Vijay Sankeshwar, hailed as the “Trucking King of India,” is a pioneering entrepreneur who transformed a modest venture into India’s largest logistics company, VRL Group. Born on August 2, 1950, in Betagiri, Mysore, Karnataka, Sankeshwar came from a humble agricultural family. His journey from a small-town businessman in Dharwad to a national tycoon is a testament to his determination, innovation, and leadership.

Early Life and Education

Sankeshwar completed his schooling in Dharwad and pursued higher education at Adarsh Shikshan Samiti, College of Commerce under Karnataka University. Even as a child, he demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit, and at just 16, he began his career in business. In 1966, his father gifted him a small printing press, Vijay Printing Press, which he quickly expanded by introducing modern machinery in 1969. His early ventures laid the foundation for his future success in diverse industries.

The Birth of VRL Group

In 1983, Sankeshwar ventured into the transport industry with a single truck, starting VRL Group. His focus on customer satisfaction, efficiency, and reliability propelled the company to unprecedented growth. Today, VRL Group operates over 5,000 trucks and buses, making it one of India’s largest logistics and transport companies, serving end-to-end logistics solutions across the country.

Diversification and Expansion

Sankeshwar’s vision extended beyond transportation. Over the years, he expanded VRL Group into various sectors, including parcel and courier services, hospitality, and media. In 2011, he launched “Vijayavani,” a Kannada-language daily newspaper that quickly became Karnataka’s leading publication, with over 800,000 daily readers. His business acumen and ability to identify opportunities have been key to the group’s ongoing success.

Political Involvement

Beyond business, Vijay Sankeshwar has also ventured into politics. He first entered the political scene in 1996 when he contested and won the 11th Lok Sabha elections from the Dharwad constituency as a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). During his time in politics, Sankeshwar served on various parliamentary committees related to transport and tourism. In 2003, after parting ways with BJP, he founded the Kannada Naadu Party. Later, he reconciled with BJP when the Karnataka Janata Paksha merged with it.

Philanthropy and Social Impact

Sankeshwar’s success has been accompanied by his commitment to giving back to society. Through the VRL Foundation, the company’s CSR arm, he has supported various initiatives in education, healthcare, and community development. His philanthropic efforts have significantly impacted the lives of many, particularly in rural Karnataka.

Awards and Recognition

• Udyog Ratna Award (1994) – Conferred by the Institute of Economic Studies for outstanding contributions to the Indian business landscape.
• Transport Personality of the Year (2012) – Honored at the India Road Transportation Awards (IRTA) for his significant achievements in the transport sector.
• Padma Shri (2020) – India’s fourth-highest civilian award, awarded by President Ram Nath Kovind for his contributions to trade and industry.
• Numerous Business Excellence Awards – Recognized by various organizations for his innovation and leadership in logistics and media.

Legacy and Future

With a current net worth of $8 million (as of 2022), Vijay Sankeshwar continues to inspire countless entrepreneurs. His son, Anand Sankeshwar, has followed in his footsteps, producing a biographical film, Vijayanand, in 2022, chronicling Vijay Sankeshwar’s remarkable life. Today, VRL Group continues to thrive, investing in new sectors, including plans for an airline brand.

Vijay Sankeshwar’s story exemplifies the power of perseverance, vision, and innovation. From humble beginnings, he has built an empire that spans multiple industries, impacting lives and contributing significantly to India’s economic growth.