This man, an Indian genius, built first aircraft factory in India, he is called ‘Father of…’

He also established the first modern shipyard and car factory in India.

India has come a long way since its independence in 1947. Today, we can see several airlines in the country such as Air India and IndiGo. But do you know who built the first aircraft factory in India? He is called the ‘Father of transportation in India’. His name is Walchand Hirachand Doshi, an Indian genius and industrialist, who founded Walchand Group.

Hirachand established Hindustan Aircraft Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru) in December 1940 in association with Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV of the Kingdom of Mysore. Hirachand became chairman of the company. Not only that, he also established the first modern shipyard and car factory in India. He is the founder of the Walchand group.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Mumbai, he began his career with his father’s family business of banking and cotton trades. Later, he realised he was not interested in the family business. Hirachand became a construction contractor in partnership with a former railway clerk. His biggest customer was the British government. He proved to be a successful railway contractor but was open to other business ideas as well.

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He became a contractor in other departments of government. Hirachand also supported the Indian independence movement. By 1947, the Walchand group of companies was one of the 10 largest business houses in the country. He suffered a stroke in 1949 and retired from business the next year. He passed away in April 1953 in Gujarat.

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