Indu Jain, chairman of the Times Group, attained nirvana on May 13. Mourned by many, she will be remembered by everyone who knew her for her deep commitment to philanthropy, women’s rights and education.
By ET Bureau | Updated:
Times Group Chairperson Indu Jain passes away at 84
Mourned by many, she will be remembered by everyone who knew her for her deep commitment to philanthropy, women’s rights and education. Studying scriptures and belief systems was a lifelong passion for her. But she wore her erudition lightly, recalled friends and admirers, whose fondest memories of her were her zest for life and youthful spirit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Indu Jain. “Saddened by the demise of Times Group Chairperson Indu Jain Ji,” the PM said in his tweet. “She will be remembered for her community service initiatives, passion towards India’s progress and deep-rooted interest in our culture.”
Saddened by the demise of Times Group Chairperson Smt. Indu Jain Ji. She will be remembered for her community servi… https://t.co/JwOBBuUXWy
Indu Jain became chairman of the Times Group in 1999. Hers was a distinctive leadership style. Her emphasis on inclusiveness and a company’s social responsibility led to, among other things, the setting up of the Times Foundation in 2000. Under her guidance, the Times Foundation became one of India's most respected non-profits. It provides community services and runs the Times Relief Fund. Her passion for India’s rich literary heritage found expression in her chairpersonship, from 1999 onwards, of Bharatiya Jnanpith Trust that was founded in 1944. The annual Jnanpith Award is India’s most prestigious award for authors writing in Indian languages. Founder president of FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO), which was established in 1983, Indu Jain’s many interests saw her assume pivotal roles in many other forums.
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Tributes poured in from India Inc captains. “Very sorry to hear about the sad demise of Shrimati Indu Jain. She was a strong and unique personality,” said Kotak Mahindra Bank managing director Uday Kotak. “Extremely saddened and sorry to hear about the passing of Indu Ji. She was such a wonderful and enterprising lady who has done us all proud. She will be missed by the entire business and media fraternity,” said HDFC CEO Keki Mistry. Awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2016, Indu Jain was also the recipient of several honours from prestigious institutions, and a speaker, in 2000, at the United Nations Millennium World Peace Summit.
Her philosophy on life – “Life is an incredible adventure, and you should give it your best” – guided her own remarkable life.
