After working as a seamstress in a factory, Sarla Ahuja started Shahi Exports in her home in New Delhi. Shahi Exports has grown to become India’s largest apparel manufacturer, with Rs. 8,244 Crore revenue this year, operating more than 50 factories and three processing mills across 9 states. We have over 113,000 employees, including 77,000 women.

The story of Shahi Exports, India’s largest apparel manufacturer, began from a makeshift unit in the home of its founder, Sarla Ahuja, in the early 1970s. Today, Shahi Exports has an impressive customer base that includes Walmart, Gap Inc, Abercrombie & Fitch, PVH, Kohl’s, H&M, Target, and other big brands, with a current MoQ of 10,000 per order.

Sarla Ahuja is now 86 years old, and though she retired from her position two years ago due to ill-health, is up-to-date with the company’s expansion, growth, and new initiatives. In a conversation, she recalls Shahi’s humble beginnings....

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