Legacy of Syt. Basant Kumar Birla

Syt. Basant Kumar Birla, born on 4th February, 1921, was the youngest son of Sh. Ghanshyam Das Birla, father of Late Sh. Aditya Birla, and grandfather of Sh. Kumar Mangalam Birla. He married Dr. Sarala ji Birla and led a life of immense industrial and philanthropic impact.

Industrial Achievements

At the age of 15, he became actively involved with numerous companies and rose to become Chairman of Kesoram Industries. His industrial focus included:

• Cotton, viscose, polyester and nylon yarns
• Refractory, paper, shipping, tyrecord
• Transparent paper, spun pipe, cement
• Tea, coffee, cardamom, chemicals
• Plywood, MDF board, and more

He founded the Indo Ethiopian Textiles Share Company, the first major global joint venture by an Indian industrialist. In recognition, Emperor Haile Sellassie of Ethiopia awarded him the Mainelik II Medal, the highest Ethiopian honor.

Companies Headed

• Kesoram Industries Limited
• Jay Shree Tea & Industries
• Century Enka Limited
• Century Textiles & Industries Limited

Educational and Social Institutions

He made notable contributions through his social and institutional activities, serving as Governor, Trustee, or Founder of the following:

• B K Birla Institute of Engineering & Technology, Pilani
• Birla Technical Training Institute, Pilani
• Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani
• Birla Institute of Technology
• Birla Institute of Management Technology, Delhi
• Technological Institute of Textile & Sciences, Bhiwani
• Birla Education Trust, Pilani
• Birla Vidya Vihar Trust, Calcutta
• Birla Sanskriti Trust, Calcutta
• Birla Vidya Mandir, Nainital
• Birla Vidya Niketan, New Delhi
• G D Birla Memorial School, Ranikhet
• Ashok Hall, Ranikhet
• Birla Academy of Art & Culture, Calcutta
• Swar Sangam, Calcutta
• Sangit Kala Mandir, Calcutta
• Sangit Kala Mandir Trust, Calcutta
• B K Birla Centre For Education, Pune
• TB and General Hospital, Ranchi
• Birla Pediatric Clinic
• Addis Ababa (Medical and Educational Outreach)
• Mahadevi Birla Mangal Niketan
• Mahadevi Birla Kalyan Mandapam
• Temple of Understanding
• Dharamshalas and Guest Houses for pilgrims at holy places