Founder

Lalit Gandhi

Founder President Late Seth Walchand Hirachand

Seth Walchand Hirachand (1882–1953) was pioneering industrialist also a Founder Member and President of the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture (MACCIA). Through this platform, he worked tirelessly to empower Indian entrepreneurs and secure reforms that supported trade and industry in Maharashtra.

His Major Contribution :

  • Expanding postal and telephone facilities to connect remote business regions.
  • Advocating for sea transport development in the Konkan area
  • Securing concessional railway freight rates for traders and essential goods.
  • Protecting the sugar, textile, and agri-industries from foreign domination
  • Establishing MACCIA as a trusted platform for speedy dispute resolution among businessmen.

For Walchand, MACCIA was more than an institution it was a collective force that represented the ambitions of Indian entrepreneurs. This spirit of self-reliance and solidarity guided his later industrial ventures.

Industrial Journey of Seth Walchand Hirachand

Shipping – Conquering the Seas

In 1919, Walchand founded the Scindia Steam Navigation Company. Its ship, the SS Loyalty, became the first Indian-owned vessel to sail from Mumbai to London under the Indian flag. April 5 is observed as National Maritime Day in his honor.

Aviation – Touching the Skies

In 1940, he established the Hindustan Aircraft Company in Bangalore, which later became Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Every indigenous aircraft, including the modern Tejas Fighter Jet, carries the spirit of his vision.

Automobiles – Driving India Forward

Walchand set up Premier Automobiles, which rolled out India’s first indigenously manufactured cars in 1949. The iconic Premier Padmini became a symbol of urban Indian life for decades.

Infrastructure – Building a Nation

Through Hindustan Construction Company (HCC), he built some of India’s most important dams, bridges, and tunnels. His company, Walchandnagar Industries, contributed to India’s defense and space programs, supporting ISRO and DRDO projects.

Agriculture – Rooted in the Soil

He established Ravalgaon Sugar Farms, pioneering the integration of modern industry with agriculture, uplifting rural communities, and empowering farmers.

Legacy

Seth Walchand Hirachand’s life was a rare blend of institutional leadership and industrial vision.

  • Through MACCIA, he gave Indian entrepreneurs a platform to influence policy, secure reforms, and build collective strength
  • Through his industries, he gave India its first ships, aircraft, cars, dams, and modern factories.
  • His belief in self-reliance inspired generations of entrepreneurs and remains relevant in today’s era of “Make in India.”

Seth Walchand Hirachand was not just a businessman he was a dreamer who saw India’s future when others saw only foreign dominance. Through MACCIA, he gave entrepreneurs a voice. Through his industries, he gave India its wings, wheels, and strength.

By the time of his passing in 1953, he had not only transformed Maharashtra’s business landscape through MACCIA but also etched his name in history as a pioneer who gave India its ships, planes, cars, and industries.