Ram Chandra Agarwal is a prominent Indian entrepreneur, best known as the founder of Vishal Mega Mart and the current Chairman and Managing Director of V2 Retail Limited. His journey from humble beginnings to building a retail empire is truly inspirational.
Born into a modest family, Ram Chandra Agarwal faced numerous challenges from an early age. He contracted polio during his childhood, resulting in a permanent physical disability. Despite this, he pursued his education diligently and completed his graduation.
After graduation, Ram Chandra Agarwal took a loan to start a photocopy shop. This venture provided him with initial business experience. Subsequently, he opened a garment shop in Kolkata’s Lal Bazaar, which he operated for 15 years, gaining valuable insights into the retail industry.
In 2001, leveraging his retail experience, Ram Chandra Agarwal launched Vishal Retail in Delhi. The brand quickly gained popularity for offering quality products at affordable prices, leading to rapid expansion across India.
In 2008, the global financial crisis severely impacted Vishal Retail, leading to losses amounting to ₹750 crore. Consequently, in 2011, Agarwal sold the ‘Vishal’ brand for ₹70 crore to Shriram Group and TPG Capital. This setback, however, did not deter his entrepreneurial spirit.
Post the sale of Vishal Retail, Ram Chandra Agarwal founded V2 Retail Limited. The company focused on value retailing, targeting Tier II and Tier III cities in India. Under his leadership, V2 Retail witnessed significant growth, becoming one of the fastest-growing retail chains in the country.
As of March 2025, V2 Retail reported a net profit of ₹115.1 crore for Q4 FY25, marking an 88% year-on-year increase. The company’s revenue rose by 23.2% to ₹2,547.9 crore during the same period. For the full financial year 2024–25, the net profit stood at ₹631.97 crore, with revenue reaching ₹10,716.35 crore.
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While Ram Chandra Agarwal’s exact personal net worth is not publicly disclosed, his stake in V2 Retail and other ventures contribute significantly to his wealth. As of April 30, 2025, his holdings in V2 Retail are valued at approximately $37 million (₹306 crore) Additionally, V2 Retail’s market capitalization stands at ₹6,572 crore.
Ram Chandra Agarwal is married to Uma Agarwal, who serves as the full-time director of V2 Retail Limited. The couple has two children: Akash Agarwal, who is also a full-time director at V2 Retail, and Shreya Agarwal, who is currently pursuing her studies at the USC Marshall School of Business in the United States.
Beyond his business endeavors, Ram Chandra Agarwal is known for his philanthropic activities. He actively supports initiatives aimed at empowering underprivileged communities and promoting education and healthcare in rural areas.
Ram Chandra Agarwal’s journey from running a small photocopy shop to leading a multi-crore retail enterprise serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs. His resilience, strategic vision, and commitment to value-driven retailing have left an indelible mark on India’s retail landscape.
