One of the most notable Indian innovators and entrepreneurs of the early 20th century was Ardeshir Godrej. During a period when India was governed by the British and when Indian corporations could hardly expand, he developed some products that were contemporary, dependable, and full of Indian pride. Beginning with the failures as a child and finishing in creating the Godrej Group, Ardeshir has experienced a lot of success and has a memorable experience up to that point.
The Ardeshir Godrej success story is not a mere business success story. It is patience, honesty, self learning and the ability to begin again after a failure. His ideas transformed the Indians to live, work, and believe in products that are made by Indians.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ardeshir Burjorji Sorabji Godrej |
| Real Name | Ardeshir Burjorji Godrej |
| Known As | Ardeshir Godrej |
| Nickname | Godrej |
| Date of Birth | 1868 |
| Died | 1936 |
| Age (as of 2026) | Not applicable |
| Birthplace | Bombay (Mumbai), India |
| Zodiac Sign | Not publicly known |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Parsi (Zoroastrianism) |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Inventor, Industrialist |
| Hometown | Mumbai, India |
| Weight | Not publicly known |
| Height | Not publicly known |
| Hair Color | Not publicly known |
| Eye Color | Not publicly known |
| Father’s Name | Burjorji Gootherajee (Godrej) |
| Mother’s Name | Not publicly known |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife Name | Bachu (Bachubai) |
| Net Worth | Not Applicable |
| Social Media Handle | Not Applicable |
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Ardeshir Godrej Early Life
Ardeshir Godrej was born in Bombay, India, in 1868, when it was under the British rule. He was born in a Parsi family of middle classes. Burjorji Gootherajee, his father, had resolved to alter the family name Gootherajee to Godrej as a result of the birth of the three years old Ardeshir. He was an inquisitive young boy, and at a tender age, he was very keen on learning.
He was a straightforward, strict and a very patriotic man. Similar to many Indians around him, he felt that India must grow into self-sufficiency and power by its own industries and not foreign imports.
Ardeshir Godrej Age
Ardeshir Godrej age was around 68 years when he passed away in 1936. He lived for nearly seven decades, during which he witnessed major changes in Indian society and industry. Though he is no longer alive, his ideas and values continue to guide one of India’s biggest business groups.
Ardeshir Godrej Education
Ardeshir was a lawyer who studied law. Nevertheless, he soon found out that being a lawyer was not an interesting experience. He took the risk of quitting his safe career and trying a business and innovation instead of remaining a lawyer. This decision surprised most of the people surrounding him but it turned out to be one of his major decisions in life.
Ardeshir Godrej Career
Ardeshir began his career in 1894 with a case in Zanzibar. However, when asked to make an unproven claim in court, Ardeshir refused on moral grounds. Realizing that his conscience would not allow him to thrive in the legal profession, he abandoned law altogether and returned to Bombay.
He briefly worked in a pharmacy, where his interest shifted toward manufacturing. Determined to build something meaningful without depending on family wealth, he secured a loan from Merwanji Muncherji Cama and began producing surgical instruments. Although the products met high standards, Ardeshir insisted on marking them “Made in India,” a stance that led to the venture’s failure but reflected his early commitment to indigenous manufacturing.
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Ardeshir Godrej Success Story Turning Point
A turning point came when he identified the need for better security systems in India. Ardeshir studied lock-making in depth and, in 1897, started manufacturing high-quality, precision-engineered locks under the Anchor brand. He invented India’s first high-quality, unbreakable lock. At that time, most locks in India were imported. His lock was strong, affordable, and Indian-made. It quickly gained trust.
He later invented vegetable oil soap which was less expensive and less hazardous as compared to the imported soaps. This product gained a lot of popularity particularly to the Indian households. His emphasis on innovation, explicit guarantees, and honest communication stood out the products he has. In the course of time, he invented a number of superior lock designs, invented fireproof safes and later co-founded Godrej & Boyce along with his brother Pirojsha.
Ardeshir Godrej Challenges
The journey was never easy. Ardeshir faced business failures, financial losses, lack of trust in Indian products, and competition from British companies. Despite these challenges, he stayed honest and focused on quality. He believed that Indian products could match global standards, and he proved it through action.
Ardeshir Godrej Family
Ardeshir Godrej came from a Parsi family. His brother Pirojsha Godrej played a key role in expanding the business. Together, they formed a partnership based on trust, discipline, and shared values. His father, Burjorji, and grandfather, Sorabji, was also the backbone of developing Ardeshir’s successful journey. With their support, Ardeshir later continued his vision and turned the company into a global brand.
Ardeshir Godrej Investments
Ardeshir invested mainly in manufacturing, innovation, Indian-made products, and quality improvement. He did not believe in quick profits. His focus was long-term growth and trust.
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Ardeshir Godrej Awards and Achievements
Though formal awards were rare during his time, his work earned respect across India. These Ardeshir Godrej achievements laid the foundation for the modern Indian industry.
| Awards and Achievements | Details |
|---|---|
| India’s first unbreakable lock | Revolutionized home security |
| Indigenous soap production | Reduced dependence on imports |
| Foundation of Godrej Group | One of India’s most trusted brands |
| Support for the Swadeshi movement | Promoted Indian self-reliance |
| Innovation-driven business model | Ahead of his time |
Ardeshir Godrej Net Worth
There is no public record of Ardeshir Godrej net worth. However, the business he started grew into one of India’s most valuable and trusted industrial groups.
His real wealth was the legacy he left behind.
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Ardeshir Godrej Social Media Presence
Ardeshir lived long before the digital age. He does not have any social media accounts.
Ardeshir Godrej Interesting Facts
- He left a stable legal career to follow innovation
- His first businesses failed, but he never quit
- He believed Indian products could match global quality
- He supported self-reliance during British rule
- His ideas still guide the Godrej Group today
FAQs
Q1. Who was Ardeshir Godrej son?
Ans. He had no children.
Q2. What is the Ardeshir Godrej success story?
Ans. It is the story of a man who failed multiple times but built a trusted Indian brand through innovation and honesty.
Q3. What were Ardeshir Godrej achievements?
Ans. He created India’s first unbreakable lock, affordable soap, and laid the foundation of a global business group.
Q4. When did Ardeshir Godrej die?
Ans. He passed away in 1936.
Q5. What is Ardeshir Godrej religion?
Ans. He comes from the Parsi background with a sub-category of Zoroastrian.
