SPG
Industrialist

Sohrab Pirojsha Godrej

Born 21 March 1912 · Maharashtra

Led the expansion of Godrej Group into a major Indian industrial conglomerate during the mid-20th century.

The Godrej family is an Indian Gujarati Parsi family that largely owns and manages the Godrej Group, a conglomerate founded by Ardeshir Godrej and his brother Pirojsha Burjorji Godrej in 1897. The family operates in various sectors, including real estate, consumer products, industrial engineering, appliances, furniture, security, and agricultural products. The family is led by Adi Godrej, along with his brother Nadir Godrej and their cousin Jamshyd Godrej. As of 2023, their estimated net worth was reported to be US$16.7 billion.

✨

A detail that
surprised us

“

Sohrab Godrej traveled to approximately 160 countries, including Antarctica, to promote Indian and Godrej products on a global stage.

The Story

1
In 1972, Sohrab Pirojsha Godrej took the helm of the Godrej Group after his father Pirojsha’s demise, steering the conglomerate through India’s post-independence industrial landscape from Mumbai.
2
🌍 By 1983, Sohrab was appointed Sheriff of Mumbai, a ceremonial post that placed him at the crossroads of business, civic duty, and the city's colonial legacy.
3🌱 He was deeply invested in environmental causes, serving as President Emeritus of WWF-India and leading the National Society of the Friends of the Trees during the late 20th century, blending business with conservation.
4From the 1970s through the 1990s, Sohrab led international commerce bodies like the International Chamber of Commerce - India and Indo-French Chamber of Commerce, expanding Godrej’s footprint beyond Indian borders.

🏅 Awards & Honours

—
Padma Bhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

“

Sohrab Godrej served as Sheriff of Mumbai in 1983, a role blending colonial tradition with civic responsibility at a time when the city was rapidly modernizing.

📸 Through the Years

📷

No photos yet

Help preserve history — add a photo of this icon

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Birth in Mumbai
Sohrab Pirojsha Godrej was born to Pirojsha Burjorji Godrej in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
1912
⚡
Career
Became Chairman of Godrej Group
After his father’s death, Sohrab took charge of the conglomerate, leading Godrej during a transformative era in Indian industry.
1972
🌟
Other
Appointed Sheriff of Mumbai
Sohrab Godrej served as the Sheriff, a ceremonial position linking colonial tradition with civic duties.
1983
🏅
Award
Received Indira Gandhi Pariyavaran Puraskar
Awarded for his environmental contributions, marking his influence beyond business into conservation.
1991
🏅
Award
Awarded Padma Bhushan
Received India’s third highest civilian honor for his achievements in business.
1999
🕊️
Death
Passed Away in London
Sohrab Godrej died in London; his last rites were performed in Mumbai, marking the end of an era.
2000
More moments to come...
+ Add a moment

🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 05
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

He was President Emeritus of WWF-India and president of the National Society of the Friends of the Trees, highlighting his leadership in environmental conservation alongside business.

02 / 05
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

In 1999, Sohrab Godrej received the Padma Bhushan, India’s third highest civilian award, for his contributions to business and industry.

03 / 05
👤PERSONAL

His memoir, co-written with B. K. Karanjia, provides a rare personal view into the Godrej family’s industrial dynasty and post-independence India’s business evolution.

No quote recorded for Sohrab Pirojsha Godrej yet.

🌱 What changed because of them

Sohrab Godrej transformed the Godrej Group into an internationally recognized conglomerate by establishing strategic trade relations and leading multiple international commerce chambers. His leadership in environmental organizations like WWF-India integrated sustainability into Indian industrial practices, influencing corporate social responsibility long before it became mainstream. The legacy of mixing business acumen with philanthropy shaped Godrej’s brand identity and inspired future industrialists to adopt a broader societal responsibility.

💬 Social Buzz

💬

What are people saying about Sohrab Pirojsha Godrej?

Share posts from historians, journalists and notable voices about this icon. 🇮🇳

💭 Memories & Tributes

Share your memory of Sohrab Pirojsha Godrej...
Loading memories...
Is this profile accurate?