Sminu Jindal
Sminu Jindal | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 18, 1973 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation(s) | Business leader, managing director |
| Years active | 1992–present |
| Known for | Managing director of Jindal SAW Limited; founder and chair of Svayam; leader of CII India Business and Disability Network |
| Notable work | Founder of Svayam initiative under Sminu Jindal Trust |
Sminu Jindal (born 18 January 1973) is an Indian business leader serving as the managing director of Jindal SAW Limited. She founded and chairs Svayam, an initiative under the Sminu Jindal Trust dedicated to advancing accessibility rights across India. Furthermore, she leads the Confederation of Indian Industry’s India Business and Disability Network (CII IBDN). Since marrying Indresh Batra in 2001, the couple has two sons, Anav and Arjan Batra. Sminu is affiliated with the O.P. Jindal Group, which has a valuation of approximately US$22 billion.
She assumed the role of managing director at Jindal SAW Ltd. in February 2001 and previously held the managing director position at Hexa Tradex Ltd. from October 2011 until August 2016. Since 2007, she has been at the helm of the Assocham National Council on Iron & Steel.
Early life
Sminu completed her schooling at Maharani Gayatri Devi Girls' Public School in Jaipur and Presentation Convent Senior Secondary School in New Delhi. She then earned a commerce degree from Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), New Delhi.
At the age of 11, an accident led to her permanent use of a wheelchair.
Beginning her career at 19, Jindal joined Jindal SAW Limited as a management trainee from August 1992 to June 1994 in one of its underperforming plants. She was subsequently promoted to Executive-Corporate Planning between July 1994 and March 1995.
She was instrumental in diversifying the company’s operations into urban development, domestic transportation, and logistics via its subsidiary Jindal ITF (JITF) Urban Infrastructure.
Launch of the initiative "Svayam" by SJCT
In October 2000, the Sminu Jindal Trust introduced 'Svayam,' a digital platform dedicated to promoting accessibility.
Membership
Jindal has contributed as a jury member on the Government of India’s Committee for National Awards recognizing efforts in the welfare of persons with disabilities.
Awards and honours
- FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) Women Entrepreneur of the Year, 2009
- Young Global Leaders (YGL), World Economic Forum, 2009
- National Tourism Award of Excellence (shared with ASI), 2009
- National Tourism Award, 2011-12
- Ranked 38th among India’s Most Powerful Women by Fortune India Magazine, 2011
- Asia-Pacific Enterprise Leadership Award (APELA) for Social Service, 2012
- L’Oréal Femina Women Award, 2014
- Global Youth Icon Awards, 2014
- GAATES Award of Recognition, 2016
Her achievements have been documented in publications including Corporate Divas and Why I Failed.