On October 25, 2024, India lost one of its most visionary industrialists, Deep C Anand, the founder of the Anand Group, at 91. His passing marks the end of an era for Indian manufacturing, and his absence will be deeply felt across the nation. Anand Group, today a leading automotive components manufacturer with 19 companies and 23 global alliances, was meticulously built by Mr Anand over six decades through strategic partnerships, innovation, and a commitment to bringing world-class technologies to India.
Deep C Anand’s entrepreneurial journey began early. At the age of 27, he launched his first business venture, Gabriel India, in collaboration with Maremont Corporation, USA. This initiative would become the flagship company of the Anand Group, a conglomerate that would revolutionize India’s automotive components industry. Gabriel India was one of the first instances of modern shock absorber technology being manufactured domestically, setting the stage for Anand’s lifelong commitment to bringing cutting-edge innovations to India.
Over the following decades, Anand’s vision expanded well beyond Gabriel India. He was instrumental in forming partnerships with leading global automotive companies, including Dana Holding Corporation, Valeo, MAHLE, Federal-Mogul, and Takata Corporation. Under his leadership, the Anand Group grew into a formidable industrial giant, with 19 companies and 23 global alliances, serving both the domestic and international automotive markets.
SNS Foundation: Commitment to Social Responsibility
While Deep C Anand’s contributions to Indian manufacturing are well-known, his philanthropic efforts were equally impactful. He founded the SNS Foundation in the 1970s, which became the charitable wing of the Anand Group. The foundation focused on women’s empowerment, education, healthcare, and youth skill development. Through the foundation’s work, thousands of lives have been transformed—8,000 women, 14,000 students, and 2,800 youth have been empowered.
Mr Anand’s commitment to social responsibility was a natural extension of his belief in the “Power of Partnership.” He understood that natural, sustainable growth came from uplifting the communities around him and providing opportunities for others to succeed.
The Power of Partnership: Deep C Anand’s Enduring Philosophy
Throughout his life, Deep C Anand believed sincerely in the power of collaboration. His philosophy was rooted in the idea that a business’s success is not built in isolation but through partnerships that bring the best ideas, technologies, and people together. This mindset shaped the Anand Group’s business model, which focused on forming joint ventures and collaborations with international giants. These alliances brought world-class technology to India and allowed the Anand Group to become a key player on the global stage(Deep-C-Anand).
As the Anand Group continued to grow, so did its influence. With a sales turnover of INR 90 billion in 2017, the group became a leading supplier of automotive components in India and globally. His vision and leadership transformed the group into a symbol of innovation and collaboration.
Deep C Anand remained a humble and thoughtful leader despite his towering success. His journey from a plant manager at Mahindra & Mahindra in 1954 to leading one of India’s most successful industrial groups is a testament to his perseverance and vision. He believed that success was measured not just in business terms but also in the positive impact on society. His legacy includes the vast business empire he built and the lives he enriched through his philanthropic initiatives.
A Loss Felt Across India
India has lost a true pioneer in Deep C Anand. His passing on October 25, 2024, leaves an irreplaceable void in the Indian manufacturing sector. As the country continues its journey toward becoming a global manufacturing hub, the foundations laid by visionaries like Anand will serve as guiding principles for future generations. His life’s work transforming the Indian automotive industry, creating employment for thousands, and uplifting communities through his philanthropic efforts has left an indelible mark on the nation.
Though Deep C Anand is no longer with us, his legacy will continue through the Anand Group, the SNS Foundation, and the countless individuals he touched. His values of innovation, partnership, and social responsibility will inspire leaders for generations to come.
