“Eighty years ago, the Mahindra Group was born with a crystal-clear purpose: to help build our nascent nation“: Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group
MUMBAI (India CSR): Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., one of India’s most admired and diversified business groups, celebrates its 80th Founders Day today, marking the visionary spirit of its founders, J.C. Mahindra, K.C. Mahindra who set up the company on October 2, 1945 – the day the world celebrates Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary.
The Mahindra Group
Founded in 1945, the Mahindra Group is a leading multinational federation of companies with 324,000 employees in over 100 countries. It leads globally in tractors by volume and has strong positions in farm equipment, utility vehicles, IT, and financial services. With a focus on ESG, rural prosperity, and urban living, Mahindra is committed to driving positive change and enabling communities to Rise.
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First Bold Advertisement for Inclusion and Enterprise
Eight decades ago, even before India’s independence, Mahindra placed an advertisement in The Times of India announcing the launch of the company. The ad called for enterprising individuals of all communities to join a company built on courage, fairness, and opportunity – a bold and inclusive call at a time when the world was still grappling with war, economic uncertainty, and social division.
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Anand Mahindra on Renewing the Founders’ Pledge
Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group said, “Eighty years ago, the Mahindra Group was born with a crystal-clear purpose: to help build our nascent nation. Our founders pledged to develop industry, create livelihoods, and enable communities to rise from the violent throes of the struggle for independence into a brighter future. Today, we once again are in turbulent times, and we have the opportunity to renew that pledge to strive together to propel India towards technological self-reliance and global respect.”
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Dr. Anish Shah on Guiding Principles of Mahindra
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Anish Shah, Group CEO & MD, Mahindra Group, said: “Our founders were ahead of their time. Their first ad did not talk about products or profits, it highlighted the principles which will guide their activities: entrepreneurship, integrity, diversity, and a fearless optimism about India’s future. Eighty years later, those principles continue to guide us as we innovate, empower communities, and drive positive change across the world.”
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Evolution from Jeep Assemblers to Global Conglomerate
From assembling the first Willys jeeps in post-war India to becoming a global federation of companies spanning mobility, technology, finance, hospitality, and renewable energy, Mahindra has remained true to its founding purpose of “Rise.” The Group operates in over 100 countries, serving millions while championing sustainability, technology, gender diversity, skilling, and rural prosperity.
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Timeless Spirit of Opportunity and Fairness
The original 1945 advertisement reflects the timeless Mahindra spirit: that talent knows no boundaries, and opportunity should be open to all. As the Mahindra Group celebrates 80 years, it is not just honouring the past but reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity, entrepreneurship, and performance amid global uncertainty. With operations covering 70% of India’s GDP, Mahindra is aligned with the opportunities of a dynamic economy.
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Entering the Ninth Decade with Purpose
As Mahindra enters its ninth decade, the Group continues to lead with purpose-driven growth, ensuring that the values of its founders are carried ahead for generations. Today, Mahindra is more than a collection of companies—it is a platform for possibilities where people, businesses, and partners come together to Rise.
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Associates as Champions of Growth
At the core of this platform are Mahindra’s associates—the people who bring Mahindra’s vision to life every day. Their agility, boldness, and collaborative spirit drive the Group forward. For Mahindra, growth is not just about profits but about real impact.
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Impactful Programs Empowering Communities
Mahindra’s programs — Kaabil, Nanhi Kali, and sustainability initiatives are examples of its philosophy. Kaabil empowers women with employable skills, while Nanhi Kali supports underprivileged girls with holistic education, shaping their future with dignity and opportunity.
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India’s Global Manufacturing Opportunity
Despite global challenges, Mahindra believes India is uniquely poised to emerge as a global manufacturing powerhouse, thanks to infrastructure, policies, and a young workforce. The Mahindra Group aspires to be a globally recognized brand and has made significant strides towards that ambition.
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Table: Key Facts about Mahindra Group’s 80-Year Legacy
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Founders | J.C. Mahindra, K.C. Mahindra |
| Founded On | October 2, 1945 |
| Employees | Over 324,000 |
| Countries of Operation | More than 100 |
| First Product Contribution | Assembly of Willys Jeeps in post-war India |
| Guiding Principles | Entrepreneurship, Integrity, Diversity, Optimism |
| Current Chairman | Anand Mahindra |
| Current CEO & MD | Dr. Anish Shah |
| Founders’ Day 2025 | 80th Anniversary, aligned with Gandhi Jayanti |
| Core Philosophy | “Rise” – Mahindra rises only when it enables others to rise |
Also Read: CSR: Mahindra & Mahindra Invest Rs.152 Cr in Social Development Projects in FY2024-25 I India CSR
(India CSR)
