Subhash Dandekar, the man who gave Camlin's geometry box, colours, art materials, and other stationery items to children, was indeed an incredible source of inspiration to many. However, the man left the mortal planes on July 15, 2024, leaving a huge void in the hearts of his family members and a number of followers. Thus, without much ado, let's look into the life of the heroic figure, Subhash Dandekar.
Subhash Dandekar was not only the mastermind behind a remarkable product being sold by the brand, Camlin but also worked immensely in making it reach on the international platforms. However, things took a completely different turn, and he had to sell his brand to a Japanese company named Kokuyo, and since then, Subhash was working as the honorary chairman of Kokuyo Camlin.
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Subhash Dandekar pursued his undergraduate degree in chemistry at the prestigious Mumbai University. Following this, he joined Camlin in 1958 as technical director. His primary focus was on creating high-quality art materials in India, greatly reducing dependence on imported products. Thus, Subhash started researching and developing his first product: waterproof black drawing ink. The ink quickly gained popularity, so much so that cartoonist, Bal Thackeray even praised his work. Understanding his love for creating such products, he enrolled for his post-graduate studies in colour chemistry at Glasgow, UK. At that time, he visited several dye and pigment manufacturers from England and neighbouring countries to understand the business nitty gritty better.
For the uninitiated, Camlin was founded in 1931 by the brothers duo, Digambar Parshuram Dandekar and Govind Parshuram Dandekar. Initially, it used to make stationery products, majorly ink powder, and thus, the 'ink brand' was then known as Dandekar & Co. In 1960, when Subash Dandekar took over the company, it expanded and diversified to art materials and was renamed Camlin. In 1988, the company was named Camlin Ltd.
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Moreover, ever since Subhash's return from Glasgow, he set up a laboratory and began formulating colours for the Indian market. After an enthusiastic search, he supplied artists and students with art materials such as poster colours, wax crayons, oil pastels and watercolour cakes, which were introduced to the market in 1962. However, in 2011, a leading Japanese stationery maker, Kokuyo Co, acquired more than 50 percent stake in Camlin, and the deal enabled entry of the former's products in India whereas Camlin expanded to other countries. Since then, he was serving as the chairman emeritus of Kokuyo Camlin.
Subhash Dandekar received recognition from several politicians and other business entrepreneurs for his business skills. He also received several awards, including the Game Changers of Maharashtra Award and Lifetime Achievement Award, for his contribution to the country's industrial base. From 1990 to 1992, Subhash also served as the President of the apex institution of the state’s trade and industrial sector, the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce and Industries.
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Talking about Subhash Dandekar's family, not much is known about the same. However, his wife passed away two years ago. The businessman and his beloved wife had two kids, a son, Ashish, and a daughter, Anagha.
According to reports, Subhash Dandekar had been ill for several days and passed away at Hinduja Hospital, Mumbai, on July 15, 2024. His funeral was held at Shivaji Park cemetery in Dadar and attended by family members, Camlin Group employees, and industry dignitaries. Deputy Chief Minister of Maharastra, Devendra Fadnavis penned a note revealing that the state has lost a grandfather who brought fame to the Marathi industry.
Well, Subhash Dandekar's story is indeed inspirational for many young business entrepreneurs. What do you think? Let us know!
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