RDS
Industrialist

Rajnikant Devidas Shroff

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Founded UPL Limited, a global agrochemical company transforming Indian agriculture.

Rajnikant Devidas Shroff, also known as Rajju Shroff, is an Indian businessperson and billionaire, who is the founder and chairman of UPL Limited. In 2020, he was ranked as the #93 richest person in India, with a net worth of $1.5 billion, according to Forbes. The Government of India conferred him India's third highest civilian award the Padma Bhushan in 2021.

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A detail that
surprised us

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UPL, under Rajnikant Shroff's leadership, holds 433 patents globally, reflecting a strong emphasis on innovation in agrochemicals.

The Story

1
🌱 In 1969, Rajnikant Devidas Shroff founded a small manufacturing unit in Vapi, Gujarat, producing red phosphorus, marking the humble beginnings of what would become UPL Limited.
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🌍 By 2017, under his leadership, UPL had secured 433 patents and expanded its agrochemical solutions to 120 countries, including India, establishing a global footprint with an Indian soul.
3📈 UPL's net profits surged by 26.09% annually till December 2017, showcasing the company's financial resilience and sectoral outperformance amid global competition.
4His leadership philosophy, embodied in the motto “Doing things better,” has driven relentless innovation in sustainable agriculture technologies for the global farming community.

🏅 Awards & Honours

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🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 2017, UPL's net profit growth hit 26.09% annually, a rare feat in the agrochemical sector during a volatile market period.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Career
Founded red phosphorus unit in Vapi
Rajnikant Devidas Shroff started a small manufacturing unit producing red phosphorus in Vapi, Gujarat, laying the foundation for UPL.
1969
⚡
Career
UPL reports 26.09% profit growth
UPL announced a 26.09% annual upsurge in net profits till December 2017, marking strong financial performance in agrochemicals.
2017
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Career
Ranked #93 richest Indian
Forbes ranked Rajnikant Shroff as the 93rd richest person in India with a net worth of $1.5 billion.
2020
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Bhushan
The Government of India conferred the Padma Bhushan, the country's third highest civilian award, on Rajnikant Shroff.
2021
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🗝️Discoveries

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01 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

UPL operates in 120 countries, blending global scale with an Indian business ethos, a contrast to many multinational corporations.

02 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

Rajnikant Shroff’s founding of UPL dates back to a single unit manufacturing red phosphorus in Gujarat’s industrial zone of Vapi in 1969.

03 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

In 2021, Rajnikant Shroff was awarded the Padma Bhushan, underscoring his industrial contributions during a period when few business leaders receive civilian honors.

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"It is innovation that gave us an edge when I started manufacturing red phosphorus in a small unit at Vapi (GIDC, Gujarat)."

— Rajnikant Devidas Shroff

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Vapi City Story | life Journey of Rajju Shroff & Sandra Shroff | जिन्होने बसाया गुजरात का वापी शहर

🌱 What changed because of them

Rajnikant Shroff transformed UPL from a local chemical manufacturer into a global agrochemical powerhouse with cutting-edge patents and sustainable solutions adopted in over 120 countries. His focus on innovation reshaped crop protection technology, influencing farming practices worldwide. The Padma Bhushan award in 2021 publicly acknowledged his role in advancing Indian industry on the global stage.

💬 Social Buzz

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💭 Memories & Tributes

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