Mahashay Dharampal Gulati, who became the face of the popular MDH (Mahashian Di Hatti) spices brand, died at a hospital in Delhi on Thursday at the age of 97.
According to reports, Dharampal passed away at the Mata Chandan Devi Hospital in Delhi.
Mahashay Dharampal was born on March 27, 1923, in Sialkot (modern-day Pakistan). Dharampal left school before he could complete his fifth class and started a number of businesses, which did not take off. He then joined his father in the family business of selling spices, which was named Mahashian Di Hatti.
Dharampal went to Delhi soon after Partition. According to the MDH website, Dharampal had only Rs 1,500 with him when he reached Delhi. Dharampal relaunched the spices business from a small shop at the Ajmal Khan Road in Karol Bagh. MDH currently claims to offer 62 products in over 150 different packages.
According to the MDH website, Dharampal started several hospitals and about 20 schools for the disadvantaged.
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia condoled the death of Dharampal, describing him as "India's most inspiring entrepreneur".
In 2019, Mahashay Dharampal had received the Padma Vibhushan, India's third-highest civilian honour.