When Adesh Krishna Karwarkar was a child, he had a dream to play cricket for his State. One day, he went for the selection trials with one lens of his spectacle broken, as they were not delivered in time, and that laid the seeds of a service hardly noticed by many who pass by Kohinoor Opticians in Margao, Panjim or Canacona.
Kohinoor Opticians is not just a shop that makes spectacles, but a place from where goodness for others flows because Adesh believes, “taking care of anybody is the essence of service."
“If I am able to light a smile on a face, my day is done. Money is important, but not everything. It does not cost to give nor does it cost to make others happy. My satisfaction comes from seeing others happy,” relates Adesh, who started his business in 1993.
“I grew up the hard way. I had to wear spectacles from a young age, and went through a lot of hardships because of the services available then. Hence my decision to study and set up my own shop,” recollects the father of two.
Helping people see better is one of Adesh's visionary plans, but reaching out to the less privileged is his motto, and that is what prompted him to start a branch in Canacona.
“One day,” says Adesh, “I realised that people were losing their sight because they had no money to buy spectacles, and that is when I thought of setting up a shop there.”
Seeing is believing, and Adesh is the kind of businessman for whom goodness to others is the clearest way to a spiritual high.
“There are people who cannot afford the basics of life, and that is why I think it is better to reach out when they need it most,” admits Adesh, who has, till date, hosted 772 camps in villages across Goa, from Valpoi to Mashem in Goa.
All three branches of Kohinoor Opticians have a counter where the less privileged are privileged to enjoy free service when it comes to sight, family welfare and education.
“My trust looks after the entire education of 27 girls, we offer spectacles and eye treatment to those who cannot afford it, and help families with marriage expenses,” admits Adesh.
In his shop, Adesh makes it a point to interact with everyone who walks in. If people do not come in to get their sight in order, they do so hoping to get their lives on the right road.
“Adesh is a man who cannot say 'no' when it comes to making life better for others. There are times when I come just to see his smile because it makes me feel better,” says Albert as he leaves the shop, a grin writ large on his face.
At 55, Adesh thinks joy can be best enjoyed through the goodness of others that stems from each individual's kindness.
“My father was helpful to everyone and I learnt to share through him,” says the son who has now started a trust – Krishna Karwarkar Health Trust – in his father's name.
All three branches of Kohinoor Opticians have a counter where the less privileged are privileged to enjoy free service when it comes to sight, family welfare and education.
“My children are my assets and not money. They are growing into people who care for others, and that is the best education we could give them,” says Adesh, brimming with a smile.
Adesh Karwarkar, through Kohinoor Opiticians, is not just spreading the vision that good things can come with good thoughts, but that Goa will never lose its soul as long as people with a heart seek to see goodness in all.