U N Mehta - Founder ::

This adage is an epitome of the efforts of a man who rose to great heights by following his instinct and dreams.

A dream to create an empire through sheer hard work and perseverance that would set precedence for others to follow, which were fulfilled with the establishment of Torrent, the entity he left behind.

Shri UN Mehta born in Mehmadpur village, Palanpur district, Gujarat, India began his climb up the steep hills of his professional life in 1944 as a clerk with the government.

However, his desire to excel led him to take up the job as a medical representative for a multinational drug giant, Sandoz. This was a daring decision that proved to be the turning point in his life, as he once said, "In those days, the Gora Sahibs were viewed with a lot of awe and even to apply to these companies I had to summon up all my courage."

There was no looking back for this man of vision and fierce determination. His family and health concerns led him to give up his job with Sandoz. But this came as a blessing in disguise for it became the means to the end of setting foot in the business world independently. As he himself recalls, "I started a pharmaceutical business with Rs. 25,000 that I received as severance pay. As I had 13 years of experience in the industry, I decided to put my experience to work. I began to market anti-rheumatic medicines which I got manufactured from a third party."

This became the first step for him in creating one of the most formidable competitors in the Indian Pharma industry-Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd. His efforts in the development of the pharmaceutical industry where recognised by the government by bestowing on him the "Businessman of the Year Award 1996-97". His magnanimous personality, humility and will power were an example for his subordinates. In spite of his failing health, exhibiting his fortitude, he continued to nurture the enterprise, encouraging people with his words of wisdom and acts of compassion. Every year 14th January, his birth anniversary, is celebrated as Founder's Day by the employees of Torrent. A tribute to the man who has been a mentor, torchbearer and pioneer in his right for many people.

As a businessman, he was astute and sharp. But he never lost his most revered quality of compassion. His contributions for the society led to the establishment and promotion of various institutes such as Cardiology and Research Centre at Ahmedabad, UN Mehta Institute of Cardiology and Research Centre, Ahmedabad. His passion for preserving the natural wealth led to the adoption of Parimal Garden by Torrent, which it has taken care of, as a trustee of the environment conscious citizens of the city.

A man who practiced what he preached with staunch conviction laid emphasis on imparting values and traditions to his children who were always guided by him. The responsibility of managing the empire never came as an impediment to the devotion for his family and children who were provided with the best of education, as Shri U.N.Mehta always reminded his children of the importance of education in an individual's life.

His daughter, Shrimati Meenaben Modi recalls: "Two things that come instantly to mind as I think of him are his reverence for honesty and hatred for falsehood. He believed that 'a rupee earned through honest means is worth more than a lakh earned otherwise'. Like a true Gandhivaadi, he was constantly experimenting with the truth. I remember his getting upset with anyone who told a lie, however small it may have been."

His care for the poor led to his building a housing society with around 30 flats for the lower income group, named 'Samarpan' at Navsari. His zeal for education transcended to providing significant contributions for building a center fro Ahmedabad Management Association as well.

Shri UN Mehta left us in the year 1998 but he remains with us. A reminder of his mettle and achievements are the institutions and businesses he has left behind as legacy. A true fighter he never quit till the end.