Planting Their Feet Into A Second Innings

Bhanu and Meena Singh did not see themselves leading a traditional retired life. So they put their heads together to start a second inning that combines their work experience and hobby.

Bhanu Singh, 68, recently had a medical episode. The required recovery period is completed now, and his wife Meena, 65, and he eagerly await the resumption of their work at their venture, Invelligen. The eagerness should tell you something about the Singh’s enthusiasm and passion for the venture they started in their second innings. It’s now given them a purpose in life and a successful one.

In the 1970s, Bhanu Singh's life took a turn when the government introduced the Antyodaya scheme, aiming to uplift the poorest of the poor. After dedicating his early career to government service in the veterinary department in Haryana and Rajasthan, Bhanu embraced this opportunity for change. The Antodaya scheme marked the entry of various sectors into the banking industry, including agriculture and Bhanu found himself assuming the responsibilities of the banking sector. He extensively explored the complexities of commercial operations, financing-related agricultural endeavours, and investigating diverse manufacturing and trading domains.

In 2015, he retired as the regional head of the Indian Overseas Bank, Mumbai.

A believer in giving back the knowledge he had harnessed during his 33-year-long career, Bhanu dedicated a few years to providing free services to former clients and friends, generously sharing the vast knowledge he had amassed.

Meanwhile, Meena Singh, hailing from a family deeply rooted in the business world, specifically in the timber trade, had always nurtured a longing to pursue something purposeful. The limitations imposed by financial constraints once upon a time for her to start a venture no longer posed a hindrance. Together, the two decided to give a second career a chance, opting for a low-risk approach through a small-scale venture.

It surpassed all their aspirations, probably because it came from the heart.

The Singhs, passionate about gardening, encountered a common problem faced by plant enthusiasts - watering plants when they were not at home. Influenced by the advanced drip irrigation systems they saw in nurseries during their visits to Mangalore, where their son lives, they devised a solution. They introduced vibrant plastic rods and pipes of different heights in their garden, creating visually appealing plant trellises that supported climbing plants and automated watering.

Neither Meena nor Bhanu were ready to take a break after Bhanu’s retirement. This ingenious solution marked the beginning of their business venture, and they quickly achieved success by entering online marketplaces such as Amazon and Flipkart. The Singhs' plant trellises gained popularity, leading to an impressive turnover of 15 to 20 lakhs. This accomplishment is even more noteworthy considering the initial setback they encountered due to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.

During the lockdown the couple's minds flared with the seeds of innovation. Collaborating tirelessly, they delved into brainstorming sessions, determined to discover a solution to ensure their garden flourished even when they were away. The outcome surpassed their expectations, nurturing a thriving garden and igniting an entrepreneurial drive within them, eager to spread their creative concepts to a larger scale. 

After the COVID-19 pandemic, the Singhs' business experienced a surge in growth as they devoted their time to crafting innovative designs and models. The lockdown period served as a valuable opportunity for strategic planning, allowing them to delve into new ideas for their products. Despite the obstacles presented by the pandemic, the Singhs' were focused on finding a creative and appealing solution.

Meena is the driving force behind their eco-friendly initiative and remembers the moment that kickstarted their journey. It all began with a common issue faced by plant lovers everywhere - the struggle of watering plants when away from home. The Singhs, who adored gardening, had often found themselves in the same predicament where their 100 pots were left unattended every time they left the house.

Meena, a staunch supporter of women's empowerment, highlights the significance of women entering the workforce right from the start. “The limitation on women's financial freedom has always concerned me,” she says. By venturing into her business, she contributes to the country's economy and serves as a living testament that age should never hinder the pursuit of dreams.

Like many older adults across India, the Singhs have refused to let age or occasional bouts of ill health keep them restricted and have crafted a narrative that challenges the conventional notion of retired years. Their later venture is not just about a thriving business but also about staying engaged, finding purpose, and contributing to society while working on something they both love.

Once upon a time, like any new venture, they, too, were plagued by doubts. The thought of investing their time and money into something uncertain was scary. However, they took comfort in knowing that their children were financially stable, relieving them of the worries that usually come with taking financial risks. And today, the venture has successfully paid off, making all the sleepless nights worth it.

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