Praful Dhokai attributes his success to the principles of honesty and hard work. As the general manager of Clyde Equipment (Pacific) Ltd, a prominent distributor of industrial equipment in Fiji and surrounding South Pacific nations, Mr. Dhokai recently celebrated 25 years with the company.
Originally from Baroda, India, Mr. Dhokai moved to Fiji in 1999, beginning his journey as the manager of the Lautoka branch, where he supervised a team of 15. Reflecting on his early career after earning his electrical engineering degree from Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, he shared the challenges he faced, including eight years of struggling to find secure employment while balancing family responsibilities.
In 1999, Mr. Dhokai seized the opportunity to work at Clyde Equipment, an experience he describes as pivotal. He noted that moving to an unfamiliar country was daunting; however, he has embraced Fiji as his home. His message to others is one of perseverance: “One should never give up in life; keep trying, and you will eventually find success.”
Mr. Dhokai also shared his observations of the technological evolution in Fiji over the years. He recalled the limited communication tools available in 1999, the introduction of mobile phones and PCs in 2005, and the current era of digital advancement.
He credits the late Y P Reddy, founder of the Reddy Group, as an influential mentor during his journey. Their two-decade partnership allowed Mr. Dhokai to grow from a novice salesman to an adept business leader. He emphasizes that consistent hard work and integrity are fundamental to success.
Despite identifying as a workaholic, Mr. Dhokai makes time for his passion for cricket, particularly when the Indian national team plays. His family and his dedicated team at Clyde serve as his primary sources of motivation.
This inspiring story of perseverance underscores a significant theme of resilience and achievement. Mr. Dhokai’s journey reflects the idea that with determination and a commitment to ethical practices, anyone can overcome obstacles and thrive in their career.
In summary, Mr. Dhokai’s success story serves as a testament to the power of hard work, honesty, and the importance of resilience in the face of challenges, encouraging others to follow a similar path towards their personal and professional goals.
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