According to company sources, Times Group chairperson Indu Jain died on Thursday due to Covid-related complications. She died at the age of 84 in Delhi. Jain is as described as a lifelong spiritual seeker, pioneering philanthropist, distinguished patron of the arts, and ardent supporter of women's rights by the Times Now TV channel, which is part of the Times Group.
As tributes poured in for her from statesmen, captains of industry and spiritual masters, friends, and admirers spoke fondly of her unquenched youthful spirit, zest for life, and determination to make the world a better place. She developed a distinct leadership style, characterised by compassion and inclusion, after becoming chairman of the Times Group in 1999, which helped propel the company to success.
She founded The Times Foundation in 2000 with the primary goals of sustainable development and transformational change. It is one of India's most well-known non-profits, providing community services and administering the Times Relief Fund, which assists victims of cyclones, earthquakes, floods, epidemics, and other natural disasters.
She was the first president of the FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO), which was established in 1983 to encourage women in India to pursue entrepreneurship and professional excellence. She also served as chairperson of the Bharatiya Jnanpith Trust, which was established in 1944 by her father-in-law, Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain, to promote literature in Indian languages.
The Jnanpith Award, given out by the Trust every year, is widely regarded as the highest honour bestowed on authors who write in Indian languages.
She was also the driving force behind the Oneness Forum, which was established in 2003 with the aim of promoting global unity. Under the auspices of the Forum, the "MahaviraMahatma" award was founded to support Mahatma Gandhi's ahimsa concept (non- violence).
"Saddened by the demise of Times Group Chairperson Smt. Indu Jain Ji. She will be remembered for her community service initiatives, passion towards India's progress, and deep-rooted interest in our culture. I recall my interactions with her. Condolences to her family. Om Shanti" tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
One of her last wishes was to donate her organs. Unfortunately, the wish could not be granted due to complications caused by the coronavirus, according to the reports.
She was awarded several awards, including the Padma Bhushan in 2016. She received the Institute of Company Secretaries of India's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, the All India Management Association's Lifetime Contribution to Media Award in 2018, and the Indian Congress of Women's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.
She also spoke at the United Nations Millennium World Peace Summit in 2000.
She is credited with injecting fresh energies into the growth of India's largest media house, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd, which owns the Times of India newspaper.
