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Srichand and Gopichand HindujaIndian billionaire brothers
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- The Hinduja Brothers: Billionaire Indian Entrepreneurs
- Early Beginnings and International Expansion
- Success and Wealth
- Personal Lives and Philanthropy
- Controversies and Political Influence
- Business Approach and Success
The Hinduja Brothers: Billionaire Indian Entrepreneurs
The Hinduja brothers, Shrichand and Gopichand, are billionaire businessmen originally from India. They are known for their successful conglomerate, Hinduja Group, which is headquartered in London, United Kingdom. The company was founded by their father, Parmanand Deepchand Hinduja, in 1914.
Early Beginnings and International Expansion
Initially, the diversified company operated in Mumbai, India, and its first international business operation was conducted in Iran in 1919. However, after the Islamic revolution, Shrichand and Gopichand moved to London in 1979 to assist their father in developing the export business. Hinduja Group encompasses various companies operating in industries such as automobiles, oil exploration, financial services, media, and telecommunications. Currently, the group employs around 4,000 people.
Success and Wealth
Shrichand and Gopichand are the richest individuals in both the United Kingdom and Asia. In 2012, they ranked fourth on the list of the richest people in the UK and second in Asia, with a fortune of $13.95 billion. They also set a record among British individuals by earning $4.22 billion in just one year. The brothers have a conservative approach to business and invest in diverse sectors such as oil exploration, banking, IT companies, real estate, energy, chemical industries, media, and entertainment projects.
Personal Lives and Philanthropy
Shrichand, 75, and Gopichand, 70, reside in London, while their brother Prakash, 65, is settled in Geneva, and the youngest brother, Ashok, 60, lives in Mumbai. The brothers are famously known as the "Fab Four" and collectively own the Carlton Terrace House, a mansion with a total area of 70,000 square feet located near Buckingham Palace.
Both Shrichand and Gopichand are vegetarians and teetotalers. It is known that they bring their own vegetarian food to royal banquets at Buckingham Palace. The brothers are also known for their philanthropic endeavors, generously donating significant amounts to social, cultural, and charitable causes.
Controversies and Political Influence
The Hinduja family has faced controversies in the past. In 2001, the brothers contributed $1.5 million towards the construction of the Millennium Dome in London, which ultimately led to the resignation of the British Minister for Northern Ireland, Peter Mandelson. Mandelson was accused of accepting donations in exchange for granting Shrichand a British passport.
In 1989, the Hinduja brothers were also involved in a scandal where they were accused of receiving $1 million from Bofors, a Swedish weapons manufacturer, in exchange for persuading the Indian government to purchase 400 howitzers. However, the charges were eventually dropped by the Delhi High Court.
Business Approach and Success
"We entered the business as teenagers and learned it from the ground up. We grew through practical experience at all levels, and each of us is responsible for different geographic regions and market sectors," says Shrichand Hinduja. As successful entrepreneurs, the Hinduja brothers have established themselves as influential figures in the business world while also making significant contributions to society through their philanthropic efforts.
