'Being challenged in life is inevitable but being defeated is optional': Punit Goenka as Zee completes 29 years

As Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) completed 29 years on Saturday (October 2), MD and CEO, Punit Goenka said that the company is looking forward to many more successful years ahead. He spoke about the company's remarkable journey and said it would not have been possible without the company employees' persistence and hard work.

Goenka said, "I am delighted to share that on this day, 29 years ago, we set pen to paper and laid the foundation of an extraordinary institution and an Academy of Talent, which we called ZEE. Back then, a lot of people thought it was a bold and impossible idea, but the power of passion and perseverance paid off and here we are today, celebrating 29 glorious years of ZEE!" 

He further added, "These 29 years have been remarkable to say the least! A journey wherein we embedded a culture of consistent value creation and sustained growth. This would not have been possible without your persistence and hard work."

When asked about dealing with challenges, Goenka said that he is a strong believer of hard work and his mantra is to look at the silver lining instead of dark clouds. "My mantra in these situations has always been to look at the silver lining instead of the dark cloud; or to put it simply, to consistently focus on one’s work and believe that every difficult phase shall certainly pass. In fact, these ups and downs have been extremely consequential in building our resilience, enabling us to remain committed towards the Company’s growth and profitability," he said. 

He also said that the words ‘Entertainment’ and ‘ZEE’ are spoken in consonance, which immensely speaks of success. "This dream that we have built & nurtured over almost three decades, has transformed into a global conglomerate, with our synergised efforts and actions. Let us all today, celebrate our accomplishments by reinforcing the power of optimism and togetherness. After all, it is this ethos that has enabled us to stay rooted in our rich value system and yet be global in our aspirations," Goenka added.

Addressing his employees, Goenka spoke about the recent merger of ZEE with Sony Pictures. He said, "I cherish the strong bond we have formed over the years, which has always enabled me to be as candid as I can, in sharing my thoughts with all of you. The best is yet to come! The proposed merger with Sony Pictures Networks India will make us the largest Media & Entertainment company in the country. I am extremely confident that with Sony as partners in our value creation journey, the combined synergies will help us strengthen our capabilities to create sharper content, that enriches the lives of our consumers." 

He further added, "I am always with you in this journey, and we will continue to walk this path together to script newer successes. I am humbled by your unwavering support to the Company, and I doff my hat to the leadership team at ZEE, for instilling a healthy and collaborative culture that enables you to push the boundaries consistently."

Goenka reminded people of the endless possibilities one receives that are often disguised as impossible situations but the key is to transform them into opportunities. He said, "I firmly believe the time to change is now, as we together step into the 30th year of the Company that awaits to be filled with success, glory, growth, and profitability."

In the end, he said, "Always remember, that being challenged in life is inevitable but being defeated is optional. The choice will always be yours alone! My heartiest congratulations to each and every one of you on achieving this glorious milestone! To this and many more!"