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PRATAP BHOGILAL - JOURNEY THROUGH LIFE
Mr.Vijay Kirloskar Chairman and Managing Director, Kirloskar Electricals Limited My grandfather had started the Kirloskar Group, first with farm implements and then machine tools, with suggestion from Batliboi during the Second World War. Pratap Bhogilal had studied at the Hindu High School, Panchgani (later called Sanjeewan Vidyalaya) with my father and uncles Ravi, Prabhakar and Chandrakant Kirloskar. The two families have had a good relationship since the 1930s, maybe even before. Since Batliboi went public, there has always been a Kirloskar on its Board.
My father died prematurely when I was young, so I joined business at an early age. I have been on the Board of Batliboi for 15 years. The board meetings of Batliboi were always extraordinary, very special. The deliberations were always well-prepared and professional. Pratapbhai has a phenomenal memory. He would ask a number of questions, not to criticise but to make people think. These would be on machine tools, textile machines, foundry and, of course, finance, which was the key.
Whenever Pratapbhai was in Bangalore, I tried to organize a bridge game for him as he loved playing bridge. My father had a particular name for Pratapbhai, which I have forgotten. At the Batliboi AGMs, there used to be a lady shareholder, Mrs. Maheshwari, who always read out poems specially composed for Pratapbhai, and he would feel very shy.
Dr. Neelkanth Rao Kalyani Promoter of Bharat Forge Limited Pratapbhai is the most sincere and honest man I have met. You don't find such sincerity easily. Once he accepts you as a friend, it's for keeps, he will remain your friend forever. He will never let you down. He is a very loving person who enjoyed good company and fellowship. He has been very supportive of us. I always went to him when I needed advice. Heeding to his advice has always benefited me.
Dr.Kalyani and his family have had business relations with Pratap Bhogilal since 1961. He is mostly housebound these days due to ill health.
Being entirely honest with oneself is a good exercise - Sigmund Freud
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