New Delhii, 26 November (H.S.):

Shashikant Ruia, the co-founder of Essar Group and a prominent figure in India’s business landscape, died on Tuesday at the age of 81.

It is with profound grief that we inform of the passing of Shri Shashikant Ruia, Patriarch of the Ruia and Essar Family. He was 81. With an unwavering commitment to community upliftment and philanthropy, he touched millions of lives, leaving an enduring impact. His humility, warmth, and ability to connect with everyone he met, made him a truly exceptional leader, Essar Group said in a statement.

Ruia, along with his younger brother Ravi, founded Essar Group in 1969 in Chennai. What began as a modest construction company evolved into a multi-sector powerhouse with operations spanning transportation, infrastructure, mining, oil refining, steel, and telecommunications. In the 1990s, the group expanded aggressively into steel production and telecommunications, laying the groundwork for its global reach in the years to follow.

Shashi Ruia played an active role in several key industry bodies. He was part of the managing committee of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and served as Chairman of the Indo-US Joint Business Council. He also led the Indian National Shipowners Association (INSA) and was a member of the Prime Minister's Indo-US CEO Forum and the India-Japan Business Council.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Nimish kumar