Ever since receiving the sad news that Vijay Mehta, MD Intercraft and a true pioneer of this industry passed way due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, our phones have not stopped ringing; the outpour of heartfelt condolences is a proof of his stature and popularity!
It is indeed a big blow to the Apparel industry in India. Vijay Mehta was a visionary and his company was the first Indian company to introduce a local brand F.U.’s at a time when branded apparel only meant buying foreign clothes from abroad. He was amongst the core team that laid the foundation of the AEPC and was always vocal on concerns related to the industry.
Many years ago, Apparel Online initiated a series on stalwarts, kick-starting it with an interview of Vijay Mehta, who all in the industry respect as the trendsetter for apparel production in India with Japanese style processes. His friendly disposition, in-depth understanding of markets and dynamic foresight made him an inspiration to a whole generation of industry professionals and young entrepreneurs in the 1980s.
Also Read: Industry Stalwarts – A Tribute
At loss for words…
‘An inspiration for a whole generation’ – Rohini Suri, BAA Patron Apparel & Knowledge
In the history of the apparel industry, if there is one man who inspired a whole generation of business & youngsters it was VM, as we always called him. A youthful man full of implemented thoughts on the ground. He was not much older than us in 1980 but was a man to reckon with in his knowledge and implementation. No attitude just sheer love of the business of apparel.
His gift to us was his passion for the apparel industry and creating the modern technological & socially aware path to success, which is the norm today. Forever remembered in our hearts and our lives, as I can speak for all Intercrafters & OVIL colleagues.
My heartfelt condolences to the family. RIP VM
Raja M. Shanmugam, President, Tirupur Exporters’ Association (TEA) – It is a very sad news for the country and Apparel industries’ circle. A true stalwart and a real representative of the industry! His demise is a great loss. May God bless his soul rest in peace!
Dr. A. Sakthivel, Chairman, AEPC – Vijay Mehta…What a personality, an ever-smiling friend. He is the pillar of our industry and he is one of the promoters of AEPC. I am going to miss him as he was my friend with positive energy from the day I entered the AEPC council. My prayers for his soul to rest in peace!
Giridhar, Ex-President, Alok Industries – Vijay Mehta was a true entrepreneur much ahead of his time. His vision transformed a small industry into a world beater and in the process, kick-started the entire apparel industry in India. He provided the nurturing ground for so many apparel professionals who will forever remember him. Om Shanthi.
Anoop Thatai, Joint-MD, Orient Craft – So sorry to hear about the sad demise of Mr. Mehta! He was a true visionary and a legend of the fashion apparel industry. We all looked up to him with respect and humility. May his soul rest in peace!
Ashok Dutta, Auckland, New Zealand – Mr. Vijay Mehta was my first boss in the garment industry in the year 1980, a great inspiration and an excellent role model as founder of Old Village Industries Ltd., as we from that generation know his company. May his soul rest in peace!
Charanjit Singh, Kaptains choice ship supply, USA – I had the honour of knowing Vijay Mehta in the prime of my youth. He was a very learned man and a visionary. One of the founding pioneers of the garment export business in India. His foresight extended way beyond the current business practices. He was the person who introduced branded retail stores and believed that India was a leader in the fashion industry. May he rest in peace!
Sonya Malik, Auric Merchandising Services – A maverick, a visionary, a genius, a man so full of life. Vijay Mehta was our inspiration and he has an irreplaceable place in our hearts. May you rest in peace Vijay!
The AR family deeply mourns the loss of the stalwart. Click below a few of the heartfelt messages and memories that we have received to pay respect to the departed soul.
‘Vijay was the first showman of the industry’ – Naresh Gujral, Span India
‘Vijay Mehta: Pioneer, Entrepreneur, Institution, Friend’ – Gautam Nair, Matrix Clothing
‘Vijay Mehta an entrepreneur much ahead of his time’ – HKL Magu, Jyoti Apparels
‘A mentor par excellence’ – Alika and Jaggi Bakshi, Bakson
‘What’s in a name’ – Rahul Mehta, Managing Director, Creative Lifestyles
