Baramulla-born businessman makes it big in Australia, eyes investment in Kashmir
Mudassir Ahmad
Srinagar, Apr 17 (KINS): Maninderjit Kala, hailing from Baramulla in North Kashmir, has become one of Australia’s top entrepreneurs. His multi-million dollar venture, KnG Group, has not only made a mark in Australia’s corporate world but is now poised to bring its expertise and investment to Kashmir.
Kala’s journey began in 2009 when he moved to Australia to pursue higher studies in Mass Communication and Journalism. After completing his master’s degree, unlike many of his peers who opted for careers in media, he decided to chart his own path. In 2011, he launched Dynamic Pathology, his first firm in the healthcare sector. Five years later, he founded Medlab Pathology, further deepening his presence in diagnostic services.
The major breakthrough came during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when Kala co-founded Covax Australia with Dr. Anuj Gupta. Initially focused on addressing pandemic-related challenges, the venture expanded rapidly and transformed into KnG Healthcare. Today, the parent company, KnG Group, is a diversified conglomerate with interests in healthcare, education, technology, cybersecurity, home care, and the energy sector.
“I always had an urge to do something different that would benefit others,” said Kala, 40, who is popularly known as Mannu Kalla. “I looked at problems around me and instinctively thought of solutions, not just complaints,” he told news agency KINS.
Today, his businesses collectively employ over 1,500 people. The success of KnG Group has earned Kala national recognition—he has been ranked 14th among Australia’s top 100 entrepreneurs and is hailed as one of the country’s leading business figures.
Raised in a middle-class family in Baramulla, Kala studied at Saint Joseph’s Higher Secondary School before moving to Delhi for his undergraduate studies. Later, he pursued higher education in Australia. His father was a banker and his mother a school teacher and their values of discipline, education, and service deeply shaped his entrepreneurial philosophy.
Now, at the pinnacle of his success, Kala has visited Kashmir with ambitious plans to catalyse economic development in the region. He is actively exploring investment avenues across various sectors.
He believes the Valley holds vast, untapped potential. “With its abundant natural resources, skilled young population, and strategic location, Kashmir is perfectly positioned for meaningful investment,” he said. (KINS)
