Balvant Parekh’s life is a powerful example of how patience, ethics and belief in people can build institutions that last. He was not a flamboyant industrialist or a headline seeker. He was a thoughtful entrepreneur who believed that good products, honest intent and long term vision could transform everyday life. Through this belief, he helped create one of India’s most trusted consumer brands.
Born in 1923 in Gujarat, Balvant Parekh grew up in a modest household where discipline and responsibility were deeply valued. He trained as a chartered accountant, a profession that shaped his analytical thinking and respect for structure. Yet behind the numbers was an entrepreneurial instinct that sought meaning beyond balance sheets. He believed business should solve real problems and improve quality of life.
In 1959, along with his brother, he founded Pidilite Industries. The company began with industrial adhesives, serving carpenters and small manufacturers. At the time, imported products dominated the market and Indian alternatives were often viewed with skepticism. Parekh saw this not as a limitation, but as an opportunity to build trust through quality and consistency.
The turning point came with the launch of Fevicol. What made Fevicol special was not just the product, but the philosophy behind it. Parekh understood that innovation must be paired with education. He invested in understanding users, building relationships with carpenters and creating simple, memorable communication. Over time, Fevicol became more than an adhesive. It became a cultural symbol of strength and reliability.
Balvant Parekh believed deeply in people. He empowered teams, encouraged research and gave managers the freedom to experiment. He was known for his calm demeanor, ethical clarity and long term thinking. Profit mattered, but never at the cost of integrity. He believed brands were built slowly, through trust earned day after day.
Under his guidance, Pidilite expanded into multiple categories while maintaining its core values. Even as the company grew, Parekh remained grounded. He avoided the spotlight and focused on nurturing leadership within the organization, ensuring the company could thrive beyond him.
What makes Balvant Parekh truly inspiring is his belief that success is sustainable only when rooted in purpose. He showed that Indian companies could build global quality without losing their soul. His life reminds us that enduring impact does not come from speed or spectacle, but from consistency, care and conviction.
Balvant Parekh’s legacy lives quietly in millions of homes, workshops and classrooms. Every time something holds firm because of trust in a simple solution, his vision continues to work, strong, reliable and deeply human.