Man Who Believes in the Power of ‘YOU'

Pravin Rege, founded Durga Computers in 1989. Being the founder and CEO, he manages all aspects of system integration business viz. current and future business strategies, managing and forming alliances with different MNCs, principals and vendors and the overall administration. Along with this, he handles cases pertaining to Cyber Forensics, Cyber Crime Investigation and Information Security Audit.

Initial Days
Rege is a Digital Electronics (D.E.) Engineer, from the 3rd batch of D.E. engineering. In addition to this, he acquired certifications in Information Security Audit, Cyber Forensics and Cybercrime Investigation. Also, along the way, he holds many other certifications from different MNCs and other companies pertaining to their products and services.

Before founding Durga Computers; he had worked with Zaran Trading Agency, BARC and Chowgule Industries. Elaborating upon these stints, Rege said, " At Zaran, I worked in R&D, designing microprocessor based controllers. It gave me experience on chip level designing as well as assembly language programming. I have worked on Osborne which was prior to our traditional PC. BARC was on a similar base but it gave me exposure to upcoming technologies from across the globe."

Rege states, "Personal computers were introduced in India by then PM Rajiv Gandhi. I joined Chowgules because they were one of the pioneers in introducing PC under brand name Chi2." He further added, " In short, I have been in this field even before the PC revolution came to India."

Rege comes by as a knowledge hungry, enthusiastic and keen on learning just about anything new even now. On this, Rege said, "As they say, the learning never stops. Be it any seminar, workshop or any other interesting event pertaining to IT, I try not to miss it. I am very passionate about what I do. I am an introvert, but once people get to know me, they find me extremely engaging and fun-loving. I solemnly believe in the Almighty that created this mystical universe and am his faithful disciple."

 

Formative Years
Rege had plans of starting his own business since his engineering days. Elaborating upon this, he said, "While working in Chowgule, I found that there was a lot of potential in PC sales and service business. However, I never thought I will start early. It were my clients who gave me the confidence and drove me into the business. I was always keen on giving prompt service to Chowgules' customers." He further added, "Seeing my knowledge and proficiency in my service, I was referred to non-Chowgule customers by their existing customers. However, working privately was not in my principles, so I quit and started my business. I must mention that I never approached any of my ex-employers' customers on my own."

Rege informs that he had been in a business partnership, after he left his job, which did not work out well. In fact, he started Durga Computers with negative capital on his head from the earlier partnership venture. "It was only with hard work and staunch perseverance that I am where I am," states Rege.

Every business faces challenges in the initial days. Its how a person works around and finds solutions lays down the path for success. Talking about challenges, Rege said, "My family has not been into the business line. My father and my brothers had always been into service. Little knowledge of starting a business and the obstacles that I was to face due to this, was the main hurdle when I started my business especially after my first partnership failure." He further added, "Managing finances at the early stage, at the time of rupee devaluation and in 2008 recession was a difficult task. However, coping with new technologies, continuous addition of products and services to system integration business and doing something different than the usual market trends have helped Durga Computers not only to overcome tough times but also to become successful and stand out amongst competitors."

Success Quotient
Rege said, "In my 24 years of business, the most important thing I have learnt is to be patient. I look at tough times as not only a passing but a learning phase as well."

"I always keep on learning, especially about new technologies. I try to visualise future impact of new/upcoming technologies and trends on IT and other industries as well as on the nation/world. It has always helped me to plan my future addition/diversification in the business. For instance, I entered the information security domain when email & Internet were new to India. Similarly, I ventured into Cyber Forensics and Cybercrime Investigation around 6-7 years back when online activities including banking, social etc. were new in India."

Rege is a strong believer in God and himself. He quotes, "The only thing stopping you from success, or getting you success is You"

Source of Inspiration
Rege's parents who taught him to believe in himself, to love and forgive others are the key source of his inspiration. He further adds, "My spiritual Guru Om Datta Shri Thakur Maharaj who has been my lighthouse. He has always blessed me by being the captain of my ship. Apart from gaining mind peace from ‘bhakti' and meditation, he teaches me to believe in ‘Work is God', how to be practical in life & balancing between ‘Swartha & Paramartha'. Several inspirational books have been my best friends as well in guiding me through life."
This man is firm promoter of the concept of self and the "power of you". Adding to this, he said, "Be clear in your vision and lead; the world is bound to follow. While taking any major decision, be practical but at the same time think about the other side of the coin, be it family/ employees/ vendors/ and even customers. The sign of a good leader is the welfare of those who he is leading. Always try to give back something worthwhile and positive to everyone who touches your life, be it customers, colleagues, employees etc. As they grow, you will grow."

Management Tactics
For the business, he ensures visibility and explores avenues for growth through means like email marketing and more to help him grow his business. He said, "I happily acknowledge the fact that majority of our business growth is by word of mouth of our satisfied clients. Collaboration with ASIRT and IAMCP members has aided me as well to not only survive, but also grow."
At the personal front, he relies and trusts in the support and conviction of his wife. Rege said, "I am lucky that my spouse is really my better half. Apart from being a good wife, she has always been my good friend, well wisher, philosopher and guide. I keep her informed about my business happenings and she helps me with her creative suggestions."

He come from a joint family background. "We try to find time from our work to go to movies, Marathi drama and occasional weekend dinner together. My wife and I both love food, and are keen on trying out new places to binge. We usually go for a weekend getaway at least once in every six months. My family has as much as priority for me as my professional life does," informs Rege.

Personal Titbits
Rege loves reading inspirational and motivational books, which helps in staying positive in life. He also like technical books that helps to keep him updated on
latest developments and trends. On the spare time, he enjoys
listening to to old Hindi and Marathi songs.

Word of Advice
These days several new entrants enter into the SI business with very little qualification and/or experience. They not only spoil the market by selling themselves cheap, but also many a times lead themselves to their own failure. To emerging entrepreneurs, Rege advises, "Taking the required training and garnering experience from peers in the business is necessary to give you a headstart. Thereafter, knowing what you deserve and perseverance to get yourself there is needed. Whether you are in business or service, be dedicated to your work." He further adds, "Keep yourself updated with the new technologies and trends in the dynamic world. Don't sell yourself cheap and at the same time, deliver your best. Lastly, remember, a creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others."

Future Ahead
"The SI Industry needs a revolution. With ASIRT, we are working towards just that. In the next 5 years, I wish to be a major contributor as a Board member to the group effort in bringing about revolutionary changes in the SI industry. With IAMCP, I perceive myself as a member who has helped Microsoft partners in mutual growth and business development, which in turn will have helped my business and me to grow as well," said Rege.

For Durga Computers, he would be still heading it as a Cyber Forensics and Investigation company with 1000+ personnel.