Deep C Anand, Founder of ANAND Group, Passes Away at 91

Deep C Anand, Founder of the ANAND Group, passed away on October 25 at the age of 91. Final prayers for him will be held on October 27 at the company’s headquarters in Hauz Khas.

The ANAND Group, established by Anand in 1961, is a New Delhi based manufacturer. The Group has become a key player in the Indian automotive sector, known for its wide range of products and strategic partnerships.

Anand was an alumnus of Bishop Cotton School in Shimla and earned his Mechanical Engineering degree from Chippenham College of Technology in the UK. He began his career in 1954 as a plant manager at Mahindra & Mahindra in Mumbai. At 27, he launched his first business venture—Gabriel India, the flagship company of the Group—through a collaboration with Maremont Corporation, USA, to manufacture shock absorbers in India. This venture marked the beginning of a new era in India's automotive sector.

Over the next six decades, the ANAND Group formed successful alliances with several leaders in the automotive industry, including Dana, Faurecia, and Haldex. These partnerships improved the Group's technological capabilities and market reach, allowing it to serve a significant number of OEMs in India while also exporting products globally. In 2017, the Group reported a sales turnover of Rs 9,000 crore, highlighting its robust market presence.

The ANAND Group is known for manufacturing a wide array of automotive components, including shock absorbers, filters, and emission control systems, catering to both original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and the aftermarket. The Group emphasizes innovation and operational services, focusing on research and development to drive advancements in automotive technology. 

Anand's legacy is characterized by his pioneering vision and commitment to a people-first approach, which have shaped the foundation of the ANAND Group. He emphasized the importance of ethical practices and responsible actions within the organization, fostering a culture of innovation and operational excellence. Under his leadership, the ANAND Group expanded into one of India's largest automotive component manufacturers and advanced corporate governance and sustainable growth through the Deep C Anand Foundation.

As a leader, he observed that people are the central asset of any business, which influenced the company’s core values and contributed to an inclusive workplace that supported employee development and professional growth. His dedication to corporate social responsibility initiatives, particularly through the SNS Foundation, focused on community development and sustainable practices.