The loss of his father at an early age placed the responsibility for the family on his shoulders.

He believed strongly in the power of education and ensured that all his brothers and sisters studied hard.

Mahindra received his degree from Victoria Jubilee Technological Institute (VJTI) and University of Bombay, one of India's premier engineering and technical institutes.

Mahindra started out his career with Tata Steel, and was the senior Sales Manager from 1929 to 1940.

Two years later, India gained its independence, Ghulam Mohammed left the company to become Pakistan’s first finance minister, and the Mahindra brothers started to manufacture Willys jeeps in Bombay.