Hasmukhlal Thakordas Parekh or H.T. Parekh, is widely regarded as the pioneer of the housing finance industry in India who started HDFC Limited at the age of 65 years. Being a remarkable institution builder, he is also credited for building several other organisations, including ICICI Limited, GRUH Finance, Hindustan Oil Exploration Corporation Limited and many non-profit organisations. The H T Parekh Legacy Centre is a humble attempt to tell his story as a visionary man who prioritised development and nation-building above business profits.
H T Parekh Legacy Centre is located on the 4th floor of Ramon House, Churchgate (Mumbai) – the same building where the HDFC story began. It covers his life chronologically from his early years, stockbroking years, building ICICI as a development bank and finally starting HDFC in 1977, a culmination of his lifelong dream. His journey has been depicted in a visual medium that comes alive with archival documents, photographs, audio-visuals and personal belongings, covering his mentors, colleagues, friends and family.
The H T Parekh Foundation was established in 2012, the birth centenary of Shri Hasmukh Thakordas Parekh (H. T. Parekh), the Founder Chairman of HDFC Limited (now merged with HDFC Bank) in order to commemorate his significant contribution towards HDFC Limited and the development sector in India. We, at the Foundation, champion H.T. Parekh’s philosophy of providing “service to society” – a belief that has been a driving influence in our work. The Foundation works across India in partnership with non-profit organisations across the focus areas of Education, Healthcare, Environment and Disability.
Meet the man who left behind a legacy which continues to inspire others to this day.
We are a progressive, impact-driven, philanthropic foundation guided by the principles of inclusion, commitment, excellence, integrity and respect.
