Govind Prasad Dalmia: Business & Deoghar’s Growth

Govind Prasad Dalmia, a distinguished businessman and philanthropist from Deoghar, has lived through and contributed to the city’s transformation over decades. Born on October 29, 1935, in Kolkata, he comes from a family with deep business roots. His grandfather, Seth Dwarkadas Dalmia, moved from Bhiwani, Haryana, to Kolkata around 1905 and started a grain trading business. In 1923, drawn to the pleasant climate of Jasidih, Deoghar, he purchased land and built a house, marking the beginning of the family’s ventures in the region.

Govind’s father, Gaurishankar Dalmia, adopted by Seth Dwarkadas, combined business acumen with social commitment. Govind inherited both qualities but chose not to pursue politics, focusing instead on business and philanthropy.

At 17, Govind took over the family grain business. His journey from traditional trade to modern manufacturing, and his efforts in social service, make him an insightful observer of Deoghar’s growth.

A Conversation with Govind Prasad Dalmia

Did you manage the business independently, or did you seek guidance from your father?
My father had distanced himself from the business long before. We used to sit together for half an hour every morning, sharing thoughts. This continued until 1988.

Were you prepared to take over the business?
I had just started studying for my CA at St. Xavier’s College in Kolkata when my father asked me to return and take over. At that time, our firm, Gilloram Gaurishankar, ran an oil mill, a rice mill, and a grain trading business.

Did you continue the traditional business or bring changes?
Initially, I continued the traditional business. Gradually, I introduced changes, starting with a barbed wire manufacturing factory, and later moved into aluminum conductor manufacturing with factories in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. As new ventures stabilized, older businesses were phased out.

Did your father object to these changes?
No. He supported my decisions.

Did you set specific goals for establishing new ventures?
No, it was hard to predict outcomes.

At what age did your children join the business?
They started working the day after passing their matriculation exams, without even a day’s rest.

Do your children discuss business and family matters with you like you did with your father?
Yes, when they are here. My elder son, Sunil, runs his own business in Kolkata, while my younger son assists in the family business but lives in Delhi. Our head office is in Deoghar, with a branch in Delhi.

Many consider Deoghar a city with limited facilities. What’s your view?
Deoghar is dear to me, but my sons see it differently. My younger son says, “In cities, opportunities lie under cards—a gust of wind can make your fortune shine. In villages, opportunities are buried under stones, making it hard for them to shine.”

What are your hobbies?
Reading and traveling. Travel has reduced due to age.

Do you have a fixed time for family gatherings, like festivals?
Weddings and family events bring us together. I also host an annual lunch in Delhi for relatives.

What business are you currently engaged in?
Aluminum conductor manufacturing, with factories in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

What’s the secret to your success?
Studying everything in depth. This allowed me to argue cases in tribunals myself. Now, due to age, I prepare briefs while my son argues them.

How did you balance business with government committee work and travel?
I represented organizations when called upon, but otherwise, my focus was on business. Travel was part of exploring business ventures. When I started the aluminum conductor factory, there wasn’t a single factory in the Santhal Pargana region.

Any advice for new entrepreneurs?
Take calculated risks and work hard.

Your experience with the Santhal Paharia Seva Mandal?
I served as a minister and later general secretary. When I joined, the organization supported 50 disabled children; during my tenure, this grew to 400. In 1994, the organization received a national award from the President, with Prime Minister Chandrashekhar present. Later, I helped release a pending grant. My work with business organizations was also a form of social service.

Why did the Santhal Paharia Seva Mandal decline?
We chose the wrong person as president.

How do you view Deoghar’s development?
Population has grown, and high-rise buildings have increased. Earlier, no house was taller than the temple, and marriages didn’t happen before Shivratri. Roads haven’t kept pace with population growth. Vehicle numbers have risen. Developments like the airport and AIIMS have occurred, but industrial and educational growth is lacking. R.K. Mission offers good education; my son studied there.

What changes do you want in Deoghar?
Administrative efficiency needs improvement. Land should be made saleable. Facilities must increase, and schemes for the poor should be implemented.

Any unfulfilled dreams?
(Laughing) Ghani gai, thodi bachi, wabhi beet jayegi—much has passed, little remains, and that too will pass.

Govind Prasad Dalmia’s story reflects a deep connection to Deoghar, a city that has grown alongside him. From traditional business to industrial innovation, and from social service to witnessing urban transformation, he embodies the spirit of commitment, hard work, and civic consciousness.