Pradip Chopra
Chairman & Managing Director, PS Group
Chairman, iLead Institutions | Kolkata, India
Janam Bhumi:
Raipur, Madhya Pradesh, India
Karma Bhumi:
Kolkata, India
Dharma Bhumi:
Bikaner, Rajasthan
From Dusty Grounds to Global Heights
The ‘Pradip’ Factor: “Reality is shaped by your choices—you can make it glorious or let it defeat you by seeing it unrealistically.”
THE MAN
When Christopher Pierznik said, “We actually live many lives in a single lifetime,” he was perhaps speaking of Pradip Chopra, an industrialist, educationist, author, actor, singer, and a conservationist.
Born on 11 February 1953 in Raipur, Madhya Pradesh, he was raised by his father Motilal, a manager at Asiatic Oxygen Ltd and mother, Laxmi. Due to lack of educational institutions in the region, the initial years of Pradip’s academic journey were spent in a school dedicated to underprivileged students. Recalling those years, he shares, “We sat on dusty grounds with children of wage earners till class 4.”
With a calling for science, Pradip enrolled himself in St Xavier’s College to earn a degree in Chemistry Honours when during the first year of his graduation, he was left destitute as he lost his father. However, the principles of perseverance and diligence that were instilled in him prevented him from losing hope.
From engaging himself in several lines of work like earning Rs 400 per month by cleaning plastic and trying to run a TV agency to secure sustenance, he has developed into an indomitable and relentless soul as a result of the hardships and misfortune of his youth.
Inspired deeply by ‘Pulling Your Own Strings’ by Wayne W Dyer, Pradip believes “Whatever reality is there – and you can see most of your realities as the result of your choices – you can make a glorious experience, or you can be victimised by not tuning in, and by judging it in unreal terms.”
THE JOURNEY
After his persistent effort to earn a decent living, Pradip stepped into the real-estate field as an independent broker and it was not long before he closed a remarkable deal that brought him a profit of ₹10 Lakh (approx. US$12,000 today) – a milestone that marked the promising start of his professional success. The deal was facilitated by Surendra Dugar, and what began as a professional interaction soon unfolded into an enduring friendship. Drawn together by shared dreams, mutual respect, and entrepreneurial zeal, they decided to turn their vision into reality by founding their own real estate development company – PS Group, a venture rooted in trust, camaraderie, ambition, and enterprise.
Over the years, the company has built residential complexes, commercial buildings, integrated townships, technology parks, and shopping malls with a focus on sustainability and community-based development. With more than 200 completed projects, today, it stands as one of the real estate giants in Bengal.
Beyond being a remarkable achiever in the property industry, he possesses a deep, thorough knowledge which he believes must be passed down to younger generations. For years, he has inspired countless students through his lectures at JD Birla Institute and St Xavier’s College. In 2010, his vision to impart knowledge took a physical shape when he founded iLead (Institute of Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Development). The core of the institute lies in its state-of-the-art resources and advanced technologies that lead to all-around development of the students. From the walls to its extensive library that consists of one lakh seventy thousand books, every corner of the college breathes inspiration, acting as a constant, quiet motivator.
THE SPIRIT WITHIN
Pradip’s notable contributions extend to environmental protection, healthcare, and heritage preservation. As a part of the Indian Plastic Federations Initiative, he works dedicatedly towards promoting responsible plastic waste management and adopting sustainable practices. He actively looks for opportunities where he can convert waste into usable products. “That was my passion from childhood, and I have tried to do the same thing with my apartment,” he adds.
He is also credited with the revival of the Lifeline Hospital in the Sundarbans – a place where basic healthcare services once did not exist. By incorporating artificial intelligence in the medical sector, he has not only made another achievement but also given a better life to the people of Sundarbans.
As a heritage preservationist, he has experimented with restoring havelis, old mansions, and palaces with low-cost methods. Pradip has also established a museum hotel – ‘a museum where you can stay’, in Azimganj, Murshidabad – a cultural treasure that reflects his deep appreciation for heritage, art, and legacy. For his remarkable contributions in preserving the heritage of Murshidabad and the Sheherwali community, he was elected as the President of Murshidabad Heritage Development Society (MHDS) in 2015.
THE LEGACY
With decades of hard work, Pradip has created a legacy rooted in unwavering commitment to courage, curiosity, and conviction. He believes that the best way to leave a legacy behind is to document it. He has written multiple books on real estate, personal development, and relationships, contributing significantly to shaping perspectives in these spheres.
Pradip and his wife, Pratiti, are blessed with two children – Prashant and Pragya. Prashant and his wife Payal have three children – Prisha, Akshansh, and Parshvi. “My grandchildren are doing wonderfully in their lives. With a strong focus on gaining knowledge and learning new skills, they are taking meaningful steps towards growth and a bright future,” Pradip shares.
His legacy lies not only in the modern and sustainable buildings that he built, but also in the young minds that he has empowered, the opportunities that he created, and also in his projects to preserve the culture, tradition, and heritage of India.
MAPPING THE INDIA WITHIN
Bharat: Then and Now
“India has definitely made progress. Back in those times, there was no telephone, no internet. And today, we have everything. We have smartphones, advanced technology, and artificial intelligence that everyone is using these days in their work.”
Bharatiya Values that Travelled
“I carry the values of honesty, courage, and perseverance. These values have helped me overcome every challenge that came my way. My hard work and commitment continue to guide my decisions and shape my growth and inspire me to create meaningful impact wherever I go.”
Generations Abroad: A New Bharatiya Identity
“My children carry the same values as I do. I have taught them to be honest, to be resilient in the face of adversity, and to approach life with a purpose, integrity, and a strong sense of responsibility.”
Pride, Progress, and the Spirit Of Bharat
“I take pride in India’s art, literature, culture, traditions, and heritage. Its spirit lies in the rich history that continues to inspire the next generation. We learn so much from the archaeological sites, ancient treasures and the writings by Indian authors.”
Dreams for the Youth and Future of Bharat
“The youth of India has to take a scientific approach instead of believing in baseless superstitions. Rather than focusing on manifestations and miracles, they have to adapt rationality. This is the only way the country can truly make progress.”
BACK TO THE FUTURE – IN FIVE MOMENTS
Food Cravings
THEN
Though my father never allowed me to have street food, I liked ‘puchkas’ and sweets.
NOW
Food choices never change. I still have a sweet tooth and like ‘puchkas’, but now I prefer low-calorie food.
Sport Spirit
THEN
Back in my school days, I could run faster than everyone else.
NOW
I now focus on exercising. Sometimes I play tennis and golf.
Music Tastes
THEN
I loved sad songs like melodies of Mukesh…
NOW
I don’t like modern music. I sing old superhit songs and post them on my YouTube channel.
Holiday Life
THEN
We couldn’t afford holidays, but every summer we used to go on family vacations.
NOW
Whenever I travel for work, I spend extra days there for sightseeing – this is how I combine my business and leisure trips.
Leisure Habits
THEN
I used to spend my time reading. It is the best thing I have learnt.
NOW
I never have enough moments of leisure, but I still read.
AKA
Chairman & Managing Director PS Group | CMD PS Group Kolkata | Founding president of the Manitoba Association of Asian Physicians | Gupta Faculty of Kinesiology and Applied Health at the University of Winnipeg
