Pankaj Mishra: Redefining Modern Entrepreneurship with Discipline and Purpose

December 15, 2025
Bhumika Chauhan
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In an age where entrepreneurship is often associated with speed, valuation, and visibility, Mr. Pankaj Mishra’s journey offers a refreshingly grounded perspective. As the Founder of the P N D Group, which includes P N D Global Logistics, P N D Maritime Pvt. Ltd., and the FMCG brand Bakeats, his story is not about overnight success but about building credibility through discipline, patience, and purpose. At 38, Pankaj Mishra represents a new-age entrepreneur who believes that businesses must be built to last, not just to grow fast.

Pankaj Mishra’s foundation was shaped by introspection and learning rather than external validation. An introverted schoolboy, he developed an early habit of observation and analysis. This inclination toward understanding systems and patterns later translated into academic excellence. He pursued Mechanical Engineering and went on to earn a Gold Medal in Industrial Engineering and Management, reflecting both intellectual rigor and a natural affinity for structured thinking. These formative years instilled in him a belief that strong fundamentals are essential for sustainable outcomes.

His professional journey began in the corporate world, where he worked with organisations such as Wipro, Lava International, and Delhivery. These roles exposed him to structured environments, large operational frameworks, and the realities of logistics and supply chain management. More importantly, they allowed him to witness inefficiencies that were deeply embedded in traditional business processes. Delays caused by third-party dependencies, lack of transparency, and fragmented accountability repeatedly surfaced as obstacles to growth. These observations planted the seeds for his entrepreneurial aspirations.

Alongside his corporate career, Pankaj also spent a significant phase teaching engineering students while preparing for the Services Selection Board examinations. Teaching strengthened his communication skills and reinforced the importance of clarity and discipline. Preparing for defence services further sharpened his resilience and sense of responsibility. Despite the respect and stability these paths offered, Pankaj felt drawn toward entrepreneurship, driven by a desire to create something of his own and build impact at a larger scale.

At the age of 32, guided by this conviction, Pankaj Mishra made the decision to step into entrepreneurship. Along with his co-founder, Mr. Amit Chaudhary, he identified a fundamental gap in the logistics industry. Businesses were overly dependent on intermediaries, which resulted in inefficiencies, higher costs, and reduced control. This insight led to the inception of P N D Global Logistics on 2nd August 2019, with an initial capital investment of ₹50 lakhs and a clear objective—to provide end-to-end logistics solutions under one roof.

The early years of P N D Global Logistics were marked by significant challenges. Navigating regulatory frameworks, managing financial risks, and building trust in a competitive market tested the founders’ patience and resolve. As a first-generation entrepreneur with no business background, Pankaj faced skepticism from industry peers and acquaintances who questioned the decision to leave a stable career. Yet, instead of being deterred, he focused on execution and consistency, believing that credibility is earned through results.

One of the most impactful strategic decisions was to directly register with major shipping lines, eliminating unnecessary intermediaries. This approach gave P N D Global Logistics greater control over freight movement, pricing, and service reliability. Clients began to experience smoother customs clearances, faster turnaround times, and greater transparency. Over time, these operational strengths translated into trust and long-term partnerships. Today, P N D Global Logistics operates profitably with a turnover of ₹35 crore, reflecting the strength of its disciplined business model.

The company’s comprehensive service portfolio reflects its commitment to end-to-end solutions. P N D Global Logistics manages freight forwarding, shipping, and customs clearance with expertise across air and ocean transport. Its capabilities include handling full container loads, less-than-container loads, over-dimension cargo, and perishable goods. With 24×7 customs clearance support and strong liaison with Customs, CBEC, and DGFT, the organisation ensures smooth and compliant import-export operations.

As the logistics business matured, Pankaj Mishra identified another opportunity to strengthen operational control. Container availability and dependency on external providers often disrupted global trade. To address this challenge, he launched P N D Maritime Pvt. Ltd., enabling the group to operate company-owned cargo containers. This strategic expansion enhanced reliability, reduced dependency, and offered clients greater predictability in their supply chains. With P N D Maritime, the group moved closer to its vision of owning and managing critical elements of the logistics ecosystem.

While logistics remains the backbone of the P N D Group, Pankaj’s entrepreneurial vision extended into consumer manufacturing. The launch of Bakeats marked the group’s entry into the FMCG sector, driven by a belief that quality food products should be accessible to all. Bakeats was conceived to deliver export-quality bakery products to both domestic and international markets, challenging the notion that mass-market products must compromise on quality.

Manufactured in a fully in-house facility in Noida with a production capacity of approximately 14 tonnes in 24 hours, Bakeats places strong emphasis on hygiene, freshness, and consistency. The brand follows a strict no-palm-oil philosophy and uses premium ingredients, reflecting its commitment to clean and responsible manufacturing. Despite being only five months old, Bakeats has gained rapid traction through domestic distribution and exports, positioning itself as a promising new entrant in the FMCG space.

Bakeats also aligns strongly with the Made in India vision. By exporting Indian-made bakery products to markets such as the UAE and New Zealand, the brand showcases India’s manufacturing capabilities on a global stage. At the same time, it ensures that Indian consumers have access to the same export-level quality, reinforcing the belief that quality should not be selective.

Beyond business expansion, the P N D Group’s impact is measured in people and livelihoods. With over 100 employees across logistics operations and manufacturing units, the organisation supports numerous families and contributes meaningfully to economic growth. Pankaj Mishra views employment generation as a responsibility and believes that businesses must create value beyond profits.

Leadership, for Pankaj, is rooted in approachability and trust. As a millennial entrepreneur, he brings a modern leadership style that emphasises listening, collaboration, and problem-solving. He believes in supporting his team, enabling growth, and creating a positive work culture where accountability and empathy coexist. This leadership approach has helped build loyalty and resilience within the organisation.

The entrepreneurial journey has also been shaped by personal responsibilities. Balancing family commitments with the demands of building businesses required discipline and emotional strength. These experiences reinforced Pankaj’s belief that consistency and patience are essential virtues in entrepreneurship. He views time as a powerful force that rewards those who remain committed to their purpose.

Inspired by leaders such as Ratan Tata, whose humility, values, and long-term thinking continue to guide him, Pankaj Mishra remains focused on building brands that earn trust over time. His learnings from entrepreneurship emphasise adaptability, stepping beyond comfort zones, and the importance of building strong teams alongside strong systems.

Looking ahead, the future of the P N D Group is defined by structured growth. Plans include expanding the container fleet under P N D Maritime, strengthening global trade routes, and scaling Bakeats into a nationally recognised FMCG brand with a strong export presence. Each growth decision is evaluated through the lens of sustainability and long-term value creation.

For aspiring entrepreneurs, Pankaj Mishra’s advice is simple yet profound. Build strong fundamentals, stay disciplined, trust the process, and remain humble. Success is not a destination but a journey built through consistent effort and clear intent.

Through the P N D Group, Pankaj Mishra continues to redefine modern entrepreneurship by demonstrating that discipline and purpose, when combined, can build businesses that endure and inspire.

Website : https://www.bakeats.in/

Website : https://www.pdgl.in/

Website : https://www.pndmaritime.com/