Jawahar Gangaramani, chairman and managing director, Al Fara'a General Constructions, and his wife Usha Gangaramani, an Art of Living teacher, in conversation with Kavitha S. Daniel in Abu Dhabi

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The success story of how a young Indian civil engineer set up a respected construction company from scratch in a foreign land is material for a management lesson. It's a salute to the spirit of entrepreneurship nestling in any ambitious expat.

That's Jawahar Gangaramani who came to the UAE 30 years ago as a project engineer to work, ironically, in Dubai's distinctive landmark — the World Trade Centre. But, displeased at working for someone and being a perfectionist, this ambitious Sindhi decided to strike out on his own and formed his own company — Al Fara'a General Constructions. Since its inception in 1980, this company has executed 200 residential and commercial projects valued at over Dh2.70 billion.

The palace of President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan at Al Wathba, the Mafraq hospital, the ultra-modern Al Mariah complex and almost "one tower in every street of Abu Dhabi" are but a few of the buildings they've built.

Today, this businessman is branching out into philanthropy, into art in the form of painting canvasses, contemplating writing a book on the successful work model he has set up and is also deeply involved in the activities of the Art of Living organisation.

His wife Usha Gangaramani seems the perfect foil to this Al Ain-based high-profile businessman. Acquainted with the Art of Living programme first from her husband in 1999, she's now an ardent believer. "My husband, suffering from stress at work, benefitted from this course and I got influenced by his enthusiasm.

"It's amazing how by just giving 30 minutes of your time everyday you can go out and face life," says Usha.

This mother of three subsequently completed a teacher's training course in Bangalore, India, three years ago and is equipped to conduct her own classes.

Jawahar Gangaramani:
It was love at first sight for me. When I first met Usha 25 years ago in a family function, I was instantly drawn to her. I was 29 years old and I felt my search for a soulmate was over. I did not know her name but proposed to her instantly. To me marriage was about starting a life with another person, of setting up my own house and having children.

I believe, I can term our marriage as successful. The reason being we took care to give and not consider what we get out of the marriage.

It helps that we share similar beliefs, for example, we are on the same wavelength spiritually — together we feel we should take time from our busy schedule and help society now.

We love plays, meeting people and creative activities. While I paint, she loves designing interiors through the interior design section of the company.

We might quarrel over small things but Usha always makes up with me quickly. She hates any distance between us. We've also matured together and reached a stage where we don't let any differences between us take centrestage.

We will celebrate our silver anniversary this year and looking back, our life together is filled with special memories. The birth of our first daughter Shalini, our anniversary celebrations, our holidays together as a family, our daughter's becoming an engineer and more.

The strength I draw from my wife is her support. Life must have been difficult for her when she had first followed me out here. I had no time, I was busy setting up the business. She must have been lonely but she never complained. There were no conflicts over bringing up the children either since they respected me and fell in line with my organised and disciplined nature. Truly, I believe, life can be won over with common sense.

We live for the moment, believe we are blessed and want to work to bring happiness to others. We believe there's love inside us and love can change everything, even people who are against you.

Usha Gangaramani:
When I first met Jawahar, I felt there was this instant connection. There was a chemistry between us and we got along well from the start. In fact, his first words to me were — Will you marry me? I was taken aback. I was expecting an inquisition and was ready to field the standard questions from a prospective groom. It was not his physical appearance I was attracted to but the energy inside him.

When I first followed him out here in 1979, I was not even 20 years old. Coming from a joint family situation, I felt alone in Al Ain. My husband too was busy and had no time for me. I did not meet anyone for a month sometimes. But, I wanted to be a supportive wife and weathered that period out. I am reaping the benefits of that now. Even if we have differences I make up quickly to bridge the silence between us.

My husband and I believe in destiny. After the Art of Living course, we are more appreciative of our life together. But, you also have to work to make a marriage successful.

There's no mantra expect you have to give each other space and unconditional love. You cannot concentrate on what you did not get but how much you get from this marriage.

We also share a lot in common. We love meeting new people. Jawahar is a great host and invites people home. We've also matured as two individuals. We realise we are blessed and can help others less fortunate than us. We are at this stage in our lives, where we accept situations and people as they are, to help and live every moment to the maximum.