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Bhawani Shanker Gurung
Bhawani Shanker Gurung is an Indian entrepreneur and social activist from Rabongla, South Sikkim. He is the founder of the LED bulb brand Batti, the first LED bulb assembled in Sikkim. Gurung's career has spanned music, hospitality, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on innovation and social impact.[1]
| Bhawani Shankar Gurung | |
| Born | 6th April 1985 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | Graduate with Diploma in Information Technology (IT), Kolkata |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Social Activist, Director of BEWIN Pvt. Ltd. |
| Known for | Founding the LED bulb brand Batti |
| Awards | International Global Achievers Award (2017), National Self Reliance Award (2020) |
| Residence | Rabongla, South Sikkim, India |
| Company | BEWIN Pvt. Ltd. |
Early Life and Education
Bhawani Shanker Gurung was born and raised in Rabongla, South Sikkim. He completed his schooling at Ralang School and Rabongla High School. In 2003, he graduated with a degree in BA and Diploma in Information Technology (IT) from Kolkata. During his school years, Gurung was an active participant in extracurricular activities and a writer of poems and short stories.[2]
Career
Gurung began his career in the music industry as a rap artist with the Rabongla-based band 'Rustic' from 1997 to 2005. He later worked as a DJ from 2007 to 2013 in his hometown before transitioning to the hotel industry.[3]
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 severely impacted the hotel industry, prompting Gurung to explore other business avenues. Leveraging his IT background, he founded Batti, Sikkim's first LED bulb assembly unit, under his company BEWIN Pvt. Ltd. The brand was launched in July 2020 by Sikkim's Chief Minister P.S. Golay during the Temi Autumn Fest, 2020.
Batti LED Bulbs
'Batti' LED bulbs are available in various wattages, including 3W, 5W, 7W, 9W, 12W, 15W, and 20W, as well as 12 AC DC bulbs. These bulbs are sold at prices ranging from ₹190 to ₹620 (MRP) and come with a two-year warranty across all wattages.
The LED bulbs are assembled using components sourced from different parts of India, with the drivers, B-22 caps, diffusers, and bodies coming from Nagpur, and the covers designed in Kolkata. Gurung strongly supports the 'Make In India' campaign, ensuring that no Chinese components are used in the assembly of 'Batti' LED bulbs.
Since its establishment, 'Batti' has produced over 10,000 units, till Date. The brand has received positive feedback from customers in Rabongla , Jorethang and Geyzing markets, and Gurung plans to expand distribution across Sikkim and neighboring regions like Darjeeling and Kalimpong.
Awards and Recognition
Gurung's efforts in social work earned him the International Global Achievers Award in 2017, organized by the American University of Sovereign Nations in Thailand. In 2020, he received the National Self Reliance Award in New Delhi for his work with 'Batti'. and recognised by Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2021
Future Plans
Gurung envisions 'Batti' becoming a leading brand not just in LED lamps but also in other variants such as LED panel lights, tube lights, and street lamps. The company has recently started trials of solar-paneled street lights, which have been successful. Gurung also established an insurance company named BEWIN Insurance Marketing LLP, which is fully operated and to expand in online platform.