in soap cakes and about 35% in detergents. Nirma also has successful operations in neighbouring countries. In 1995, Karsanbhai started the Nirma Institute of Technology in Ahmedabad, which grew into a leading engineering college in Gujarat. An Institute of Management followed, with the entire structure being consolidated under the Nirma University of Science and Technology in 2003, overseen by the Nirma Education and Research Foundation. The Nirmalabs education project, aimed at training and incubating entrepreneurs, was launched in 2004. Karsanbhai's two sons, daughter and son-in-law are now at leading positions in the Nirma organization: Rakesh K Patel (MBA) looks after procurement and logistics, Hiren K Patel, chemical engineer and MBA, heads marketing and finance, while Kalpesh Patel is in human resources and Healthcare Industry (Nirlife healthcare). Awards and recognition In 2019, Karsanbhai was ranked No. 30 by Forbes magazine, for the list of India's Richest persons. In 2001, Karsanbhai was awarded an honorary doctorate by Florida Atlantic University, recognizing his exceptional entrepreneurial and philanthropic accomplishments. In 1990, the Federation of Association of Small Scale Industries of India (FASII), New Delhi, awarded him the 'Udyog Ratna' award. The Gujarat Chamber of Commerce felicitated him as an 'Outstanding Industrialist of the Eighties'. He has served twice as Chairman of the Development Council for Oils, Soaps and Detergents. Patel has been conferred with Padma Shri Award for the year 2010. The award was formally conferred by the President of India Mrs Pratibha Patil. It was also announced on 7 June 2013 that he bought 400 million six-seater chopper. After Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani and Zydus group promoter Pankaj Patel, Karsanbhai is the third Ahmedabad-based industrialist to buy a chopper. In 2017, Karsanbhai was ranked No. 38 by Forbes magazine, for the list of India's Richest persons ($3.6 billion). In 2019, Karsanbhai was ranked No. 30 by Forbes magazine for the list of India's richest persons ($3.9 billion). References Living people People from Mehsana district Businesspeople from Gujarat 1945 births Recipients of the Padma Shri in trade and industry Indian billionaires Gujarati people