Meet Savitri Jindal: India’s Trailblazing Business Tycoon and Political Force
In the realm of Indian wealth and power, Savitri Jindal stands as a formidable figure, not just as the richest woman but as a dynamic force reshaping both business and politics. In 2005, she assumed control of the O.P. Jindal Group, leaving an indelible mark on its fortunes.
According to the 2023 Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Savitri Jindal has experienced the most significant surge in net worth among India’s wealthiest individuals over the past year, outpacing even titans like Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani. Her fortune soared by an astonishing $9.6 billion, bringing her total net worth to a staggering $25 billion, securing her the 5th position on Bloomberg’s coveted list.
Savitri’s journey to the zenith of wealth and influence is both extraordinary and unconventional. Inheriting the reins of the O.P. Jindal Group from her late husband, Om Prakash Jindal, who tragically perished in a helicopter crash in 2005, Savitri demonstrated unparalleled acumen despite lacking a formal college education. She catapulted the company’s stock value, nearly quadrupling its worth.
The family dynamics within the Jindal empire are intriguing. Savitri Jindal, a mother of nine children, strategically navigated the intricate web of shareholdings crafted by her late husband. Each son holds one-fifth of the shareholding in every company under the family’s expansive business umbrella. Following her husband’s demise, Savitri assumed not only the role of chairwoman but also took control of her sons’ stakes, ensuring a seamless transition upon her eventual passing.
The O.P. Jindal Group’s influence extends beyond steel, with ventures like JSW Infrastructure and JSW Cement under its vast purview. Founded by Sajjan Jindal in 1999, JSW Infrastructure has emerged as a dominant player in shipyard and port construction, along with ship repair facilities.
Savitri Jindal’s foray into politics adds another layer to her multifaceted persona. Elected to the Haryana Vidhan Sabha from the Hissar Constituency in 2005, a seat previously held by her late husband, she later assumed ministerial roles in the Haryana Government. A member of the Indian National Congress, Savitri has served as the Minister of State for Revenue and Disaster Management, Consolidation, Rehabilitation and Housing, as well as the Minister of State for Urban Local Bodies and Housing.
From boardrooms to political arenas, Savitri Jindal’s journey exemplifies resilience, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to both business and public service. As she continues to shape the trajectory of the O.P. Jindal Group and contribute to the political landscape, Savitri Jindal stands as an icon of female empowerment, breaking barriers, and leaving an indelible mark on India’s socio-economic canvas.
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