Gopichand P. Hinduja is the Chairman of the Hinduja Group and Hinduja Automotive Ltd, UK. He joined the family business in Mumbai in 1959 and was one of the architects of the transformation of the Group from an Indo-Middle East trading operation into a multi-billion-dollar transnational conglomerate. The senior member of the Hinduja family could not be present in person for the 75th Anniversary Celebrations but shared a video message on the occasion. Here are excerpts of what he had to share.
Nitin Gadkari Saab, you are one of India’s most dynamic and progressive Union Ministers, spearheading the transformation of the country’s road infrastructure at an unprecedented pace. I also want to express my deep appreciation to TN Industries Minister Dr. Raja for his continued support and guidance from the Tamil Nadu government. We are truly bound to have our industrial presence in this great state of Tamil Nadu.
For the Hinduja family, this is a moment of immense joy as our group’s flagship in India, Ashok Leyland, celebrates its 75th anniversary. It has not only anchored our nation but also earned recognition regionally and internationally for its leading innovations, manufacturing excellence, reliability, and exceptional service.
This evening, we also remember our eldest brother, Srichand, who has been showering blessings upon us on this momentous occasion. Throughout our lifetimes, the four brothers have always been close, with deep respect for each other. Everything we did, we did together, guided by the principles established by our forebears that continue to shape our thinking even today: “Act global, think global.”
Until the 1980s, we were primarily engaged in trading and commodity businesses, with our endeavors spanning industries, manufacturing, banking, and various technology sectors, including cyber. It was in 1987 that the opportunity to acquire Ashok Leyland arose when British Leyland decided to exit India. At that time, the company faced numerous challenges and was starved of investment, producing only a few thousand vehicles daily. However, we recognized the potential and brought in substantial investment, technology, and energy, which was instrumental in transforming Ashok Leyland. Our singular goal was to establish AL as a leading global commercial vehicle manufacturer, and we dedicated ourselves to achieving this vision. Today, Ashok Leyland is the world’s fourth-largest bus producer.
Looking ahead, there are numerous exciting developments on the horizon. Ashok Leyland has made significant strides in developing vehicles powered by renewable energy, such as electric, hydrogen, and other low-emission fuels like methanol. Our aspiration is to position Ashok Leyland as one of the world’s premier global brands.
This remarkable journey has been made possible by the unwavering loyalty of the entire Ashok Leyland team since 1987, led by the late Ram Shahaney, R. Seshasayee, and many others who have contributed. We consider all those who have worked for the group as our extended family. The success of Ashok Leyland, where it stands today and where it aspires to be, wouldn’t have been possible without the numerous contributions of our extended family members, including our customers, board of directors, employees, suppliers, dealers, and financial partners.
On behalf of the family and the Ashok Leyland management, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you. On behalf of my brothers, Prakash and Ashok, and the entire Hinduja family, I would like to convey our satisfaction with the direction in which Ashok Leyland’s management is leading the company and the world.
Today, the Hinduja Group is a global conglomerate spanning 11 diverse verticals. However, India remains at the heart of our endeavors, our motherland to which we are deeply bound. We hold unwavering faith and confidence in India, a land of abundant opportunities, a glorious past, and a promising future. We have always worked to foster better relations and to act as a bridge between our host country and others where we have been successful. We are grateful for the progress we have achieved, and for many years, I have consistently stated at various international events that India’s immense potential will propel it to become the world’s third-largest economy. We are committed to the principles of ‘Make in India’, ‘Skill India’, and ‘Digital India’ and will continue to play a leading role in India’s future economic initiatives.
Thank you all for your support, and may Ashok Leyland’s journey continue to be one of excellence and innovation.