Renowned Industrialist and Founder & Chairman Emeritus of hosiery major, Dollar Industries Limited Shri Dindayal Gupta left for his heavenly abode today in Kolkata from age related ailments. His demise marks the end of an era for the company and the Indian hosiery and apparel industries at large.
A visionary leader and a guiding force behind the company’s remarkable journey, Shri Dindayal Gupta steered Dollar Industries Limited for over five decades with unwavering commitment, foresight and integrity. Under his leadership, the company evolved from modest beginnings into one of India’s leading manufacturers in the hosiery and apparel segment. Under his leadership, Dollar Industries grew to a Rs 1700+ crore conglomerate.
Born on 13th September, 1937 into a humble and large family in Manheru village, Bhiwani district, Haryana with limited means, Shri Gupta’s life was a testament to perseverance, resilience and the power of dreaming big. Migrating to Kolkata (then known as Calcutta) in 1962, he started manufacturing and selling hosiery products tailormade to the buyers’ budget and requirements from its inception. This was done through parallel development of manufacturing & finishing facilities, building a network of selling outlets & partner retailers and direct development of markets neglected by other companies.
As a young man, he had the determination to build something meaningful and thus layed the foundation of Dollar Industries Limited in 1972. His entrepreneurial spirit and relentless drive transformed the company into a household name, admired for its quality, innovation and strong market presence. Soon, Dollar became one of the first companies to supply and serve backward areas like Madhya Pradesh (now MP & Chhattisgarh), the Seven Sisters of North East India and the hill districts like Darjeeling in eastern Himalayas.
Apart from his illustrious business career, Shri Dindayal Gupta was actively associated with the Arya Pratinidhi Sabha, reflecting his deep-rooted commitment to social and community service. He was a key leader in multiple branches of Bengal Pratinidhi Sabha. He was also a former Vice-President of Sarvadeshik Arya Pratinidhi Sabha and an active member of Paropakarini Sabha of Ajmer, the key repository of the personal effects of Swami Dayanand Saraswati. He initiated and set up the Burns unit and related infrastructure at the Marwari Relief Society, Kolkata.
Shri Gupta was the Founding Father of Haryana Vidya Mandir, a school in Bidhannagar, North 24-Parganas, West Bengal, under the CBSE board. He was also involved in Gurukuls as co-founder and sponsor. He was the man behind the revival of his humble village school in Manheru. His steadfast and extensive contributions in this field of education prove his conviction that the opportunity to access education at all levels is the only true way to enable social development and the growth and prosperity of the nation.
He was also a key contributor to the growth and efficacy of social service organizations in the field of elderly support like Maharshi Dayanand Yogashram Tripura & Sukhanand Foundation. His contributions extended beyond industry, leaving a meaningful impact on the society he served.
During his illustrious journey he has been bestowed with many awards and recognitions including Lifetime Achievement Award from West Bengal Hosiery Association and Sanmarg Business Award.
Shri Dindayal Gupta is survived by his wife and four sons and grandchildren who are spearheading the Dollar Industries business empire.
