Textile doyen and co-founder of the S Kumars group, Abhay Kumar S Kasliwal (74), passed away today. Kasliwal was keeping indifferent health in the recent past, after he suffered a stroke.
Abhay Kasliwal co-founded the S Kumars group along with his brother, Shambhu Kumar Kasliwal in 1948. Today, the group has diverse interests in textiles, hydro power, real estate and entertainment. A self-educated, industrious and visionary businessman, Kasliwal started his career at 17.
Kasliwal headed several prominent trade and industry organisations including the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Ficci), Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce and Industry, All India Employers and International Chamber of Commerce.
During his stint at Ficci, he initiated several policy changes for making the industry competitive. That was the time when India was opening up to globalisation.
He was also the chairman of The Synthetic & Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council, Indian Council of Arbitration, Trustee of the Mumbai Port Trust among others.
According to industry sources, Kasliwal excelled in a feel for textiles, particularly uniform and daily wear clothing.
Subsequently, he led the group
