The founder of famous masala brand MDH, Mahashay Dharampal Gulati, passed away on Thursday at the age of 98 in New Delhi.

Gulati (97) was undergoing treatment at Mata Chanan Devi Hospital where he breathed his last. According to PTI, he was undergoing post-COVID treatment and suffered a cardiac arrest Thursday morning.

Popularly known as "Spice King", Gulati was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the country's third-highest civilian award, in 2019.

He was born on 27th March, 1923 in Sialkot (Pakistan) and later moved to India after partition. 

The iconic businessman started his life as a tonga wala (horse cart puller).

The 'Mahashian Di Hatti' (MDH) was founded by his late father Mahashay Chunni Lal Gulati.

Reacting to the news of his death, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, "Dharm Pal ji was very inspiring personality. He dedicated his life for the society. God bless his soul."

Delhi's deputy CM Manish Sisodia also condoled the loss.

The founder is also a household as he featured in the advertisments of MDH.

India's most inspiring entrepreneur,
MDH owner Dharm Pal Mahashay passed away this morning.
I have never met such an inspiring and lively soul. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/SOdiqFyJvX

— Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) December 3, 2020

The news of his death drew tributes and condolence messages from many across social media.

Sad to hear about the passing away of 'King of spices' Mahashay Dharampal Gulati ji. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti #MDH #DharampalGulati @SpicesMdh pic.twitter.com/WBdApCLJIA

— Praful Patel (@praful_patel) December 3, 2020

Shri Mahashay Dharmpal, Owner of #MDHspices passes away at 98.
Legendary guy used to donate 90% of income to charity.
Inspiring journey from a 'Tonga puller' to a Multi Millionaire.
#MahashayDharampalGulati#DharampalGulati #MDH pic.twitter.com/nLNs89hEDV

— Brijesh Mathur (@Brijeshmathur83) December 3, 2020

Om Shanti #MahashayDharampal pic.twitter.com/PvlG6Ufe3V

— Sumit Kadel (@SumitkadeI) December 3, 2020

Mahashay Dharampal Gulati ji was an iconic entrepreneur and an inspiration to many.

Lost everything to partition, came to India with almost nothing and then with hard work and dedication he established one of the most iconic brands of spices.

Om Shanti pic.twitter.com/sywo8kcceS

— Naveen Jindal (@MPNaveenJindal) December 3, 2020

The passing of Mahashay Dharampal Gulati Ji, the grand old man of Indian entrepreneurship is a sad day for the country.

He added spice to our lives & was a part of every Indian household.

I offer my heartfelt condolence to his family & admirers.

Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/UQV2iyMECn

— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) December 3, 2020