The partition of Bengal in 1905 turned out to be no less than a turning point in Indian history as it exposed the “Divide & Rule” policy of the British. The exposure stoked nationalism further in many forms including the swadeshi movement. A movement which gave birth to several indigenous products and brands born with the primary aim of boycotting British products. Margo Soap is one such swadeshi brand which was launched by a young Indian nationalist Khagendra Chandra Das in the year 1920.
A revolutionary, a chemist, an entrepreneur and a mentor, KC Das was behind the research, development and marketing of one of the most prominent brands in its category today. It is the top-of-mind neem-based soap in the country for many. Thanks to its popularity among the masses, Margo moved to Henkel-SPIC, and with the latter is now with Jyothy Laboratories. The 102-year journey had a committed start.
Equipped with a degree from the prestigious Stanford University, KC Das gave up lucrative job offers from MNCs and chose to become part of the national cause. Das, with the help of two friends, RN Sen and BN Maitra, started the Calcutta Chemical Company in 1916. They registered an office at 35 Panditiya road, Ballygunge, and started their factory in Tiljala in South Kolkata. After extensive research, Das finally produced a neem-based soap in 1920 with health benefits, which could be afforded by all. Since neem also has the name margosa, he decided to name it ‘Margo Soap’.
Margo turned out to be an instant hit, as millions of Indians who were already aware of neem’s benefits embraced it wholeheartedly. It was marketed as a herbal soap with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, which further enhanced its hygiene quotient. It quickly rose to prominence as a pan-India brand, with manufacturing facilities in different parts of the subcontinent.
Das also created a talcum powder named Lavender Dew to cater to a more affluent population. But it was Margo soap and the Neem toothpaste that stood the test of time and became household names not just in India but even abroad.
Despite changing several hands over the decades, Margo continues to be a trusted brand that promises clear and blemish-free skin. As on June 2018, the Margo toilet soap brand had a turnover of Rs.175 crore and during the pandemic Jyothy Labs extended the product portfolio of Margo with the launch of face wash, hand wash and sanitisers.
The swadeshi soap brand continues the fight against international competition on store shelves, with the patronage of millions of Indians.
