Arvind Mafatlal(88) passes away

Bhopal, 30 October, 2011

Mafatlal Group patriarch and social reformer Arvind N Mafatlal(88) passed away today at Chitrakoot in Madhya Pradesh after prolonged illness. Shri Arvind Mafatlal was flown to Chitrakoot in Madhya Pradesh a month ago, as he wanted to spend his last days there.

The legendary industrialist played a prominent role in the post-Independence growth story of the country.

Mafatlal Group, set up by Arvindbhai’s grandfather in 1905 in Ahmedabad as a textile mill, was primarily into textile business till Arvindbhai took over in 1954.

Under his leadership, the group transformed into a conglomerate with interests in rubber chemicals, specialty chemicals and petro chemicals, besides the flagship textiles.

The rubber chemicals business NOCIL, set up in collaboration with Royal Dutch Shell and Hoechst Mafatlalat at Thane is one of the largest rubber chemicals companies in the country and a leading exporter.

Another company Navin Flourine is the largest manufacturer of flouro chemicals in the country. In textile, Mafatlal Denim is a leader.

Shri Arvind Mafatlal worked closely with renowned Gandhian Manibhai Desai to set up the Bharatiya Agro Industries Foundation.

Shri Mafatlal was also chairman of Charitable Sadguru Eye Hospital and Trust at Chitrkoot.

Shri. Arvind N. Mafatlal served as Chairman Emeritus of Navin Fluorine International Ltd and Mafatlal Industries. He also served as the Chairman Emeritus of NOCIL Limited (know n as National Organic Chemical Industries). He served as the Chairman of Mafatlal Industries until October 28, 2010. Mr. Mafatlal served as a Director of Mafatlal Industries. He served as a Director of Navin Fluorine International Ltd.

He is survived by son Hrishikesh Mafatlal, who is the chairman of the Arvind Mafatlal Group, and daughter Maithili Desai.