Meet Brothers Who Left Growing Business in Pakistan During Partition, Moved to India, and Set Up a Rs 9398 Crore Company
Published on: March 28, 2024.
Filed under:
Meet the Inspiring Brothers Behind India Gate Basmati Rice: A Tale of Resilience
In a remarkable story of determination and perseverance, we introduce you to Khushi Ram and Bihari Lal, two brothers who left their growing business in Pakistan during the partition and made their way to India. Their incredible journey led them to establish India’s leading rice brand, India Gate Basmati rice, and build a company valued at an astounding Rs 9,398 crore as of 2022.
Prior to partition, Khushi Ram and Bihari Lal ran a small firm in Lyallpur (now Faisalabad, Pakistan), where they engaged in the buying and selling of cotton. Their business quickly gained momentum, prompting the brothers to expand their operations and establish cotton mills and textile mills. They even ventured into the wheat trade, buying from farmers in Punjab and selling to British agencies.
Sadly, the division of India and Pakistan rendered their thriving business in Pakistan inoperable, and they were forced to abandon everything they had built. Determined to rebuild their lives, Khushi Ram, Bihari Lal, and their families embarked on a journey to India on a chartered Dakota 32 plane, at a cost of Rs 4000 at that time. They settled in Delhi’s Chandani Chowk, where they already owned a house in the Naya Bazar area.
Undeterred by their challenges, the brothers made a fresh start as trade agents of rice and oil in Chandani Chowk. With hard work and dedication, their company began to flourish, and by 1985, they were selling rice under their own brand name. The first unit of KRBL, their company, was established in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. In a groundbreaking achievement, KRBL became the first Indian rice company to attract foreign investment.
Today, KRBL is helmed by Anil K Mittal, the chairman and managing director, and stands as the foremost rice exporter in India. The company is renowned for producing the highly sought-after India Gate basmati rice. In 2022, Hurun India valued KRBL at an impressive Rs 9,398 crore.
This awe-inspiring tale of triumph over adversity showcases the indomitable spirit of Khushi Ram and Bihari Lal, who turned their setbacks into a foundation for success. Their journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience and hard work.
To learn more about rice exporters and suppliers, visit our partners at Has Rice (https://www.hasrice.com) and Pakistan Rice (https://www.pakistanrice.com).
Source: [DNAnedia](https://www.dnaindia.com)
