Sunil Manaktala
1.9.1956 - 4.3.2023
A year ago today, our beloved Sunil Onkarnath Manaktala, Managing Director of Kumar, passed away after leaving an indelible mark on all of us at Kumar and the oils and fats industry beyond.
A graduate of Bombay University, Sunil joined the family business in 1979, dedicating his life to expanding its reach across Southeast Asia, Australia, and West Africa. His strategic partnerships with Crown Iron Works in 2004 and Anderson International Corp in 2021 revolutionized the industry, bringing cutting-edge technologies to the Indian subcontinent and Africa.
Beyond his business acumen, Sunil was deeply committed to philanthropy. As a founder-trustee of the Shivrajvati Onkarnath Charitable Trust and a member of various charitable boards, he tirelessly worked to uplift educational standards and economic welfare. Sunil believed in the power of unity to create opportunities for all, channelling his success into resources that fostered economic equity for underserved communities.
He lived a life guided by integrity, honesty, self-discipline, hard work, and accountability. His principles were not just theoretical but woven into all facets of his life, enriching those around him. His commitment to environmental protection was evident in his support for initiatives like Rally for Rivers and Cauvery Calling. Alongside his beloved wife, Rita, Sunil cherished their organic farm on the outskirts of Mumbai, a testament to their love for the earth and its bounty.
Sunil's legacy is carried forward by the institutions he supported, including the Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati Samark Trust, Arya Vidya Mandir Society Group of Institutions, and Arya Samaj Santacruz Trust.
His unwavering dedication to making a difference in the world, his warmth, his infectious laugh and his incomparable joie de vivre continue to inspire all who knew him.
