Genial Kholi's legacy lives on
NDEED, the passing away of Tilak Raj Kohli, the managing director of STAG International (Meerut), on October 25 has left a big void. He was 88. Even as we, the table tennis fraternity in general and the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) in particular, join hundreds of mourners, including the Kohli family, in praying for his soul to rest in peace, I cannot but recall his contributions in the field of sports, more specifically to table tennis.
This was one maxim he followed till he breathed his last. So it was not surprising when he would always insist what has been STAG’s motto: “We do not sell products; we sell satisfaction!” Naturally, the credit for nurturing such a thought must go to Kholi Saheb. He was such a blessed persona that he not only had great resources but also dedicated people around him to make sure that STAG products had the hallmark of greatness, safety and the money’s worth. What mattered to him was qualityand quality alone. He never compromised on that front. Hence it is not surprising that STAG employs over 300 committed workers to stretch beyond their capacities throughout the year to meet a stringent quality control and timely schedules. But STAG International was not made overnight. The sweat and toil of Kohli Saheb can be seen in what the company has achieved over a period of time, besides taking the Indian sports industry to where it is today. Founded in 1922, by the great visionary, Late Lala Arjan Das Kohli, STAG is a revered brand name in more than 153 countries worldwide. From a humble beginning through the dedicated efforts of Tilak Raj Kohli, the company has become a multinational spreading its wings in the globe in all spheres of sports. The company has seen four generations, all dedicating themselves and catering to the needs of the sports industry in the world in general and in particular India. Like several others, we in the TTFI will miss his presence without a doubt. But his legacy will live forever. And we will continue to draw our inspiration from his purpose, passion and meaning. RIP Kohli Saheb. |