Mohan Lal Mittal, father of steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal, died on Friday.
Mittal’s death was condoled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who, in a post on X, said: “Shri Mohan Lal Mittal Ji distinguished himself in the world of industry. At the same time, he was very passionate about Indian culture.”
He said Mittal supported various philanthropic endeavors which reflected his passion for social progress.
“I am pained by his passing. I will cherish our various interactions. My condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” the Prime Minister said.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also remembered the industrialist and spoke about his remarkable contributions.
“Saddened by the passing away of Shri Mohan Lal Mittal ji. The eminent industrialist made a significant contribution to the world of business by laying the foundations of a powerful business legacy. His resilience and philanthropic activities will continue to inspire generations. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones in this hour of grief. Om Shanti Posted on X., Go!
Who was Mohan Lal Mittal?
Mohan Lal Mittal started a steel business which later brought worldwide recognition to his family. According to the Eastern Eye report, he started the business in the 1950s.
He was born in the 1920s in Karachi, now Pakistan. Mohan Lal along with his mother and brother left Karachi in 1945 according to the report and moved to Kanpur. His father stayed back to take care of the family business.
In Kanpur, Mohan Lal established an oil press. However, this business was short-lived as the mill was ravaged by floods, forcing the family to move to Calcutta. Mohan Lal started a scrap iron business in Calcutta and later became the managing partner of a steel rolling mill.
His son, Lakshmi Niwas Mittal, was born in Rajasthan’s Sadulpur on 15 June 1950.
As steel production was curtailed in India in the 1960s and 1970s, Mohan Lal decided to send his son to Indonesia, where he set up a steel plant, thus beginning the journey of one of the world’s largest steel companies.
