KESHUB MAHINDRA LIVES ON...

THIS PIECE IS ABOUT the ‘Legacies’ of Keshub Mahindra. What he believed in, what he said, what he practiced – and how all of this continues to be very relevant, now and in the future

- Tarun Das

Chairman Emeritus of the Mahindra Group

(9 October 1923-12 April 2023)

Some of the points are based on personal conversations over the years and some on his speeches and interviews. Keshub Mahindra is a permanent fixture in our lives because his ideas and principles are eternal.

At a personal level, he was soft-spoken. Made his views known without raising his voice. And, what was very special was his modesty. He was always, ready to apologise. To say sorry. This reflected his deep humility. A true learning for all of us.

What gave him “Joy”? In his own words, to “create”. Create products, create jobs, create new ways of making progress. But, always “Create”. This quality of Keshub Mahindra is the story of his life and work, which brought Mahindra and Mahindra to the size and stature it achieved and is an example for all.

One aspect of his character was reflected in an answer he once gave to a questioner who complimented him on building a great Brand, Mahindra and Mahindra. His response was vintage Keshub Mahindra, “I did not create the Brand. The Brand was built by our people in the Company. They are the Brand Builders." Credit for others, not for himself.

He spoke of every company being "People Centric". They are the engines of growth in the company. Not the person who is the face of the Company. And, this growth moves in different ways and different directions. Quality of the products. Quality of the service. Quality of the Reputation of the Company.