Despite being close to Delhi, Gurgaon was once an undeveloped region, marked by dense forests and desolate roads. After sunset, people hesitated to venture here, and traveling beyond the Delhi border meant paying double fare. No one could have imagined that one day Gurgaon would become a place where apartments worth 100 crores would be sold. But one man made it all possible. Yes, we’re talking about KP Singh.
A Vision for a Modern City
KP Singh envisioned transforming Gurgaon into an advanced city, similar to the cities in South Korea and Malaysia at that time. However, his dream faced numerous challenges, and many people tried to hinder his progress. Yet, today, Fortune 9 companies have their headquarters in Gurgaon, which has become home to more than 8,000 startups. How did this transformation happen? How did DLF (Delhi Land and Finance) turn a barren area into a smart city? Let’s dive into the story.
Early Life and Education of KP Singh
The story begins on November 19, 1929, in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, where Kushal Pal Singh, or KP Singh, was born. His father, Chaudhary Mukhtar Singh, was a lawyer, and his mother was a homemaker. KP Singh completed his primary education at a local madrasa before enrolling in DAV in 1939. After finishing school, he joined Meerut College in July 1945. However, shortly after joining, his life took an unexpected turn.
A Surprising Move to England
At that time, a close friend of his, Bhopal Singh, applied for an aircraft engineering course at a training facility in England on KP Singh’s behalf without telling him. Surprisingly, KP Singh got accepted. Coming from a middle-class family, studying in England was beyond their financial reach, so KP Singh didn’t have high hopes. But when his parents learned about his selection, they worked hard to gather funds, and eventually, KP Singh set off for England.
A New Life and Love in England
Within a few months of being in England, KP Singh met his first love, Julie. She came from a wealthy, well-respected family, which had a positive influence on KP Singh. Through Julie, he met several prominent people in England and learned a lot from them. KP Singh was very happy in his life and was planning to settle in England after marrying Julie. However, his life took another turn when he met Brigadier Mahendra Singh Vadhaliya, an Indian Army officer, who suggested that he join the Indian Army.
Returning to India and Joining the Army
KP Singh was already considering settling in England, so he wasn’t interested in returning to India. He made excuses, claiming he couldn’t return just for the IMA (Indian Military Academy) exam. However, a special arrangement was made for him to take the exam in England, and, somewhat reluctantly, he passed it. Still, KP Singh was reluctant to return to India, claiming he didn’t have the money for a ticket. To his surprise, he was provided a free ticket, leaving him with no choice but to return to India, thus ending his relationship with Julie.
Finding Happiness and a New Purpose
After coming back to India, KP Singh tried to find happiness in his work and a new life. During this time, he met Indira Singh, the daughter of Lieutenant Colonel Chaudhary Raghvendra Singh. The two grew close over time, and on March 6, 1954, they got married. In 1959, KP Singh’s father-in-law offered him a place in the family business, DLF, as he didn’t have a son. After eight years in the army, KP Singh joined DLF to manage the family business.
The Birth of a Vision: Developing Gurgaon
DLF had already made its mark in Delhi by establishing 22 urban colonies, including Punjabi Bagh, Greater Kailash, and Rajouri Garden. The business was doing well, but in 1957, the Delhi government introduced the Delhi Development Act, which prohibited private developers from acquiring land in Delhi. This decision severely impacted DLF’s business, and KP Singh decided to look for opportunities in areas surrounding Delhi, including Gurgaon.
A Fortunate Meeting with Rajiv Gandhi
Due to its proximity to Delhi, Gurgaon was an ideal location for companies and residents, so KP Singh started working on transforming it. One day, while discussing this project with local farmers, a jeep pulled up with its engine overheating. The owner, who turned out to be Rajiv Gandhi, requested water. During their conversation, KP Singh explained his vision for the area, which impressed Rajiv Gandhi. This chance meeting led to a formal discussion, and in April 1981, KP Singh received the first license to develop 39 acres in Gurgaon.
Overcoming Obstacles with Farmers
However, the biggest challenge was convincing farmers to sell their land. KP Singh personally met around 700 farmers, offering them a good price along with educational opportunities for their children and healthcare facilities. He explained that selling their barren land would allow them to buy fertile land nearby. After considerable effort, the farmers agreed.
Raising Funds and Gaining Trust
But there was still one major hurdle: raising the funds to pay the farmers all at once. KP Singh’s father-in-law had a solution: he convinced the farmers to reinvest 90% of the amount back into DLF as a loan, with the promise that the company would repay them as soon as it became profitable. Convincing the farmers was difficult, but they finally agreed.
Learning from South Korea and Malaysia
After securing the land, KP Singh visited South Korea and Malaysia to learn about their development methods. Upon returning, he launched his first high-rise project in Gurgaon in 1981, known as Silver Oaks. In 1982, DLF City began to take shape, and KP Singh started repaying the farmers little by little every month.
The Expansion of DLF City
By February 1983, KP Singh obtained a license to develop 556 acres, and DLF was rapidly growing. However, this success attracted resentment from one of KP Singh’s former friends, Bansi Lal, a former defense minister who was once close to him. They had been such good friends that they often spent hours chatting, sharing tea, and even giving each other rides home.
The Fallout with Bansi Lal
In December 1975, KP Singh organized a grand party and invited Bansi Lal. To keep Bansi Lal entertained, KP Singh also invited some senior army officers from his circle. Unfortunately, during the party, a senior officer, after drinking a bit too much, suggested that he could talk to Sanjay Gandhi on Bansi Lal’s behalf, assuming it would be helpful.
Since Bansi Lal held a higher position than the officer, he was offended by the suggestion. This incident marked the beginning of a bitter enmity between Bansi Lal and KP Singh. Bansi Lal used his political influence to create roadblocks for DLF, and for years, KP Singh had to navigate through these challenges.
The Transformation of Gurgaon: A Testament to KP Singh’s Vision
Despite these hurdles, KP Singh’s determination and vision transformed Gurgaon from a deserted region into a thriving city with high-rise buildings, corporate offices, shopping complexes, and a booming real estate market. Today, Gurgaon stands as a testament to his foresight and resilience, housing countless multinational companies, startups, and residential skyscrapers, becoming one of India’s most prominent business hubs.
Conclusion: KP Singh’s Legacy in Gurgaon’s Success Story
This incredible transformation of Gurgaon was not just the story of urban development but also a tale of KP Singh’s perseverance, vision, and the challenges he overcame to make his dream a reality.