Mahashay Dharampal Gulati, a renowned Indian businessman, left an indelible mark on the Indian spice industry. His journey, from a humble beginning to establishing a global brand, is a testament to his resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. This detailed biography explores his life, career, and lasting legacy.
Biography/Wiki
Born on March 27, 1923, in Sialkot, Pakistan, Dharampal Gulati hailed from a Punjabi Khatri family. His early life in Pakistan was marked by a lack of formal education, as he left school after the 5th standard. However, his involvement in his father’s spice shop, “Mahashian Di Hatti (MDH),” instilled in him a deep understanding of the spice trade and business acumen.
The partition of India in 1947 led to his family’s migration to Delhi. Initially facing hardships, they settled in Karol Bagh, navigating challenging living conditions. This experience shaped his determination and fueled his ambition.
Family
Dharampal Gulati was born to Mahashay Chunni Lal Gulati and Mata Chanan Devi. He had two brothers, Mahashay Satpal Gulati and Dharamveer Gulati, who were also involved in business. He also had five sisters. He married Lilawati in 1941, who passed away in 1992. Sadly, his son Sanjeev Gulati passed away two months after his mother.
He is survived by his six daughters and numerous grandchildren. The family’s enduring connection and support played a crucial role in his success.
Career
His early exposure to various handicrafts, including carpentry, embroidery, and painting, broadened his skillset. After migrating to India with only ?1,500, he briefly worked as a tanga driver before restarting the family spice business in Karol Bagh in 1948.
His entrepreneurial journey involved expanding to Chandni Chowk in 1953 and establishing his first spice factory in Kirti Nagar, Delhi in 1959. MDH’s growth led to its becoming a globally recognized brand, exporting spices to over 100 countries.
Awards, Honours, Achievements
Throughout his remarkable career, Dharampal Gulati received numerous accolades. Some of his notable achievements include:
- Indian of the Year (ABCI Annual Awards, 2016)
- Excellence Award for Lifetime Achievement (2017)
- Padma Shri, India’s third-highest civilian award (2019)
Salary, Assets, Net Worth
At his peak, he held an 80% stake in MDH. His vast business empire included a hospital, 15 factories, and 20 schools. In 2017, he was recognized as India’s highest-paid CEO, earning ?21 crore annually. His company’s turnover reached approximately ?1000 crore in the same year.
| Asset Type | Quantity |
|---|---|
| MDH Stake | 80% |
| Hospitals | 1 |
| Factories | 15 |
| Schools | 20 |
Death
On December 3, 2020, Mahashay Dharampal Gulati passed away at Mata Chanan Devi Hospital in New Delhi following post-COVID treatment. He reportedly died of cardiac arrest.
Facts/Trivia
His entrepreneurial spirit extended to founding “Roopak Stores,” Delhi’s first modern spice store in 1954, which he later handed over to his brother. His commitment to MDH was evident throughout his life, serving as its brand ambassador even in his later years. He was known for his disciplined lifestyle, including daily morning walks, yoga practice, and participation in Havan.
A deeply spiritual individual, he followed Arya Samaj principles. His philanthropic endeavors included establishing the Mahashay Chuni Lal Charitable Trust, which operates a 250-bed hospital and a mobile hospital for slum dwellers. The trust also publishes “Sandesh,” a magazine showcasing traditional Indian family values. He also authored an autobiography documenting his life journey.
