Remembering Rajesh AS of Sreepadma Aqua Flora
The aquarium industry suffered an irreplaceable loss on December 27, 2024, with the sudden passing of Rajesh A.S., the visionary founder of Sreepadma Aqua Flora. Rajesh was a pioneer who reshaped the aquatic plant industry in India, and his absence leaves a void that will take time to comprehend truly.
Rajesh A.S. established Sreepadma Aqua Flora in 2000, making it one of the first ventures in India to focus exclusively on aquatic plants. Over the last two and a half decades, he took the company from humble beginnings to extraordinary heights, transforming it into the largest aquatic plant farm in India. His relentless dedication and keen insight into the needs of the aquarium industry made Sreepadma a household name among aquarists, both in India and internationally.
In 2021, Rajesh launched the Growow brand of Tissue Culture plants, which elevated India’s aquatic plant industry to global standards. The Growow series, renowned for its innovative and superior packaging, rivaled—and in many cases surpassed—the top brands worldwide. Today, Growow exports its premium tissue culture plants across the globe, symbolizing a “Made in India” success story that Rajesh tirelessly championed.
I had the privilege of knowing Rajesh since 2012 during my early days at TropiCo Aqua. What stood out most about him was his humility and willingness to support small businesses. He was always approachable and generously shared his knowledge and resources. My last meeting with him was at the Aquagic Pet Exhibition in Mumbai in 2022, where we discussed the industry and his future plans.
I had been looking forward to featuring Rajesh in The Weekend Aquarist, to share his inspiring journey with our readers. Unfortunately, that story now remains incomplete. However, I hope to visit the Sreepadma Aqua Flora farm in Aluva, Kerala, in the near future to document his legacy and honor his memory.
Rajesh’s contributions to the aquarium industry were profound. His work not only set benchmarks but also inspired countless individuals and businesses to dream bigger.
Rajesh A.S. will be deeply missed, but his vision and passion will continue to live on in the countless lives he touched and the industry he transformed.
Sreepadma