J.C. & K.C. Mahindra, the founders of the Mahindra Group, had the same ambition: to prove to themselves and the world that Indians were capable of being the best at whatever they chose to do. Accordingly, they gave up their professional careers at TISCO and Martin Burn respectively, and risked becoming entrepreneurs by setting up their own company: Mahindra & Mahindra.

It was under their inspiring leadership that Mahindra & Mahindra made the first indigenous Jeep in the country in 1949. Their innovative spirit also showed during the days when the Company was the leading importer of steel in the country. J.C. & K.C. Mahindra had to persuade the Indian Government to buy French rails for the fledgling Indian Railways because they felt that the British specifications were obsolete and not the best suited. To convince government officials of the superiority of the French product, they laid down a short length of rail line with French rails and invited the government authorities for a ride. During the journey, chilled champagne was served in glasses filled to the brim. Legend has it that the train raced along, but not a single drop of champagne was spilled, so smooth were the French rails. Needless to say, they made their point.