Savitri Jindal was born on 20 March 1950 in Tinsukia, Assam, into a traditional Indian household. She had a modest upbringing and grew up with values rooted in family, culture, and hard work. Like many women of her generation, she initially lived a life away from the public eye, focusing on her family and household responsibilities.
Her destiny changed when she married Om Prakash Jindal, a visionary industrialist and the founder of the OP Jindal Group, one of India’s largest business conglomerates. The group expanded rapidly across steel, power, cement, and infrastructure sectors, and O.P. Jindal was widely respected as both an entrepreneur and a politician.
Entry into Business
Until the untimely death of her husband in a helicopter crash in 2005, Savitri Jindal was not directly involved in the company’s business. However, after his passing, she assumed the role of Chairperson of the Jindal Group, managing one of India’s most powerful industrial empires.
Her leadership not only stabilized the group during a turbulent time but also helped it expand further. The conglomerate, under her guidance, diversified its interests and became a global player in steel and energy. Today, the Jindal Group is among the top industrial powerhouses in India, employing thousands of people and contributing significantly to the economy.
Business Leadership and Achievements
- Savitri Jindal became the richest woman in India and consistently ranks among the wealthiest women in the world.
- She has overseen the growth of the group’s flagship company Jindal Steel & Power Limited (JSPL) and its subsidiaries in power generation, infrastructure, cement, and mining.
- Her sons — Sajjan Jindal, Naveen Jindal, Ratan Jindal, and Prithviraj Jindal — each manage different verticals of the Jindal empire, but Savitri continues to serve as the unifying head of the family business.
Her wealth, according to Forbes, has often placed her among the Top 10 richest Indians, and she holds the title of the wealthiest woman in India.
Political Career
Apart from business, Savitri Jindal has also made her mark in politics. She is a member of the Indian National Congress (INC) and has represented the Hisar constituency in Haryana as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA).
Highlights of her political career:
- Served as a Minister in the Haryana Government, handling portfolios such as Urban Local Bodies, Power, and Industries.
- Advocated for women’s empowerment, rural development, and infrastructure improvement in her constituency.
- Known for her simple lifestyle and accessibility to the people despite her immense wealth.
Philanthropy and Social Work
Savitri Jindal, like her late husband, has always believed in giving back to society. Through the Jindal Foundation, she has supported numerous initiatives in education, healthcare, rural development, and women’s empowerment.
- Establishment of schools, hospitals, and colleges in rural and semi-urban regions of India.
- Scholarships and programs for underprivileged students.
- Support for rural electrification and women’s self-help groups.
Her philanthropic work has made her not just a business leader, but also a respected figure in social welfare.
Personal Life
Savitri Jindal is the mother of nine children — four sons and five daughters. All her sons play crucial roles in managing different arms of the Jindal Group. Despite her extraordinary wealth, she is known for living a simple and grounded lifestyle, often seen wearing traditional Indian sarees and engaging with common people without pretense.
Legacy and Influence
Savitri Jindal’s story is remarkable because it defies stereotypes. She was not a trained entrepreneur but stepped into the shoes of her late husband and successfully carried forward his vision. Under her leadership:
- The Jindal Group became stronger and more diverse.
- She emerged as a symbol of women’s leadership in India’s corporate world.
- She balanced roles as a business leader, politician, and philanthropist with grace and resilience.
Today, she stands as an inspiration for millions of women who aspire to break barriers in male-dominated industries.
Conclusion
Savitri Jindal is more than just India’s richest woman — she is a leader who transformed personal tragedy into a journey of resilience, responsibility, and success. By steering the Jindal Group to greater heights, contributing to politics, and championing social causes, she has created a legacy that will be remembered for generations.
Her life embodies the spirit of determination, humility, and service, making her one of the most influential women in India’s modern history.
