Honouring the timeless legacy of Mahindra’s veteran team

Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra recently had the privilege of connecting with a remarkable assembly of individuals who have dedicated decades to the company's success. The gathering was organised by Arun Nanda, Chairman of Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Ltd (MHRIL) and a veteran of the Group, shed light on this inspiring reunion.

“Last Friday, I had the privilege of gathering all my secretaries, spanning over 50 years of my journey with Mahindra Group. The special individual in the picture, dressed in a white shirt, is the oldest living employee of Mahindra, A S Balakrishnan. He joined M&M in 1952, just two years before Villoo Mehta. Balakrishnan served in the chairman’s office before Villoo joined, and later for several directors of M&M. He was my secretary from 1986 to 1991, a period I fondly remember. At 94 years old, his dedication remains unmatched. Bala and Villoo are the only two alumnae that I know, who joined in the early 50s.

Next to Mr. Anand Mahindra, stands Smita, who served as my secretary from 1977 to 1986, during my tenure in Pune. Glory, my current secretary of 20 years, stands alongside. Margaret, wearing a white stole, worked for several directors for over 40 years, including with me for a decade before retiring in 2000. The woman standing between Balakrishnan and Margaret is Davida, who retired in 2022 after working with me for over 25 years.

Mr. Anand Mahindra gracefully joined us for the photo, knowing all but Smita personally, at one point of time, we all used to sit together on the first floor of the Gateway building.”

This touching reunion not only honours the legacy of these esteemed individuals but also serves as a reminder of the invaluable contributions of Mahindra's workforce, over the years. As we cherish this moment, we encourage more of our veteran colleagues to share their stories, and celebrate the enduring spirit of dedication that defines Mahindra's ethos.