'Andhra Birla' Passes Away

Noted industrialist and Chairman and Managing Director of the Andhra Sugars Group, Mullapudi Harishchandra Prasad, died in Hyderabad on Saturday, at Care Hospital, after a prolonged illness.

He was 91, and is survived by his wife, 5 daughters and 3 sons.

According to family sources, Prasad was suffering from kidney problems and was undergoing treatment at a corporate hospital.

Prasad is regarded as one among the first to set up industries in independent India.

Hailing from Tanuku town in West Godavari district, he came from an agricultural family, and started Andhra Sugars in 1947.

Driven by the passion of self-reliance espoused by Harishchandra Prasad, the company developed the propellant fuel for the rocket boosters of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Prasad later launched Andhra Petrochemicals Limited, which was amongst the first in the chemical sector.

Known for his employee-friendly management and fostering entrepreneurship among people, Harischandra Prasad served as the President of the Federation Of Andhra Pradesh Chambers Of Commerce & Industry (FAPCCI).

He also entered politics, and became the first chairman of Tanuku municipality in 1981.

During NTR's tenure as CM, he was an MLA, and was quite close to him.

Condoling Prasad's death, FAPCCI said, "His contribution is so significant that he is often called Andhra Birla. He pioneered the setting up of several industries in the state."

He also set up the Rangaraya Medical college in Kakinada, and a Polytechnic College in Tanuku.

The last rites of Harishchandra Prasad will be conducted in Tanuku on Sunday. (INN)