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I first met Mr Khaitan 50 years ago in the old Mangoe Lane Building where I was introduced to the executives of Williamson Magor
following my appointment as Tea Taster and Manufacture Adviser to the Williamson Magor and George Williamson estates. Little did I
realise that within a few months Mr Khaitan would become the Chairman of Williamson Magor following the demise of Pat Williamson.
Under his Chairmanship and with the backing from London it soon became apparent that quaility as opposed to quantity was required.
The first major step forward was to ensure that the green leaf plucked for manufacture was of the required standard and the factories
were properly equipped to make quality tea. When this was achieved the teas increased in popularity with the buyers, particularly those
from overseas.
It would take many pages to list all the projects in which Mr Khaitan has been involved at the highest level; the following are a selected few :
A new building for Four Mangoe Lane
The Assam Valley School at Tezpur
The Balaji Temple at Guwahati
Increasing
productivity and the number of estates
Using paper sacks to replace tea chests
Introducing Vacuum Packing
Updating
factory machinery
In the book ‘Four Mangoe Lane’ Mr Khaitan is described as "a motivator with the unique knack of being unobtrusively helpful and invisible
but always there". I entirely agree with this description and thank Mr Khaitan for his invaluable help and guidance given to me and the
estate personnel for the last 50 years.
J.M. Trinick
Tea Taster & Manufacturing Advisor
What do I write about a man, a legend who I have been fortunate enough to have worked for and, more importantly, to have
worked with. The quintessential gentleman, the epitome of class, sophistication and aristocracy; he will probably scowl at
being compared to aristocracy as he is proud of his humble beginnings and his self-made empire. However, I cannot help but
compare him with those whom we looked up to in our growing years but perhaps none as gracious, humble and understated as
the legacy of BMK. There is so much to learn from him, and lots to admire...
My first association with Mr Khaitan was in 1979 at the Four Mangoe Lane lunch room. I was a trainee and honoured to be lunching
with the senior executives and Board members. Michael Rome (MLR) was the ‘all in all’ at Mangoe Lane (or so he made us believe)
and would naturally sit at the head of the table. But on one rare occasion, BMK was to join us for lunch. He would usually sit at
2 Fairlie Place, the engineering abode, and I was eager for the first meeting with him. I was prepared for him to walk towards the
head of the table but to my utter surprise he came and sat at the side and allowed Michael Rome to continue to head the table. It
was unthinkable for me at that time; if you were the boss then you had to wear the position on your sleeve and repeatedly
proclaim your position. Here was a lesson to be learnt, of subtlety and delegation of authority – the style of a 'King-maker'.
My second and most important meeting was perhaps a year later, when the peon came down to the eighth floor and said,
"Burra Sahab salaam dia". I immediately rushed up with the Auction Catalogues and various sales statements and continued to
nervously replay in my mind all the sales figures that I could recall. On entering his room, Mr Khaitan asked me to be seated as
he flipped through the pages of the Auction Catalogue, and then asked two questions. "Do you like tea?" (as in the Industry)
I replied, "Yes sir ". Then he asked, "Would you like to work here?" The rest is now history.
I have now been a part of Mangoe Lane since September 1979, arguably the longest amongst the current working brigade,
longer than the time spent with my family, but then, isn't he our family ?
A few like me are fortunate to lunch with our ‘Burra Sahab’ almost everyday, as he continues to sit by the side. We have the
luxury of sharing our experiences and predicaments, discussing our issues and problems but most importantly learning and
imbibing from a legend – a legend who is the Maharaja of Tea, a Father to the Industry and Family to us.
Azam Monem
Director
As we grow in years and reflect back we are often reminded of people who have had a lasting impression on our lives. Mr B.M.
Khaitan is one such individual and I am fortunate to have had the privilege of working under such a wonderful human being;
anything that I write falls short of the respect that I have for him.
Apart from being a legend and a visionary who created an empire from scratch and modelled the business on strong human
values, this is in fact the true personality of this very humble individual: he is a man of few words and his style of functioning is
unique. He is a professional industrialist who believes that the real assets of an organisation are the people which no amount
of investment can replicate. He cares for them like his own family and his gentleness and kindness generate the goodwill which
makes him a charismatic leader.
Over the years he may have mellowed with age but his mind is as sharp as before. He remembers in great detail major events
and challenges which he faced during his lifetime and has very interesting stories to tell. He has a heart of gold and his
generosity has no limit.
May God give him long life and good health.
Rajeev Takru
Director
Shri B.M. Khaitan, ‘Burra Saheb’ (as he is addressed in Four Mangoe Lane) has had an inspirational impact on my
professional career. His understanding of Tea business even in this changing environment is impeccable and we always look
forward to his guidance on various issues. His philosophy of “honouring all commitments” practised over decades has earned
him an unmatched creditability in the market place especially with financial institutions and banks. Another philosophy which
he has always followed is compassion when dealing with people, which has earned him respect and created tremendous faith
and loyalty amongst all. I wish and pray that his guidance carries on for many more years and gives us the strength to take
forward his philosophies in years to come.
Kamal Kishore Baheti
Director