In memory of Basant Kumar Birla, the veteran industrialist and chairman of the BK Birla Group who recently passed on at the age of 98 on 3rd July.
Birla who was born to industrialist Ghanshyam Das Birla in the year 1921 was introduced to the world of business at the young age of 15 after his matriculation where he started working as a cashier for Kesoram Cotton Mills Ltd which was owned by his family.
Fondly called “Bhauji” by his employees, he worked enthusiastically for the promotion of education in the country and was also the patron of nearly 25 educational institutes including BITS Pilani.
While many loose their enthusiasm in the old age, Birla was extremely active in his 80s and never missed a day at work. Despite coming form an extremely wealthy family background, the veteran industrialist led a simple life and believed in the power of good deeds.
Sources close to him shared how he once told them, “I don’t need a suit costing ₹50,000. I will instead use it for charity.”
He was known to maintain cordial relations with other business houses and believed in healthy competition. This was one of the reasons why he gained huge respect in the industry.
The successful industrialist also shared a keen interest in photography and writing. He has also authored a few books. His love and interest for art can be seen in charitable ventures and huge donations to temples.
While our hearts sink with the news of his demise, he know his legacy will continue to live on through his work.
Many including politicians and Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to share their deepest condolences on the same.
My condolences on the demise of veteran industrialist Sh. Basant Kumar Birla. #Rajasthan’s Sh. BK Birla was a visionary…his crucial contribution to business and education in India including Pilani, #Jhunjhunu will always be remembered with reverence.
May his soul rest in peace— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) July 4, 2019
Shri Basant Kumar Birla was a distinguished industrialist who contributed to our nation’s prosperity. He also made a mark as an exceptional philanthropist. His passion for education was well-known. My thoughts are with his family and well-wishers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/UnxJAsK1t1
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 3, 2019
Remembering the man who gave our city it's first college! People of Kalyan will always be in your debt !
Thank you Mr. BK Birla
May your soul rest in peace. Om Shanti ! pic.twitter.com/FMHYNjhHOG— Ashish Joshi (@ashish280287) July 4, 2019
#BKBirla Bapu ji was a statesman of the business community , a visionary entrepreneur, a philanthropist, an educationist, a karmayogi for whom work was worship. He lived a simple life leaving behind a fantastic legacy.
Rest in Peace 💐🙏 pic.twitter.com/3RwstHzAlH
— Suresh Rajasri (@rajasri_suresh) July 3, 2019
