Padma Shri Dr. Keki Hormusji Gharda, the pride of the community and the nation’s eminent chemical engineer, chemist, philanthropist and visionary entrepreneur, passed away on 30^th September, 2024, at the age of 95. Born on September 25, 1929, Dr. Gharda was the Founder, Chairman, and Managing Director of Gharda Chemicals Limited, a research-driven company specializing in agrochemicals, polymers, and high-performance pigments. His cost-effective innovations transformed India’s chemical industry by reducing the nation’s dependence on imported chemicals and dyes, enhancing the productivity of Indian farmers and driving growth in the agro-chemical industry.

Dr. Gharda was honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2016 in recognition of his exceptional contributions to science, technology, and industry. His influence extended beyond the chemical industry; he was deeply committed to charity, especially promoting education and scientific research. In addition to being a pioneering scientist, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Dr. Keki Gharda was revered as ‘The Father of the Indian Agro-Chemical Industry’.

Dr. Gharda received a Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Oklahoma, after completing his Bachelor of Science degree from Mumbai University and Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Michigan University, USA. Upon his return to India, Dr. Gharda established Gharda Chemicals, in 1967, making it one of the largest agrochemical companies in India. Under his visionary leadership, the organisation achieved remarkable milestones. His staunch belief in ‘Knowledge converted through products to wealth for the good of society’, further empowered his vision and unswerving dedication and commitment to the growth of the nation’s agro-chemical sector.

He established the Gharda Foundation known for its community development initiatives. Over a decade old, the Gharda Foundation operates in around 30 villages with a team of dedicated social workers and community health volunteers. Inspired by the teachings of his mother, late Bai Ratanbai H. Gharda, Dr. Keki Gharda’s life-philosophy could be summarised as: ‘Earn well but with honestly, live economically and spend generously and maximally for the community around, especially the underprivileged’. Generous contributions were made towards community development programs in the vicinity of all operating sites in Maharashtra and Gujarat; alongside numerous social, educational and cultural donations.

Another NGO – the Gharda Medical Foundation provides support in the field of curative medicine through Gharda Hospital (Lote Parshuram) equipped with modern health care facilities, providing highly subsidized secondary care including free care for cataract surgery, family planning operations, vaccinations etc. The Bai Ratanbai Memorial Trust, established in honour of his mother, is a charitable hospital at Dombivali, offering quality medical services at affordable prices. Additionally, he supported innumerable institutions in the field of science, technology, medicine, education, vocational training etc and in the establishment of new Engineering College.

He was the recipient of innumerable prestigious national and global award, including the Lifetime Achievement Award (2018) presented by the Indian Council of Food and Agriculture, in association with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, and the Ministry of Commerce. Dr. Gharda was the recipient of the American Institute of Chemists’ ‘Chemical Pioneer’ award. He was also bestowed the FICCI Award for Research and Technology for the development and commercialization of Poly Ether Ether Ketone (PEEK) from then late Indian President, APJ Abdul Kalam. He was also presented the ‘Life Time Achievement Award for Immeasurable Contribution to Research and Industry’ by the Indian Analytical Instruments Association (1997); the ‘Chemical Industry Stalwart’ Award presented by CHEMTECH Foundation in recognition of Outstanding Contribution to the Indian Process Industry (2000); and ‘Life Time Achievement Award for Exemplary Contribution to Indian Chemical and Agrochemicals Industry’ by Chemexcill Basic Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics Export Promotion Council, among many others.

Dr. Keki Gharda was cherished for his humour, integrity and unwavering dedication to the well-being of those around him and the broader community. He leaves behind a legacy of innovation, philanthropy, and a lasting impact on India’s chemical and agricultural sectors. He will be remembered as a visionary whose contributions helped shape modern India’s industrial sector.