Indu Jain
Indu Jain | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 8, 1936 |
| Died | May 13, 2021 (aged 84) |
| Occupation(s) | Media leader, philanthropist, writer |
| Known for | Chairperson of Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd (The Times Group), philanthropist |
Indu Jain (8 September 1936 – 13 May 2021) was a prominent Indian media leader and philanthropist belonging to the Sahu Jain family. She held the position of chairperson at Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd, widely recognized as The Times Group, which is India's foremost media group.
By 2006, Indu Jain's net worth was estimated at $2.4 billion, placing her as the 317th wealthiest individual worldwide. Her philanthropic efforts were primarily directed toward social development, disaster assistance, and promoting literary causes.
Career and philanthropy
Following the passing of her husband, publishing tycoon Ashok Kumar Jain, in 1999, Indu Jain assumed leadership of The Times Group, the parent company of The Times of India and several other leading media properties. By 2012, the organization employed approximately 11,000 staff members and commanded a 38% share of India's newspaper circulation. The group's business model prioritizes revenue from advertising, with a notable focus on entertainment content and sponsored editorials rather than investigative reporting.
In 2006, she contested Forbes' valuation of her wealth; however, the Delhi High Court dismissed her petition in 2007. Around this period, she was recognized as Asia’s wealthiest woman.
In the year 2000, Jain established The Times Foundation, where she served as chairperson. The foundation encompasses Community Services, Research Foundation, and Times Relief Fund initiatives aimed at supporting communities affected by disasters. That same year, she delivered a speech at the United Nations during the Millennium Peace Summit.
As of 2017, she led the women's wing of FICCI (FLO) and had been chairing the Bharatiya Jnanpith Trust since 1999 until her demise. This trust is responsible for managing the esteemed Jnanpith literary accolade.
An accomplished writer herself, Jain authored a two-volume Encyclopedia of Indian Saints and Sages (published in 2012 and 2019), co-written with N. K. Prasad and released under Times Group Books. The launch of the second volume coincided with World Environmental Day and featured participation from various spiritual leaders.
Awards
Indu Jain was conferred the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in January 2016.
In November 2019, she received a Lifetime Achievement award from the Institute of Company Secretaries of India recognizing her outstanding contributions to corporate governance.
Her accolades also include a Lifetime Contribution to Media award presented by the All India Management Association in 2018 for her leadership and role in nation-building, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indian Congress of Women.
Personal life
Indu Jain was married to Ashok Kumar Jain and was mother to two sons, Samir and Vineet Jain, along with a daughter.
She died on 13 May 2021 in Delhi due to complications related to COVID-19.