Walchand Trust

Seth Walchand Hirachand Doshi (1882-1953) was a visionary Indian industrialist and a pivotal figure in India’s industrial development during the pre-independence era. He is often hailed as the “Father of Transportation in India” due to his groundbreaking ventures in key industries, laying the groundwork for a self-reliant India. 

Seth Walchand Hirachand Doshi’s career was characterized by an audacious vision and relentless drive to establish indigenous industries in pre-independence India. He dared to venture into sectors dominated by British enterprises, laying the foundation for a self-reliant India. 

Glance at Seth Walchand’s Contribution to India’s Growth

• Pioneer in diverse sectors: Late Seth Walchand established businesses across a spectrum of industries, including civil engineering, aircraft manufacturing, maritime shipping, shipbuilding, automobile manufacturing, organized farming, sugar factories, and more.
• Founded India’s first modern shipyard, aircraft factory, and car factory: He founded the Hindustan Aircraft Company (later Hindustan Aeronautics Limited – HAL) in 1940, Scindia Shipyard (later Hindustan Shipyard Limited) in Visakhapatnam in 1940, and Premier Automobiles Limited (PAL) near Mumbai in 1945. These companies played a crucial role in establishing India’s industrial base in these critical sectors.
• Driving force behind Scindia Steam Navigation Company: He founded the Scindia Steam Navigation Company in 1919, challenging British dominance in the Indian shipping industry. The maiden voyage of the company’s ship, “SS Loyalty,” on April 5, 1919, from Mumbai to London, is now celebrated as National Maritime Day in India.
• Significant contributions to construction: His early success in the construction business, initially as a railway contractor, led to the establishment of Hindustan Construction Company in 1926, which remains a leading engineering and construction company in India today. Hindustan Construction Company is credited with executing major projects like the tunnels through the Bhor Ghats for a railway route from Mumbai to Pune and laying water pipes from Tansa Lake to Mumbai.

• Agricultural Revolution and Industrial Townships: Walchand’s vision extended to agriculture, he transformed barren land into sugarcane fields and established  Walchandnagar Industries Limited in 1934 and the establishment of the industrial township of Walchandnagar. Walchandnagar Industries Limited (WIL) in 1934, which diversified into sugar, heavy engineering, and defense manufacturing, supplying critical equipment for India’s programs.

• Associated industries and organizations: Walchand also ventured into insurance and was a founder member and leader of various industry associations.

Many of Walchand’s ventures faced challenges like foreign competition and nationalization. However, his entrepreneurial spirit, patriotism, and belief in India’s potential left an indelible mark. 

Walchand Hirachand’s contributions are still recognized:

• He is known as the “Father of Transportation in India”.
• The Indian government issued a postage stamp in his honor in 2004.
• A road in Mumbai is named after him. 

Seth Walchand Hirachand’s career exemplifies a life dedicated to industrialization and nation-building.

Walchand Hirachand Memorial Trust (WHMT) was established to support charitable and educational activities. It was led by his brothers Seth Lalchand Hirachand and Seth Gulabchand Hirachand. WHMT, at the request of late Dhondomama Sathe on behalf of MTE Society and both State as well as Central Governments, came forward to support WCE in 1955 under rehabilitation and development of then NEW ENGINEERING COLLEGE, which was renamed WALCHAND COLLEGE OF ENGINERING.