Birla Legacy

Basant Kumar Birla (1921–2019), the youngest son of Ghanshyam Das Birla, married Sarala Birla (1923–2015), the daughter of noted social reformer Brijlal Biyani of Berar. Their legacy continues to inspire even after their lifetime through their daughters, Jayashree Mohta and Manjushree Khaitan (1955–2024), and their son, Aditya Vikram Birla (1943–1995).

Basant Kumar Birla and Sarala Birla established the Birla Academy of Art & Culture in Calcutta in 1964 to advance arts, culture, literature, and education. The successors of G.D. Birla and the Founders and Patrons of Birla Global University envisioned and laid the foundation for its establishment.

A dynamic leader from an early age, Basant Kumar Birla managed several companies, including Birla Brothers Pvt. Ltd. and Kesoram Industries. He pioneered industries in textiles, cement, chemicals, and tea and was the first Indian industrialist to establish a company abroad—Indo-Ethiopian Textiles in 1959—earning Ethiopia’s highest honor, the Medal of Maineik II.

Apart from leading industrial ventures such as Jay Shree Tea & Industries, Kesoram Industries Ltd., Century Enka Ltd., and Century Textiles Ltd., Basant Kumar Birla made significant contributions to the education sector. As a trustee of institutions like Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS) Pilani, Birla Education Trust Pilani, and BITS Biwani, he played a pivotal role in shaping numerous educational establishments, including:

• Birla Global University (BGU), Bhubaneswar
• Birla Institute of Management Technology, Greater Noida
• Birla Vidya Vihar Trust, Calcutta
• Birla Sanskriti Trust, Calcutta
• Birla Vidya Mandir, Nainital
• Birla Vidya Niketan, New Delhi
• G.D Birla Memorial School, Ranikhet
• Sarla Birla University, Ranchi

The vision and dedication of Basant Kumar Birla and Sarala Birla inspire these institutions, fostering excellence in education.

Previous

Next