Arvind Mafatlal

Mumbai, Oct. 30 (PTI): Mafatlal Group patriarch and social reformer Arvind N. Mafatlal passed away today at Chitrakoot in Madhya Pradesh after prolonged illness. He was 88.

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

A month ago, the ailing industrialist was flown in from Mumbai to Chitrakoot 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.

The group, that began with a textile mill set up by his grandfather in 1905 in Ahmedabad, was primarily into the textile business till Arvind took over in 1954.

Under his leadership, the group transformed into a conglomerate with interests in rubber, speciality 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 firm — Navin Flourine — is the largest manufacturer of flourochemicals in the country. In textile, Mafatlal Denim is a leader.

Mafatlal worked closely with renowned Gandhian Manibhai Desai to set up the Bharatiya Agro Industries Foundation (BAIF), which used modern technology to improve the earning potential of the tribal and landless population. BAIF also initiated animal health schemes for cattle development.