(February 22, 2025) Sidharth Pansari, Director Primarc Group is making the case for building businesses that nurture thriving communities. Over the course of his 25-year career, Sidharth Pansari has achieved milestones that have left an indelible mark, including becoming the youngest President in CREDAI in Bengal’s history. Fuelled by an insatiable curiosity and a penchant for innovation, he has developed a profound understanding of consumer behaviour. This, combined with his bold business strategies and expansive vision, has propelled the Primarc Group to a leadership position across retail, real estate, e-commerce, and beyond.
Starting out
Born into a family from Rajasthan but raised in the city of Kolkata, Pansari is a second-generation entrepreneur and director of Primarc Group. Growing up among three siblings, his childhood was filled with love, joy, and playful banter. “Our parents instilled in us the values of hard work, determination, and resilience, laying a strong foundation for both personal and professional development. As a close-knit family, our gatherings for meals, celebrations, and discussions fostered camaraderie and taught us the importance of collaboration, empathy, and communication. Encouraged to pursue our interests and passions, their support and encouragement have played a pivotal role in shaping my character and instilling confidence in my abilities,” he reminisces.
Post his schooling at Don Bosco, Kolkata, he graduated with Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) degree from St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, and did an Advanced Diploma in Business Finance from ICFAI. In 2016 he did a Senior Executive Management Program (SELP) at Harvard Business School. “Studying abroad provided me with a transformative learning experience that extended far beyond traditional academics. Immersed in the realms of business management, leadership enhancement, competitive strategy formulation, and innovation promotion at Harvard, I found myself surrounded by a diverse cohort,” he says.
Sidharth Pansari
Career Choices
Working in retail and shopping malls, entering the real estate industry was a logical horizontal integration but he swiftly climbed the ranks, starting the first Crossword Bookstore franchise in West Bengal in 2003. “From there, I diversified into various retail ventures before merging my passions for real estate and retail to create Junction Mall, South Bengal’s premier shopping destination boasting over 100 national and international brands. I am driven by a commitment to building businesses that nurture thriving communities, and I am inspired by the collective effort needed to achieve our shared goals and leave a lasting impact on our industry and communities,” he says.
It all sounds hunky dory, but the journey it has not always been smooth sailing—economic downturns, shifting consumer trends, and regulatory challenges have presented hurdles along the way. “But each obstacle has been an opportunity for growth, teaching me resilience and adaptability. Through strategic planning, transparent communication, and cultivating talent, I have turned challenges into opportunities, emerging stronger and more agile,” he admits.
Realty Calling
In 1998, he kick started his career at Primarc’s bustling retail outlets, engaging as a Sales & Customer Associate. Venturing through various retail endeavours, his passion for both real estate and retail merged seamlessly. “The transition into the real estate sector felt like a natural progression, driven by the burgeoning demand and untapped potential in Eastern India. Recognizing a prevalent lack of consumer trust, I found inspiration to embark on this transformative journey. My focus shifted towards not just constructing buildings, but fostering vibrant communities where individuals flourish and connections thrive, attuned to the needs of the Indian consumer,” he explains.
The Primarc team
Literary Connect
While he may seem like a hard core realtor, Sidharth Pansari has started his book store STORY. “Since my earliest memories, books have held a profound significance in my life, serving as both companions and mentors on my journey of personal and intellectual growth. Standing as one of my most cherished and ardently pursued endeavours, STORY serves as a tangible expression of my dedication to community building. STORY embodies my dream of creating India’s finest bookstore and a desire to contribute to the intellectual capital of India,” he explains. This literary venture signifies a concrete commitment to the transformative potential of shared knowledge, fostering both intellectual enrichment and a sense of community. His unwavering dedication to utilising knowledge as a catalyst for community cohesion and progress is evident in the ethos of STORY.
Staying motivated
Pansari finds motivation in the pursuit of market leadership and the opportunity to foster meaningful innovation. What truly drives him is the challenge of creating something enduring and impactful, benefiting everyone in the surroundings. “The prospect of leading the way in my industry, crafting solutions that endure and improve the lives of stakeholders, is what propels me forward on my journey,” he says. His advice to people who want to be entrepreneurs is to steer clear of the allure of quick success and instead focus on the enduring rewards of building something truly impactful. “While the glamour of launching a startup may be tempting, it’s essential to recognize that true success lies in the dedication to creating a venture that contributes meaningfully to society and leaves a lasting legacy,” he says. He also advises aspiring entrepreneurs to focus beyond the attraction of a quick payout. “Rather than fixating on immediate financial gains or the prospect of selling off or going public swiftly, aspiring entrepreneurs should embrace the reality that building a meaningful business requires dedication, perseverance, and hard work. It is about committing to a journey that transcends mere profitability and instead focuses on creating value that resonates across generations,” he adds.
Valuable Lessons
In his long career he has learnt many lessons. “I used to pride myself on multitasking, taking on various roles simultaneously. However, I’ve come to realize that focusing on one or two key priorities and delegating the rest leads to greater success. Delegating is not a sign of weakness; it is a strategic strength. The thrill of growth often led me to overlook the importance of cash flow management. I have learned the hard way that sustainable expansion requires careful financial planning and a steady approach. While positivity is essential in entrepreneurship, I have learned that blind optimism can be detrimental. It is crucial to balance optimism with a realistic assessment of risks and challenges,” he says. One of his mantras to overcome challenges has been to embrace strategic planning, transparent communication, and talent nurturing as his guiding principles. “Through this approach, I am transforming challenges into opportunities and emerging more resilient and agile than ever before. Each hurdle on this journey is a chance to learn, adapt, and strengthen my business acumen, reaffirming my commitment to sustained growth,” he says.
Sidharth Pansari receiving an award for building India’s first project with large grown trees
Future Sense
For him, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a profound wake-up call, forcing him to reevaluate what truly matters in life. “During the lockdown, amidst the uncertainty and isolation, I found solace in rediscovering my childhood love for table tennis Looking ahead to the future, I am determined to carve out time from my bustling schedule to reignite my passion for table tennis and it is about embracing the simple joys and fostering a sense of playfulness amidst the chaos of life,” he says. And at Primarc, where the ethos is ‘together is progress’, that true progress is a collective journey. “We are not just a company; we are a community united by a shared vision of empowerment and growth. As we set our sights on the horizon of 2030, we are committed to becoming a catalyst for positive change, not just in the business world, but in the lives of all those we touch. Our mission is clear: to lead with integrity, to innovate with passion, and to always put the needs of our customers first. Together, we will build a future where everyone thrives,” he says. Amen to that.