In the quiet lanes of Vikasnagar, Dehradun, a young boy named Naresh Tiwari grew up amidst the simple joys of life, unaware that his story would one day redefine a centuries-old tradition. An alumnus of Saraswati Vidya Mandir Babughar, Naresh was an average student with big dreams. After completing his graduation, he was selected for a marketing role in a multinational company. The job, which required frequent travel across cities, unknowingly became the foundation for his entrepreneurial journey.
While traversing the urban landscape, Naresh observed a recurring yet unnoticed element of Indian culture—the humble paan shop. These roadside stalls, often overshadowed by their shabby appearances, barely hinted at the rich heritage they represented. What struck him even more was how disconnected the younger generation seemed from paan, a treat deeply rooted in Indian tradition and even linked to rituals and health benefits.
For Naresh, this realization was more than a passing thought; it was a calling. Paan, once revered for its digestive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, seemed to be fading into obscurity. Determined to revive its lost glory, he envisioned a modern avatar: a café that celebrated paan while erasing the stigma of it being a tobacco-laden indulgence. Thus, Banarasi Paan Café was born—a 100% tobacco-free venture aimed at reintroducing paan to a global audience, not as a relic of the past but as a cultural and culinary experience.
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Starting a business is rarely a smooth ride, and Naresh’s journey was no exception. The biggest hurdle he faced was changing perceptions. Paan was often dismissed as something sold in tiny shops tucked into alleyways, far removed from the polished ambiance of a café. To add to that, the association of paan with tobacco created a mental barrier for many, particularly families and younger consumers.
Naresh had his work cut out for him. The challenge was not just to redefine paan but to change its entire narrative. With relentless determination and unwavering support from his family—parents, wife, brother, and sisters—he laid the foundation of his first outlet. From there, the dream began to take shape.
Today, Banarasi Paan Café boasts over 50 outlets across various states in India, each one a testament to Naresh’s vision and perseverance. The cafés have become more than just a space to enjoy paan; they are hubs of employment and community-building. For Naresh, the real joy lies in seeing lives transformed through the opportunities his venture has created. From young men and women finding stable jobs to local entrepreneurs opening franchise outlets in their cities, the ripple effect of his initiative is unmistakable.
One particularly memorable moment in his journey was witnessing the sheer satisfaction of those whose livelihoods were uplifted by the café. “When I see people finding employment through my venture, it brings an unmatched sense of fulfillment,” Naresh reflects, his voice tinged with pride. Moments like these, he says, remind him why he started this journey in the first place.
But Naresh’s ambitions don’t stop at 50 outlets or even national recognition. His vision extends to taking Banarasi Paan Café beyond India’s borders, putting Uttarakhand and its entrepreneurial spirit on the global map. He dreams of creating an entire industry around paan, making it as recognizable and respected as any global brand.
For Naresh, Uttarakhand is not just a starting point but an integral part of his story. The overwhelming support from people in his home state has fueled his aspirations to scale new heights. He plans to introduce more startups in the future, each aimed at enhancing employment and bringing Uttarakhand’s name to the forefront of innovation and enterprise.
As someone who has transformed a traditional treat into a modern brand, Naresh has a powerful message for the youth of Uttarakhand. “Start without fear,” he says. “Never waste time worrying about what people will say. Your hard work will take you to heights you can’t even imagine. No work is too small when you’re chasing a dream.”
In a world that often overlooks the beauty of its cultural roots, Naresh Tiwari’s journey stands as a shining example of resilience, vision and the power of believing in one’s roots.
As Banarasi Paan Café continues to thrive, Naresh remains grounded in his purpose: to honor his heritage, uplift his community, and inspire the next generation to dream big.
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