Vivek Chaand Sehgal, born into a family of jewellers, is now Australia’s richest Indian. His entrepreneurial journey began at the young age of 18, and over the years, he transitioned his family business from jewellery to the automotive sector, leading to the establishment of a global business empire. From humble beginnings to heading a Rs 1 lakh crore company, Sehgal’s story is an inspiring example of determination and business acumen.
From Humble Beginnings to Billionaire Status
Vivek Chaand Sehgal currently holds a net worth of $7.7 billion (approximately Rs 64,652 crore), according to Forbes. He is the Chairman of Motherson Group, a global auto parts manufacturing giant that operates in 41 countries and generates annual revenue of $12.7 billion (around Rs 1 lakh crore). The company serves prestigious clients like BMW, Ford, Mercedes, Toyota, and Volkswagen.
However, his rise to wealth wasn’t instant. In his early days, Sehgal earned a modest monthly income of Rs 2,500. His first business venture was silver trading in the early 1970s, where he earned just a rupee per kilogram of silver traded.
The Creation of Motherson Group
In 1975, Sehgal, along with his mother Swaran Lata Sehgal, founded Motherson Group. Initially, the company focused on silver trading, but this business path soon faced challenges. As the silver trade industry declined, Motherson Group was on the verge of bankruptcy. This critical moment pushed Sehgal to pivot the business toward the automotive sector, a decision that transformed Motherson Group into a global powerhouse.
Sehgal’s leadership, first as Managing Director from 1975 to 1995, and later as Chairman, guided the company through its most crucial years, laying the foundation for its international success.
Family and Educational Background
Vivek Chaand Sehgal received his education from Birla Public School in Pilani, Rajasthan, and later earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Delhi University. His family life plays an essential role in his business journey. Married with two children, one of his sons, Laksh Vaaman Sehgal, is actively involved in the business, serving on the Board of Directors at Motherson Group.
Inspiration from Family Roots
Sehgal’s father, a mining engineer, was a significant influence on his decision to enter the business world. His family’s support and his determination to adapt and evolve his business have been key factors in his success.
Sehgal’s rise from earning Rs 2,500 per month to becoming Australia’s wealthiest Indian is a testament to his vision, resilience, and ability to turn challenges into opportunities. Today, his legacy continues to grow through Motherson Group’s global presence and the next generation of leadership within his family.
