Sunil Manaktala

In March of 2023, we suffered an untimely loss of our beloved Sunil Onkarnath Manaktala, Managing Director of Kumar — a leader, philanthropist, and visionary who left an indelible mark on all of us and the wider oils and fats industry.

A graduate of Bombay University, Sunil joined the family business in 1979 and devoted his life to its growth. Under his leadership, Kumar expanded its presence in Southeast Asia, Australia, and West Africa. He also played a key role in our strategic partnerships with Crown Iron Works in 2004 and Anderson International Corp in 2021.

But Sunil’s legacy reaches far beyond business. He was deeply committed to giving back, serving as a founder-trustee of the Shivrajvati Onkarnath Charitable Trust and supporting numerous educational and social initiatives. He believed in unity as a force for opportunity, directing his success toward creating equity for underserved communities.

Guided by integrity, honesty, self-discipline, and hard work, Sunil lived his values every day. His commitment to sustainability was reflected in his support for initiatives like Rally for Rivers and Cauvery Calling, and in the organic farm he lovingly nurtured with his wife, Rita, outside Mumbai.

He also lent his time and resources to institutions including the Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Samark Trust, Arya Vidya Mandir Society Group of Institutions, and Arya Samaj Santacruz Trust.

Sunil’s warmth, laughter, and joie de vivre enriched every space he entered. His legacy of leadership, philanthropy, and care for the planet continues to inspire us, lighting the path as we carry his work forward.