Baburaoji Parkhe
Encyclopedia
Malhar Sadashiv "Baburaoji" Parkhe (: मल्हार सदाशिव (म.स) तथा बाबुरावजी पारखे; 15 April 1912 – 13 January 1997),
was an Indian industrialist from a Maharashtrian Deshastha Brahmin
family. Parkhe was known to have a good study of Vedic literature. He was known to be a strong follower of Param Sadguru Shree Gajanan Maharaj of Shivpuri, Akkalkot
and believer in his teachings of Agnihotra
. He was involved in the worldwide propagation of the Agnihotra
way of life. Parkhe delivered lectures and wrote several books on the subject.
. He died when Parkhe was a teenager.
Parkhe attended Sir Parshurambhau College
, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree.
In 1935, Parkhe was married to Kamalabai Parkhe (Kashi Rajimwale).
In 1938, Parkhe made his first overseas trip, visiting Japan. This trip primarily focused on understanding new trends in paper conversion and exploring further opportunities. After World War II, he also toured England to understand and learn the working of medium and large paper-and-board plants.
Parkhe's first large venture was Paper & Pulp Conversions Pvt Ltd (PAPCO), a board mill started in Lower Parel, Mumbai
in 1942. By 1947, it became a public limited company
with M S Parkhe & Co as the managing agents, in accordance with the prevalent company laws. In 1951, PAPCO started its second unit in Khopoli
, Maharashtra
, which made paper, and, eventually paperboards; it was the flagship company of the group. The first paper manufacturing machine installed at Khopoli was procured from Japan. PAPCO issued dividends without interruption for over 40 years.
In 1960, PAPCO was the chief promoter of a novel idea conceived by some small and medium paper mills: a "mother pulp mill" manufacturing market-grade pulp, the raw material for paper-making. The Central Pulp Mills (CPM) commenced operations in 1966.
Some technology and machinery was imported from the United States with a loan from the Export-Import Bank of the United States
, while some technology and process components were designed indigenously with in-house technical acumen. This project is said to have brought the Parkhe Group to the centre-stage of Indian Paper-making. Many pioneering efforts like the PAPCO machinery division, Parkhe Consultants (a full-service paper industry consultancy),
and Parkhe Research Institute (provided research and development support to the paper and pulp Industry)
followed suit in the following three decades. EUROCOTE, a paper and paperboard coating unit based in Vapi
, Gujarat was integrated into the group in 1976. The total turnover of the Parkhe Group reached over in the mid-1980s.
On 12 March 1987, at the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture, Parkhe was felicitated along with other dignitaries by Indian President Gaini Zail Singh for his contribution to industry, and the industrial development of Maharashtra and the country.
The Parkhe Group is said to have suffered major losses towards the end of the 1980s. The changing situation in the wake of government policy decisions such as Rupee devaluation, import duty reductions on pulp, and free imports, and continued labour problems were some of the major factors contributing to these losses. This ultimately resulted in a financial crunch which engulfed the entire group. This was the state of many industries in Maharashtra during that time,
such as similar cases in the textile mills closure crisis if Mumbai.
Although some of the old ventures of the Parkhe Group, like PAPCO, could not be revived from the crises, the largest unit—Central Pulp Mills—was transferred to Delhi-based JK Singhania Group in 1992.
The Matoshri Maisaheb Parkhe Memorial Trust, Pune (1976) was founded in the memory of his mother, Late Matoshri Maisaheb Parkhe.
The Three Angels Memorial Trust, Pune (1973) was founded in the memory of Sudhakar Parkhe, Nagesh Deshpande and Atmaram Kavthekar, the three pillars of the Parkhe Group, who died in a road accident. Their deaths were jolting to the then-flourishing business empire.
Over the past 35 years, the trusts have engaged in various different programs with a sense of social responsibility.
The awards are given in the memory of his younger brother, entrepreneur Gopalrao Parkhe, who actively assisted him in business activities during the formative years. The death of Gopalrao after a brief illness (typhoid) when he was aged 23 years, was a partial setback.
To commemorate Gopalrao’s entrepreneurial skills, Parkhe instituted the G S Parkhe Industrial Merit award. Parkhe’s close friend and MCCIA founder Mr. A R Bhat is said to have helped him in conceiving his idea. The award has been presented every year since its inception; it is currently distributed on June 16.
The award is given for innovative products and services. Product excellence, commercial success and import substitution are the key parameters used for evaluation and selection. More than 400 entrepreneurs have received the award since its inception in 1947.
Adarsha means "ideal" and mata means "mother" in Marathi. The Adarsha Mata Puraskar commemorates Maisaheb Parkhe’s contribution and guiding force, and salutes her enterprising spirit.
The award aims to recognize the conviction of similar women who have strived hard under adverse conditions to shoulder the responsibility of their family. The award includes a certificate of honour, a memento, and a cash award. The life sketch of the awardee is presented to the audience, and willing family members also speak at the occasion.
is an ancient Vedic fire ritual that was resuscitated by Param Sadguru Shree Gajanan Maharaj of Akkalkot
and prescribed for the well-being of entire humankind and nature. Today, Agnihotra
is practiced in many countries worldwide.
Parkhe was an ardent follower of Shree, and has written books and papers,
delivered lectures, and traveled worldwide propagating Agnihotra
and research on remnants of ancient fire worship in different civilisations.
He was known to be very closely associated with the trusts and initiatives in Akkalkot
and Shivpuri Ashram. At Shree's instruction, he built Lord Parshuram and Agni Mandir’s in his industrial complexes in Khopoli
and Songadh
.
He presided the Mahasomayag Committee, and made a pivotal contribution during the
Ekamevadvitiya Mahasomayag of Shivpuri, Akkalkot
in 1969. This was considered to be a landmark event: after many years, a Mahasomayag was conducted exactly as prescribed by the Vedas, without any animal sacrifice—not even symbolic oblations—in a totally non-violent and pious manner.
social and religious issues, Vedic literature, etc.
Listed below are some of his writings:
Some 20 small booklets on diverse subjects or excerpts from his speeches are also known to be in private circulation.
In 2005, his personal library was donated to Shivpuri Ashram in Akkalkot
in accordance with his desire. It is used for research purposes by the ashram and Agnihotra
followers worldwide.
was an Indian industrialist from a Maharashtrian Deshastha Brahmin
Deshastha Brahmin
Deshastha Brahmins are the original and the oldest Hindu Brahmin sub-caste mainly from the Indian state of Maharashtra and some districts of northern Karnataka. The word Deshastha comes from the Sanskrit words Desha and Stha which mean inland or country and resident respectively...
family. Parkhe was known to have a good study of Vedic literature. He was known to be a strong follower of Param Sadguru Shree Gajanan Maharaj of Shivpuri, Akkalkot
Akkalkot
Akkalkot |ಅಕ್ಕಲಕೋಟೆ is a city and a municipal council in Solapur district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is situated 40 km southeast of Solapur and very close to the border between Maharashtra and Karnataka states...
and believer in his teachings of Agnihotra
Agnihotra
Agnihotra is a Vedic yajña performed in orthodox Hindu communities. It is mentioned in the Atharvaveda and described in detail in the Yajurveda Samhita and the Shatapatha Brahmana . The Vedic form of the ritual is still performed Nambudiri Brahmins of Kerala and by a small number of Vaidiki...
. He was involved in the worldwide propagation of the Agnihotra
Agnihotra
Agnihotra is a Vedic yajña performed in orthodox Hindu communities. It is mentioned in the Atharvaveda and described in detail in the Yajurveda Samhita and the Shatapatha Brahmana . The Vedic form of the ritual is still performed Nambudiri Brahmins of Kerala and by a small number of Vaidiki...
way of life. Parkhe delivered lectures and wrote several books on the subject.
Family & Education
Parkhe's father, Sadashivrao Parkhe, held the position of Chief Justice in the Indian Princely States during the British RajBritish Raj
British Raj was the British rule in the Indian subcontinent between 1858 and 1947; The term can also refer to the period of dominion...
. He died when Parkhe was a teenager.
Parkhe attended Sir Parshurambhau College
Sir Parshurambhau College
Sir Parshurambhau College is a college in Pune, Maharashtra, . Established in 1916, it is governed by the Shikshan Prasarak Mandali....
, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree.
In 1935, Parkhe was married to Kamalabai Parkhe (Kashi Rajimwale).
Industrialist
After a brief stint at Deccan Paper Mills in Pune, where Parkhe gained some initial experience, the seeds of the Parkhe Group were sown. The Bharat Envelopes Company, a cottage industry, came into existence in 1930 on the occasion of Gudi Padwa in a small room in Gadre Wada, Sadashiv Peth, Pune, under the guidance of his mother Maisaheb and with the assistance of his younger brother Gopalrao. Bharat Envelopes prepared envelopes and other paper products by hand and sold them in nearby markets. The enterprise grew rapidly, becoming known as one of the most pioneering groups in India in the field of paper and pulp.In 1938, Parkhe made his first overseas trip, visiting Japan. This trip primarily focused on understanding new trends in paper conversion and exploring further opportunities. After World War II, he also toured England to understand and learn the working of medium and large paper-and-board plants.
Parkhe's first large venture was Paper & Pulp Conversions Pvt Ltd (PAPCO), a board mill started in Lower Parel, Mumbai
Mumbai
Mumbai , formerly known as Bombay in English, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the most populous city in India, and the fourth most populous city in the world, with a total metropolitan area population of approximately 20.5 million...
in 1942. By 1947, it became a public limited company
Public limited company
A public limited company is a limited liability company that sells shares to the public in United Kingdom company law, in the Republic of Ireland and Commonwealth jurisdictions....
with M S Parkhe & Co as the managing agents, in accordance with the prevalent company laws. In 1951, PAPCO started its second unit in Khopoli
Khopoli
Khopoli is an industrial town in the Khalapur taluka of Raigad district, in the Indian state of Maharashtra, at the base of the Sahyadri mountains. Patalganga River which is the tailrace channel of Tata Hydroelectric Power station flows through Khopoli....
, Maharashtra
Maharashtra
Maharashtra is a state located in India. It is the second most populous after Uttar Pradesh and third largest state by area in India...
, which made paper, and, eventually paperboards; it was the flagship company of the group. The first paper manufacturing machine installed at Khopoli was procured from Japan. PAPCO issued dividends without interruption for over 40 years.
In 1960, PAPCO was the chief promoter of a novel idea conceived by some small and medium paper mills: a "mother pulp mill" manufacturing market-grade pulp, the raw material for paper-making. The Central Pulp Mills (CPM) commenced operations in 1966.
Some technology and machinery was imported from the United States with a loan from the Export-Import Bank of the United States
Export-Import Bank of the United States
The Export-Import Bank of the United States is the official export credit agency of the United States federal government. It was established in 1934 by an executive order, and made an independent agency in the Executive branch by Congress in 1945, for the purposes of financing and insuring...
, while some technology and process components were designed indigenously with in-house technical acumen. This project is said to have brought the Parkhe Group to the centre-stage of Indian Paper-making. Many pioneering efforts like the PAPCO machinery division, Parkhe Consultants (a full-service paper industry consultancy),
and Parkhe Research Institute (provided research and development support to the paper and pulp Industry)
followed suit in the following three decades. EUROCOTE, a paper and paperboard coating unit based in Vapi
Vapi
Vapi Vapi Vapi (IAST: vāpī, Gujarati: , is a city and a municipality in Valsad district in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is situated on the banks of Damanganga River in southern Gujarat, India. Vapi falls under the taluka administration of Pardi...
, Gujarat was integrated into the group in 1976. The total turnover of the Parkhe Group reached over in the mid-1980s.
The Parkhe Group is said to have suffered major losses towards the end of the 1980s. The changing situation in the wake of government policy decisions such as Rupee devaluation, import duty reductions on pulp, and free imports, and continued labour problems were some of the major factors contributing to these losses. This ultimately resulted in a financial crunch which engulfed the entire group. This was the state of many industries in Maharashtra during that time,
such as similar cases in the textile mills closure crisis if Mumbai.
Although some of the old ventures of the Parkhe Group, like PAPCO, could not be revived from the crises, the largest unit—Central Pulp Mills—was transferred to Delhi-based JK Singhania Group in 1992.
Social institutions
Parkhe's memoirs and writings talk about the spirit of "Social Indebtedness"; with this belief, the Parkhe Group established social and charitable trusts. The trusts focus on assisting poor and needy people in society.The Matoshri Maisaheb Parkhe Memorial Trust, Pune (1976) was founded in the memory of his mother, Late Matoshri Maisaheb Parkhe.
The Three Angels Memorial Trust, Pune (1973) was founded in the memory of Sudhakar Parkhe, Nagesh Deshpande and Atmaram Kavthekar, the three pillars of the Parkhe Group, who died in a road accident. Their deaths were jolting to the then-flourishing business empire.
Over the past 35 years, the trusts have engaged in various different programs with a sense of social responsibility.
G S Parkhe Industrial Merit Awards
Parkhe instituted the G S Parkhe Industrial Merit Award in 1947 at the Mahratta Chamber of Commerce Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA).The awards are given in the memory of his younger brother, entrepreneur Gopalrao Parkhe, who actively assisted him in business activities during the formative years. The death of Gopalrao after a brief illness (typhoid) when he was aged 23 years, was a partial setback.
To commemorate Gopalrao’s entrepreneurial skills, Parkhe instituted the G S Parkhe Industrial Merit award. Parkhe’s close friend and MCCIA founder Mr. A R Bhat is said to have helped him in conceiving his idea. The award has been presented every year since its inception; it is currently distributed on June 16.
The award is given for innovative products and services. Product excellence, commercial success and import substitution are the key parameters used for evaluation and selection. More than 400 entrepreneurs have received the award since its inception in 1947.
Adarsha Mata Puraskar
When Parkhe's father died, his mother, Matoshri Maisaheb Parkhe, took on the responsibility for bringing up her children, including those roles typically handled by the father in the Indian Princely States, such as vocational guidance and career development. She did this by starting a home industry, and gradually handed the responsibility to her teenage sons, who were still students.Adarsha means "ideal" and mata means "mother" in Marathi. The Adarsha Mata Puraskar commemorates Maisaheb Parkhe’s contribution and guiding force, and salutes her enterprising spirit.
The award aims to recognize the conviction of similar women who have strived hard under adverse conditions to shoulder the responsibility of their family. The award includes a certificate of honour, a memento, and a cash award. The life sketch of the awardee is presented to the audience, and willing family members also speak at the occasion.
Propagation of Agnihotra and Vedic culture
AgnihotraAgnihotra
Agnihotra is a Vedic yajña performed in orthodox Hindu communities. It is mentioned in the Atharvaveda and described in detail in the Yajurveda Samhita and the Shatapatha Brahmana . The Vedic form of the ritual is still performed Nambudiri Brahmins of Kerala and by a small number of Vaidiki...
is an ancient Vedic fire ritual that was resuscitated by Param Sadguru Shree Gajanan Maharaj of Akkalkot
Akkalkot
Akkalkot |ಅಕ್ಕಲಕೋಟೆ is a city and a municipal council in Solapur district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is situated 40 km southeast of Solapur and very close to the border between Maharashtra and Karnataka states...
and prescribed for the well-being of entire humankind and nature. Today, Agnihotra
Agnihotra
Agnihotra is a Vedic yajña performed in orthodox Hindu communities. It is mentioned in the Atharvaveda and described in detail in the Yajurveda Samhita and the Shatapatha Brahmana . The Vedic form of the ritual is still performed Nambudiri Brahmins of Kerala and by a small number of Vaidiki...
is practiced in many countries worldwide.
Parkhe was an ardent follower of Shree, and has written books and papers,
delivered lectures, and traveled worldwide propagating Agnihotra
Agnihotra
Agnihotra is a Vedic yajña performed in orthodox Hindu communities. It is mentioned in the Atharvaveda and described in detail in the Yajurveda Samhita and the Shatapatha Brahmana . The Vedic form of the ritual is still performed Nambudiri Brahmins of Kerala and by a small number of Vaidiki...
and research on remnants of ancient fire worship in different civilisations.
He was known to be very closely associated with the trusts and initiatives in Akkalkot
Akkalkot
Akkalkot |ಅಕ್ಕಲಕೋಟೆ is a city and a municipal council in Solapur district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is situated 40 km southeast of Solapur and very close to the border between Maharashtra and Karnataka states...
and Shivpuri Ashram. At Shree's instruction, he built Lord Parshuram and Agni Mandir’s in his industrial complexes in Khopoli
Khopoli
Khopoli is an industrial town in the Khalapur taluka of Raigad district, in the Indian state of Maharashtra, at the base of the Sahyadri mountains. Patalganga River which is the tailrace channel of Tata Hydroelectric Power station flows through Khopoli....
and Songadh
Songadh
Fort Songadh is a city and a municipality in Tapi district in the Indian state of Gujarat. It has previously been known as "Soneri Gadh, later being abbreviated to the now common Songadh.-Geography:Songadh is located at...
.
He presided the Mahasomayag Committee, and made a pivotal contribution during the
Ekamevadvitiya Mahasomayag of Shivpuri, Akkalkot
Akkalkot
Akkalkot |ಅಕ್ಕಲಕೋಟೆ is a city and a municipal council in Solapur district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is situated 40 km southeast of Solapur and very close to the border between Maharashtra and Karnataka states...
in 1969. This was considered to be a landmark event: after many years, a Mahasomayag was conducted exactly as prescribed by the Vedas, without any animal sacrifice—not even symbolic oblations—in a totally non-violent and pious manner.
Books and writings
Parkhe was an avid reader, writer, and orator. He wrote several books and papers on diverse subjects including industry,social and religious issues, Vedic literature, etc.
Listed below are some of his writings:
- Ramayashogatha Marathi/Hindi 'रामयशोगाथा' (Marathi – 1975), (Hindi: Translated – 2005) – Epic-Book on the life of Vishnu Avatar, Lord Parashuram. 21 years of research was undertaken to complete this book
- Rajrajeshwar Parshuram (Marathi) – Book on Vishnu Avatar, Lord Parashuram.
- The Universal Faith (English) – Importance of Fire Worship in all the world religions and civilisations. Popularly acclaimed in Western countries.
- Agnihotra: The Vedic Solution for Present-Day Problems (English). Popularly acclaimed in Western countries as a resource on Agnihotra.
- Agniupasana (Marathi)
- Jeevanachi Vatchal (Marathi) – His Biographical Sketch, more from the Spiritual dimension.
- Kahani Eka Udyojakachi, Utkarshachi aani Upakarshachi (Marathi) – Biographical Sketch.
Some 20 small booklets on diverse subjects or excerpts from his speeches are also known to be in private circulation.
In 2005, his personal library was donated to Shivpuri Ashram in Akkalkot
Akkalkot
Akkalkot |ಅಕ್ಕಲಕೋಟೆ is a city and a municipal council in Solapur district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is situated 40 km southeast of Solapur and very close to the border between Maharashtra and Karnataka states...
in accordance with his desire. It is used for research purposes by the ashram and Agnihotra
Agnihotra
Agnihotra is a Vedic yajña performed in orthodox Hindu communities. It is mentioned in the Atharvaveda and described in detail in the Yajurveda Samhita and the Shatapatha Brahmana . The Vedic form of the ritual is still performed Nambudiri Brahmins of Kerala and by a small number of Vaidiki...
followers worldwide.
External links
- Parkhe Pariwar http://www.parkhepariwar.com
- Agnihotra http://www.shivpuri.orghttp://www.agnihotraindia.com
- Panchasadhan Prachar Kendra, Pune http://www.agnihotra.in
- MCCIA Past Presidents – M.S. alias Baburaoji Parkhe (1969–1972)http://www.mcciapune.com/pastpresi.aspx