Dr. Gharda, born in 1929, embarked on his academic path with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Bombay. He then went on to pursue advanced degrees, earning both a Master of Science and a Doctorate in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan. In 1958, he returned to India to share his knowledge by teaching at UDCT (now ICT) in Mumbai.

In 1964, he founded Gharda Chemicals in a small shed, creating a world-class R&D facility focused on Pigments, Polymers, and Agrochemicals.

Known for prioritizing practical innovation, Dr. Gharda contributed significantly by innovating in the fields of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, more specifically in the fields of High-Performance Polymers, Speciality Pigments, Crop Protection Chemicals, Intermediates / Speciality Chemicals, etc. In his later years he focused on revolutionary methods for metal extraction, including aluminium and titanium. His work on reducing production costs for titanium aims to make it one of the most widely used metals globally.

Dr. Gharda's contributions had earned him numerous accolades, including the Chemical Pioneer of the Millennium from the American Society of Chemists Award and multiple Lifetime Achievement Awards. He continued to spearhead research at the Gharda Scientific Research Foundation, turning knowledge into products that are beneficial for the society apart from guiding the R&D and technology efforts of Gharda Chemicals. He was the Chairman and the Managing Director and the Chief Scientist of the company till he passed away on September 30, 2024.