The Mintri family's history is as deep and rich as the tea we serve today. An article written by Vivek Chhetri, published in The Telegraph on August 15, 2022 highlights a remarkable chapter in our heritage: the late Onkar Mal Mintri, a prominent regional businessman, was personally trusted to escort India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, during his state visits.
A Respected Entrepreneur and Civic Leader
Long before hosting the Prime Minister, Onkar Mal Mintri had built a diverse portfolio of successful ventures from scratch.
-
Regional Fleet Owner: In the 1950s, Onkar Mal owned Mintri Transport, operating a substantial fleet of over 20 cars.
-
Cross-Border Trade: He pioneered trade with Tibet, transporting petrol from the Caltex Company to Lhasa using 20-litre jerry cans tied to mules. He also operated two shops in Lhasa, bartering petrol, Rolex watches, and other items for wool that was supplied to mainland India.
-
Community Leadership: Carrying on the civic legacy of his father, banker Ram Chandra Mintri (who has a road named after him in Kalimpong), Onkar Mal served as the Vice-Chairman & Chairman of the Kalimpong municipality for 25 years.
A Mark of Honor from Prime Minister Nehru
During the 1950s, Prime Minister Nehru made several visits to the area, including Darjeeling in 1954, Sikkim in 1957, and Bhutan via Sikkim in 1958. Rather than relying on standard official state transport, Nehru specifically requested Onkar Mal to drive him in his personal 1952 Plymouth, bearing the registration WGX-1.
-
A Warm Bond: Nehru developed a close relationship with the respected businessman, affectionately calling him "Beta" (son) and patting his shoulder.
-
Overriding Protocol: Despite strict police directives forbidding the Prime Minister’s vehicle from stopping during journeys, Nehru trusted Onkar Mal's judgment, asking him to sound the horn rather than automatically stopping when encountering crowds.
-
Official Recognition: Acknowledging this trusted relationship, the Prime Minister's Office issued a formal note (memo no 2766 – PMH/58) on November 11, 1958, stating: "Shri Onkarmal Mintri drove the cars in which I travelled during my several visits to Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Sikkim. I am glad to give him this note in remembrance of that, and wish him".
From Transport to Tea
This legacy of enterprise and community standing was directly passed down to Onkar Mal’s son, K.K. Mintri, who is deeply involved in the tea business and formerly served as chairman of the Siliguri Tea Auction Centre. Today, the historic 1952 Plymouth remains at the Mintri family residence in Siliguri as a testament to this era.
At MINTRI TEA, we proudly carry forward this heritage. The exact same dedication, reliability, and entrepreneurial spirit that earned the trust of India's first Prime Minister remains central to our values and is poured into every blend of tea we produce.