G. D. Birla facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ghanshyam Das Birla
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Birla in September 1980
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| Born | 10 April 1894 |
| Died | 11 June 1983 (aged 89) |
| Relatives | see Birla family |
Ghanshyam Das Birla (born April 10, 1894 – died June 11, 1983) was a very important Indian businessman. He was a key member of the famous Birla family, known for their many businesses and contributions to India. He helped build a huge business empire and also supported India's fight for freedom.
Contents
Early Life and Family History
Ghanshyam Das Birla was born on April 10, 1894, in a town called Pilani in the Jhunjhunu district of India. His family belonged to the Marwari community, which is known for its business skills. His father, Raja Baldevdas Birla, was also a businessman.
In 1884, his father, Baldeo Das Birla, moved to Mumbai to find new business opportunities. He started his first company, Shiv Narian Baldeo Das, in Mumbai that year. Later, in 1897, he opened another firm, Baldeo Das Jugal Kishore, in Kolkata. These companies traded in things like silver, cotton, and grains.
Ghanshyam Das was one of four sons who continued the family business. He was especially successful and helped the family's businesses grow even more.
Building a Business Empire
G.D. Birla took over the family business and wanted to expand it beyond just moneylending. He dreamed of building factories and making goods. So, he moved to Kolkata, which was a big center for jute production at the time.
He started as a jute broker. In 1918, he opened his own jute mill, called Birla Jute Mills. This was a challenging time because British and Scottish merchants controlled most of the business. They tried to stop his company from succeeding with unfair methods. However, G.D. Birla was determined and managed to overcome these difficulties.
When World War I started, it caused problems with supplies across the British Empire. This actually helped Birla's business grow very quickly.
In 1919, he formed a new company called Birla Brothers Limited with a large investment. They also set up a mill in Gwalior that same year.
G.D. Birla also got involved in politics. In 1926, he was chosen to be a member of the Central Legislative Assembly in British India. He became the first president of the Harijan Sevak Sangh, an organization founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1932 to help people who were considered "untouchable."
In the 1940s, he started a car manufacturing company called Hindustan Motors. After India became independent, Birla bought many European companies that dealt in tea and textiles. He also expanded into other industries like cement, chemicals, rayon, and steel tubes.
During the Quit India Movement in 1942, G.D. Birla had an idea to start a bank that would be owned and managed by Indians. This led to the creation of the United Commercial Bank Limited, which is now known as UCO Bank. It was founded in 1943 in Kolkata and is one of India's oldest and biggest commercial banks.
Contributions to Society and Education
G.D. Birla cared deeply about improving his hometown of Pilani. He founded several educational institutions there, including the Birla Engineering College in 1943. This college later became the famous Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS Pilani) in 1964, which is now one of India's top engineering schools.
He also founded the Technological Institute of Textile & Sciences in Bhiwani in 1943. Pilani is also home to Birla Public School, a well-known boarding school, and several polytechnic colleges. The people of Pilani and these institutions work together, helping to achieve Birla's dream for his hometown.
In 1957, the Government of India honored him with the Padma Vibhushan, which is India's second-highest civilian award.
Ghanshyam Das Birla passed away in London on June 11, 1983, at the age of 89. There is a memorial dedicated to him at Golders Green Crematorium in London, which includes a large statue.
Close Relationship with Mahatma Gandhi
Birla was a very close friend and strong supporter of Mahatma Gandhi. They first met in 1916. Gandhi even stayed at Birla's home in New Delhi during the last four months of his life. Their friendship was very important during India's independence movement.
His Family Legacy
G.D. Birla had three sons: Lakshmi Nivas, Krishna Kumar, and Basant Kumar. His great-grandson, Kumar Mangalam Birla, continues the family's business legacy today.
Writings
G.D. Birla also wrote several books, which were mostly collections of his memories, letters, essays, and speeches. Some of his notable works include "Bapu" (about Mahatma Gandhi) and "In the Shadow of the Mahatma: a personal memoir."
See also
- Basant Kumar Birla, his son
- Birla family
- Birla Vidya Mandir
- G.D.Birla Centre For Education
- G D Birla Memorial School
- Birla Education Trust
- Birla Senior Secondary School
- Birla Public School
- Birla Balika Vidyapeeth
- Birla Shishu Vihar
