Keki Hormusji Gharda

Keki Hormusji Gharda (born 25 September 1929) is a prominent Indian chemical engineer, chemist and entrepreneur. He is the Founder, Chairman and managing director of Gharda Chemicals Limited,[1] an R&D-based company with business interests in agrochemicals, polymers and is actively pursuing an entry in the market for high performance pigments.He has been honoured by the Government of India with the Padma Shri in 2016[2]

Dr. Gharda acquired a Bachelor of Science Degree from University Department of Chemical Technology (UDCT, University of Bombay) now Institute of Chemical Technology. He then obtained a master's degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan , Ann Arbor. Following the defence of a Doctoral Thesis, he received a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He started his career as an Assistant Professor, Process Design & Chemical Engineering at University of Oklahoma, Norman Oklahoma. During this time he was granted his first 2 patents for projects he executed for an Oil Company.

Upon his return to India, Dr. Gharda briefly taught as a visiting faculty at UDCT following which he established Gharda Chemicals, which is today one of the largest agrochemical companies in India. His Foray into agrochemicals was a result of a monopolistic product which was a subject matter of the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission, where he was invited as an observer.

Dr. Gharda was elected as a Fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences in 1976 in the field of Process Design. He was also awarded the Distinguished Alumnus award by the UDCT. He also received the Indian Chemical Councils Lifetime Achievement Award apart from numerous other awards. For his contribution to chemistry and chemical engineering, Dr. Gharda is a recipient of the American Institute of Chemists's 'Chemical Pioneer' award. He also got the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce And Industry (FICCI) Award For Research And Technology for the Development And Commercialization of Poly Ether Ether Ketone (PEEK)

Dr. Keki Gharda is also an alumnus of St. Stanislaus High School, Bandra, Mumbai. He still lives nearby.

Dr Gharda is also known for his philanthropic contributions. He has promoted Gharda Scientific Research Foundation, a section 25 company dedicated to develop and research basic technologies. The earnings of this Foundation will be used to promote more technologies and will also contributing to the upliftment of society in the areas of Health and Education.

Gharda Chemicals Ltd.

Gharda Chemicals Limited, established in 1967, is a research and development company manufacturing agrochemicals, high performance pigments, high performance polymers. It has five manufacturing units located across the country at Dombivli – Mumbai, Lote Parshuram in Chiplun (Maharashtra), Panoli & Ankaleshwar in Gujarat and Samba in Jammu.

Innovation through a vibrant R&D has marked the rise of Gharda Chemicals Limited (GCL) from a small unit in 1964 to a leadership position in the agrochemical industry.[3] A strong and vibrant R&D program and expertise in process development has enabled the company to capitalise on superior technology and discovery of world-class processes.[4] This has led to the production of vital import-substitute products and cost effective agrochemicals on a large scale and consequently to a strong, competitive national and international presence.[5]

His only goal is "Knowledge converted through products to Wealth for the benefit of Society."

Personal life

Dr. Gharda is married to Aban, a graduate from St. Xavier's College and a PhD from the University of Mumbai. He is an avid reader and has promoted Bai Ratnabai Gharda Library in Bandra, Mumbai. He and wife do not employ any help in their household. His personal expenses in his home amount to Rs. 5000 a month. He travels economy class and shuns 5-star accommodation.[6]

References

  1. ↑ Luke, Alexander K. (2015). Passport of Gujarat: Hazardous Journeys (Chapter 22: Gharda Chemicals Ltd.). Manas. p. 313. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
  2. ↑ http://www.thehindu.com/specials/in-depth/list-of-padma-awardees-2016/article8151985.ece
  3. ↑ Jacobs, Dan (6 October 2015). "Gharda: The Iconoclast". Agri-Business Global. Retrieved 23 April 2016.
  4. ↑ "Pursuit and Promotion of Science : The Indian Experience (Chapter XXIII – Chemical Engineering and Industry)" (PDF). Indian National Science Academy. Retrieved 23 April 2016.
  5. ↑ Luke, Alexander K. (2015). Passport of Gujarat: Hazardous Journeys (Chapter 22: Gharda Chemicals Ltd.). Manas. p. 323. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
  6. ↑ "How Keki Gharda stunned the MNC giants". Rediff.com. 12 May 2007. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
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