India has achieved remarkable progress since gaining independence in 1947, and today boasts a thriving aviation sector with airlines like Air India, SpiceJet, and IndiGo. But do you know who established India’s first aircraft factory? It was Seth Walchand Hirachand Doshi, often referred to as the “Father of Transportation in India.” A visionary industrialist, he founded the Walchand Group and left a lasting impact on Indian industry.
Despite his significant contributions, Walchand Hirachand’s legacy remains relatively unknown. Among his many achievements was the creation of Hindustan Aircraft Limited (HAL), which later evolved into Hindustan Aeronautics Limited after the Indian government acquired a majority stake in 1945. HAL has since become a leading government-owned aerospace and defense company.
Walchand founded Hindustan Aircraft Limited in December 1940 in Bengaluru with support from Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV, the ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore. He served as the company’s chairman, overseeing its initial focus on repairing imported aircraft. HAL soon expanded to manufacturing trainer, transport, and fighter aircraft. One of its most notable projects was the HAL HJT-36, a basic trainer aircraft for the Indian Air Force, which first flew in 1963 and became integral to pilot training.
Walchand’s contributions extended beyond aviation. He established India’s first modern shipyard and automobile factory, making him a pioneer in multiple industries. After earning a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Mumbai, he initially joined his family’s banking and cotton trading business. However, he found his passion elsewhere and began working as a construction contractor, primarily serving the British government. His expertise as a railway contractor opened doors to new opportunities in other sectors.
A supporter of India’s independence movement, Walchand’s business empire had grown to become one of the country’s top ten industrial groups by 1947. His ventures included sugar and textile factories, power plants, and chemical plants, showcasing his wide-ranging influence on India’s industrial landscape.
In addition to his groundbreaking contributions to industry, Walchand Hirachand Doshi was a dedicated philanthropist who firmly believed in giving back to society. He generously donated a substantial part of his wealth to create educational institutions, including the Walchand College of Engineering in Sangli. This institution has grown to become one of India’s leading engineering colleges, embodying his vision of fostering education and skill development for the nation’s progress.
Born in 1882 in Sholapur (Maharashtra), Walchand retired from business after suffering a stroke in 1949 and passed away in April 1953 in Gujarat. His pioneering efforts and vision continue to shape India’s industrial growth to this day.
