If elder brother Ardeshir Godrej is regarded as the progenitor of the Godrej Group, his younger sibling, Pirojsha, emerges as the visionary architect and consolidator. Together, they laid the foundation of one of the most successful business houses of India. This December, we commemorate the 51st anniversary of his demise.

Amidst the narratives recounted by employees, Pirojsha's narrative unfolds as one of integrity, unwavering commitment to quality, trustworthiness, meticulousness, and a spirit of philanthropy. Recognized as a man of both merit and principles, he is celebrated for his substantive contributions to the company and the broader industrial and economic landscape of the nation. He showed great foresight in establishing an in-house Tool Room way back in 1935 that made Godrej greatly self-reliant in machine tools and consequently product manufacturing. He encouraged and guided the next generation of Godrej leaders to take up the challenge of manufacturing some very complex products such as typewriters, refrigerators and the first ballot boxes of the country.

Nevertheless, his paramount legacy materialized in the form of the Godrej Vikhroli township, posthumously christened Pirojshanagar in 1972. This enclave, encompassing housing, education, healthcare, communal spaces, artistic and cultural initiatives, and various amenities, stands as a testament to his belief in the symbiosis of industry and nature. Pirojsha envisioned it not merely as a residential expanse but as a haven for holistic progress and development, offering a sustainable way of life.

His death on December 1, 1972 was a harsh blow to all in the Godrej ‘parivaar’. On December 12, 1972 the employees of Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Pvt. Ltd. and Godrej Soaps Pvt. Ltd.* convened at Godrej Bhavan, Mumbai, passing a resolution to offer their condolences and pay their respects to their beloved and revered ‘Pirojsha Seth’.

(*now titled ‘Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd.’ and ‘Godrej Industries Ltd.’)