When a young man named Ardeshir Godrej gave up law and turned to lock-making in the year 1897, a legend in the field of Indian industry was born. The word "Godrej" etched into the metal of his Anchor Brand locks became a symbol of self-reliance in the years that followed. Ardeshir Godrej switched to manufacturing high quality safes that won public acclaim. He made a scientific discovery by making soaps from vegetable oil instead of animal tallow. Godrej initiated the concept of trusteeship of wealth in 1921 by donating Rs. three lakhs to "Tilak Swaraj Fund." Godrej became the harbinger of enlightened industry in India by laying the foundation of a thriving  enterprise through an industrial  garden township outside Mumbai, considering human relations the first principle of management.

After India achieved independence in 1947, Godrej rose to the occasion when they supplied 13 lakhs ballot boxes in record time for free India's first general election at an extremely low price.

A  major  concern  of  Godrej  was  the welfare of his workers. Godrej was always ahead of labour legislations in the country by introducing such benefits as holidays with pay, provident fund, bonus, gratuity, medical and canteen facilities for the workers. The Godrej Udayachal school at Vikhroli is reputed today  as the first school unit imparting education and putting up projects on important aspects in the lives of the citizens. In addition it promotes the preservation of the Indian heritage with the Soonabai Godrej Dance Academy Theatre. Godrej continues to be a crusader for a better world with programmes for family planning, protection of depleting forest cover, wildlife and man­ groves. Godrej also sponsored the Foundation for Medical Research, Mumbai, particularly for the cure of leprosy. Again, through a rural health and research project, Godrej has striven to develop an alternative model called the Foundation For Research in Community Health for rural health care based on community participation, with the emphasis on preventive rather than curative aspects. Godrej also represents high manufacturing achievements as for instances, the successful manufacture of the Vikas engine as its contribution to the country's space programme.

The stamp design features the Godrej brothers Ardeshir and Pirojsha, and their contribution to building up the Country's economy along with their environmental & social concern. The first day cover, features a group of school children representing the concern for education building up a safe and pollution free environment for the generations to come.

The Department of Posts is happy to is­sue a special commemorative postage stamp to mark the Godrej Centenary.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India