Keshub Mahindra passes away at 99: India Inc pays tribute to country's oldest billionaire

Keshub Mahindra, the country's oldest billionaire and former chairman of Mahindra and Mahindra, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 99. The philanthropist handed over the reins to his nephew Anand Mahindra after serving as the chairman of the company for 48 years.

The tragic news of Keshub Mahindra's passing has shocked the business world. Many bosses took to social media platforms to express their shock and share condolences to the family.

The top bosses remembered Mahindra as an "endearing personality" who lived a glorious life guiding the growth of the Mahindra group.


Gautam Singhania, Chairman and Managing Director of The Raymond Ltd, paid his tribute to Keshub Mahindra in a heartfelt tweet where he praised the 99-year-old businessman as someone who could navigate many challenging situations.

"Keshubhji lived a glorious life guiding the growth of Mahindra group for nearly five decades. With his endearing personality, he could navigate many a challenging situation. My deepest condolences to the family, employees and well wishers of Mahindra Group. RIP Keshub Mahindra," Singhania wrote on Twitter.
Pawan K Goenka, Chairman of INSPACe and former Mahindra employee, said that with Keshub Mahindra's passing, the industrial world lost its tallest personality.

"The industrial world has lost one of the tallest personalities today. Shri Keshub Mahindra had no match; the nicest person I had the privilege of knowing. I always looked forward to mtgs with him and inspired by how he connected business, economics and social matters. Om Shanti," Goenka tweeted.
SP Shukla, the chairman of Mahindra Aerospace, Mahindra Defence, Mahindra CIE and more, paid a tribute to doyen of Indian industry.

"I shall always cherish the memory of Mr Keshub Mahindra -a doyen of Indian Industry. It was an honour to receive my degree from him at IIMA. I remember his kind words at the start of my career. Years later I was to experience his inspiring leadership at @MahindraRise .Om Shanti," Shukla tweeted.
A well-known philanthropist, Keshub Mahindra also served as the non-executive Chairman of the Union Carbide India Ltd. when the massive Bhopal gas leak incident had taken place in December 1984.

Punit Goenka, the managing director and CEO of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, called Keshub Mahindra an "idol to entrepreneurs and leaders across sectors."

"His vision and approach towards business inspired many including me, as he taught India Inc. the essence of building a strong business and giving back to the society through his philanthropic efforts," Goenka wrote on his official Twitter handle.

Paying his heartfelt condolences to Mahindra Group and Mahindra family, Goenka said the world lost a legend.

“We have truly lost a legend today, but his legacy will symbolise the Indian entrepreneurial spirit for times to come. Heartfelt condolences to the Mahindra Group, @anandmahindra and the family. Thoughts and prayers with you during this difficult time,” he added.

Sunjay Kapur, chairman of Sona Comstar and ex-husband of Bollywood actress Karisma Kapoor, said that Keshub Mahindra built a brand that the country is proud of. "A true legend in every right. Mr. Keshub Mahindra built a brand that India is proud of and built an industry for which we are all grateful. A mentor and friend to my father and a visionary in every sense of the word. May he always be remembered with joy," Kapur tweeted.Keshub Mahindra was born on October 9, 1923 in Shimla and pursued his higher education in the Wharton School of University of Pennsylvania.