“I believe life is the biggest teacher and world is the biggest school. I learnt from my mistakes and crisis. There has hardly been a day when I have not learnt something.”
– Late Shri OP Munjal (26th August 1928 to 13th August 2015)
Late Shri OP Munjal is popularly known as the “Cycle Man” of India. He founded Hero Cycles Limited and led the company for almost 60 years. He was born in a small business family and started a business of bicycle spare parts with his three brothers in Amritsar in 1944.
In 1956, they graduated from component manufacturing to complete bicycle manufacturing with the brand name “Hero”, the first bicycle manufacturing unit in India, producing 639 bicycles in the first year.
During the 1980s, Hero Cycles became the largest bicycle manufacturer by volume in the world. Late Shri OP Munjal diversified the company into other areas like auto parts manufacturing and hospitality.
Under his leadership, the company grew from a bicycle maker to a Rs 3000 crore industrial house. He also served as the president of All India Cycle Manufacturers Association.
A recipient of many national honours, Late Shri OP Munjal was an equally respected philanthropist. He supported several educational institutions and hospitals across India.