Mumbai, 15^th July 2026: Essel Group Chairman, Dr. Subhash Chandra along with his brothers Shri Laxmi Narain Goel, Shri Jawahar Goel and Shri Ashok Goel, offering a lasting tribute to their father Late Shri Nand Kishore Goenka Ji, have announced the establishment of Shri Nand Kishore Goenka University in Agroha, Hisar.

The educational institution will be established on 32 acres of land owned by the Goenka family and will entail an investment of nearly Rs. 100 crores. Conceived as a center of excellence focusing on social service and community welfare, the University will seek to carry forward Late Shri Nand Kishore Goenka Ji’s lifelong commitment to charitable work. The University will introduce a specialized and unique curriculum focused on ‘Social Service’ and ‘Giving Back to Society’. The Goenka family has signed an agreement with the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad to establish the University.

The announcement was made by Dr. Chandra in Agroha, Hisar, upon completing the last rites of Late Shri Nand Kishore Goenka Ji, amidst the presence of thousands of well-wishers and family members. People from across the region paid their respects to the departed soul, reflecting the deep affection, admiration and goodwill Late Shri Nand Kishore Goenka Ji had earned over a lifetime. The funeral was also attended by several distinguished dignitaries and prominent political leaders from across the country, who came together to honour his memory and significant contributions to society. Those present included Union Minister Manohar Lal, former Union Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Haryana Cabinet Minister Ranbir Gangwa, Rajya Sabha MP Subhash Barala, Hansi MLA Vinod Bhayana, former Haryana Minister Kamal Gupta, Adampur MLA Chandraprakash and Nohar (Rajasthan) MLA Amit Chachan.

The Nation’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi also penned a heartfelt letter to the Goenka family, describing Late Shri Nand Kishore Goenka Ji as an inspiring personality who placed the highest value on hard work throughout his decades-long public life. The Prime Minister stated, “He not only enriched the family’s business traditions but also fulfilled his responsibilities toward society with complete sincerity. His life, inspired by his service to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and guided by the ideals of organization and ‘Nation First’ stood as an example of simplicity and public welfare. I consider it my privilege to have had the opportunity to meet him on several occasions. His warmth and gracious nature will always remain in my memory. His passing is an irreparable loss to society.”

Dignitaries from various fields across the country paid a heartfelt tribute to the legacy of Late Shri Nand Kishore Goenka Ji. Political leaders including Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini condoled his demise along with Yoga guru Baba Ramdev. Renowned business personalities including Kumar Mangalam Birla and Bombay Stock Exchange MD and CEO, Sundararaman Ramamurthy also expressed grief.

In honour of Late Shri Nand Kishore Goenka Ji’s memory, the Goenka family has also organized daily ‘Shanti Baithaks’, from 10 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 7 pm at the Goenka Seva Sadan, Devi Bhawan Mandir Complex, Hisar, bringing together friends, well-wishers and members of the community to offer prayers and pay homage to his life and legacy. A ‘Rasam Pagdi’ ceremony will also be held on 26^th July 2026 from 3 pm to 4 pm at the Maharaja Aggarsain Bhawan, Old Government College Ground in Hisar.

The family expressed its heartfelt gratitude for the immense outpouring of prayers and support received from across the country during this time of bereavement and reaffirmed its commitment to carrying forward the values that Late Shri Nand Kishore Goenka Ji embodied throughout his life.

Late Shri Nand Kishore Goenka Ji, passed away on 13^th July 2026 at the age of 96 in Mumbai. He was widely respected for his humility, generosity and unwavering commitment to community welfare. Through his contributions towards society, he championed the values of service and compassion, touching countless lives through his philanthropic efforts and guidance.

Mumbai, October 9, 2023: Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla, Hon’ble Governor of Himachal Pradesh, delivered a special lecture on ‘Amrit Kaal Ka Bharat’ at the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) on Sunday, 8 th October. The special lecture was organised by Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, in collaboration with the India Think Council.

Dr Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII, Dr Milind Kamble, Founder Chairman- DICCI & Governing Board Member, EDII, and Shri Saurabh Pandey, Director, India Think Council were among the other dignitaries present during the event.

Speaking about the crucial role of entrepreneurship in Amrit Kaal Ka Bharat, Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla said, “India is not just a market, it is a ground for innovation. Fiscal revolution, breakthroughs in education, taxation revolution, emphasis on inclusive growth are some of the hallmarks of the Indian Government. Indian Government’s act of reaching out to the grassroots after understanding the basic problems of people, and making sure that basic necessities are fulfilled, is highly appreciable. And, I praise the people too, for accepting and participating in this process of development. Our achievements are getting aligned with the
achievements of the country and that I believe is Amrit Kaal. Talking about Entrepreneurship, I would say, it is the backbone of a thriving economy. It embodies the spirit of innovation, risk-taking, and the drive to create something new and valuable. Amrit Kaal looks forward to seeing youths, women, artisans and the citizens across segments, empowered and skilled with access to modern digital techniques and global markets.”

In his opening remarks, Dr. Sunil Shukla said, “India’s progressive policies and initiatives are game changers. They are taking the country ahead on several fronts. EDII is working in line with the vision of Amrit Kaal ka Bharat. EDII’s programmes and its work in a collaborative mode with various Government Departments and Ministries is creating opportunities for youth, women, artisans, technologists, existing entrepreneurs and several other target groups. EDII is committed to ensuring a developed and empowered India.”

Dr. Milind Kamble in his address said, “While we talk about Amrit Kaal, I appreciate, the focus given to strengthening education. New Education Policy 2020 will lead to skilled youths and that will be the strongest pillar of Amrit Kaal ka Bharat. Further, the G20 Presidency gave the nation an opportunity to showcase the steps taken in the field of financial inclusion, skill development, education, and housing for all. I think the country is envisioning growth with standards that are truly global, inclusive and unparalleled.”

Shri Saurabh Pandey opined, “India is evolving fast on the fronts of soft power ,bilateral relations , Ayush, education, technology, food processing, agriculture, and other such emerging areas. This evolution is certainly inducing sustainable growth and inclusive development, which are the visions of Amrit Kaal ka Bharat. Bharat is getting all its glorious pride back and vedic heritage. It is a pleasure to witness the nation growing from strength to strength.”

The lecture was followed by a panel discussion of the Hon’ble Governor with invited guests from the Industry, Academia and Government. The discussions covered subjects as diverse as industry, tourism, role of academics/institutions, climate change, and related areas. It was moderated by Shri Sunil Parekh, Senior Industry Veteran, Founding Curator of AGS by WEF Geneva, and Start-up Evangelist.

About Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad was set up in 1983 as an autonomous and not-for-profit Institute with support of apex financial institutions – the IDBI Bank Ltd., IFCI Ltd., ICICI Bank Ltd. and State Bank of India (SBI). The Government of Gujarat pledged twenty-three acres of land on which stands the majestic and sprawling EDII
Campus. EDII has been recognized as the CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Govt. of India. The Institute has also been listed as the Institute of National Importance by the Education Department, Govt. of Gujarat. EDII operates across the country through its seven regional offices and PAN India project offices. It has international affiliates in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar Vietnam, Uzbekistan and Rwanda.