Indian Billionaire Vivek Chaand Sehgal: From Silver Trader to Auto Industry Giant

In today’s interconnected world, Indian entrepreneurs are leaving a mark both within their nation and on the global stage. With a growing number of billionaires leading successful ventures, Indian business acumen has a far-reaching impact. Among these successful individuals is Vivek Chaand Sehgal, currently the wealthiest Indian residing in Australia. Sehgal, an Indian-Australian billionaire businessman, is the chairman and co-founder of Samvardhana Motherson Group, a leading global auto component maker. Established in 1975, Motherson has a vast reach, operating over 350 facilities across 41 countries on five continents, employing over 180,000 individuals. Their financial success is evident in their FY24 revenue from operations, which reached Rs 98,692 crore. The company’s name, ‘Motherson’, is a testament to its origins, as Vivek Sehgal founded it alongside his late mother, Shrimati Swaran Lata Sehgal. Sehgal’s entrepreneurial journey began at a young age, influenced by his grandfather’s jewelry trade. At just 18, he started trading silver for a mere one rupee per kilogram, earning a respectable Rs 2500 per month in the early 1970s. Recognizing the potential in silver trading and investment, Sehgal embarked on his entrepreneurial path. In 1975, he and his mother established Motherson, their own silver trading company. However, the silver trading business faced a downturn, bringing them close to bankruptcy. Undeterred, Sehgal made a strategic decision to shift into the auto industry. The company began manufacturing vehicle parts, a move that proved crucial to their financial recovery. This shift into auto parts production, spearheaded by Samvardhana Motherson International, significantly contributed to Sehgal’s wealth. Today, Samvardhana Motherson boasts a substantial market capitalization of Rs 1.3 trillion. Vivek Chaand Sehgal, the wealthiest Indian in Australia, holds a remarkable net worth of $7.8B (approximately Rs 65,305 crore), according to Forbes. His journey from a young silver trader to a global auto industry giant exemplifies the power of resilience, strategic decision-making, and entrepreneurial spirit.