Founder
Sir Shri Ram
Founder of Shriram Institute for Industrial Research
Sir Shri Ram (27 Apr 1884 – 11 Jan 1963), often fondly addressed as Lala Shri Ram; was one of India’s most influential industrialists and philanthropists of the independence era of India. He was known for his egalitarian ethos – engaged directly with factory workers, which earned him widespread respect. He joined Delhi Cloth & General Mills (DCM) in 1909 and rose quickly as its top administrator. Later years, DCM expanded from textiles into sugar, chemicals, vanaspati, pottery, sewing machines, fans, electrical goods, and more.
Educational & Philanthropic Legacy
Besides Shriram Institute for Industrial Research, Sir Shriram was the person behind the founding of following major institutions:
- In 1920 founded Commercial Education Trust; which evolved into: The Commercial High School which subsequently was upgraded in 1930 to the Commercial College and then in 1951 renamed as the Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC).
- In 1956 established Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR) in memory of his wife, Phoolan Devi.
Contributions to Industry & Policy
- FICCI (President in 1930)
- Reserve Bank of India (Board Member)
- Industrial Finance Corporation of India (Founding Chairman)
- Served important roles in CII, AICTE, CSIR, Indian Standards Institute (presently BIS)
Recognitions & Philosophy
- Knighted by the then British India Government in 1941 for his contributions.
- Described by then-President Dr. S. Radhakrishnan as “not only a great industrialist but helped many good causes. His contributions to education are memorable”.
Legacy & Continuing Impact
- His sons Bharat and Charat Ram carried forward his industrial ventures; Bharat Ram notably founded SRF Ltd.
- His grandson Dr. Bansi Dhar nurtured the institutions to national repute and international standards
- The institutions he set up—SRCC, LSR, and SRI—continue as top-tier educational and research bodies.
- DCM evolved into DCM Shriram and remains a key industrial group, alongside separate entities like the present-day Shriram Group focused on financial services (though founded later in 1974 by others).