Keshub Mahindra was a visionary leader who made significant contributions to India’s economy and society.
Keshub Mahindra was the former Emeritus chairman of Mahindra Group. The visionary leader was known as a renowned industrialist, business leader, philanthropist, and founding figure of Indian business. He made significant contributions to India’s economy. He was widely respected for his leadership, ethics, and commitment to social responsibility.
Mahindra passed away on April 12, 2023, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations. His passing is a loss for the business community and the country as a whole. The founding father of the largest and most diversified conglomerate Keshub Mahindra saw India growing and progressing quickly. He had seen images of both slave and dependent India.
“He was an exemplary statesman and an irreplaceable figure in Indian industry, revered for his vision, his business acumen, his leadership by example, and above all, for his uncompromising professional integrity.”, Mahindra Group said in a press statement after his demise.
Here are key points on the life and legacy of Keshub Mahindra:
Early Life and Career
Mahindra Group diversified under his leadership
Keshub Mahindra was born on October 9, 1923, in Shimla. He was the son of KC Mahindra (Kailash Chandra Mahindra), one of the founders of the Mahindra group. He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from Wharton School in 1947 at the University of Pennsylvania. He was a Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School. After completing his education, Mahindra started his career as a management trainee in the Mahindra Group in 1947. Under his leadership, the Mahindra Group diversified its operations across the business. Mahindra Group has become a leading player in several sectors, including automobiles, aerospace, and defense.
The Journey of Rising to the Highest Position
Joined the company in 1947 and became its Chairman in 1963.
The true business rose through the ranks and became the Chairman of the company in 1963 and maintained until he retired from the firm in 2012. Rising to the highest position in an organization starting from a small position is a significant accomplishment and a matter of great pride for any business leader. He demonstrated the value of hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence throughout his life. Such a journey is not easy, but the rewards are immeasurable. It also promoted a culture of meritocracy and growth, inspiring employees to strive for excellence and achieve their full potential. a position
SP Shukla, Member of the Group Executive Board, President – Group Strategy & Chief Brand Officer, and President – Defence at Mahindra Group tweeted, “I shall always cherish the memory of Keshub Mahindra -a doyen of Indian Industry. It was an honor to receive my degree from him at IIMA. I remember his kind words at the start of my career. Years later I was to experience his inspiring leadership at M&M.
Contributions to the Mahindra Group
Mentored and guided the company’s growth
Keshub Mahindra played a pivotal role in the lasting growth and enormous success of the Mahindra Group. Under his chairmanship, the company expanded its operations into new areas, including aerospace, defense, hospitality and real estate. He also spearheaded the group’s efforts to become a global player in the automotive industry, which led to the acquisition of South Korean automaker SsangYong Motor in 2011. He expanded business operations and ventured into new businesses, including hospitality and real estate. He also led the group’s efforts to become a global player in the automotive industry. He played a key role in preserving the legacy of the company’s founders.
“Under his stewardship, the company was transformed from its beginnings as a steel trading company to a diversified federation of companies.”, the company said in a media statement.
Anand Mahindra Payed Tribute to Keshub Mahindra
His nephew Anand Mahindra took over as Chairman of the Board and Managing Director of the Mahindra Group after his retirement in August 2012. Anand Mahindra cited Keshub Mahindra as an inspiration and stated that his business acumen aided in the transformation of the Mahindra Group.
Speaking about Keshub Mahindra, Anand Mahindra, Chairman, of Mahindra Group, said, “Keshub Mahindra was and will always remain a source of inspiration for me and the entire Mahindra Group. He was a man of principles and led from the front to preserve the legacy of our founders which has ensured that the organization has remained rooted in ethics, values and good corporate governance. Keshub Mahindra was known for his astute business acumen that helped in transforming Mahindra into a diversified federation of companies. His compassion, and people-centric approach made him a global business icon, who was much loved and respected”.
Keshub Mahindra Contributions to the Industry
He has made significant contributions to areas of housing and urban development.
India’s oldest billionaire has made significant contributions to the industry, most notably in the housing and urban development sectors. He founded HUDCO (Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited) and served as Vice Chairman of Housing Development Finance Corporation Ltd. In addition, he was the Chairman of Mahindra Ugine Steel Co. Ltd. and a Director of Bombay Dyeing & Manufacturing Co. Ltd. and Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation Limited.
His commitment to ethics, values, and good corporate governance helped Mahindra & Mahindra become one of India’s most respected and successful companies. Post his retirement in August 2012, his nephew Anand Mahindra took on the role of Chairman of the board and Managing Director of the Mahindra group.
Auto industry veteran Pawan Goenka, Chairperson of INSPACe – Dept of Space tweeted, “The industrial world has lost one of the tallest personalities today. Shri Keshub Mahindra had no match; the nicest person I had the privilege of knowing. I always looked forward to mtgs with him and was inspired by how he connected business, economics and social matters.”
Vinod Aggarwal, President, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) and MD & CEO, VECV conveyed his condolence by saying, “The Indian Automobile Industry today lost one of its pioneers Shri Keshub Mahindra, at the age of 99. His leadership in the early years of the journey of the Indian Auto Industry led to India being recognized as an important player globally and also helped India become a manufacturing hub for the Automobile sector. He was the President of SIAM during the year 1964. SIAM and the Indian Automobile Industry condoles the passing away of a true visionary and pray for the departed soul to rest in peace.”
The Automotive Component Manufacturers Association President, Sunjay Kapur, Chairman at Sona Comstar tweeted that “A true legend in every right. Mr Keshub Mahindra built a brand that India is proud of and built an industry for which we are all grateful. A mentor and friend to my father and a visionary in every sense of the word. May he always be remembered with joy.”
Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA India) also released a statement, “As members of the Auto Retail fraternity, we join in mourning the loss of an Industry Icon whose contributions to the growth of the Indian Economy will always be remembered. Shri Keshub Mahindra’s legacy in the automotive industry will continue to inspire us all.”
Mahindra’s Professional Associations
Keshub Mahindra was a member of several professional associations and councils, including the Apex Advisory Council of ASSOCHAM and the President Emeritus of the Employers’ Federation of India. He was also an Honorary Fellow of the All India Management Association, New Delhi, and a member of the Council of the United World Colleges (International) in the United Kingdom. He has served on several boards and councils in both the private and public domains, including SAIL, Tata Steel, Tata Chemicals, Indian Hotels, IFC, and ICICI. Mahindra served on the Prime Minister’s Council for Trade and Industry in New Delhi.
“The industrial world has lost one of the tallest personalities today. Shri Keshub Mahindra had no match; the nicest person I had the privilege of knowing,” Indian National Space Promotion Authorization Centre (INSPACe) Chairman and former Managing Director of Mahindra & Mahindra Pawan Goenka wrote on Twitter.
Mahindra had served as the non-executive Chairman of Union Carbide India Ltd when the Bhopal gas tragedy, the world’s worst industrial disaster which left over 15,000 people dead, occurred in 1984. Mahindra and seven others were convicted in the gas leakage case in 2010.
Commitment to Social Responsibility
During the 48 years of his chairmanship, Keshub Mahindra believed that businesses have a responsibility to contribute to society. Under his active leadership, the Mahindra Group launched several social development initiatives to promote education, health, and environmental sustainability. The company established the Mahindra United World College in Pune. The college offers a scholarship-based education to students from around the world. Mahindra also served as the chairman of the Indian Council for Sustainable Development and was a member of the United Nations Global Compact Board.
Mahindra’s Philanthropic Work
Apart from his contributions to the business world, Mahindra was also known for his philanthropic work. He has been appointed by the Government of India to serve on many Committees, including the Sachar Commission on Company Law & MRTP and the Central Advisory Council of Industries.
Recognition and Awards
Keshub Mahindra received several awards and accolades for his contributions to business and society. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honors, in 2005. He also received the Ernst & Young Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007 and the Business India Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011.
Keshub received several awards and accolades for his contributions to business and society. In 1987, he was awarded the Chevalier de l’Ordre National de la Legion d’honneur by the French Government. He was also awarded the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honors, in 2005. He received the Ernst & Young Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007 and also Business India Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011.
Keshub Mahindra’s Role Models: JRD Tata and Nanaji Deshmukh
In an interview with Wharton magazine, Keshub Mahindra mentioned that he looked up to JRD Tata as his role model. “If I had to name a couple of my mentors, from the business world I would pick [industrialist] J.R.D. Tata, and from the social and political world, [social activist] Nanaji Deshmukh. One common thread among those I admire is their passion and dedication to providing support to unfortunate people who have not had opportunities to do something in their lives,” he said.
Legacy
Keshub Mahindra’s contributions to the Mahindra Group are only a small part of his legacy. He served as an inspiration to business leaders in India and around the world, demonstrating that success and social responsibility can coexist. Mahindra’s dedication to education and sustainability will inspire future generations. He will be remembered as a visionary leader who contributed significantly to India’s economy and society.
The Mahindra Group
One of the largest business groups has a global presence and is known for its commitment to sustainability and social responsibility (CSR).
The Mahindra Group, founded in 1945, is one of the world’s largest and most admired multinational conglomerates. The group currently employs 260,000 people in over 100 countries. It is the world’s largest tractor company by volume and holds a leadership position in farm equipment, utility vehicles, information technology, and financial services in India. It is well-known in the fields of renewable energy, agriculture, logistics, hospitality, and real estate.
The Mahindra Group has a clear focus on global ESG leadership, enabling rural prosperity, and improving urban living, with the goal of driving positive change in the lives of communities and stakeholders to enable them to Rise.
Conclusion
Keshub Mahindra was an exemplary statesman and an irreplaceable figure in Indian industry, revered for his vision, his business acumen, his leadership by example, and above all, for his uncompromising professional integrity. His legacy continues to inspire business leaders around the world, and his passing is a great loss for the Indian business community. His contributions to the industry and his commitment to professional integrity and ethics will always be remembered and celebrated.
He was an exemplary statesman who led by example and inspired generations of business leaders.
(Copy Right @ India CSR)
