Aurangabad, May 18
Veteran industrialist and founder chairman of R L Group of Industries Raghunandanlal Gupta died after a brief illness here today. He was 89.
The ‘man of steel’ with impeccable management skills, he was master in taking over sick industrial units and turning them into profitable ventures.
Gupta came to Aurangabad from Mathura on February 17, 1979. He began his career in entrepreneurship by obtaining 50 per cent partnership in the sick unit Ellora Steels, which had been facing many difficulties. Due to vision of Gupta, better management, hard work of the staff and workers, the company was in profits within two years.
In 1985, he took over another sick unit Ajanta Auto and turned it around. He founded R L Steels in 1987. Through Akar Auto, the company forayed into production of hand tools in 1990 which later saw expansion in advanced tool making. In the year, 2006 R L Steel saw big expansion in Chitegaon.
R L Gupta adroitly steered the group through different periods of transition, adopting modern technology.
A dedicated philanthropist, Gupta founded Radhakrishna Temple. He set up Anand Ashram on Paithan Road for educating needy children.
R L Gupta is survived by wife Sushiladevi, son and industrialist Narendra Gupta, a daughter, grandson Nitin Gupta and extended family. Last rites were performed on him at N-6 crematorium.
Dussehara
celebrations
A large number of labourers from north India working in Aurangabad industries missed grand Dussehara celebrations back home. In those days, Ram Leela and Ravan Dahan programmes were not held in Aurangabad. In 1982, Gupta took initiative and began grand Ram Leela and Ravan Dahan celebrations at N-7 Cidco. The tradition continues even today.