Bharat Gandhi, MMF Textile Industry Stalwart, Passes Away at 75

Surat | Gujarat — The man-made fibre (MMF) textile industry of India, particularly Surat’s globally renowned power loom sector, lost one of its tallest pillars with the passing of Bharat Gandhi, a visionary industrialist, industry advocate and philanthropist, on Friday night. Gandhi, 75, breathed his last after a brief illness at a private hospital in Surat, leaving behind a legacy that shaped not just businesses, but institutions and public infrastructure.

Born on November 14, 1950, Bharatbhai Gandhi rose far beyond modest beginnings through grit, foresight and an unwavering commitment to the textile fraternity. After completing his graduation from a prestigious university in Mumbai, he began his professional journey with the well-known J. J. Sons Partnership Firm. In 1980, he made a defining move to Surat—then an emerging textile hub—where he laid the foundation for what would become a transformative industrial career.

Starting power looms in Udhana was akin to opening a new chapter in Surat’s industrial history. By importing premium Bamberg yarn from Japan and pure silk from China, Gandhi pioneered the production of high-quality pure silk fabric. His dyeing and bleaching unit, Batsons Textile, soon became synonymous with innovation and excellence, setting new benchmarks in the city’s MMF segment.

Beyond entrepreneurship, Gandhi was a respected industry leader and consensus builder. As President of the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) in 2000–01, he relentlessly pursued the development of Surat Airport and conceptualised an international trade and exhibition centre at Sarsana—visions that later became realities. “Bharatbhai believed Surat deserved global connectivity and a global platform,” recalled a senior SGCCI member. “He thought decades ahead of his time.”

A powerful voice for the power loom and synthetic textile sector, Gandhi regularly engaged with the Central Government on issues such as GST, import duties and trade policies. His leadership extended nationally as Chairman of FIASWI and as Director of MANTRA and SASMIRA, where he played a key role in research-driven growth of the sector.

Equally committed to social service, Gandhi was associated with numerous charitable and educational institutions, earning respect for his humility and generosity. “He wore his success lightly and his responsibility heavily,” said a close associate.

An avid traveller and reader, Bharat Gandhi’s global exposure enriched his local vision. His passing marks the end of an era for Surat’s textile industry, but his ideas, institutions and values will continue to guide generations to come.