The legacy of OP Jindal lives on through the organizations he built and the positive impact he made on society.
Om Prakash Jindal (7 August 1930 – 31 March 2005), popularly known as O.P. Jindal, was a prominent Indian industrialist, philanthropist, and politician. Born on August 7, 1930, in Hisar, Haryana, he left an indelible mark on the Indian steel industry and beyond. He played a pivotal role in shaping India’s industrial landscape.
His remarkable life journey from a farmer’s son to the founder of the Jindal Group is a testament to his determination and entrepreneurial spirit.
OP Jindal’s life story inspires courage, hard work, and dedication. His legacy lives on through the Jindal Group and its venture.
Early Life and Business Ventures
The Birthplace of a Legacy: Om Prakash Jindal and the Village of Nalwa
Birth: O.P. Jindal was born in Hisar, Punjab, British India.
In the quaint village of Nalwa, nestled within a small yet significant room of a notably large house, began the remarkable journey of Om Prakash Jindal in 1930. This room, distinguished by its solitary window overlooking the entrance and an adjacent smaller space adorned with stepped shelves for water pots, was chosen for its natural light, fresh air, and cooling effect, offering its inhabitants a view of the world outside and welcoming sights of arriving guests.
The villagers of Nalwa, ranging from the youth with no firsthand knowledge of these events to elders like Shamlal, aged 96, who vividly remembers those times as a sprightly young man, take pride in pointing out the birthplace of OP Jindal. Clad in their traditional white kurtas, dhotis, and turbans, they embody the village’s rich heritage.
The Jindal house, now painted in the distinctive green associated with the Jindal legacy but likely white in the 1930s, stands out in the village with its grandeur, featuring two imposing entrances that leave visitors guessing about the front and the back. This humble beginning in Nalwa marked the inception of a legacy that would grow beyond the confines of this small village, reflecting the enduring spirit of its people and the lasting impact of its most famous son.
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“His youthful passion to see the ‘Made in England’ markings on the
imported steel products being replaced by a ‘Made in India’ label
testify both to his patriotism and his sense of commitment …. It is not
often that we encounter a biography of a farmer’s son that is entitled
“The Man Who Talked to Machines”!”
– Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, August 7, 2005, New Delhi.
Business Empire
He founded several successful business enterprises, including:
Visionary’s Steel Genesis
In 1952, O.P. Jindal, struck by the sight of a steel pipe marked with foreign origins, questioned why such products were not manufactured in India. Motivated by this curiosity, he established a modest pipe manufacturing unit in Liluah, Howrah, West Bengal. Little did anyone know, this initial step would mark the beginning of a transformative journey, led by Jindal’s visionary approach, significantly impacting India’s steel industry.
In 1964, he founded Jindal (India) Limited, which manufactures pipe fittings followed by a large factory in 1969 under the name of Jindal Strips Limited.
Despite not having elite education advantages, he possessed the steel resolve characteristic of a true son of the soil.
Jindal Steel and Power: A major player in the steel and power sector.
JSW Group: A diversified conglomerate with interests in steel, energy, infrastructure, and more.
Jindal Stainless Limited: A leading stainless steel manufacturer.
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Achievements and Recognition
Lifetime Achievement: In November 2004, OP Jindal received the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry for his outstanding contributions to the Indian steel industry.
Wealth: According to Forbes, OP Jindal ranked 13th among the richest Indians and 548th globally.
Political Career: OP Jindal served as the Minister of Power in the Government of Haryana.
Legislative Success:
OP Jindal, a prominent Indian industrialist and politician, achieved remarkable success in the Hisar Legislative Assembly. His consecutive victories in the assembly elections demonstrate his strong political acumen and the trust he garnered from the electorate.
OP Jindal won the Hisar Legislative Assembly seat three times consecutively. Jindal served as the Minister of Power for Haryana until his untimely demise in a plane crash in 2005.
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Legacy
Family: His four sons—Prithviraj, Sajjan, Ratan, and Naveen—now manage the steel and power empire.
Philanthropy: Jindal was the Chairman of the N.C. Jindal Charitable Trust and actively supported social causes.
Descendants: His granddaughter, Sminu Jindal, is a successful businesswoman and founder of Svayam.
About O. P. Jindal Group
Founder and Early Days
Visionary Leadership: The O.P. Jindal Group was founded in 1952 by Shri O.P. Jindal, a first-generation entrepreneur with a pioneering spirit.
Humble Beginnings: The group’s journey began with a single-unit steel plant in Hisar, Haryana.
Growth and Diversification
From Steel to Global Conglomerate: Over the past three decades, the O.P. Jindal Group has transformed into a multi-billion dollar global conglomerate.
Core Sectors Expertise: The group has established a strong presence in various core sectors of the Indian economy, including mining, power, industrial gases, and seaport facilities.
Steel Manufacturing Leadership: Steel manufacturing remains the group’s flagship business, with a comprehensive range of products from sponge iron and ferro alloys to hot-rolled, cold-rolled, and value-added steel items.
Further Diversification: The group has strategically expanded into petroleum, diamond exploration, and high-value metals and minerals.
Global Presence: The O.P. Jindal Group has a significant global footprint with manufacturing facilities across India, the US, UK, Middle East, and Indonesia. They also have mining concessions in Chile, Indonesia, South Africa, and Mozambique, and marketing offices worldwide.
Values and Legacy
Sustainable Growth: “Growth with a social conscience” is the group’s guiding philosophy, reflecting their commitment to sustainable development for both their people and the communities they operate in.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: The group’s success is attributed to the dynamic and aggressive approach of its companies, each dedicated to excellence in their chosen field.
Four Brothers, Four Leaders: Taking their father’s vision forward, the four Jindal brothers lead different group companies: Prithviraj Jindal (Jindal SAW Ltd.), Sajjan Jindal (JSW Ltd.), Ratan Jindal (Jindal Stainless Ltd.), and Naveen Jindal (Jindal Steel & Power Ltd.).
Savitri Jindal
After Om Prakash Jindal’s tragic demise in a helicopter crash in 2005, Savitri Jindal (Wife of OP Jindal) took charge of the Jindal Group as its chairperson emerita. The group, spanning steel, power, mining, and oil and gas, is now run by her four sons: Prithviraj, Sajjan, Ratan, and Naveen Jindal.
- OP Jindal, a visionary entrepreneur, tirelessly championed India’s self-reliance.
- A man of remarkable integrity and drive, OP Jindal dedicated himself to building a self-sufficient India.
- With unwavering integrity and dynamism, OP Jindal was a driving force behind India’s journey towards self-reliance.
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