Condolences pour in as Dharampal Gulati, owner of MDH, passes away at 97

'Mahashay' Dharampal Gulati (File image: MDH website)

Odisha’s Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said he was “deeply saddened” to know about the death of 'Mahashay' Dharampal Gulati and called the “MDH Dadaji” a “shining beacon of India’s entrepreneurial journey.”

The owner of the masala brand MDH Spices passed away on December 3 at the age of 97.

“Deeply saddened to know the passing away of Padma Shri Dharampal Gulati ji, popularly known as MDH Dadaji. He was a shining beacon of India’s entrepreneurial journey who turned MDH Spices into an iconic brand. He will always be remembered for his philanthropic work. Om Shanti,” tweeted Patnaik.

Deeply saddened to know the passing away of Padma Shri #DharampalGulati ji, popularly known as #MDHDadaji. He was a shining beacon of India’s entrepreneurial journey who turned #MDHSpices into an iconic brand. He will always be remembered for his philanthropic work. Om Shanti pic.twitter.com/PGq8FhyN7o

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) December 3, 2020

According to reports, Gulati was undergoing post-COVID treatment and suffered a cardiac arrest on December 3 morning.

After the news of Gulati surfaces, condolences started pouring in from different sections of society.

President Ram Nath Kovind said he was saddened to know the demise of MDH owner Mahashay Dharampal Gulati. "Saddened by the demise of 'Mahashiyan Di Hatti' (MDH) President Shri Dharampal Gulati ji, who was honoured with Padma Bhushan. He was a well-known personality of the Indian industry. His social service activities are also commendable. My condolences to his family and fans," Kovind tweeted in Hindi.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called Dharampal Gulati a "very inspiring personality". Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia also tweeted on the demise of the popular personality.

Dharm Pal ji was very inspiring personality. He dedicated his life for the society. God bless his soul. https://t.co/gORaAi3nD9

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) December 3, 2020

Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit posted on Twitter: “Sad to know about the demise of King of spices Padma Shri Dharampal Gulati ji. He will always be remembered for his extraordinary contribution.”

Also Read | Remembering MDH's Dharampal Gulati: A look at some memorable ads featuring the 97-year-old king of spices

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed his condolences to the family of Dharampal Gulati. "I feel saddened by the demise of one of India's most respected businessmen, Mahasri Dharmapalji. Despite beginning with a small business, he proved himself. He was very active in social work and remained active till the last moment. I express my condolences to his family," Singh tweeted in Hindi.

Nationalist Congress Party leader Praful Patel expressed condolence to “king of spices”, as he wrote, “Sad to hear about the passing away of 'King of spices' Mahashay Dharampal Gulati ji. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti.”

My tributes to one of the most inspiring entrepreneurs of India Padma Bhushan Mahashay #DharampalGulati Ji on his passing away. He will be always remembered for spreading the fragrance of spices of India to all over the world. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti! pic.twitter.com/3mFl1Bd67v

— Som Parkash (@SomParkashBJP) December 3, 2020

Also read | MDH owner 'Mahashay' Dharampal Gulati was a victim of fake news after rumours of his death spread in 2018

Born in Sialkot (now in Pakistan) on March 27, 1923, Gulati had moved to India after partition and set up his business in Delhi. The 'Mahashian Di Hatti' (MDH) was founded by his late father Mahashay Chunni Lal Gulati. Popularly known as "Spice King", Gulati was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the country's third-highest civilian award, in 2019.