S L Mangla
The long Walk to Success
Mr. Sant Lal Mangla, the Founder and Chairman of Mangla Engineering Limited, expired on 10th November 2022 after completing his remarkable journey spanning 89 years. His 66 years of contribution to the Pump Industry will always be remembered.
Born in the Pre-Independence era in the year 1933 in the small village of Palwal in East Punjab (now Haryana) in a financially-challenged home, his
struggle started from the very beginning. He lost his mother at the mere age of 2, his only support system being his elder brother who was aged 5. Both he and his brother managed to complete their schooling facing tumultuous challenges throughout their childhood, living in a country that was still reeling with the heat of the partition of 1947. As we know now, almost every family had a story to narrate about their lives during this critical period – schools were closed, people were locked up in their homes, and a bloody massacre all around. He was only 14, and he made it through these rough times with his wit and courage, both of which ended up teaching him important lessons that followed him his entire life.
After completing his schooling in 1951, he left his hometown and got admitted into Dayal Bagh Engineering College in Agra for further education. He and his brother both managed to graduate from college, handholding each other and supporting themselves by working at all times, even during holidays. Mr. S.L. Mangla Completed his B.Sc. in Engineering in 1956. Due to his sheer hard work and dedication, he got the support of his college principal, who went on to become his mentor and Godfather. In 1956, following his mentor’s advice, he decided to join Kirloskar Brothers Limited at Kirloskarwadi in Maharastra, a then- unknown destination
The Kirloskar Brothers Limited Factory has come a long way since its inception in 1964. Here is aview of the early pattern shop. Seen in the picture (taken in the late60’s) (L to R) are Mr. S.M. Bhadkamkar, Mr. Shyam Kirloskar, Mr. C.T. Shevde, Mr. S.L. Mangla, Mr. Chandrakant Kirloskar, Mr. S.L. Kirloskar and Mrs. Yamutai Kirloskar.
