Arvind N. Mafatlal, industrialist
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | October 27, 2023 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Rs. 20 |
| Quantity | 301,600 |
| Perforation | 13½ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Hyderabad |
| Printing Process | Wet Offset |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | Ms. Nenu Gupta Sh. Brahm Prakash |
| Catalog Codes |
Yvert et Tellier IN 3596 Colnect codes IN 2023.10.27-01 Michel IN 3942 Stanley Gibbons IN 3870 |
| Themes | Businessman | Famous people | Textile Industry |
100th Birth Anniversary of Shri Arvind N. Mafatlal
Early Life and Education
Shri Arvind N. Mafatlal was born on October 27, 1923, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. He received his education at St. Xavier’s High School and Sydenham College, Mumbai. Heir to a great business legacy founded in 1905 by his grandfather Shri Mafatlal Gagalbhai, he carried forward the family’s entrepreneurial spirit with vision and determination.
Industrial Leadership
In 1955, Shri Mafatlal took charge of the Mafatlal Group of Companies, steering it with bold ideas and strategic foresight. Between 1963–1968, he pioneered India’s first integrated petrochemical complex by establishing:
- NOCIL (in collaboration with Royal Dutch Shell, Netherlands/UK)
- Polyolefins Industries Ltd. (PIL) (in partnership with Hoechst AG, Germany)
He further set up Standard Alkalies Ltd. and Navin Fluorine Industries, strengthening India’s chemical and industrial base. Under his leadership, the Group’s textile business also reached remarkable heights, making him a trendsetter in the industry.
Social Contributions and Philanthropy
As Chairman of Shri Sadguru Seva Sangh Trust, founded in 1968, Shri Mafatlal dedicated himself to healthcare and rural upliftment. His notable initiatives include:
- Sukhadi Programme, which saved millions from famine and drought in Maharashtra and Gujarat.
- Establishment of eye care hospitals and schools in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, with over 1.1 million successful eye surgeries performed.
From the late 1960s, Shri Mafatlal also guided the Bharatiya Agro Industries Foundation (BAIF). Appointed as Chairman in 1977, he advanced projects in sustainable rural development, food security, and women empowerment, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of Gram Rajya.
Recognition and Honors
Shri Mafatlal’s contributions earned him many accolades, including:
- Durga Prasad Khaitan Memorial Gold Medal (1966)
- Business Leadership Award, Madras Management Association (1971)
- Indian Merchants’ Chamber Award (1975)
- Sir Jehangir Ghandy Gold Medal for Industrial Peace, XLRI Jamshedpur (1978)
- Honour of Maharashtra Economic Development Council (1985)
- Lions’ Humanitarian Award (USA, 1993)
- Citizen of Bombay Award, Rotary Club of Bombay (1995)
He also served on the boards of key financial institutions such as the State Bank of India and Industrial Development Bank of India.
Legacy
On October 30, 2011, Shri Arvind N. Mafatlal attained eternal peace at Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh. Remembered as a visionary industrialist, philanthropist, and social reformer, he played a pivotal role in India’s post-independence growth. His tireless efforts in industry, rural upliftment, and women empowerment continue to inspire future generations.
Commemorative Stamp
On the occasion of his 100th Birth Anniversary, the Department of Posts is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp honoring Shri Arvind N. Mafatlal, and salutes his indomitable spirit of entrepreneurship, industrial development, and social welfare.
First Day Cover
