Gujarat did something which is being discussed from social media to the business world. Businessman Ramswaroop Munde gave a cash Diwali bonus of more than Rs 1 lakh each to 20 employees working in his establishment. The special thing was that the bonus amount was not kept in an envelope but was presented to the employees in puja thalis decorated with bundles of new notes. This unique style made the Diwali of the employees memorable.
Who are the businessmen who shower such huge gifts on their employees?
Ramswaroop Munde runs Mahadev Cloth Center, located at Sudama Chowk in Varachha area of Surat. Munde, who is involved in textile business, decided to give a special gift to his employees on Diwali. He gave cash amounting to more than Rs 1 lakh not to one or two, but to all 20 employees. Accordingly, the total amount distributed as bonus was more than Rs 20 lakh. While usually on festivals a formality is completed by giving a few thousand rupees or a box of sweets to the employees, Munde set a different example with his generosity.
How were the bonus plates decorated with notes?
The biggest centre of attraction in this entire event was the big silver shining puja thalis. In these, bundles of new notes of Rs 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 were neatly arranged. The plates were prepared in such a way that even the onlookers were astonished. These plates were handed over to the employees one by one. During this time the businessman’s family members were also present. Bonus plates were also given to the wives of some employees so that their families could also participate in this happiness.
Why did employees shed tears after seeing the bonus?
When the employees received such a huge amount in return for a year’s hard work, they could not believe their eyes for some time. There was surprise on someone’s face and tears of happiness in someone’s eyes. A female employee even cried emotionally after receiving the bonus. According to reports, Rekhaben Bhalada, who worked in the shop, said that she had not even imagined getting such a huge amount. He expressed hope that this financial assistance will help him fulfill his dream of buying his own house. In this way, this bonus was not limited only to the joy of the festival but also became a support for some employees to fulfill their future dreams.
Why did the businessman decide to give such a huge bonus?
Ramswaroop Munde cited family attachment towards the employees as the reason behind his decision. He believes that hard work and honesty of employees play an important role in the progress of any business. He said that his childhood was spent in financial crisis. In such a situation, he understands very well how difficult it is for financially weak people to meet the needs of the family during festivals. He wanted that none of his employees should have to worry about money for shopping or household expenses on Diwali.
Is this gift associated with any tradition of Rajasthan?
Munde also linked his event with the spirit of traditional ‘Mayra’ or ‘Mamera’ of Rajasthan. In this tradition, maternal uncle gives money and gifts to his niece on marriage or other auspicious occasions. The businessman gave this gift to his employees with the same family spirit. His message was clear that the people working in the shop are not outsiders to him but part of the family. This is the reason that instead of making bonus distribution a mere business process, he transformed it into a family celebration.
Why is the businessman being praised on social media?
After the video of bonus distribution surfaced, Ramswaroop Munde is being praised a lot on social media. People are calling this an example of employee welfare and liberal thinking. Many users wrote that I wish every businessman understands the hard work of his employees like this and respects them. Some people even expressed their desire to get a job at such a place in a humorous manner. Overall, this Surat businessman proved that the real strength of an organisation is not just its earnings but also the people who take it forward.
