Book Review: The SIS Story: From Accidental Entrepreneur To Global Conglomerate

The SIS Story: From Accidental Entrepreneur to Global Conglomerate is an engaging, deeply human account of how one man’s conviction and courage laid the foundation for one of India’s most remarkable business success stories. Published by HarperCollins India and co-authored by Prince Mathews Thomas, the book chronicles the 50-year evolution of the SIS Group — from a one-room operation in Patna to a multinational enterprise employing over 300,000 people across India, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.

At the heart of the narrative is Dr. Ravindra Kishore Sinha, a Patna-based journalist earning a modest ₹250 a month in 1973. Inspired by Jayaprakash Narayan’s call to serve society and moved by the plight of ex-servicemen seeking dignified employment, Sinha made the bold decision to leave the security of his job and set up a private security firm aimed at giving these trained personnel meaningful work. The SIS Story makes clear that this leap was less an act of entrepreneurship than an act of purpose — and this distinction becomes the book’s central theme.

Co-author Prince Mathews Thomas brings his seasoned journalistic clarity and narrative skill to the project, weaving together economic history, personal anecdotes, and institutional milestones. He documents SIS’s journey from the constraints of the License Raj through the flux of economic liberalization and into the aggressive global expansion of the 21st century. In doing so, he not only tells the story of a company but also mirrors the story of India’s own economic transformation.

One of the book’s strengths is its focus on people. While business biographies often get lost in numbers, acquisitions, and boardroom dramas, this one keeps returning to the lives touched by SIS’s growth — the ex-servicemen who found renewed dignity, the thousands of employees who built careers across continents, and the leaders who upheld the company’s values through periods of intense change. As Group Managing Director Rituraj Sinha notes, “This book is not just a business biography; it’s a story of livelihoods created, challenges overcome, and the belief that values and vision can build institutions that outlast generations.”

The book also sheds light on the company’s high-stakes decisions: its bold acquisitions of global firms, the complexities of scaling operations internationally, and the challenge of maintaining a deeply people-centric culture while professionalizing a family-founded enterprise. Thomas captures these turning points with nuance, helping readers appreciate not just the outcomes but the mindset behind them.

A striking feature of the book is the chorus of endorsements from leaders across industries. From Salesforce Chairperson and CEO Arundhati Bhattacharya, who highlights SIS’s critical role during demonetization, to Vedanta founder Anil Agarwal, who sees the story as a source of pride for every Bihari, the praise underscores the company’s credibility and national relevance. Rajdeep Sardesai calls it “a symbol of the energy of a ‘new’ India,” while Uday Shankar describes it as “a masterclass in entrepreneurship and scaling Indian businesses.” These testimonials frame the book as not just a corporate chronicle but a piece of contemporary Indian history.

The most compelling aspect of The SIS Story is its celebration of Bihar’s spirit of resilience and enterprise. In today’s narratives about India’s economic rise, stories from India’s heartland are often overshadowed by metropolitan success tales. This book restores that balance, reminding readers that world-scale institutions can come not only from Mumbai or Bengaluru but also from Patna — powered by purpose, integrity, and grit.

In all, The SIS Story is an inspiring and insightful read, offering lessons in leadership, values-driven growth, and the transformative power of belief. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a student of business, or simply someone who appreciates stories of human determination, this book promises both illumination and inspiration.