I take this opportunity to pay my heartfelt tributes to Alji Bhai Marediya, the esteemed owner of Hotel Aaram in Paldi. Had it not been for him, Hearty Mart wouldn’t have existed.

In my business, there isn’t any co-founder, but Alji Bhai can be considered as one, for he was instrumental in convincing the initial partners of our Juhapura store. It was because of him that we were able to create our first store. From the store infrastructure creation to its launch, he played an active part, as I was still working with an advertising agency and couldn’t devote much time initially.

Alji Bhai had always been an entrepreneur, starting from a diamond cleaning outfit to running a hotel in Ahmedabad. His business insights and acumen during the initial stages of my entrepreneurial journey were a great help.

I knew Alji Bhai since my early teens and often visited his hotel in Paldi, which was in my neighborhood. We developed a bond and mutual respect, and that is how we came together.

Today, though he is no longer with us, we remember him for his unmatched contribution to my venture. His legacy lives on in the success of Hearty Mart, and his memory continues to inspire us everyday.

The eChai Effect - In Their Words

"I attended my first eChai event 3 yrs back, and no one knew me in the market. Over the next three years, eChai didn’t only help me with knowledge or networking, but it gave me an identity from being unknown to now being recognized by a group of inspirational entrepreneurs connected with eChai, who have been gracious enough to acknowledge me and Digipple."
Viraj Rajani - Co-Founder, Digipple
Viraj Rajani
Co-Founder, Digipple
"eChai has been a game-changer for Hungrito, providing us with invaluable connections, insights, and opportunities that have significantly fueled our growth. eChai has introduced us to a global network of entrepreneurs and experts, fueling our growth and opening doors to new opportunities from Ahmedabad to Dubai. The community has become like a second family to us, providing support, guidance, and valuable insights as startup entrepreneurs."
Sahil Shah - Founder- Hungrito & Netsavvies. Digital Marketing Evangelist
Sahil Shah
Founder- Hungrito & Netsavvies. Digital Marketing Evangelist
"eChai has played a truly pivotal role in HummingBird’s journey — even before Day Zero. From ideation to establishment and into growth, it’s been a constant source of support. It connected me with incredible people who’ve become more than just friends. One of the biggest reasons I chose to stay in Ahmedabad is because of the eChai community. It has shaped my growth — both personally and professionally — in ways that are hard to articulate. Honestly, words fall short when I try to express what eChai means to me. I’m deeply thankful and forever grateful to eChai for being such an integral part of my journey."
Harsha Bhurani - Founder, HummingBird Consulting Group
Harsha Bhurani
Founder, HummingBird Consulting Group

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