Radhe Shyam Goenka
Radhe Shyam Goenka | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1946-02-19 Kolkata, India |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | Co-founder and Director of Emami |
| Notable work | Emami conglomerate |
Radhe Shyam Goenka, also referred to as R. S. Goenka, is a prominent Indian businessman who co-established and serves as the full-time Director of Emami, a multifaceted conglomerate with operations spanning FMCG, paper manufacturing, real estate, edible oils and bio-diesel, health care, cement production, pharmaceutical retail, book and leisure retailing, solar energy, and modern art. He ranks among the wealthiest Indians and is featured on the Forbes list of global billionaires.
Early life
Radhe Shyam was born on 19 February 1946 in Kolkata. He completed his undergraduate studies at St. Xavier's College, Kolkata before obtaining an LLB and M.Com degree from Calcutta University. In 1970, he commenced his career with the K K Birla Group as the head of their income tax division.
Emami
In 1974, Radhe Shyam partnered with his schoolmate Radhe Shyam Agarwal to establish Emami, initiating the venture with a loan of $2,600 from his father. Over time, Emami expanded into an international enterprise generating revenues surpassing $1.3 billion.
Criminal charges
On 9 December 2011, a devastating fire broke out at AMRI Hospital in Kolkata resulting in 92 fatalities. Subsequently, the hospital's operating license was revoked and a judicial investigation was initiated. The blaze was reportedly triggered by flammable substances stored on site; rescue operations were complicated by restricted access and malfunctioning safety equipment.
Seven board members—including Goenka and Agarwal, both founders of Emami and directors of the hospital chain—were detained and accused of negligent homicide. By July 2016, a total of sixteen individuals faced charges such as culpable homicide not amounting to murder under Section 304 of the Indian Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment. This tragedy remains the most severe hospital disaster in India’s history.
Awards & Recognitions
- In 2007, he received the Cavalier Cross Order of Merit from the Republic of Poland, becoming only the fifth Indian to be honored with this distinction.
Associations
Radhe holds the position of President for the Chemical Division at Gmmco Limited and acts as an Advisor to Kemco Chemicals. He is Executive Chairman of Emami Paper Mills Limited, Joint Chairman across various Emami group companies, and Executive Director at Emami Paper Mills. Furthermore, he leads South City Project (Kolkata) Limited, Advance Medicare & Research Institute Limited, Suntrack Commerce Private Limited, Merchant Chamber of Commerce, South City Parivaar Private Limited, Susruta Clinic & Research Institute for Advance Medicines Private Limited, Bhanu Vyapaar Private Limited, Pro-sports Management Limited, Suraj Viniyog Private Limited, and Emami Realty Private Limited. His previous roles include Independent & Non-Executive Director at Khaitan (India) Limited and Director at Zandu Realty Limited. Additionally, he served as Honorary Consul for Poland in Kolkata and Co-Chairman of the Indian Cancer Society in Kolkata. Radhe is also a Managing Committee Director-Member of the Merchant Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI).
Family
Radhe Shyam Goenka is married and has three children: two sons named Manish and Mohan Goenka and a daughter named Rachna Goenka Bagaria. The family collectively oversees operations within the Emami group and resides in Southern Avenue, Kolkata. Rachna is married to Rajesh Bagaria.