Indian-origin individuals have made remarkable strides worldwide and the Watumull family stands as a testament to this success. Recognized among the wealthiest families in Hawaii USA their business empire traces back to Jamnadas Watumull who laid its foundation in 1915. Born in Hyderabad Sindh (now in Pakistan) before Indias independence Jamnadas rose from humble beginnings to establish a business legacy that spans garments retail and real estate. Heres the inspiring journey of the Watumull family. Jamnadas Watumull Beginnings Jamnadas Watumull was born into a middle-class family where his father ran a modest brick business. Although the family was educated they were far from wealthy. Tragedy struck when Jamnadass father suffered paralysis forcing young Jamnadas to take financial responsibilities. In search of opportunities Jamnadas moved to the Philippines and worked in textile mills. By 1909 he partnered with Dharamdas starting a small trading business in Manila. However their venture suffered setbacks when the United States imposed restrictions on foreign businesses after taking control of the Philippines. Jamnadas Watumull Journey To Hawaii In 1915 Jamnadas then 29 relocated to Honolulu Hawaii with Dharamdas. Together they established a retail shop focused on importing Asian goods like silk brassware and ivory artifacts. They registered the company under the name Watumull and Dharamdas. Unfortunately Dharamdas passed away from cholera in 1916 leaving Jamnadas to manage the business. Jamnadass brother Govindram Watumull joined him in Honolulu to oversee the store while Jamnadas managed operations in Manila. The store was later renamed the East India Store reflecting its focus on Asian imports. Over the years the business expanded across Hawaii and Asia becoming a household name for quality and unique products. Iconic Aloha Shirts and Fashion During the 1930s Hawaii emerged as a popular destination for affluent tourists. The demand for Aloha shirts featuring vibrant Hawaiian patterns surged. Sensing an opportunity the Watumull family became one of the first retailers to offer these designs. In 1936 Govindram collaborated with his sister-in-law Elsie Jensen who created some of the earliest Hawaiian-patterned designs. These shirts became a cultural symbol and were worn by Hollywood stars like Loretta Young Jack Benny and Lana Turner further boosting their popularity. The Watumulls later acquired the Royal Hawaiian Manufacturing Company where they produced the first matching family Aloha wear. These efforts solidified their brand as a pioneer in Hawaiian fashion. Challenges To Watumull Family Despite their success Jamnadas and Govindram faced challenges including discrimination and restrictive immigration laws. Govindrams marriage to American citizen Elsie Jensen led to her losing her citizenship due to her union with an immigrant. Determined to fight for equality Jensen collaborated with advocacy groups leading to changes in the law and eventually regaining her citizenship in 1931. In 1946 Govindram finally became a US citizen. Around the same time during India’s partition in 1947 the Watumull family relocated from Sindh to Mumbai while Jamnadas’s son Gulab Watumull moved to Hawaii to manage the business. Watumull Business Expansion Into Real Estate By 1955 the business was divided between Jamnadas and Govindram’s families. While Jamnadas and his son Gulab focused on retail Govindrams descendants ventured into real estate development. The company diversified its portfolio acquiring commercial properties apartments and marketplaces in Hawaii. Although the last Watumull retail store closed in 2020 the family’s business legacy thrives in the real estate sector. For instance Watumull Properties recently acquired a 19045-square-meter marketplace in Hawaii underscoring their continued influence in the region.