Sasi Nair K.P.
Indu Jain Ji was a mentor, philosopher, and guide to me. A reservoir of native wisdom, borne from her deep understanding of ancient scriptures, she was the single biggest influence in moulding my personality, career and making me considerate to fellow human beings. I was immensely fortunate to have been associated closely with Induji for three decades, from my formative years until she attained nirvana.
As I pen these lines with a heavy heart, I can feel her mighty presence metaphysically guiding my thoughts. Induji was a God-gifted personality, a rarity that takes birth in this materialistic world. She always had an air of positivity which she maintained up to her last breath. She played a major role in my professional life as well as tutoring me life-changing lessons in spirituality that would remain with me forever.
In this jet-set age, Induji wore many hats, gliding effortlessly from one sphere of activity to another with candour and grace. She took over the reins of the Times Group after her husband Ashok Jain passed on, and steered the media conglomerate to greater heights. She displayed the same zeal and passion in helming the Times Foundation, a premier philanthropic organization. She was equally compassionate in helping people affected by cyclones, earthquakes, and other natural calamities. Induji was also a distinguished patron of the arts and an ardent proponent of women’s rights.
It is impossible to find another woman who was adept in business acumen, spirituality and philanthropy. These qualities and her deep knowledge helped her converse with heads of state, business tycoons and religious gurus, leaving an indelible mark on them. For all the riches she had at her command, she was the epitome of simplicity and fairness. Little surprise that condolences poured in from various quarters as soon as she left for her heavenly abode.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was saddened and said Induji would be remembered for her community service initiatives and deep-rooted interest in India’s culture. Modi recalled his interactions with Induji and offered condolences to her family.
President of India Ram Nath Kovind tweeted: “In the demise of Smt. Indu Jain, chairperson of Times Group, we lost a unique media leader and a great patron of art and culture. She left her special imprint on the areas of entrepreneurship, spirituality, and philanthropy.”
Home Minister Amit Shah said that Induji’s demise was deeply saddening. He added that the nation will always remain indebted to her services for all the philanthropic work that she did during her lifetime. Concurring with those views, union minister Piyush Goel said that Induji Jain will be remembered as a passionate philanthropist and strong proponent of women’s rights, and an inspiring leader.
An advocate of world peace, Induji addressed the UN at the Millennium World Peace Summit of Religious and Spiritual Leaders in 2000. She received the Padma Bhushan in 2016 and was conferred with Lifetime Achievement Award by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India for translating excellence in corporate governance into reality.
Induji is survived by sons Samir and Vineet Jain. Samir Jain is vice chairman of Bennett, Coleman and Co. Ltd., India’s largest and diversified media company with brands across publishing, television, internet, radio & outdoor. Vineet Jain is managing director of Times Group. May Induji’s soul rest in eternal peace.
