Shri Ghanshyam Das Birla

Shri Ghanshyam Das Birla (April 10, 1894 – June 11, 1983) is an Indian businessman and member of the well known Rajasthani  business family called Birla family. His grandfather Shiv Narayan Birla was a traditional marwari moneylender. He left Pilani, his hometown in Rajasthan with a modest capital to Bombay to establish a business in cotton dealership. There was no looking back after that as the venture was successful. He came back to Pilani to build a huge mansion, which still stands by the name Birla Haveli...

Ghanshyam Das Birla entered the business arena during the time of First World War and moved further to diversify them into other areas. He established a cotton mill in Sabzi Mandi, and later established Keshoram Cotton Mills. He wanted to turn the pawned items business into manufacturing business. So he moved to Calcutta in Bengal and established cotton mills. He want to diversify his business with jute firm and established jute mills. which was the world`s largest jute producing region. British and Scottish merchants tried to shut his business by unethical and monopolistic methods, but he was able to survive. When World War I resulted in supply problems throughout the British Empire, Birla's business became very strong with rocket speed and stands on sky-hights.

Birla formed Birla Brothers Limited in 1919 with the investment of Rs.50 lakhs. G.D. Birla diversified business in many areas, In 1930s, he set up Sugar and Paper mills. In 1940s, he ventured into the territory of cars and established Hindustan Motors. After independence, Ghanshyam Das Birla invested in tea and textiles through a series of acquisitions of erstwhile European companies. He also expanded and diversified into cement, chemicals, rayon and steel tubes.

A close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, G.D Birla was the most important pre-Independence contributor to the Indian National Congress. He also advised Gandhiji on economic policies. After independence, the Birlas expanded their business and started production in many fields. Near Mirzapur set up an Aluminum Plant `Hindalco` with collaboration 'Caesar'.

Ghanshyam Das Birla, a doyen of Indian industry, was the man who laid the foundations of the Birla Empire and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

Birla founded several educational institutions (Schools and Colleges) with world class facilities. Birla Institute of Technology and Sciences (BITS) Pilani has evolved into one of India's best engineering schools. Today, Pilani also houses a wing of Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute (CEERI). All the Indian students enjoy the sources of these institutions, thereby stepping towards realizing G.D.'s dream. Birla helped to development of infrastructure in his hometown. He also established many temples, planetariums, and hospitals all over the india.

In 1926, he was elected to the Central Legislative Assembly of British India. In 1957, he was awarded India's second highest civilian honour, the Padma Vibhushan by the Government of India.

Ghanshyam Das Birla died in 1983 at the age of 90. In his honour, G.D. Birla award for scientific Research has been established to encourage scientists for their contribution in the various fields of scientific Research. The Birla family is one of the foremost business houses in India.