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When I joined Macneill & Barry Limited on 1 September 1960, it was then a fully British Company owned by Lord Inchcape, with a formal

English culture in all its dealings and operations. In 1974, the Company was taken over by Shri B.M. Khaitan. At that time there were

uncertainties and rumours floating across the office indicative of transformation to a Marwari culture and it was suggested to people at our

level, that it would be wise to change over to some other organization.

I, however, decided to stay on for some time and observe the impact of the change. To my utter pleasant surprise, a couple of interactions with

Shri B. M. Khaitan were sufficient to convince me that the person with whom I would now be working was much more affectionate, understood

the problems well, had a practical approach and believed in delegation of efforts. There was no looking back and, of course, no regret.

I just wish to mention a few incidents during my career, which signify the graciousness and genuine interest of our Chairman towards the

wellbeing of the people working with him.

In 1994, I suffered from acute renal problem, which required regular dialysis. One morning, Mr Khaitan came to know of this from Dr Mor and

on his arrival to office, he came straight to my room on the 7th floor and told me not to worry. He asked me to procure a machine immediately

and just for a moment I thought he was referring to a computer since during that period we were purchasing quite a few of them. But soon I

realized that he was referring to the dialysis machine so that the dialysis could be performed at home. He gave me instances of people who

were coping with the disease well and assured me not to be troubled. After few months when further treatment was necessary, he on his own

made all the arrangements for my treatment in the U.K. and gave personal instructions to his Doctor there. Although, it was eventually not

essential for me to go to the U.K., the comfort which he gave speaks volumes of his generosity and concern.

Another instance which I can recall was in November 2002 when our family had organized a nine day religious discourse on The Bhagwad in my

native village in Rajasthan, close to Ajmer. I requested Shri B.M. Khaitan to kindly grace the occasion on the inaugural day. To my pleasant

surprise, he agreed despite his hectic schedule. He travelled by the evening flight to Delhi where he stayed overnight and next morning took a

special flight to the Kishangarh airstrip. He then travelled close to 70 km by road to reach our Village. During that period, he also visited a

village school and gave a donation not only towards its development but also for the welfare of a Goshala.

In the process, the impression, which he left on the local people was truly wonderful. They felt fortunate that such a great personality had

visited them. A person so great, yet so simple, munificent and spiritual. Even today, they continue to remember him with immense respect.

This incident clearly portrays the quality of Our Chairman, to leave behind a memorable impression without any publicity wherever he goes

and the extent of trouble he can take to fulfill some of the odd requests made to him. Shri B.M. Khaitan has made so many silent charitable

contributions throughout his life.

I can say with absolute confidence that though in today’s world we may come across many industrialists bigger (in net worth and fortunes)

than Shri B. M. Khaitan but to find a noble, simple and virtuous person like him is next to impossible. He is simply unparalleled. His business

decisions, based on experience and foresight, are invariably accurate.

I am fortunate to have had the opportunity of working so closely with him and the knowledge and wisdom that I have gained during this tenure

is and will always remain my greatest and most valuable asset.

His magnetic, charismatic personality and goodwill swayed everyone who met him. I have always noticed people going to him, even with

problems, come out pleased and satisfied.

We pray that he continues to guide us for many, many more years to come.

R.S. Jhawar

HO, Kolkata

Industrialist, philanthropist and doyen of the Tea Industry, Mr B.M. Khaitan personifies grace, refinement and magnanimity. As a humanitarian he has, in

his illustrious career, been the architect of many social initiatives long before the term ‘Corporate Responsibility` entered the corporate conscience.

Health care, education, the arts, literature and sports are sectors which have gained significantly from Mr Khaitan`s munificence. He firmly believes in

contributing to the social good, silently and without any fanfare, expecting nothing in return. Each of Mr Khaitan`s endowments, to mention only a few –

such as the Assam Valley School, The Assam Valley Literary Award, The Williamson Magor Education Trust, The Vivekananda Kendra Auditorium, the ITA

Cultural Centre and the Law Faculty Building – have been lauded for excellence and have been deeply entrenched in the psyche of the state of Assam

and its people.

A dream project of Mr Khaitan’s has been the Purva Tirupati Balaji Temple at Guwahati. Ever since the idea was conceived to its present eminence,

Mr Khaitan`s guidance and involvement have been paramount. To implement the project he gathered a group of persons from diverse backgrounds and

callings and empowered them to create an institution which would bring peace, prosperity and tranquility to the state and its people. Amidst the urban

din, the temple today is an oasis of peace and harmony. Mr Khaitan`s vision, association and, most of all, serene guidance have to a large measure made

this possible.

His quest to do good leads him to new areas such as setting up a cultural centre in the Temple premises. The centre has helped many budding artistes to

get a foothold and develop their skills. The list goes on.

Mr Khaitan has that rare touch of motivating people to do their best. He empowers them with trust. In short, he makes a person feel good.

Parimal Kr Borkakoty

Guwahati, Assam

I recall that as a new young Manager of Behali Tea Estate of the

Majuli Tea Co in the early 1960s, being in Calcutta and speaking to

Eric Hannay in his office in the old Mangoe Lane offices, when in

walked this very new Director of WM & Co who Eric introduced me to

as Briju Khaitan. As Eric was more interested in the Test Match being

relayed over the wireless from Eden Gardens, Briju very kindly asked

me about my estate and quoted most of the relevant points from my

letters to the Board which were copied to the office in Calcutta!!

He was very good at retaining information in all that he read and really

keen to know what went on in the estates.

From 1967 until I left India in 1977 as Visiting Agent on the South Bank

and Darjeeling I got to know Briju very well and was grateful to him for

his extreme kindness and understanding both to myself and my family.

I still treasure the silver cigarette case that he gave me when I left – to

remind me of all the times that I used to use his cigarette box when in

his office!!

R.R. Stammers

Visiting Agent (Retired)

My wife and I would always try to see Mr Khaitan on

our way through on Home Leave etc and what

cannot be forgotten is that he was a true gentleman.

He was never too busy in his office to see us for a

few minutes and we have never forgotten the 1968

Centenary of Williamson Magor & Co Ltd which

included a visit to the Calcutta races and a boat trip

on the Hoogly River. Since my retirement in 1984

Mr Khaitan helped us on two occasions to visit

Assam again which was much appreciated. However,

the most treasured memory of all is that, since 1984,

we have exchanged Christmas Cards every year and

we know that we shall be doing this again for many

years to come.

P.A. Bayley

Superintendent (Retired)