The Savani family, through their company Savani Heritage, aims to restore India's ancient monuments using traditional and scientific methods. They seek investment to expand their operations and promote heritage tourism, highlighting the importance of preserving India's cultural legacy.
In a recent episode of Shark Tank India, the Savani family presented their mission to restore India's ancient heritage. With a rich history of over 100 years, the Royal Opera House in Mumbai serves as a poignant reminder of the countless heritage buildings across India that are in dire need of restoration. The Savani family, consisting of three generations, aims to conserve these invaluable treasures that are slowly disappearing due to urban development and environmental pollution.
The Savani family comprises Shantilal Savani (70), his nephew Ram Savani (45), and his grandnephew Jagrit Savani (26). They have embarked on a mission to restore ancient monuments across India, utilizing both scientific and traditional methods. Their approach focuses on minimal intervention while using materials that match the original construction.
The Savani family has successfully restored over 300 monuments across 20 states in India. Their ambitious goal is to restore more than 1,000 monuments by 2030, thereby promoting heritage tourism and preserving India's ancient culture for future generations.
During their pitch, the Savani family requested an investment of ₹1 crore in exchange for 1% equity in their company, which they valued at ₹300 crores. They emphasized the potential for growth in heritage tourism and the importance of their work in conserving India's cultural legacy.
Shantilal Savani shared his background as a mason, which laid the foundation for his expertise in heritage conservation. He founded Savani Heritage Conservation in 1995, with their first major project being the restoration of a building associated with Sir Ronald Ross, who discovered the link between mosquitoes and malaria.
Ram Savani, a civil engineer, and Jagrit Savani, who holds a B.Tech in civil engineering and a master's degree from Purdue University, joined the family business to bring in modern techniques and knowledge.
The Savani family explained that their work involves both structural conservation and aesthetic restoration. They have tackled projects that require strengthening the structure while also restoring the original artwork and design elements. For instance, they restored the Vikram Sarabhai Library at IIM Ahmedabad, which received a UNESCO award for its conservation efforts.
The family noted that while there are a few companies specializing in restoration and conservation in India, the market is still relatively small. They highlighted the challenge of securing funding for maintenance after restoration, as many projects suffer from neglect once completed.
The Savani family reported impressive financials, with a gross revenue of ₹124.7 crores in the last financial year and expectations to reach ₹300 crores in the upcoming year. They have a significant order book, with ₹850 crores worth of work orders in hand, indicating strong demand for their services.
A substantial portion of their projects is funded through government contracts, which can sometimes lead to delays in payments. However, successful restorations have led to increased footfall and revenue for heritage sites, demonstrating the economic potential of their work.
The Savani family's dedication to preserving India's heritage is commendable. Their innovative approach to restoration, combined with their extensive experience, positions them well to make a significant impact in the field of heritage conservation. While they faced challenges in securing investment on Shark Tank, their mission to revive India's cultural legacy remains a noble and necessary endeavor. As they continue to grow, the Savani family is poised to play a crucial role in promoting heritage tourism and ensuring that India's ancient monuments are preserved for generations to come.
