It was 1979 and India was slowly moving into the neoliberal age. Middle class India, on its ride along the country’s growth story, was desperate for good quality housing that was hard to find in its budget range. It was against this background that Om Gupta set up Ashiana Housing as a game changer. Ashiana Housing was to give to the middle-class home owner features that were hitherto seen only in higher income level group housing: top quality construction, manicured lawns, expanse of greenery, children’s play areas, swimming pools, clubs, a calendar of social activities for the whole family, and a full roster of maintenance services.

As bottomline grew healthier and awards started pouring in, Ashiana Housing walked on another unique path – it pioneered the retirement home movement in India where seniors could lead safe, active, enjoyable and comfortable lives. Here was a company that focused on needs over trends, quality rather than quantity, and people instead of profit margins.