Exclusive Interview with Mr. Muraleedharan P R, Akhil Murali, and Ashik Murali by Praveena Acharya (UPSC Aspirant & Scholar)
Q1. Your business journey spans finance, hospitality, cooperative societies, and more. What motivated you to venture across such a wide spectrum of industries?
Muraleedharan P R:
"My journey has always been guided by a passion to create meaningful impact beyond the confines of conventional business. I started with finance and hospitality, but it was the immense potential of cooperative societies to uplift communities that inspired deeper exploration. Diversification wasn’t just a business move—it was a mission to bring innovation and inclusivity together."
Akhil Murali:
"I was fortunate to inherit not just a legacy, but a mindset. While building on the foundation laid by my father, I’ve always looked for ways to merge tradition with innovation—Agri-Tourism being a prime example. The goal has been to create ventures that are both purpose-driven and future-ready."
Ashik Murali:
"Our focus is value creation. Whether it’s food, media, or lifestyle experiences, we want every venture to offer something distinct. While each brand operates in its own space, the common thread is innovation, excellence, and service to society."
Q2. Mr. Muraleedharan, with over 15 years in finance and hospitality, what core values have shaped your success across different ventures?
Muraleedharan P R:
"Integrity, adaptability, and consistency have been the cornerstones of everything we do. Staying rooted in our principles while evolving with market dynamics has helped us navigate change. Equally important is empowering capable leaders and nurturing strong relationships—these are vital to sustaining growth."
Q3. Akhil and Ashik, how has your father's leadership influenced your own entrepreneurial journeys?
Akhil Murali:
"Our father’s mentorship is the backbone of our entrepreneurial thinking. From him, we’ve learned resilience, strategic foresight, and humility. He taught us that every challenge holds a lesson, and that real growth comes from learning, evolving, and staying grounded."
Ashik Murali:
"More than just advice, he passed down a philosophy—of discipline, passion, and long-term vision. Watching him build with both purpose and patience helped us understand the deeper values that drive sustainable business."
Q4. Your cooperative ventures—like the Agri Tourism Multi-State Cooperative Society and Ashraya Cooperative—are pioneering in concept. What hurdles do you face in promoting them?
Muraleedharan P R:
"The biggest challenge is awareness. Many people are unfamiliar with the potential of cooperative models, especially in sectors like agriculture and tourism. Convincing communities to adopt these frameworks takes time. But when we show results—real economic and social upliftment—the trust follows."
Q5. Managing multiple enterprises such as Yulin Productions, Koko Kera Food Products, and Marvel Luxury Grande must require meticulous planning. How do you maintain focus and momentum?
Akhil Murali:
"It all comes down to building great teams and empowering them. We’ve invested in people who share our vision, and we ensure communication remains clear and continuous. Delegation, when done right, multiplies efficiency."
Ashik Murali:
"We’re also deeply tech-driven in our operations. Performance tracking, agile planning, and goal alignment keep us sharp. While each brand has its path, we ensure they all grow with the same core standards of quality and consistency."
Q6. Looking ahead, what are your expansion goals? Are there any new sectors on the horizon for you?
Muraleedharan P R:
"Our immediate focus is scaling our cooperative models to benefit more regions and communities. We’re also innovating in hospitality and exploring advancements in food production that align with health and sustainability."
Akhil & Ashik Murali:
“The future lies in strategic growth—through partnerships, digital transformation, and enhanced user experiences. We aim to evolve not just as entrepreneurs, but as changemakers building future-ready ecosystems.”