QI has been always more than a group of companies to me personally. To me and many others within the corporate and customer framework, it has always represented a concept. This concept predates the formation and the subsequent development of the group, which is now entering its tenth year, thereby completing a decade as a business entity.
The concept is based in great part upon the message of the icon/mentor of the group Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, otherwise simply known as the Mahatma. A message which has been loosely translated into the acronym RYTHM which is Raise Yourself to Help Mankind. The unique paradox of this message, which is so altruistic in nature, is that it does not in any way conflict with the primary motive of all businesses which is to maximise profit. In fact, it has become the basis of profit making while focussed on a global vision of the unity of man.
The QI Group founded in 1998 in its essence is an e-commerce based conglomerate which encompasses all aspects of business, using the internet as its modality. Hence we bring products and services from all points of the globe to the customer wherever he or she may be. Boundaries-- geographical, political or otherwise are merely part and parcel of the terrain we work with. The global village is actually the main dimension of our working environment in practice.
In this final year of our first decade, our growth which has been exponential for 9 years has now matured into a more focussed development along the lines of each individual industry. We have basically discovered our niche. In essence, more than providing products & services and business opportunities worldwide to our 3.5 million customers, we have now evolved into a worldwide community that stretches across national boundaries, colour, cast or creed. We have become more than just a company. The QI name is now synonymous with a concept…The Unity of Man.
If this is the legacy of our first decade, then I feel fully honoured to have been able to play a part in ensuring that this legacy is handed over to the next generation.