Few groups can identify as closely with India's destiny and industrial progress as the Mahindra Group. In fact, Mahindra is very much a microcosm of India. Both were born around the same time, have the same aspirations and both have experienced the inevitable peaks and valleys on the journey towards their goals. And both continue to march on the path of progress and global recognition.
The birth of Mahindra & Mahindra began when K.C. Mahindra visited the United States as Chairman of the India Supply Mission. He met Barney Roos, inventor of the rugged 'general purpose vehicle' or Jeep and had a flash of inspiration: wouldn’t a vehicle that had proven its durability on the battlefields of World War II be ideal for India's rugged terrain and its kutcha rural roads?
Shortly thereafter, the Mahindra brothers formed a partnership with a distinguished gentleman by the name of Ghulam Mohammad; and on October 2nd, 1945, Mahindra & Mohammad was established as a franchise for assembling jeeps from Willys, USA.
Two years later, India became an independent nation and Mahindra & Mohammad changed its name to Mahindra & Mahindra. Ghulam Mohammad migrated to Pakistan post-partition and became its first Finance Minister.
Since then, Mahindra & Mahindra has grown steadily and evolved into a Group that occupies a premier position in all key sectors of the Indian economy. The Group's history is studded with milestones, each one taking the Group forward.
These days, Mahindra is engaged in its ambitious entrance into the global arena. Its spirit can be encapsulated in the words of the poet Robert Frost, a favorite of India's first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru:
"The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."
For Mahindra & Mahindra, this translates into many more landmark achievements before it rests, if ever.
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