On the occasion of the birth centenary of inventor Burjor Pirojsha Godrej, the Godrej Group has set up an endowment fund of Rs.40 lakh annually at the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) in Mumbai.
A memorandum in this regard was signed with the Institute on June 23, and an endowment chair created, called Dr Burjor P Godrej Distinguished Professor of Green Chemistry and Sustainability Engineering.
The Godrej Group has been promoting green chemistry for several years in its factories. Green chemistry encourages innovation, when applied early in the development phase, and promotes the creation of products that are both environmentally and economically sustainable.
The corporate has also been promoting productive collaboration between academia and industry in the field of green chemistry and sustainability for several years.
Burjor Godrej’s story
A passionate researcher, Burjor Godrej was born on June 23, 1915. Considered a pioneer of the soap and oleochemical industry, he studied in Germany and acquired a degree in mechanical engineering, as well as a doctorate in technical chemistry.
Godrej invented a process to make ‘alpha olefin’ from vegetable oils. Alpha olefin is an ideal raw material for the detergent industry because of its biodegradability.
A function was organised to commemorate the signing of the MoU at ICT.
In a statement, Nadir Godrej, Managing Director of Godrej Industries and Chairman of Godrej Agrovet, said, “My father, B.P. Godrej, was known for his inquisitive mind and commitment to research. Over the years, his unceasing pursuit of research resulted in many triumphant successes in the shape of new products, better designs and formulations and importantly, import substitution.”
He added that the partnership with ICT would help to inspire exceptional individuals in the field of green chemistry and sustainability engineering.
With revenues of $4.1 billion, Godrej today has businesses that cater to consumer goods, real estate, appliances, and agriculture, among others.
