This was Rai Bahadur Gujarmal Modi.
His story is one of courage, tenacity, quiet diligence and a belief to create an industrial eco system that would benefit and foster a framework that would enrich India and its people. He went beyond the ordinary, pushed himself harder than others, transitioning ideas to become successful businesses with immense scale and foresight. With his legacy deeply embedded in the nation building years of our country, his life and achievements have fueled generations to think big, even if they start small.
The HUMBLE beginning
Rai Bahadur Gujarmal Modi was no more than seventeen when he joined his father’s business as an apprentice in 1919. It was a slow and frustrating period when education in India was in its infancy. It was also the time when agriculture was in a state of perpetual neglect with even Indians unwelcome in their own country. Despite the tense period of revolution and unrest, Rai Bahadur Gujarmal Modi was set on changing, and revolutionising the status quo.
His dream to make a difference in not just his life but that of othersled him to Delhi with just Rs. 400 in his pocket.
The genesis of an ENTREPRENEURIAL GIANT
Against all odds, Rai Bahadur Gujarmal Modi had a dream—to integrate brilliant ideas for successful business models.
His initiative prompted him to lay the groundwork for the Vanaspati project along with his dear friend Narayan Das Bajoria in 1932. However, his journey was about to take a different, more fortuitous turn. In an effort to kickstart domestic production of sugar, the government announced a sharp increase in import duties. Modi abandoned the Vansapati idea in favour of a sugar mill and this favourable turn of events led him to setting up industry after industry that would benefit thousands in return.
He set up a sugar mill in the sleepy village of Begumabad that changed the entire landscape of the area. Not only did signs of economic development emerge, but even landless Harijans found freedom from bondage. The story of quiet fortitude and progress of this once laidback town is a testimony to the determination of Rai Bahadur Gujarmal Modi. He transformed this village into what we today know as the thriving township of Modinagar.
With time, Modi rose to many challenges and pressures that came as part of a fast-growing sugar industry. He believed in breaking every single limitation , standing up to every challenge and focused only on taking his mill to greater heights.
In 1939, he returned to his pet project: Vanaspati. What followed thereon was setting up of a soap factory, oil crushing plant, paint and varnish factory, glycerin extraction plant, cotton textile mill, lantern factory, steel mill, silk and yarn mill among many others which rose to prominence during the period from 1940 – 1963.
A Benevolent PHILANTHROPIST
The life of this inventive genius was an amalgamation of the traditional and the progressive. There are many incidents that throw light on his love for his nation and deep-rooted values. One such example is when in a public auction, Modi outbid an Englishman called Mr. Turner. The frustrated Englishman retaliated by calling Modi “You dirty Indian.” This didn’t enrage him but fuelled his desire to prove his nationalistic spirit and ingenuity even more. Rai Bahadur remained a devoted Indian who had little tolerance for the oppressive British Rule.
He revolted and retaliated against the British authority and was even abandoned from his village as a punishment.
Rai Bahadur remained a people’s man, friend to both the powerful and the less fortunate. For the benefit of his workers he established many schools, colleges and training centers, and was an active participant in social welfare activities.
In fact, for his valuable contribution to the development of the society, Rai Bahadur Gujarmal Modi was awarded with the prestigious Padma Bhushan in 1968.
Modicare has continued its ascent into becoming the most well respected and revered companies in India and the world. Today we carry on our dedicated quest and energy to continue on the path of our great founder in a journey that guarantees complete financial freedom and freedom of choice to the people.