All about Bata and Birla

Fazle RashidbrTwo business icons who revolutionised industrialisation in Indo-Pak-Bangladesh Sub-continent during the British Raj expired within the span of 48 hours. Thomas Bata (93), known worldwide as the 'shoemaker of the world' died in Toronto, Canada on Monday and KK Birla, (89) patriarch of an Indian industrial empire died on August 30 at his home in Kolkata on August 30. brBata was an immigrant in Canada. He originally hailed from Czechoslovakia. He fled from his country, ahead of the German invasion. The Bata shoe company that his father made has flourishing business in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and many African countries. Bata became a generic name in many parts of the world. Bata took active part with the Canadian army in world War II.brThe expansion of his business brought him face to face with political leaders like Idi Amin of Uganda. Bata sold out its South African operation protesting apartheid in the country. The company now employs an estimate 40,000 workers in factories in 25 countries including Bangladesh. The company sells 300 million pairs of shoes annually. brThough Thomas Bata remained active in business, the day-to-day affairs of the company, is now looked after by his son Thomas George Bata who took over as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in 2001. The company is wholly owned by the family. Bata headquarters have shifted from Canada to Switzerland. Bata visited his country at the invitation of President Vasclav Havel in 1989. He also helped in creating a charitable foundation in his former country.brKK Birla added to company started by his father to establish one of the biggest business conglomerates in India. Birla established companies in sugar, fertilisers, chemicals, heavy engineering, textile shipping and media.brBirla owns one of the most prestigious Indian newspapers, the Hindustan Times. KK Birla also established a Foundation which focuses on the achievement of its rural population. brThe late KK Birla was the chancellor of the Birla Institute of Technology and Science. He was a loyal Congress party supporters and had close ties with Indira Gandhi, Rajeev Gandhi, Manmohon Singh. Birlas made huge financial contributions to the Congress Party Fund. Birla had his graduation from the Lahore University. He was the eldest of the three sons of his parents. He broke away from family tradition and handed his company to his three daughters.brBirla was also an author of eminence and his autobiography ' Brushes with History' has been widely acclaimed. His other books are ' Indira Gandhi Reminiscences' and ' Partners in Progress'.