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When
the fabric of industrialisation of India was woven in the early
19th century, a pioneer was in the making.  Seth
Khatau Makanji, a man with foresight and a vision to venture out
, Khatau group in 1874. Thus, began a story. It'll take more
than a glance back in time to understand that it was a path not
travelled by many. It wasn't easy, even for those few who eventually
took the leap. Unwavering in spirit, the monument of determination
and ingenuity was carved.
It takes matching
grit and determination to keep such spirit alive. The heir of this
courage, Seth Mulraj Khatau, took over the reins from his mentor.
A promise with future was made. He knew it then, nothing less than
deep passion will see him through. It is not for no reason that
later, Seth Mulraj khatau, came to be known as "Saviour of
Mills". The title, not only speaks volumes about the man of
the mills but also of the times; when Indian entrepreneurship was
not something to be encouraged.  Perhaps
even, not let to reach heights. A humanist and visionary, Seth Mulraj
Khatau gave his best to the textile industry. And marked his presence
in the industrial history of the country.
After
his demise, the mantle of stewardship of the enterprise fell on
Seth C. M. Khatau. He pampered further, weaving his magic to captivate
the consumer's imagination. To join him soon was his son,
Seth Sunit Khatau. Winds of change had blown across the globe. And
swept in decisive changes in the market. The local economy had begun
to blossom and bear fruit. By now, Khatau was a household name.
With a finger on
the pulse of the market and a heart to excel, Seth Sunit Khatau
took on the  ambitious
plan of modernization and expansion. Not that the family business
had not changed with the times, but that with him it was different-
it was an obsession. Serious money was pumped back into the mills.
New technologies, the best in the business, were brought in. To
word just a few- Flat bed printing, Murata jet spinning and Transfer
printing. Seasoned with time and experience, the Khatau business
was ready for expansion. A new chapter had to be spun. Who else,
but Seth Sunit Khatau set the wheel rolling. The result- a new spinning
plant at Borivli (Mumbai) - complete with, as a rule, most modern
facilities. The year was 1967. The brand Khatau never looked back.
Sarees in their widest manifestations- Chiffons, Georgettes and
the likes from Polyester filament yarn were produced. Ditto for
other dress materials.
 From
various plants, the Khatau fabric continued to bring smiles not
only to the residents of India but also to the emergent class of
Indian Diaspora across the continents. It is said that wherever
an Indian travels, he carries a bit of India within. If that bit
is a colourful fabric, Khatau-the brand is an invariable thread
that never lost touch of their hearts. It has travelled with them,
through them. To varied hearts. Today, Khatau is well received the
world over. Because the promise that was born a century ago, is
kept alive. And rejuvenated over and over again.
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