Hisar: The passing of veteran industrialist, philanthropist, dedicated Gau Sevak and lifelong advocate of Sanatan values, Nand Kishore Goenka, has evoked an outpouring of grief across the country, with religious leaders, social organisations, industrialists and public representatives describing his demise as the end of an era in community service and value-based leadership.
Goenka, affectionately known as Bauji among family members and associates, passed away in Mumbai on Monday at the age of 96 following age-related health complications. He was the revered father of former Rajya Sabha Member and Essel Group founder Dr. Subhash Chandra and was widely regarded as the moral and spiritual anchor of one of India’s most influential business families.
Veteran Industrialist, Philanthropist, RSS Swayamsevak and Social Reformer Dies at 96; Leaves Behind a Legacy of Compassion, National Service and Community Leadership.
Paying homage to the departed social leader, Vishwa Hindu Parishad International General Secretary Bajrang Lal Bagra said the Hindu society had lost not merely an individual but an institution whose life embodied service, sacrifice, humility and unwavering commitment to the nation and Dharma.
“Nand Kishore Goenka’s life was a living example of selfless service to society, devotion to Gau Mata and steadfast dedication to national causes. His departure is an irreparable loss for the Hindu community and the Sanatan world,” Bagra said while offering floral tributes in Hisar.
Born on September 28, 1930, in Sadalpur village of Adampur in Haryana’s Hisar district, Shri Goenka witnessed and contributed to some of the most significant social and national transformations of modern India. His life journey spanned pre-Independence India, Partition, the Green Revolution, economic liberalisation and the emergence of India as one of the world’s largest economies.
Yet, despite belonging to a family that later built a business empire of international repute, Shri Goenka remained deeply rooted in the values of simplicity, service and spirituality that defined his early years in rural Haryana.
His mortal remains were flown from Mumbai to Hisar by chartered aircraft and later kept at the family’s ancestral residence in Mohana Mandi for public homage. Thousands of mourners, including saints, social workers, businessmen, public representatives and volunteers from numerous organisations, gathered to pay their final respects. His last rites are scheduled to be performed on Wednesday at Goenka Udyan in Agroha.
A Life Dedicated to Gau Seva and Social Welfare
Among the many causes close to Goenka’s heart, Gau Seva occupied a sacred place throughout his life. According to VHP leaders and family associates, he personally participated in the care and welfare of cattle and actively supported the establishment, maintenance and protection of several gaushalas across northern India.
India today is home to an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 registered gaushalas caring for millions of cattle, and leaders associated with the cow protection movement acknowledged Shri Goenka’s contribution in strengthening this ecosystem of traditional animal welfare institutions.
His commitment to service extended well beyond cow protection. Over several decades, he supported educational initiatives, social welfare programmes, community kitchens, religious institutions and assistance programmes aimed at helping economically weaker sections of society.
Associates recall that his philanthropy was often carried out quietly and without publicity, reflecting his belief that charity should be an act of duty rather than recognition. His generosity touched countless families through educational support, community initiatives and humanitarian assistance.
Participation in National and Cultural Movements
Goenka was also remembered for his active participation in several social and cultural movements associated with the preservation of India’s civilisational heritage.
According to VHP leaders, he played an active role in the Ayodhya Shri Ram Janmabhoomi movement and participated in the Kar Seva campaigns during the height of the agitation. He reportedly faced imprisonment during the movement and remained committed throughout his life to the cause of the construction of a grand temple dedicated to Lord Ram in Ayodhya.
For many within the Sangh Parivar and associated organisations, Shri Goenka represented a generation of volunteers who viewed national service and social service as inseparable responsibilities.
His son, Dr. Subhash Chandra, described his father’s 96-year journey as one devoted to “Samaj Seva, Gau Seva and national service as an RSS Swayamsevak.”
The Moral Foundation Behind a Business Empire
While the public associated the Goenka family with the rise of the Essel Group and the transformation of India’s media landscape, family members and associates frequently acknowledged Shri Goenka as the guiding force behind the values that shaped the organisation.
Founded in the early 1970s and later expanding into media, packaging, infrastructure, education and entertainment, the Essel Group emerged as one of India’s prominent business conglomerates. Its flagship media ventures reached audiences in more than 170 countries, while its broadcasting network served over 1.3 billion viewers globally during its peak years.
Despite this extraordinary corporate success, Goenka reportedly preferred a life away from business limelight, choosing instead to focus on community welfare, spirituality and humanitarian causes.
A Legacy for Future Generations
Those who knew Goenka describe him as a man of extraordinary humility whose influence was measured not by wealth or status but by the values he transmitted to future generations.
His life reflected the ideals of Seva, Sanskar and Samarpan—service, values and dedication. In an era increasingly defined by material success, he remained a steadfast advocate of ethical living, social responsibility and cultural rootedness.
VHP leaders said the traditions of service and social commitment nurtured by Goenka would continue to inspire generations of volunteers, entrepreneurs and social workers across the country.
As tributes continue to pour in from across India, Nand Kishore Goenka is being remembered not merely as the patriarch of a distinguished family or a respected industrialist, but as a compassionate humanitarian whose life demonstrated that the highest purpose of success lies in service to society.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad described his demise as an irreparable loss for Hindu society and prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul and strength for the bereaved family to bear the profound loss.