Sir Lala Shri Ram (1884-1963)
Sir Shri Ram was an eminent and public-spirited philanthropist, an outstanding industrialist and one of the trend-setting visionary leaders of the Indian business community. He possessed the rare business perceptions and uncommon entrepreneurial acumen for setting up industries which not only served as a resource for the development of the Indian society but also brought name & fame to the country. At a time when the country faced with problems of multiple dimensions, the biggest challenge before the first Prime Minister Pt. J.L.Nehru was to lay foundation of industrially self-reliant India. Lalaji left no stone unturned in realizing the dreams of independent India by setting up of new lines of industrial units with the highest standards of quality. Lalaji took lead and brought the entrepreneurs of that period together by forming institutions like CII, FICCI and PHDCCI, which today play a key role in the growth of Modern India.

Even in his most opulent days, Lalaji continued to be the simple, austere & god-fearing soul. At the same time, Lalaji always believed that knowledge and strong research & development base are the fundamentals for the growth of a country. Lalaji's services to the community embraced a wide dimension, encompassing several activities concerning almost every aspect of the larger sphere of national life.

Lalaji was among the earliest industrialists who could foresee the usefulness of organized approach by the country's business community. Moreover, in seeking growth for his enterprises, Lalaji scrupulously pursued a policy which had its foundation based on intellectual integrity, devotion to duty, and a liberal humanism directed towards the common weal of all sections of Indian society.

Even British Raj recognized the contributions made by Lalaji towards the development of society and hence conferred him with a knighthood. Not only this, he also enjoyed the respect and admiration from the top national leaders in the post-independence era. Lalaji was among the most valued advisers of the Government of India on all industrial matters, commercial affairs and economic policies.

Lala Shri Ram was a man of conviction and courage; a man of integrity and industriousness; a man of great versatility and vision but above all a man of great pragmatism. His understanding of people and problems was boundless, as was his sense of personal discipline in all that he endeavoured. He was known for creating leaders.

Sir Shri Ram was one of the very few eminent personalities to realize the value of building up exports, supporting them with market research and a vigorously followed policy of quality control. At the same time, he perceived the basic imperatives of a well-thought-out policy and programme of adequate food and nutrition for the common people of this country. His close association with many business and industrial organizations and societies enabled him to see his ideas implemented on a larger canvas.

Sir Shri Ram believed passionately in the value of time and in man's ability to overcome obstacles. His philosophy could be epitomized in his own statement: "This time, like all times, is a very good time, if we but know what to do with it."