Bhima, a giant in the gold jewelry industry, started his business by converting the gold coins of East India Company into Indian rupees. Bhima Group is today a leading brand in the jewelry industry. Bhima Bhattar, who came to Kerala from Karnataka without even knowing the language, started helping his uncle with puja matters and later in the tea shop. Along with this, he continued his studies.

The East India Company used to pay their workers at the Alappuzha port in gold coins. Bhima Bhattar started his business by converting these coins into Indian coins. He entered into gold business with the money he got from selling his wife's silver anklets and chain.

B Govindan also entered into gold business following his father's footsteps. He started by helping his father in the evenings while studying. Govindan started his first establishment at M G Road in Ernakulam at the age of 24.

‘There were four to five gold shops on M G Road at that time. Many asked me not to start the business there. I started the jewelry business in Ernakulam with a prayer that everything would turn out as God intended. The experience of working with father gave me the confidence. Also, I did a good homework in Ernakulam.

People in each district of Kerala have their own tastes. I understood what Ernakulam is all about through my trips through villages and cities. I met the goldsmiths there and asked them what kind of jewelry they made there. It was displayed in the shop. Customers liked it and bought it, and it became a success. That may have been Bhima's secret, but this should be a lesson for the new generation entering into gold business,’ words of B Govindan.