Savitri Devi Jindal (born March 20, 1950) is a prominent Indian businesswoman, industrialist, and politician, widely recognized as the chairperson emeritus of the O.P. Jindal Group, one of India’s largest industrial conglomerates. In addition to her corporate leadership, she serves as the president of Maharaja Agrasen Medical College in Agroha, an institution dedicated to healthcare education. Under her stewardship, the Jindal Group has expanded its influence across sectors including steel, power, infrastructure, mining, and real estate, making the Jindal family one of the wealthiest in India.

Born	20 March 1950 (age 74) Tinsukia, Assam, India
Political party	Bhartiya Janata Party ( 2024 - 2024, 2024 - present)
Other political affiliations	Indian National Congress (2009-2014)
Spouse	Om Prakash Jindal ​ (died 2005)
Children	9
Occupation	Chairperson of O.P. Jindal Group

As of June 2024, the Jindal family’s combined wealth is estimated at $40 billion, reflecting decades of strategic business growth and investment. In October 2024, Forbes ranked Savitri Jindal and her family third among India’s 100 richest tycoons, with a net worth of $43.7 billion, underscoring their significant impact on India’s industrial and economic landscape.

Beyond business, Savitri Jindal is deeply involved in philanthropy, focusing on initiatives in healthcare, education, and community development. Her efforts have made her a respected figure in both corporate and social spheres, blending commercial success with a commitment to societal welfare.

Early Life and Family

Savitri Devi Jindal was born in Tinsukia, Assam, into a Hindu Marwari family. In the 1970s, she married Om Prakash Jindal, the visionary founder of the Jindal Group. Together, they laid the foundation for one of India’s largest industrial conglomerates, building a legacy in steel and power production.

Tragically, her husband passed away in a helicopter accident in 2005, leaving Savitri Jindal to take over the leadership of the family business. Demonstrating remarkable resilience and acumen, she assumed the role of chairperson, guiding the Jindal Group through a period of significant growth and diversification while preserving her husband’s vision.

Business Leadership

Under Savitri Jindal’s leadership, the Jindal Group strengthened its position in sectors such as steel, power, mining, infrastructure, oil, and gas. She successfully managed the four divisions of the conglomerate, now overseen by her sons:

• Prithviraj Jindal – Steel
   
• Sajjan Jindal – Power and Infrastructure
   
• Ratan Jindal – Mining and Industrial Operations
   
• Naveen Jindal – Oil, Gas, and Policy Engagement

During her tenure, the company’s revenue and market presence grew substantially. Jindal Steel emerged as the third-largest steel producer in India, while the group expanded its influence globally, operating across multiple continents. Her strategic vision ensured the Jindal Group remained competitive and innovative in an evolving industrial landscape.

Political Career

Savitri Jindal has also been active in Indian politics, particularly in her home state of Haryana. Her political journey began in 2005, when she was elected to the Haryana Vidhan Sabha from the Hisar constituency, the seat formerly held by her late husband. She was re-elected in 2009 and held the position of cabinet minister in the Haryana Government from 2013, overseeing portfolios including:

• Revenue and Disaster Management
• Consolidation, Rehabilitation, and Housing
• Urban Local Bodies

Her tenure focused on policy-making, urban infrastructure development, disaster preparedness, and social welfare, reflecting a commitment to public service alongside her corporate responsibilities.

In March 2024, she joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the Indian general elections. Her son, Naveen Jindal, successfully contested the Kurukshetra seat for the BJP, furthering the family’s political influence. Later, Savitri herself ran independently in the 2024 Haryana State Assembly elections from Hisar and secured a victory, reinforcing her dual role as a business leader and influential political figure.

Philanthropy and Social Contributions

Savitri Jindal’s philanthropic initiatives focus on healthcare, education, and community development, continuing the legacy established by her late husband. She actively oversees programs through the Jindal Group’s foundations and supports the Maharaja Agrasen Medical College, promoting medical education and research. Her charitable work has positively impacted thousands of lives, particularly in rural and underserved communities, and she is celebrated for integrating social responsibility with corporate governance.

In 2008, she received the Acharya Tulsi Kartritva Puraskar from the Akhil Bhartiya Terapanth Mahila Mandal, recognizing her leadership and contributions to public welfare.

Personal Life

Savitri Jindal is a private individual who prioritizes family, business, and philanthropy over public exposure. She and Om Prakash Jindal had four sons, each now managing critical divisions of the Jindal Group. Her personal experiences, including the early loss of her husband, have shaped her determination, resilience, and empathetic leadership style.

Despite her status as India’s richest woman and one of the wealthiest people globally, she maintains a grounded approach to business and life, balancing corporate responsibilities with social and political engagement.

Wealth and Global Standing

As of March 2024, Savitri Jindal is recognized as:

• The richest woman in India
   
• The 50th wealthiest person globally
   
• The seventh-richest mother worldwide

Her wealth is largely derived from the Jindal Group’s diversified operations, which span steel, power, mining, oil, gas, infrastructure, and real estate. Under her leadership, the family business has grown into a $40+ billion industrial empire, sustaining a prominent role in both the domestic and global industrial sectors.

Legacy

Savitri Jindal’s life reflects a remarkable blend of business acumen, political engagement, and philanthropic vision. She has successfully carried forward the legacy of Om Prakash Jindal, ensuring the Jindal Group remains an industrial powerhouse while simultaneously contributing to societal development. Her ability to balance corporate leadership with social responsibility and political involvement has established her as a respected and influential figure in India and beyond.

References 

• Billionaires, 193cc World’s (2024) Savitri Jindal & Family: The Pillars of India’s Industrial Growth - 193 Countries Consortium & Partners: Local Investors Summit by Aashin Us I partner with us... become partners of our partners UK investors summit, 193 Countries Consortium & Partners | Local Investors Summit by Aashin US I Partner with us... Become Partners of our Partners UK Investors Summit. Available at: https://193countriesconsortium.com/2024/12/savitri-jindal-family-the-pillars-of-indias-industrial-growth/ (Accessed: 10 January 2025).
• From homemaker to business tycoon: The rise of Savitri Jindal (2024) Society Achievers. Available at: https://societyachievers.com/from-homemaker-to-business-tycoon-the-rise-of-savitri-jindal/ (Accessed: 10 January 2025).
• Mumbai Mirror (2019) Jindal celebrates its 30th anniversary, Mumbai Mirror. Available at: https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/opinion/the-informer/family-ties/articleshow/68399465.cms (Accessed: 10 January 2025).
• Savitri Jindal & Family (no date) Forbes. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/profile/savitri-jindal/ (Accessed: 10 January 2025).