Long read? Yes, maybe but very intriguing and well-narrated by Pandharinath Mhaske in his answers to the 10 questions this week on Thursd. His experiences and involvement in floristry span decades, he has seen it all, pioneered initiatives, and contributed to the beauty and joy of flowers.
From humble beginnings to winning awards and gaining recognition for his talent, read on to learn about the floral career journey of this week's guest, Pandharinath Mhaske.
Question 1
For those who don’t know you, who are you, and what do you do?
"I am Pandharinath Mhaske, an award-winning and certified floral designer. Native of Vave village in Sudhagad Taluka of Raigarh district. The situation was hopeless, but my family has a legacy of education and after passing my SSC exams, I went from Hutatma Rajguru Vidyalaya to Pune in 1980. Later on, I worked in different hotels in Pune and got a job as table boy alias barkya (meaning 'small boy') to captain, and while working, I graduated from BMCC.
I also worked for the trade union, so my hotel employer suspended me for nine months, But I never got discouraged and completed my graduation on the first attempt, meanwhile, studying in college, I got acquainted with Sunita as a friend with whom I married later. Sunita cleared staff selection exams and got a job at Central Excise and Customs. Now she is promoted to superintendent. As soon as she got a job in 1993 I left Eureka Forbes—where I had a job as senior sales representation—because of hectic working conditions. I started my floral stand called 'Sneh' (meaning 'affection') Florist shop in Chinchwad on 5th August 1993. This was with the help of Jaiprakashji and Rajendraji Raka at the campus of their Raka Chambers.
My self-employment dream came true. My store was the very first-of-its-kind floral shop in Pimpri Chinchwad twin city. I was always guided and mentored by Jayprakashji, Rajendraji Raka, and my family. Initially, I focused on increasing the client base rather than making a profit. Tata Motor, Sandvik Asia, Mercedes Benz, the Rotary Club, and famous news agencies like Sakal, and Lokstta are all my esteemed clients.That was the beginning of my time in the floriculture industry. Reading, gardening classes, attending floral arrangement workshops, and visiting demonstrations were my sources of learning."
Question 2
What is so special about your job?
"I used to participate in local flower shows and display fresh flowers for sale. I also won various awards in different categories. Next to that, I focus on special displays that convey a message; something that has a social significance. I feel that every activity I do must have an aim and my experience taught me that by using flowers, even the most difficult message can be delivered and appreciated by viewers.
To solve the common problems of local and co-florists, we established the Pune Florist Association. I was working as a secretary and treasurer in the Swami Vivekananda public trust, and also as the president of Sudhagad Taluka Mitra Mandal in Pune. With the help of the divisional officer of Maharashtra Centre for Entrepreneurship Development in Pune, we started a two-week course 'Basic Flower Arrangement'. Several participants started their floral shop after the completion of this course.
At the Rotary Club of Chinchwad officers noticed my activities and honored me with the 'Vocational Excellence Award' in 2002. My success story was published in various local newspapers, a trade magazine called Udhyojak ('entrepreneur') Floriculture Today on the 25th anniversary of my business Sneh Florist. I was also featured in America’s leading trade magazine 'Florist's Review' in its February 2008 issue, and I used to write daily for 'Agrowon' and for 'Floral Daily', everything pertaining to flowers and happenings in the florists' world."
Question 3
Are there any specific challenges or obstacles you’ve faced at work, and how did you overcome them?
"Since it was the starting phase of Indian floriculture, there were not any floral schools as such. Further, In 2012, I attended a course conducted by the Institute of Floral Design in Mumbai that lasted for nine months. I used to travel 200 km for classes every week, just to update my knowledge and skill sets! Yet, it helped me to train my staff and solve the issue of lacking skilled labor. Many of my staff are now working in different cities, and I feel proud."
Question 4
What are the threats in the industry, and if so, do you have any solutions for them?
"I am afraid that the growing urbanization and industrialization of agricultural land leads to a short supply of flowers. Eventually, this will lead to a rise in prices, increasing the use of plastic and of artificial flowers. Farmers and florists alike have to face the problem of unemployment and unrest among the youth in the near future.
As the only solution for this, we can proactively train customers about the benefits and use of fresh flowers in their lives, giving floral arranging demonstrations in community colleges, and short courses for youngsters to introduce opportunities for a career in the floral industry, and help them to prepare well in advance for future self-employment."
Question 5
How has technology like e-commerce platforms or digital marketing affected your industry, which strategies have you employed to stay competitive?
"One e-com company based in Delhi cheated me very badly, so I stopped working for e-commerce. But after that, there was the formation on a national level of the 'India Florist Association' in 2016. I am an active member of India Florist Association (IFA) from 2018 and with the guidance of its president Anand Kumar, the support of vice-president Srikant Kanoi, and e-commerce specialist Daman Anand, I started delivering online orders for flowers all over India. It is a reliable platform for florists in India.
Of course, e-com affected our businesses of getting the orders with floral deliveries and events, because of lacking knowledge with many others in this new era of technology. We all have to get familiar with it with the help of technical people in the market. In every annual conference of IFA, there were sessions on social media, the use of AI in florist business, the sharing of growth stories, and a strong and reliable networking platform for the Indian florist. We can grow together.
One of my facebook groups has registered 6,000+ members where ideas, views, and news relating to the floral industry are shared by people from all over the world."
Question 6
Who (in or outside the floral industry) is an inspiring example to you? And Why?
"The Late SLK Shantanurao Laxman Kirloskar was a visionary leader of the Indian industry. He belonged to Pune city. His contribution to the development of industrial growth cannot be forgotten. Shantanurao's biography 'Cactus and Roses' has lots of insights for the Indian youth. I happened to listen to his lecture at the opening ceremony of a flower show organized in Pune. He dreamt of Pune as a floral city, and with today's development in and around Pune he proved it: Pune is a floral city! He was a real nature-loving person with a collection of Orchids in his backyard.
Also, the Late Jane Packer from London began working in a florist shop at the age of 15 to earn pocket money. But with passion, hard work, and talent she set an example and became an idol in the floral world through her career. She worked in all areas of the flower industry, and later on, she opened a flower school in London.
There are so many books on flower arrangement and this will continue in the future. But I believe 'The Complete Guide to Flower Arranging' by Jane Packer will be a proven bible for any newcomers in the floral industry. To improve their flower-arranging techniques and get inspired to experiment with their own ideas. Like me; I have a collection of 500+ books on gardening and flower arranging—including seven or eight books from her that have been inspiring and helpful to my growth in the industry and to my turn as a florist."
Question 7
How do you handle stress or difficult moments in your life?
"I have a good collection of Swami Vivekananda's books. These books always inspire me to work and give back to our society. If I am in stress, I simply open any book of Swami Vivekananda and start reading it for a few hours. After that, I am automatically rejuvenated and stable. During the daytime I visit nearby natural places or a botanical garden; it’s a true tonic for me.
Now, my granddaughter Toshini has opened the door of the heavenly world as I entered a second childhood. I am 61 now. I have spent my working days with flowers and feel fortunate to be surrounded by their beauty, smell, and freshness most of the time. Flowers that make my life easy, busy, happy, and satisfied. It gives me lots of awards and recognition."
Question 8
What has been the best (floral or non-floral) news for you lately, or of the last year?
"If I look back on my twenty-five-plus years of colorful and fragrant floral work I am very satisfied and happy. As a member of IFA, I got an opportunity to work with Taniya Ruth Huyghe, the talented floral designer from Belgium. During the IFA 2018 meeting held in Pune, I was awarded 'Retail Florist of the Year 2018'. At the IFA Meet 6 in New Delhi, I got a 'Passionate Florist Award' from the hands of Anand Kumar, the IFA president.
But if I am asked to choose one special recognition from last year, I would say that this was the enthusiastic celebration of the 14th foundation day ceremony of the Directorate of Floriculture Research (ICAR DFR) from the Indian Council for Agriculture Research. I am lucky I had a session about skill development and a demonstration of floral arrangements as a part of this celebration. Stakeholders from different segments of floriculture—including progressive farmers, nurserymen, florists, and students—were honored with awards."
Question 9
Which is your favorite flower/plant and why is it good for you?
"Like each person, every flower has its own identity and specifications. So choosing a single flower of my choice is a very difficult task for me. Other than cut flowers there are a few flowers from my native place that I noticed in my childhood, which include the Gloriosa lily, Rhynchostylish Retusa, Kurkuma, and Mahua flowers. Mahua is an edible flower; its dried powder is eaten with ghee and honey of the Mahuva.
But if I were asked to choose one single flower of my choice, I would say the Lotus because of its identity. It blooms from the mud without bearing it, it is the national flower of India. Puffed lotus seeds are very nutritious and best for children. It has been said that scientists have successfully grown 2,000-years old dormant Lotus seeds."
Question 10
What are you doing this weekend?
"Almost every Sunday I accompany Dhananjay Sajekar my friend and president of our Sudhagad Taluka Maratha Samaj for participating in a process of rural and youth development activities."
All pictures courtesy of Pandharinath Mhaske.
