Dharampal Gulati, owner of MDH, passes away at 97

‘Mahashay’ Dharampal Gulati, the owner of masala brand MDH Spices passed away on December 3. He was 97 years old.

According to reports, Gulati was undergoing treatment at a hospital in New Delhi where he suffered a cardiac arrest on December 3 morning.

Gulati was born in Sialkot (now in Pakistan) and later migrated to India after the partition.

He dropped out of school and set up a small business in 1937 with the help of his father, before joining the family business of spices. MDH (Mahashian Di Hatti), founded by his father Mahashay Chunni Lal Gulati, now has 15 factories across India and exports nearly 50 different varieties of spices across the world.

Gulati, who appeared in several advertisements of MDH products, was also known for his work towards improving the quality of education and was associated with a number of educational institutions. In 2019, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian award.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Twitter that “Dharm Pal ji was very inspiring personality” who “dedicated his life for the society”.

In a tweet, Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said: “India’s most inspiring entrepreneur, MDH owner Dharm Pal Mahashay passed away this morning. I have never met such an inspiring and lively soul. May his soul rest in peace.”