About Shri. Vidya Sagar Dewan

An Indian Industrialist, Philanthropist, and Educationist, Shri. Vidya Sagar Dewan founded Dewan Rubbers in 1974 which quickly rose to prominence in the Indian tyre industry. The company’s flagship brand, USHA, became a major player, capturing over 20% of the market share and expanding internationally, with Dewan Rubbers achieving a peak turnover of around 250 crores. In addition to his industrial achievements, Dewan's commitment to education is profound. He established Dewan Public School, underscoring his dedication to nurturing future generations. Furthermore, in 1996, he and his wife, Mamta Dewan, founded the Dewan VS Group of Institutions in Meerut. This initiative aimed to provide high-quality, affordable education in management, law, hospitality and technology. This institution has become a cornerstone of his extensive contributions to education, reflecting his belief in the transformative power of learning. His contributions extend beyond business and education, as he has been a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and a catalyst for positive change in his community. Dewan's legacy continues to inspire those who seek to make a meaningful impact through both professional excellence and social responsibility.

Early Life and Education

Shri. Vidya Sagar Dewan was born on August 9, 1947, in Sialkot, Punjab, the then undivided India, in a devout Hindu family as the youngest of six siblings. His early years were marked by a deep curiosity about finance, spirituality, and personal development, which he pursued fervently through his education at Meerut College, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce. Known for his keen sense of style and a passion for fine wristwatches, Shri. Dewan’s charisma and innovative spirit left a lasting impression on everyone he met. His ability to inspire and uplift those around him was a testament to his profound self-belief and dedication to both personal and professional excellence. With an unwavering commitment to innovation and a deep sense of purpose, he not only achieved remarkable success but also became a beacon of inspiration, influencing and empowering those who crossed his path and leaving an enduring legacy of excellence and elegance.

Career

Shri. Vidya Sagar Dewan was a pioneering entrepreneur, philanthropist, and visionary whose influence extended across multiple domains. Recognizing the crucial role of transportation in a nation's progress, he embarked on creating a lasting industrial legacy by venturing into tyre manufacturing with indigenous technology. This led to the establishment of the Dewan Group of Industries, a diverse conglomerate including Dewan Rubber Industries Pvt. Ltd., Dewan Tyres Ltd., Dewan Steels Ltd., Dewan Sugars Ltd., and more.

In 1974, he founded Dewan Rubber Industries Pvt. Ltd. as a proprietary firm, which transitioned into a partnership and later became a Private Ltd. company in 1984, and a Public Ltd. company in 1986. Under his leadership, the company achieved remarkable success, with its flagship brand, USHA, capturing over 20% of the domestic market share for bicycle and rickshaw tyres and tubes.

Driven by a desire to globalize his company's reach, he meticulously focused on quality, industry relationships, and business expansion. His efforts led to the export of Dewan’s products to countries including Holland, Mexico, Nigeria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Cameroon, Iran, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. He even established Dewan Rubber Industries limited – 100% EOU, dedicated to exporting the company’s entire production.

Building on his success with Dewan Rubbers, Shri. Vidya Sagar Dewan entered the tyre manufacturing sector again with Dewan Tyres in 1983. The company produced tyres for a range of vehicles and reached a turnover of 60-70 crores. It made its debut on the Bombay Stock Exchange in 1989 and continued to expand, particularly in the agricultural sector with tyres for tractors and other equipment, utilizing state-of-the-art machinery.

In 1992, he diversified further by founding Dewan Steels through the acquisition of Shri Bharat Tubes, specializing in cycle chains and galvanized sheets. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Dewan Textiles and Dewan IT as Neo Tech Solutions, and in 2000, he launched Dewan Sugars Ltd. in Moradabad by acquiring Jupiter Techno Projects. Dewan Sugars Ltd. achieved a notable turnover of 478 crores at its peak.

Philanthropy - Shri. Vidya Sagar Dewan

Inspired by his father, Shri. Daulat Ram Dewan, a dedicated teacher, Shri. Vidya Sagar Dewan turned his focus to education and founded Dewan Public School at Meerut and Hapur under the Dewan Daulat Ram Charitable Trust, and with his wife Smt. Mamta Dewan, established Dewan Institute of Management Studies (DIMS) in 1996. This initiative aimed to provide high-quality and affordable Management Education offering specialization in various domains thus, created significant job opportunities for management graduates equipping them with the skills needed to excel in a competitive job market.

Today, this institution has blossomed in to a prestigious group of institutions known as Dewan VS Group of Institutions (DVSGI) offering a wide array of programs in the fields of Emerging Technologies, Computer Application, Management, Hospitality, law and Teachers training. The Group is imparting world class education and is affiliated to CCS University, Meerut, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University Lucknow and has approval from AICTE, NCTE, NCHM and Bar Council of India, boasting a global alumni network of over 20,000 professionals.

The enduring legacy of Shri. Vidya Sagar Dewan is now carried forward by Mr. Vievek Dewan, who has propelled the institutions to new national and international heights. Under his leadership, the institutions have forged innovative collaborations in the technical, social, and cultural arenas, fostering holistic growth for students, faculty, and alumni around the globe.

Board Memberships and Affiliations

Shri. Vidya Sagar Dewan held a distinguished role as Vice President of the Automotive Tyre Manufacturers' Association (ATMA), the leading organization in the automobile industry. His expertise and leadership were frequently sought at the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA), where he often chaired meetings and spoke on key industry matters. Renowned for his contributions and charismatic presence, he was widely recognized by the media, with prominent features in magazines and tabloids such as Dalal Street (1995-96) and the Times of India, highlighting his numerous achievements and significant impact on the industry. Shri. Vidya Sagar Dewan was part of delegation led by then-Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri. Mulayam Singh Yadav, traveling UK to explore investment opportunities for the state, in 1998.

Personal Life

Shri. Vidya Sagar Dewan, born on August 9, 1947, in Sialkot, was a visionary whose life was marked by both professional excellence and personal warmth. He married Smt. Mamta Dewan, and had three children: Mr. Vievek Dewan, Gaurav Dewan, and Garima Dewan, who have continued to honor his legacy.

As he expanded his business ventures, he was renowned not just for his entrepreneurial success but also for his exceptional leadership qualities. His charm, insightful guidance, and adept problem-solving skills elevated those around him, fostering an environment where collaboration and positivity thrived. His eternal optimism and flair for humor made him a beloved figure among colleagues and associates, contributing to a work culture that was both productive and enjoyable. His contributions to education, through institutions like Dewan Public School and the Dewan VS Group of Institution, reflect his commitment to nurturing future generations and enhancing career prospects for many.

Shri. Vidya Sagar Dewan passed away in 2004 at the age of 58, but his impact endures. His legacy lives on through his family, the institutions he established, and the countless individuals he inspired and mentored throughout his life. His story is a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and the enduring influence of a positive, collaborative spirit.

"In loving memory of Shri Vidya Sagar Dewan, may his legacy of wisdom, kindness, and excellence continue to inspire us all."

  • Born – 09 August 1947, Sialkot.

  • Died – 19 March 2004, Delhi (58 years)

  • Citizenship - Indian (1947-2004)

  • Occupation – Industrialist, Educational Entrepreneur

  • Spouse – Smt. Mamta Dewan (m. 1972)

  • Children – 3, Vievek Dewan, Gauravh Dewan, and daughter, Garima Dewan.