Shri Seth Khimji Tejookaya (J.P.)
In the second generation, Shri Seth Khimji Tejookaya took on the mantle of the company. Fondly known as ‘Kakuseth’, his futuristic approach won him a lot of trust and appreciation. His ‘never-say-never’ attitude was applauded by the British Government who on the 4th of August 1939 conferred on him the title of ‘Justice of the Peace (JP)’.
Kakuseth developed strong relations with the royalty, the business community and the bureaucracy. His best friends were intellectuals and professionals such as doctors, architects, engineers, etc. He utilised these relations for the common man’s social upliftment and justice.
The TeKaCo unit is one such case. In the 1940s, Maharao Vijayrajji of Kutch asked his friend Shri Khimji Tejookaya to create a source of livelihood for his villagers especially women. This led to the creation of TeKaCo, the first industry of Kutch. It was a firecracker and matchbox factory equipped with the latest Japanese machinery.
Under the aegis of Kakuseth, the company diversified with over 65 branches and 3000 workers all over India. It was also responsible for the creation of many iconic structures such as —
Tansa Dam
Kusum Vilas Palace
Nagpur Science College
Deolali Cantonment
Billai Cantonment
Four Dams in Saurashtra
Ram Garhi Dam
Rangoli River
Bor Talav
Aji Dam