Santi’s Journey of Resilience
Santi Prasad Bajgai is a Science Teacher (Chemistry and Biology) and also served as a Chemist in a few organizations. He has also experience as a Local Consultant for (SEID) Sustainable and Efficient Industrial Development before joining his teaching career. Santi completed his M.Sc. in Chemical Biology from Bangkok (2009-2011), done PgDE from Samtse College of Education in 2015, and MBA from International Management Institute (IMI) Delhi, in 2016-2017.
“I am originally from Samtse but in 2017, I came to Samdrup Jongkhar and joined teaching Biology and Chemistry to classes 11 and 12. During the Pandemic, the government closed schools and I lost my trust to join teaching due to the uncertainty of a secure job. After that, I started my own small business, although I am from a humble background,” Santi shared.
SAMJONG is located in Samdrup Jongkhar. He explained he didn’t have any machines or other people to
help him rather he lived in a rented house of two rooms paying Nu. 5000. Everything Santi does is his small torn-up kitchen. Because he wants to provide something for his community and country.
“Initially, I started somewhere in 2022 only because it’s my passion and not a business. I don’t earn a living out of it then. In February 2021, I started a little more and started selling to a few offices and taking feedback from them,” he said.
One day, he heard through channels that the Samdrup Jongkhar Dzongkhag Admiration is starting up a brand called SAMJONG. So, he talked and discussed with the officials there and joined their brand in June 2021. The brand name was introduced in JENEC, Dewathang, and Santi was also called to attain. There he sold around 100 pieces of his soap and also got good feedback. Therefore, SAMJONG SOAP is officially launched on 23rd June 2023.
He shared, “This is my passion and not a business. I love doing something new from an early age and I always wanted to give something to my country. When I came up with a product in front of people around, I got a lot of encouragement. These all inspired me inspire and work further. So, I wanted to make my product presentable for customers with a better packing box and finally, I came up with a beautiful packing box on 14th March 2024 the new design was launched in DT Hall by Dasho Dzongda.”
In the beginning, Santi mainly produced bath soap, but now it’s available in three colors and flavors, namely lemon (yellow), Rose (Pink), and Pears (Rose red). The Soap is oil-based and it’s organic, meaning no chemicals have been used. Only some salts and natural extracts as essential oils have been used to produce his soap. The price of soap is reasonable with only Nu. 50 for retailers.
As of now, Soaps are available in Samtse, Samdrup Jongkhar, and Thimphu. He is also trying to reach out to other parts of the districts. “There are lots of challenges as an entrepreneur, firstly there is a budget constraint, I need to purchase machines if I have to produce in mass production and hire people, so for this, I need finance. Secondly, certifications are a big challenge and marketing is another challenge. Building brand awareness and differentiation in a competitive market requires marketing strategies and competing with already existing brands from outside countries and convincing customers to try new products is challenging. However, this is just a start, let’s see where I can reach. I believe the sky is the limit. If things go well and some support I am optimistic to reach some International Markets too,” Santi exclaimed.
Although there is competition in the market, he has been getting very good feedback except for the cost being more than imported soaps. But he shared that, those soaps which are in the market are not oil base and they are either synthetic chemical base. For Santi Prasad Bajgai entrepreneur means “Thinking to bring something new in the market and be a changemaker.”
“To young entrepreneurs, Persistence, adaptability, and passion are your greatest assets. Keep innovating, learning from challenges, and never lose sight of your vision. Success is often built on resilience and determination. To my customers, thank you for your support and trust in my products. Your feedback is invaluable in shaping our offerings and driving our commitment to excellence. Together, we can create a more sustainable and fulfilling future. Thank you for being part of our journey,” Santi Prasad on his final note.
By Content Writer, Rinzin Dema
