The name of Abasaheb Garware is held in great esteem in Maharashtra’s industrial and social domains. Born into a humble family, Bhalchandra Digambar Garware achieved phenomenal success in the industrial world through relentless effort, determination, and far-sightedness. Even in adverse circumstances, he remained committed to education and took on every responsibility with wholehearted dedication and sincerity. His life journey is undoubtedly inspiring.

With a firm resolve to start his own business rather than take up a job, he ventured into Mumbai's commercial world in 1920. He initially worked in a motor garage, mastering the skills of automobile repair. At just seventeen, he started buying and selling old cars, quickly establishing a foothold in the trade. His humility, integrity, and customer-oriented approach attracted prominent industrialists and political figures to him for their automobile needs. In 1927-28, at the age of 24, he established his own company, “Deccan Motor Agency,” in Girgaon, earning a reputation as a reliable car dealer.

Looking to expand his business, he entered the international car trade in England in 1933. In 1937, he founded “Garware Motors Ltd.,” leaving a distinct mark in the industrial sector. He pioneered the concept of selling cars on installments, making automobiles accessible to the common man. To support this initiative, he also established “Garware Finance Corporation.”

Abasaheb always envisioned a car manufacturing industry in India. In pursuit of this, he traveled to the United States in 1935 with Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya and held discussions with Henry Ford. Although a detailed report for establishing motor production in India was prepared, the project could not proceed due to government indifference and limited funding.

While bringing innovation to the automobile business, Abasaheb also explored new ventures with a visionary mindset. During World War II, he began producing plastic buttons for the Navy. Deeply influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s thoughts, which he wholeheartedly embraced, he laid the foundation of the thermoplastics industry in India and made a successful entry into the nylon and synthetic fiber sector. Post-independence, under the banner of the “House of Garware,” his industrial progress became a significant chapter in India’s industrial history, establishing him as a pioneer in the plastics industry.

On June 6, 1957, he founded “Garware Nylons Ltd.” In 1958, a factory for nylon yarn and monofilaments was set up in Worli, Mumbai. By 1965, he had established his own polymerization unit, enabling the production of nylon chips within India, thereby reducing import dependency. By producing cords required for parachutes, he also made significant contributions to the defense sector. The “Garware Group” became a leader in indigenous nylon yarn production and a major force in promoting import substitution.

Abasaheb firmly believed in self-reliance. He studied foreign technologies and adapted them to develop Indian manufacturing. As a result, the “Garware Group” came to symbolize India’s national industrial policy. He established several companies, including “Garware Motors,” “Garware Plastics,” and “Garware Nylons.” The cooperation of workers and commitment to quality were central to this success.

For worker welfare, Abasaheb followed Gandhiji’s principle of trusteeship. He generously contributed to causes related to health, education, and social welfare. Deeply impressed by the work of the Maharashtra Education Society (MES), he gave significant financial support to the institution. In recognition of his contribution, MES renamed one of its premier institutions as “Abasaheb Garware College.”

His exceptional leadership, passion, perseverance, innovative drive, and unwavering commitment were the foundation of his success. He remained calm during challenges and always encouraged his employees. His day would begin at 4 a.m., and he maintained strict discipline. Despite his busy schedule, he had a deep interest in sports, music, and gardening. His wife, Vimalabai, was his lifelong companion and played a vital role in holding the family together.

In 1959, the Government of India appointed him Sheriff of Mumbai. Between 1956 and 1965, he served as the Chairman of the Maharashtra Economic Development Council. In 1971, the Government of India honored him with the “Padma Bhushan,” the nation’s third-highest civilian award, in recognition of his distinguished service. Pune University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Literature (D.Litt.) in 1989.

Abasaheb expressed several important thoughts on industry and entrepreneurship in India. He firmly believed that industrialization was essential for the country’s progress but insisted that development must be rooted in human values and social responsibility. He emphasized a positive outlook, recognizing opportunities, the value of hard work, and a sound business mindset. He also stressed the importance of education and its coordination with industry.

On November 2, 1990, Abasaheb Garware passed away. However, his industrial legacy and ideas continue to inspire us. His four sons carried forward his legacy. This website presents a comprehensive account of Abasaheb Garware’s remarkable life and work. His journey of struggle, success, and social commitment offers valuable lessons to today’s generation and serves as a guiding light for achieving success in both industry and life.

The website is structured in three parts. The first section presents his biography, covering his early life, journey in the automobile industry, contributions to the nylon sector, personality traits, social service, and the public honors he received. It also highlights the contributions of his wife, Vimalabai, and their four sons to his success. The second section features selected speeches delivered by Abasaheb on various public platforms, showcasing his thoughts on social, industrial, and national issues. The third section includes essays that explore the state of India’s industrial landscape in the twentieth century, providing context to better understand Abasaheb’s contributions.

This compilation will undoubtedly guide readers toward achieving success in business and in life.