Savitri Jindal: widow of the Jindal Group founder
Savitri Jindal has been nicknamed the ‘Iron Lady of Industry’. She is chairman emeritus of the Jindal Group, one of India’s largest conglomerates. In 2024, Forbes listed the businesswoman’s family among the country’s 100 richest tycoons. According to the publication, the dynasty’s total wealth is estimated at US$43.7 billion.
The woman was born in Tinsukia in 1950. In the 1970s, she married Om Prakash Jindal, who built the Jindal Group of companies. The company has leading positions in the steel and power sectors. Savitri helped her husband make an industrial empire but remained in his shadow. At the same time, she was busy raising nine children. Everything changed when Om died in a helicopter crash. Savitri had no choice but to take over the business.
She became chairman emeritus, and her four sons took charge of the conglomerate’s various businesses. Together, they were able to diversify and grow the business significantly. After the founder’s death, the company’s turnover quadrupled. The company expanded its activities, strengthening its position in local and global markets.
Political career
Apart from running the family company, Jindal decided to try her hand at politics:
1. She became the representative of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha constituency in 2005. Her husband previously represented it.
2. Savitri was re-elected from the same constituency in 2009.
3. In 2013, Jindal became a cabinet minister in the Haryana government.
She was also the Minister for Revenue and Housing and headed the Ministry of Power until 2010. In 2024, Savitri became a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party. She contested the state assembly elections from Hisar.
It’s worth noting that Savitri isn’t the only one in the family involved in politics. Her family members are also involved. Her son, Naveen Jindal, made it into parliament on the ruling party’s ticket in the last election.
Savitri Jindal is reputedly India’s richest woman. She is also 50th in the world in terms of capital. The family-owned company’s steel division is the third largest among local manufacturers. The conglomerate is actively expanding into new markets, helping to strengthen its position.
In addition to its business and political activities, Savitri supports charitable and social initiatives. The company’s foundation runs programmes to develop education and support the transformation of the healthcare system in India. The organisation’s goal is to bring healthcare services to millions of people. Savitri personally participates in charitable projects that contribute to the development of society.
