Independence Day 2023: Tata, Britannia, Birla, Mahindra, Dabur, other pre-independent corporations that helped transform India and made a huge impact globally
Produced by: Harshita Tyagi
Designed by: Manoj Kumar
India is all set to celebrate its 77th Independence Day on Tuesday (August 15, 2023). Ahead of the Independence Day celebrations, watch this Visual Story to know about some Indian MNCs born and established before Independence that not only helped transform an Independent India by giving livelihood to millions of people, but have also played a big role in raising the country's pride around the globe.
Independence Day 2023
Tata Group is one of the oldest business empires of India, having its business in over 100 countries today. It was founded by Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata in 1968. Well before the struggle for independence began, the Tata Group advocated for the growth and development of India and the empowerment of its people. According to Tata Group's website, the flag of free India was first officially unfurled by the Tata Group.
Tata Group
JRD Tata, who led the group through the transition from British India to independent India, gave wings to India. In 1948, within a year of Independence, he launched Air-India International, India’s first international airline. He followed it up with iconic and successful companies like Voltas (1954), Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE, 1962), Tata Tea (1964, now Tata Consumer Products), Tata Consultancy Services (TCS, 1968), Tata Projects (1979), Titan Company (1984) and Tata Elxsi (1989). The group currency employs around nearly 1 million people.
Tata Group’s success story: Air India, TCS, Titan and more
Continue viewing BT Visual Story
Catch the latest business news, share market updates, expert analysis and exclusives only on BTTV.in
Watch BTTV
Established in Kolkata in 1892, Britannia is a household name in India, and one of the country’s leading food products companies. Established during colonial rule, Britannia has made great strides to become an important player among FMCG companies. Today, the company has become a global brand with key businesses in bakery, dairy, and adjacent snacking categories and our operations span over 80 countries in the world.
Britannia
Mahindra Group's history goes back to 1945 with the beginning of Mahindra & Mahindra & Muhammad company by three founders - JC & KC Mahindra & Malik Ghulam Muhammad. Following the Partition in 1947, Muhammad left the company and emigrated to Pakistan. The group now has operations in over 100 countries, with a presence in aerospace, agribusiness, aftermarket automotive components, construction equipment, defence, energy, farm equipment, finance and insurance, industrial equipment, IT, leisure and hospitality, logistics, real estate, retail and education.
Mahindra Group
Ghanshyam Das Birla's grandfather Seth Shiv Narayan Birla laid the foundation of Birla Group in 1857 as an Industry in Pilani, a small town in Rajasthan’s Shekawati region. It is now a multinational corporate having its presence in metals, cement, fashion and retail, financial services, renewables, fibre, textiles, chemicals, real estate, trading, mining, and entertainment sector. It operates in 36 countries around the globe with more than 1.5 lakh employees.
Birla
Dabur was established by Dr. S.K Burman in 1884 in Calcutta to make healthcare products. Operating in 120 countries today, Dabur has expanded its business including personal care, skincare, hair care, oral hygiene, and Health supplement drinks. It is one of the fastest growing fast-moving consumer goods companies in India. Last year, the company's revenue crossed Rs 10,000 crore mark, and it employs around 10,000 employees.
Dabur
Godrej was established in 1897 by Ardeshir Godrej and P.B. Godrej. Godrej Group, which includes Godrej industries, is now a multinational corporation with a portfolio including real estate, engineering, appliances, furniture, security, and farming products. The group employs more than 10,000 people. With revenues of $4.1 billion, Godrej enjoys the patronage of over 750 million Indians across their consumer goods, real estate, appliances, agri and many other businesses.
Godrej
While Mukesh-Ambani-led Reliance Industries' was established after independence in 1958 by Dhirubhai Ambani. However, the conglomerate has contributed significantly to transform India's corporate landscape. RIL is the largest public company in India by market capitalisation and revenue, and among the largest companies worldwide. The conglomerate employs around 3.5 lakh people.