MDH Masala owner & brand ambassador Mahashay Dharampal Gulati passes away at the age of 98

On Thursday, December 3, Mahashay Dharampal Gulati, the owner of renowned spice company Mahashian Di Hatti (MDH) passed away at the age of 98. Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi shared the news of his demise on Twitter and said that he was India's most inspiring entrepreneur. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid their tribute to the departed soul.

Journey to 'Spice King'

Popularly known as the 'Spice King,' Dharampal Gulati was born in 1923 and raised in Sialkot, Pakistan. His family owned a small shop of spices which he joined at a very young age after dropping out of school having completed the 5th grade. It is said that Gulati had travelled to India following the partition in 1947 with just Rs 1,500 with him. 

As per the MDH website, Mahashay Dharampal bought a small wooden shoop measuring 14ft. x 9 ft in New Delhi to start business of spices which came to be known as 'Deggi Mirch Wale'. Gradually, the business prospered and Mahashayji ventured into success with MDH spices becoming one of the most popular spices brand in India. At the age of 94, he came the highest-paid CEO in India's FMCG sector. 

The 'Spice King' also actively indulged in philantrophy having set up hospitals across the national capital. He has established over 20 educational institutions including the MDH International School and Mahashay Dharmpal Vidhya Mandir. According to reports, the 'Spice King' donated nearly 90% of his salary to charity under the banner of Mahashay Chunni Lal Charitable Trust. In 2019, the Indian government honoured Gulati with the country's third highest civilian award - Padma Bhushan.