I was working as a pharmacist with a national chain drugstore in the mid-nineties. Natural supplements and alternate therapy, a grassroots movement, were shaping the mood of consumers. We carried a number of supplements including glucosamine-containing products for joint health. As I was helping my customers with the proper selection of the supplements, I started reading about the quality and standardization of these products.

One day a customer came into the store. She had walked several blocks with the help of a cane as she had severe arthritis. She asked me to help her select a joint health product that she could use to help her ease her pain and discomfort. I showed her several different products that we carried in the store.

She responded, "Mahendra, I need glucosamine badly. But, I am on a fixed income. I cannot afford any one of the items you carry…not even the least expensive one." She walked out of the store struggling to keep her composure and balance.

I was so moved by her…the trembling walk, the cane, the small steps, the tears, and her inability to buy something that she needed badly that I decided to start producing a quality glucosamine product at an affordable price.

That was the seed that started Giriko.

The name Giriko (Giri+Ko) is a combination of the first part of my younger brother and my father's names. My father taught me to help others, work hard, and donate my talents, resources and money to good causes.

At a young age, my brother was a very intelligent child. He graduated with honors from high school and began college. While attending college, his physical and mental health went downhill. His anxiety turned into psychosis, neurosis and finally into schizophrenia. With lack of proper early medical treatment available in most villages in India, he lives today with very little hope and future.

In order to carry out the mission of Giriko, this venture is to provide 51% of its profits
· To help those who are mentally handicapped that have no access to healthcare
· To produce quality dietary supplements
· To help seniors have health supplement choices at affordable prices
· To focus efforts toward senior health issues
· To reinvest in research and development to produce more quality products

Giriko promises to:
Provide quality products with the purest possible raw materials
Manufacture product according to "good manufacturing practices" (GMPs).
Provide total transparency in all information provided to the consumer.

Mahendra
4-21-02

Giriko, Columbus, Ohio email : info@giriko.com  866.244.7456