Jaiprakash Gaur
Jaiprakash Gaur | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1930 Chitta village, near Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Occupation | Business magnate |
| Known for | Founder of Jaypee Group |
Jaiprakash Gaur (born around 1930) is an Indian business magnate and the originator of the Jaypee Group, a diversified conglomerate specializing in engineering, construction—particularly infrastructure and power projects—cement manufacturing, and hydropower generation. He held the position of chairman until retiring in 2010. In 2012, Forbes listed him as the 70th wealthiest individual in India, estimating his net worth at approximately US$855 million. Gaur possesses more than fifty years of expertise within the construction sector.
Early life
Gaur was born into a Gaur Brahman family in Chitta village, located near Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh. His father was employed as an agricultural inspector during British rule. He completed his secondary education at LDAV Inter College in Anupshahr and obtained a civil engineering degree from the University of Roorkee. His professional journey began as a junior engineer with the irrigation department of Uttar Pradesh state.
Career
Following his graduation, Gaur started working as a junior engineer for the state irrigation department. Subsequently, he ventured into establishing his own civil contracting business. After nearly twenty years, he founded the Jaypee Group by launching Jaiprakash Associates, a company focused on civil engineering and construction services. His decision to leave a stable government position in 1958 to pursue contracting reflected significant entrepreneurial determination. By 1967, he had expanded a modest workforce into an enterprise recognized by its cable address "Iron Will," undertaking landmark projects such as:
- Sardar Sarovar Dam – India’s largest dam featuring 7.2 million cubic meters of chilled concrete, surpassing Bhakra Nangal Dam by 75% in volume
- Tehri Dam – The largest rockfill dam across Asia
- Nathpa Jhakri powerhouse – The biggest underground power facility in India
In 2010, Forbes ranked him as the 48th wealthiest person in India, valuing his fortune at around US$1.5 billion.
Awards and honours
- 2005 "Distinguished Alumni Award" from Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee recognizing excellence in corporate growth and entrepreneurship
- 2005 "Lifetime Achievement Award" presented by Builders' Association of India for significant contributions to the construction field
- 2005 "Udyog Ratna" accolade from PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry for advancing economic progress in Madhya Pradesh
- 2008 "Entrepreneur of the Year Award" awarded by Ernst & Young for outstanding accomplishments in infrastructure and construction
- 2010 "Lifetime Achievement Award" bestowed by Merchants' Chamber of Uttar Pradesh, Kanpur, honoring achievements in infrastructure development and corporate social responsibility