Gaurav Rungta: Powering a Billion Dreams

Taking Man Structurals from traditional manufacturing to a diversified infrastructure leader!

Across India, steel towers rise against the sky, carrying power to homes, schools, and hospitals. They seem ordinary at first glance, but each one tells a story of effort, planning, and the promise of connection. For Gaurav Rungta, these towers have always been more than structures; they are the lifelines of progress and symbols of a nation moving forward.

When he stepped into the family business, Man Structurals had already earned respect for Four decades. The company had built a strong foundation in the power sector, but Gaurav saw a chance to do more. Energy needs were changing fast. Renewable projects were emerging, rural electrification was gaining pace, and green infrastructure was becoming essential. He realized the company had to grow alongside these changes.

Modernizing the business became his focus. New technology, better processes, and skilled professionals across all levels reformed the way the company worked. The goal was simple: improve quality, handle bigger projects, and create structures that could power communities across India.

Under Gaurav’s leadership, Man Structurals became a modern, diversified organization capable of delivering large-scale projects while supporting sustainable growth. Every tower, every grid, and every connection built by the company represents more than electricity; it represents homes lit, businesses running, and dreams taking form.

For Gaurav Rungta, the work is deeply personal. He sees infrastructure as a way to connect people and opportunities. His vision goes beyond steel and machinery; it is about creating a stronger, more connected India, where every project carries the promise of progress. Through dedication and foresight, he is turning Man Structurals into a force that powers a billion dreams, one tower at a time.

Let us learn more about his journey:

Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Mindset

Gaurav’s commitment to meaningful, purpose-driven work is rooted in his upbringing. Growing up in a Marwari business family, Gaurav was surrounded by strong values that shaped how he thinks and leads today. One of the earliest lessons he absorbed was to prioritize a healthy bottom line rather than simply chasing growth. Profitability and sustainability go hand in hand, a principle he observed being practiced every day at home, and one that continues to guide his decisions at Man Structurals.

Another value deeply rooted in his family is the belief that growth happens together. Business, for them, has always been about more than numbers; it is about people. His father often said that the company’s biggest strength lies not in the machines or buildings, but in the people who run them.

Gaurav recalls a time when their unit faced challenges. There were discussions within the family about shutting it down to reduce losses. His father stood firm and said, “What will happen to my team? They have stood by us for years; I cannot abandon them now.” That moment stayed with him. His father decided to keep the factory running, even though it meant facing short-term challenges.

Looking back, that decision was about protecting dignity and trust. It gave the team confidence that they were more than employees; they were part of the Man Structurals family. In return, their loyalty and hard work helped the company bounce back stronger.

This experience taught him a lifelong lesson: when leaders take care of their people, their people take care of the business. True growth happens when everyone grows together.

Another lesson that stayed with him came from his father when he had just joined the business, about making one’s decisions. Gaurav once sold a scrap lot at a lower price by mistake. Instead of cancelling the deal, his father said, “Let it go through, you will learn more from this than any book.” That experience taught him the importance of taking calculated risks, making decisions, and empowering others to do the same, a principle he continues to follow with his own team today.

Over time, these values, financial discipline, integrity, people-first leadership, and the courage to take risks, have defined not only his entrepreneurial approach but also the culture at Man Structurals.

Embracing Change: The Drive to Modernize

It was this approach, rooted in responsibility, discipline, and strategic risk-taking, that became crucial in the early 2000s, a turning point for Man Structurals. At that time, electricity boards began giving out turnkey projects instead of only manufacturing orders, suddenly changing the way the industry operated. Until then, the company had focused mainly on manufacturing. With this mindset guiding their decisions, the leadership realized that to remain relevant, they had to develop their own turnkey vertical, marking the beginning of their modernization journey.

Once the company entered turnkey projects, it became clear that traditional methods alone could not meet the growing demand or ensure consistent quality. Scale could not be achieved solely through manpower; technology was required. The company began upgrading its systems, introducing ERP for better accountability, adopting advanced design software, and bringing in new equipment to improve speed and accuracy.

One of the biggest steps in this journey was importing a state-of-the-art galvanizing plant, one of the first of its kind in India. It transformed the quality of their structures, improved efficiency, and helped match global standards in finish and durability.

What began as a response to market change gradually became part of the company’s DNA. Modernization evolved into a culture. Today, technology and innovation lie at the core of Man Structurals, enabling the company to deliver projects better, faster, and more sustainably.

Motivation for Green Energy Projects

For Gaurav, initiatives such as building windmills and solar energy systems go far beyond business numbers. These projects represent a commitment to environmental responsibility and societal impact, driven by two personal motivations that guide his vision.

First, the country’s dependence on fossil fuels is huge. Every barrel of oil imported adds to the fiscal deficit. If more energy can be generated within the country through clean sources, that money can instead be used for improving lives, in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Renewable energy becomes both an environmental and an economic choice.

Second, the climate situation is real. Rising temperatures, poor air quality, and unpredictable weather in cities like Delhi, Jaipur, and Mumbai are evident every day. The pace at which the planet is degrading is alarming. This drives him to invest time and energy into green projects. The focus is on creating a future where children can breathe cleaner air and live on a healthier planet.

At Man Structurals, this approach is seen as a responsibility to help build infrastructure that powers growth while protecting the environment.

Navigating Skepticism in Business Expansion

Gaurav’s dedication to this responsible and forward-looking approach often met skepticism, especially when he first proposed expanding and modernizing Man Structurals. Many believed that such modernization applied only to large corporations, not a company like theirs. Similar doubts arose when he suggested hiring senior professionals or investing in advanced technology, with the common question being, “Is this really for us?”

He has always believed that growth requires thinking and acting like a large company. He did not take these decisions blindly. Every plan was backed by data and clear projections of demand, costs, and payback. It was never an emotional call; it was a calculated risk.

Initially, there was resistance within the organization. Gaurav knew the only way to change mindsets was through results. Once people observed the difference modernization made, how efficiency improved, how quality became consistent, and how the business began to grow, skepticism slowly turned into confidence.

He also believes that as a business owner, his role focuses on creating business rather than running day-to-day operations. For that, he needs capable people, the right systems, and a strong foundation. Investing in talent and technology seemed unconventional at first for a business like theirs because it is uncommon in the industry. Yet, this approach helped Man Structurals transform into what it is today.

Commitment to Sustainability and Process Innovation

Alongside building a strong business framework, Gaurav places equal importance on sustainability. For him, it represents a local responsibility as much as a global trend. His company was among the first in the state to install a rooftop solar plant, and today, almost 100 percent of its power needs are met through solar energy. What began as a small step to reduce energy costs has evolved into a cornerstone of the company’s commitment to green energy.

The company is also a Zero Discharge organization. Every drop of water used in the plant is recycled and reused, with even sanitation water treated and utilized for gardening. Nothing goes to waste. These systems make the company environmentally responsible while also enhancing efficiency in the long run.

The journey continues, but these measures have helped the company balance operational needs with responsibility toward the environment.

Earning Money Versus Creating Wealth

Gaurav explains that earning money focuses on short-term gains, daily profits, or transactions, while creating wealth carries a more enduring significance.

For him, wealth is not just financial growth; it is about creating value around oneself, developing people, building a reputation that endures, and contributing meaningfully to society. Just as the company’s sustainable practices ensure resources are preserved for the future, his approach to wealth emphasizes growth that leaves a lasting legacy.

As a 70th-generation entrepreneur, he has grown up seeing how each generation worked to strengthen what they received and then passed it on in a better form. One principle that has stayed constant for him is that true wealth cannot be created by taking shortcuts. Shortcuts may give quick money, but they do not produce long-term value.

Building Trust and Impacting Lives

Guided by the principle of long-term value and care, Gaurav has focused on making his people feel like true stakeholders. He celebrates their growth, rewards their contributions, and stands by them through both personal and professional challenges. That dedication has earned the organization not just an individual’s trust, but a family’s trust.

One incident that stays with him is of a senior employee who retired after serving more than 30 years with Man Structurals. Soon after his retirement, the employee’s son decided to join the company. For Gaurav, that moment held great meaning. It showed that the relationships built with employees extend beyond employment and become part of their family’s journey. When the next generation chooses to continue that association, it serves as the biggest validation of the company’s culture, values, and the difference it makes in their lives.

Additionally, over the last couple of years, Gaurav has shared thoughts and experiences online,  through posts and videos, to help other MSME owners. Many people have reached out to share how those insights helped them implement new ideas or solve challenges in their own businesses. Hearing such feedback made him realise how sharing knowledge can uplift others in ways that often remain unseen.

For Gaurav, these experiences reflect the essence of uplifting the ecosystem around the organization.

Personal Mission in Driving Positive Change

With the same dedication to creating meaningful impact, whenever Gaurav takes up a role, whether at CII Rajasthan, YPO, or EO, he approaches it with complete commitment. For him, it is never just about holding a position; it is about contributing purposefully and ensuring that initiatives reach people, creating a visible and lasting impact.

Over the years, Gaurav has realised that leadership in such forums extends beyond managing activities. It is about making the organization more effective, connecting members better, and creating awareness about the good work being done. Whether promoting CII Rajasthan’s initiatives or organising events like the Amber Cup, his goal has always been to help more people see the value of being part of such platforms. His approach to leadership reflects a blend of professional dedication and personal balance, which shapes how he engages with both work and life.

How Passions Shape Leadership

For Gaurav, golf and family time have played a significant role in forming how he thinks and leads. Golf, especially, serves as his “me time.” For those few hours on the course, he is completely disconnected, no phone, no meetings, no distractions. It is the only time he gets to slow down, clear his head, and realign his thoughts. That kind of space strengthens his perspective as an entrepreneur, helping him return to his professional and community commitments with renewed focus and clarity.

Family time, travelling, and spending time with his kids teach him a lot. He learns from how his parents, his wife, and his children approach different situations; each offers him a new perspective on life. From his parents, he has learned that even the biggest issues can often be solved through simple conversations. His wife often helps him see things from angles he might miss in the rush of daily work; her perspective grounds him. His kids remind him to stay curious; their questions and way of looking at the world keep the childlike curiosity alive in him.

Breakthroughs from Stepping Away

A lot of times, when Gaurav is stuck on a decision or unsure which way to go, stepping away from work actually helps him the most. Golf and his morning meditation have become that central time for him. That is when new ideas often pop up, and things that look confusing start to make sense.

Whenever he travels and steps away from work, it gives him a chance to look at things from a bird’s-eye view. When he is caught up in the daily hustle, he often focuses only on immediate tasks or short-term goals. But when he is away, he gets the space to think differently, to see the bigger picture, reflect on where the organization is headed, and realign his priorities.

That distance brings a lot of clarity. He often returns from a trip with fresh energy and new ideas for taking the business forward.

Legacy as a Family Member and Community Contributor

For Gaurav, legacy is not about being remembered as a successful businessman but about being remembered for the difference he has made in people’s lives.

He wants to be known for how he has impacted others, whether it is through small gestures or bigger changes that have improved someone’s life in a lasting way. If people can say he left them in a better position than when they met him, he thinks that would be the most meaningful legacy he could leave behind.

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