The Hindu Business Line : Money Talk

A leading homoeopathic doctor, Dr Mukesh Batra is also an entrepreneur as the promoter, Chairman and Managing Director of the Dr Batra's Positive Health Clinics. Dr Batra has co-hosted TV shows on health and written books as well as regular columns on health and homoeopathy. His other personal interests include his fondness for fine arts and photography. Business Line queried him on his personal investment preferences to get an entrepreneur's viewpoint on investing:

When did you start investing and what led you to do so?

I have always believed that the best investment that one can make is in one's own company because belief in oneself is important. However, at later stages in your career you do like to have a secure alternative source of income, which does not arise out of your business profits. I had this realisation four-five years back, when I started investing in other avenues.

What role do investments such as gold and property play in your overall portfolio?

Gold does not play an important role in my portfolio. Though it appreciates in price, it loses its value when it is converted into an ornament. On the contrary, property gives permanency to a business even though it may require significant capital. You are an art collector. Do you view art as an investment?

Most of the art I have collected has been gifted to me by leading artists who are my patients. For instance, M. F. Hussain has painted the ceiling of one of my clinics and other leading artists have presented me with pieces of art created exclusively for me. Therefore, I believe that most of the art I own is priceless; more than money, it has a lot of sentiment attached to it. Over the past few years, I have also bought art, but I have done so more for the pleasure of viewing it than for the value it brings by owning it. However, today, art is seen as an big investment. But I feel it is over-hyped and often people buy paintings which have little real value.

When you started out as an entrepreneur, did you make any special investment plans to ensure basic financial security for yourself and your family?

No, I did not. As an entrepreneur, I put everything that I had into my company to make the venture work. It was like a deep well. However, once the company stabilised and did not require capital funding, I was able to make myself and my family financially secure through other investments.

Do you manage your investments directly or have it done through portfolio managers? If the latter, are you happy with the results?

When I started investing with small amounts of money I did it myself. Over a period of time, as my investment grew, I handed over my portfolio to professional managers. I am happy with the results they produce. However, of late, I have set up an independent portfolio management division in my company and I am happy to see that our people are giving better results than professional portfolio managers.

Finally, your advice on three things that budding youngsters should/should not do when they start off?

Don't trust anybody with your money.

Balance risk with profitability/growth.

Research and plan your finances according to your own needs.

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