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Netizens chant “Ek hi sapna – Vishal Mega Mart security guard banana” as memes explode, Here’s uncovering the inspiring journey of founder Ram Chandra Agarwal.
Vishal Mega Mart Meme
Vishal Mega Mart Meme: Netizens are gaga over one thing these days, rhyming one chorus – ‘Ek hi sapna – Vishal Mega Mart security guard banana’. Memes of the security guard job at Vishal Mega Mart have snowballed into a nationwide trend, bringing all together for fun and pun.
Instagram and X have been flooded with humorous takes on aspiring security guards “preparing” for the job at Vishal Mega Mart, mock coaching centers, and witty motivational slogans. Some compared the preparation for becoming a Vishal Mega Mart security guard to the rigorous preparation for exams like UPSC, JRF, NEET, etc.
How Did It All Start?
It all started when Vishal Mega Mart had conducted an exam for its security guard services on April 01. The exam had questions on current affairs, English, and the local language. Preference was given to candidates with prior experience as guards, as well as those with shooting training and martial arts skills.
Students from not only the local area but also from across the state participated in the test; however, only the top 1% qualified, making it more challenging to pass than most exams.
This is why there is so much hype surrounding this Mart.
Man Behind The Brand
Amidst all the hypes on social media, Vishal Mega Mart gets a non-paid super hit marketing, elevating its brand image and value among the customers. But it also reflects the story of an unsung business person whose resilience and determination create a retail chain brand that we not only cherish for offering affordable groceries-to-textiles, but giving us meme content for entertainment.
This is the story of Ram Chandra Agarwal, the founder of Vishal Mega Mart. A man of determination who was born into a middle-class family, but didn’t allow it to become a boundary to pursue his dreams.
Early Life And Challenges
Agarwal was a garment trader in his early career. Without any fancy degree and powerful backup, Agarwal had only his street-smartness and a will to follow his dream. He sold the garments to the local businesses and shops, building a strong repo in the market.
Bring A New Model – ‘Value Retail’ With Vishal Mega Mart
Agarwal launched the retail chain offering clothing and daily needs in Kolkata in 2001. He brought the ‘Value Retail’ – the first in the country, in which quality products offered at low prices.
It was a revolutionary model as the business kicked off with a lot of attraction and footprints especially in tier-2 and tier-3.
The business expanded rapidly, and at its peak, Vishal Mega Mart had over 170 stores across India.
Gone Into Bankruptcy
The success of Agarwal hit a roadblock when Vishal Mega Mart’s finances went into losses in 2008-09 due to rising debts and poor management. Finally, Agarwal was forced to file for bankruptcy, and the original Vishal Retail was sold to TPG and Shriram Group in 2011.
Comeback With V2 Retail
When everyone thought it as an end, Vishal made a comeback with another retail chain known as V2 Retail Limited. He used all the lessons he had learned—kept the model leaner, more disciplined, and focused again on the mass market.
V2 Retail is now a listed company, having a market cap of Rs 6,530 crore as of May 21, 2025.
Ram Chandra Agarwal has proven his acumen in business by building another successful retail chain despite being forced to sell the first Vishal Mega Mart.
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