India being the country of great taste, achieved great heights. One of the reasons for this greatness was spices. The European colonies ruled us for years to get a hold of as many spices and as much they could. India is the world’s largest exporter of spices and MDH (Mahashay Di Hatti). It dates back to the pre-partition period when the owner of MDH, Mahashay Dharampal Gulati, was a young boy. In the small town of Sialkot, Pakistan, this boy lived with his father. He was never interested in literature and education. Sports were always an exciting part of his life. From kite flying to the football, he could play all day. This concerns his father; Mahashay Chunnilal Gulati.
Dharampal completed his 5th grade in 1933 and dropped out. Soon he was asked to take up odd jobs in a soap factory, fabric factory, and even woodwork. But that didn’t go as planned. He was then by his father to work in their family shop, known as Mahashay Di Hatti or ‘Deggi Mirch wale’. The shop was known for its quality products. Since it was a small family business, Dharampal worked hard for it. Partition, as we are all aware, destroyed several lives. Dharampal and his family, leaving behind their ‘Hatti’ and Rs. 1,500 in his hand arrived at the national capital of India. Being a refugee, life got extremely difficult. He bought a Tonga of Rs.150, which didn’t suffice the needs of his family. Exhausted, he decided to do what his family was best known for selling species.
He soon rented a shop in Chandni Chowk (Delhi), named it Mahashay Di Hatti, and sold spices. The quality of the species got the fame it deserved. He would often go around selling the species on his bicycle too. Soon the word spread, and people flocked the street of Delhi to grab their hands on MDH spices. It marked the new beginning of MDH spices. While sourcing of spices was Dharampal’s job grinding and, pounding of the same was done by a local mortar and pestle owner. He was soon caught by the “spices King” adulterating and, destroying the quality of his spices. This made him set up his manufacturing unit. The growth and success then kissed the feet of this young entrepreneur. The whole country was now enjoying the MDH spices at a reasonable cost! Competitors did come across but couldn’t move a brick for MDH.
The net worth of MDH today is 5,400 Crore. MDH now exports over 60 types of spices to over 100 countries. The company headquarters remain in Delhi while some branches cater from London and Dubai. Being the brand ambassador of his company Dharampal, was the face of the company as well. He was a part of advertisements. He also received a Padma Bhushan in 2019. He held 80% of the stakes in the company. His salary as per calculation was around 21 Crores.
Born in 1923, the spices king lived a great life, till his demise on 3rd December 2020. Being in his 90s, he was an active man. He ran errands to his factories and did as much as possible to be an active part of the spices market of India as well as other countries. Understanding what is achievable and working towards it is always the first step towards success.
He is a great example for young entrepreneurs across the county as well as around the world. He inspires one to “Do what you are best at”. One may not solely rely on education for it. Dharampal’s journey is based on pure determination. Hence remember to “Work not just hard but smart!”
:By- Neha Pandey
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