Harry Rebello
"Regulating a business with good morals and ethics"
With a Bus transport business that happened more by accident than by sheer planning, Harry Rebello is now a successful businessman, as Petrina D’Souza interviews,
You have been in the Bus transport business for so many years; tell us a bit about your business and your life as a businessman so far?
I got into the transport business more by accident than by sheer planning in 1976. After resigning from the Indian Navy, I came upon a bus requirement for a company and grabbed that opportunity, and as they say, the rest is history. However, the fact that our family also owns M/s Bachoo Garage has also helped with the business. Throughout my business years, I have gone through a lot of ups and downs, but my main goal has always been to work hard, to provide a better life for my family by providing quality services and to regulate a business with good morals and ethics. There is no single achievement that I can name. However, a thought that comes to mind is that at one point I had approached a company for a job and today I am plying multiple buses for them. I am contented with my business right now because my family is well looked after and are today able to enjoy a relatively affluent lifestyle. As per the future plans with regards to the business, I would like to expand or diversify it into other industries.
Tell us a little bit about your family background and your family?
I have been born and brought up in Kundapur, Udipi District and have been living in Mumbai for the last 39 years. My wife’s name is Yvonne Rebello and we have been married since the last 32 years. We have a son Adriel Rebello who is married and has been helping in the business after completing a Computer Engineering degree from Purdue University, US.
What are your views on our community? Do you have any hopes or suggestions for the betterment of our community?
I believe that it is important that one should give back to the community for the betterment of society. Since the Bus Transport business consumes much of my time, the least that I can do is provide financial support to the needy and thus fulfill my moral duty. However, I feel that our community needs to be a bit tighter and close knit. Only with unity, will there be progress.
What message would you give to the youth of today in their attempts to succeed in life?
I feel that our youngsters have their heads on their shoulders. They’ve been exposed to many different technologies at an early age and have faced intense competition right from their school days. My only advice would be that they should always remember what they’re working for i.e. their families. I also want to advice them to work hard, work smart and leave the rest to the Lord. Everyone faces problems, its how you face them that matters. Keep calm, think hard and pray. Know that this too shall pass.