Industrialist Mehta launches book on family, business legacy

May 15, 2018

Today, Mehta Group is a global conglomerate with base in Mumbai, India and subsidiaries in the US, Canada, Kenya and Uganda.

 PIC:"Peacock," a book about Mehta which was launched by President Musevein. (Credit: Ronnie Kijjambu)

 

INDUSTRIALISATION

 

KAMAPALA - At the age of 19, Mahendra Mehta, son of a famous industrialist, Nanji Kalidas Mehta, found himself at the helm of his father's business empire with little preparation.

 

However, in less than a decade, he had succeeded in the task assigned to him by his father.

 

In 1962, he was appointed member of parliament and all seemed to be going on well.

 

But, everything changed ten years later, when former president Idi Amin decided to expel Asians from Uganda.

 

Mahendra, already a well-known entrepreneur in his own right, was one of the first victims of the decree, having been given just 24 hours to leave behind all the legacy that he and his father had worked tirelessly to build.

President Yoweri Museveni (fouth left) with first lady Janet Museveni and Mehta family during the book lauch at Pearl Hotel Kampala on Monday. (Credit: Ronnie Kijjambu)

 

In his memoir, titled: 'The all of the Peacock,' Mahendra describes his early struggles to rebuild his life when all was lost.

 

The book explores the deep roots of family, culture and love that played an important role in his journey to rebuild the family business into an even greater empire.

 

Today, Mehta Group is a global conglomerate with base in Mumbai, India and subsidiaries in the US, Canada, Kenya and Uganda.

 

The group employs over 15,000 people worldwide and has an asset base in excess of $400m.

 

The group's businesses include investments in sugar, cement, packaging, floriculture, engineering, electrical cable, consulting, management, insurance, international trade and finance.

 

Mehta's book is peppered with anecdotes about his childhood experience and makes reference to the values that have shaped his journey to the top.

 Author of the "Peacock," Mahendra Mehta (left) hands over a copy of his book to the President Yoweri Museveni during its launch at Pearl Hotel Kampala on Monday. (Credit:Ronnie Kijjambu)

 

Speaking at the book launch ceremony held at Pearl of Africa Hotel in Kampala on Monday, President Yoweri Museveni, who was chief guest, paid tribute to the Mehta family for their contribution towards industrialisation in Uganda.

 

He credited Asians, including the Mehtas, for exposing Uganda to the outside world through trade and making a foot print in Uganda's nascent production sector.

 

Mehta's father, Nanji Kalidas started the first sugar factory in 1900.

 

"The Asian community has played a very important symbiotic role with the population of Uganda. Mzee Mehta is just one of them," he said.

 

Several dignitaries, including ambassadors, ministers and the Asian and Ugandan business community attended the colourful launch ceremony

 

The new book, whose proceeds will go to charity goes for sh50000.