Page 127 - The Indian Optician Digital Edition September-October 2021

Here was a gentleman who at the age of 102 was still chairing board meetings
at Interplex, set up with his son Sunil in 1989. The pioneering company, the
outcome of Hiru Bhai’s far-sighted vision, is noted for its world-class specialised
multilayer extrusion of cellulose acetate sheets for the optical industry – a
material that was till that point being imported into India.

His interest in the product dates back to 1959 when he led the first delegation
to Mazzucchelli 1849 SpA in Italy. And 55 years later, in 2014, his company set
up a joint venture with the world leader in its field, with Hiru Bhai as chairman
of Interplex Mazzucchelli Pvt Ltd.

From humble beginnings in Danilimada, a village near Ahmedabad, Hiru made
his way to Imperial College London in 1938. In the middle of World War II, he
graduated in mechanical engineering, followed by a masters and a doctorate in
aeronautical engineering in 1945, just as the war ended.

Dr Patel chose to return to India and started his illustrious career in plastics
with Bakelite Xylonite UK, the world pioneers in the first plastics materials
cellulose nitrate and thermosetting plastics. Bakelite commissioned him to
establish a joint venture with the Nizam of Hyderabad in 1969, and he was MD
of Bakelite Hylam Limited till 1974.
He moved to Union Carbide India when it took over Bakelite, as director for
corporate and strategic development, from where he retired in 1977. With his
rich experience, he continued working as a consultant for numerous companies
in the plastics industry.
With his keen drive to develop and promote the plastics industry, he became the
founder president of the Indian Plastics Institute in 1985, founder member of
Plexcouncil in 1955 with three stints as chairman, one of the founder governors
of CIPET Madras, and led numerous delegations to Europe and Africa.

An avid photographer, a keen golfer, a classical singer, a yoga practitioner,
Hiru Patel was also a globetrotter who travelled the world with his wife
Shakuntala, an artist.
Adept at using the latest gadgets, he was in touch with family and friends
around the globe, and even in these trying times continued to attend zoom
meetings with the Interplex team.

Hiru Bhai Patel will be deeply missed by Shakuntala, their three children Geeta,
Sunil and Sanjay, his other family members and wide circle of friends, his team
at Interplex and many business associates. TIO extends its deepest condolences
to them and salutes his ‘Everything is possible’ spirit!

OBITUARY | SEPT-OCT 2021 | 123