88-year-old Kapil Mohan, former Chairman and Managing Director(MD) of India’s first known brewery Mohan Meakin Ltd, passed away on January 6 this year.
Though Mohan had many feathers in his cap, he will be best remembered for introducing the iconic "Old Monk" rum.
In addition to “Old Monk” rum, Kapil Mohan was also the man behind other famous brands like Solan No.1 and Golden Eagle.
A retired Brigadier of Indian Army, Kapil Mohan was a renowned philanthropist as well and headed Ghaziabad-based Narinder Mohan Hospital. In recognition to his contribution, the government of India honoured him with Padma Shri, the fourth highest Indian civilian award, in the year 2010.
Interestingly, Kapil Mohan himself was a teetotaller though he created iconic liquor brands like “Old Monk” which was the largest-selling brand till mid-2000s when it was challenged by other competitors including Vijay Mallya-led United Breweries group.
After launching the “Old Monk” brand on 19 December 1954, Kapil Mohan developed three distilleries, two breweries and a host of new franchises in India under his leadership.
Not only that, under Kapil Mohan’s guidance, Mohan Meakin forayed into diverse business areas such as malt houses, glass factories, breakfast food, fruit products and juices, malt extract factories, cold storages and engineering works among others.
Under his leadership, Mohan Meakin Ltd evolved into a formidable business house with a turnover exceeding Rs 400 crore.
Kapil Mohan is survived by his wife Pushpa Mohan. Mohan was keeping unwell for last few years and in view of his continuing illness, he had handed over day to day functioning of the various companies to his nephews, Hemant and Vinay Mohan.
