1922
In 1918, Godrej produced the world’s first vegetable oil
soap. It was a major breakthrough because soaps produced by Europeans were
generally made of animal fat, which was against the principles of non-violence
& vegetarianism in India.
In 1919, Godrej used the technique and launched a vegetable
oil soap under the brand name “No 2” on a pilot basis. The reason they named it
“No 2” was to suggest that if No 2 itself was so good, then No 1 would be much
better. In 1922, Godrej launched the “No 1” soap, which was not only better
than the predecessor but even outdid European brands. Since the ahimsa &
swadeshi movement by Gandhiji had gained momentum, the vegetable oil soap by
Godrej had struck a chord with the masses.
Nationalists like Rabindranath Tagore stepped forward to promote the
“swadeshi” soap by Godrej.
Courtesy: oldindianads.com
"Life of my life, I shall ever try to keep my body pure,
knowing that thy living touch is upon all my limbs." ('Purity', 'Gitanjali', )
p.s. very timely thought in Coronavirus era!