A Tribute to Dr. Brijmohan Lall Munjal - The Spectacular Chronological Journey

The Indian two-wheeler industry is currently one of the most wide and diverse automotive markets in the world. Almost every major auto giant has marked its footprint in the country due to its day-by-day expanding vehicle portfolio and growing economy. But it was not at all what it seems to be. Like they say, nothing comes for free and hence, the credit behind all this goes to one man who is none other than Mr. Brijmohan Munjal. Also known as the father of Indian two-wheeler industry, Munjal was the founder of world’s largest two-wheeler company - Hero MotoCorp that still rules the two-wheeler world. Munjal recently left us at the age of 92 on 1st November, 2015 and is survived by his three sons - Suman Kant, Pawan Kant and Sunil Kant.

Brijmohan Lall Munjal was born in British India in the year 1923 in Kamalia, which is situated in Toba Tek Singh district of Punjab. The place now lies in Pakistan. After completing his education, Munjal worked at the Army Ordnance Factory and then moved to India for setting up his business.

Let’s have a look on the amazing journey of this indispensable personality:

The Remarkable Two-Wheeled Journey, Year by Year:

Year 1954:

Hero was into supplier business until one fine day, Munjal decided to shift his business from supplying to manufacturing. Now, the company started producing handlebars, chains and front forks. 

Year 1956: 

Punjab government issues tenders to make bicycles for 12 new industries and Munjal with his brothers won the bid. Hero registered itself as a large scale industry and was partially financed by the Government of Punjab. 

Year 1975:

Hero Cycles becomes the largest manufacturer of bicycles in India. 

Year 1986:

Hero entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest bicycle manufacturer.

Year 1984:

Hero finally started making motorcycles this year and entered into a joint venture with Honda. Before this, Munjal started Majestic Auto and used to make Hero Majestic mopeds. After the making of Hero Honda, the company established its first plant at Dharuhera, Haryana. 

Year 2001:

Hero Honda becomes the largest two-wheeler manufacturer not only in India, but in the whole world. 

Year 2005:

Munjal was awarded with the prestigious Padma Bhushan for his unforgettable role in the Indian two-wheeler industry.

Year 2011: 

The Hero-Honda joint partnership came to an end and both the companies part ways with each other. However, Hero had to pay royalty to Honda and continue making Hero Honda motorcycles for the next two years and the company was not allowed to sell its vehicles outside Asia Pacific region and places where Honda operated. 

Year 2013:

History was made in the month of August as Hero MotoCorp till then produced a whopping 50 million two-wheelers in total. 

Year 2015:

Dr. Brijmohan Lall Munjal departed leaving behind a reign of two-wheelers that will continue to rule the world for more years. The man was indeed, the real “Hero” of Indian automotive world and will continue to inspire the generations to come.

Rest In Peace!