Savitri Jindal Biography: Leading a Steel Empire
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- July 16, 2025
Savitri Jindal, born March 20, 1950, in Tinsukia, Assam, is India’s richest woman and chairperson emeritus of the O.P. Jindal Group, a $34 billion steel and power conglomerate. Known for her resilience, Savitri Jindal transformed from a homemaker to a global business icon. This biography explores her early life, career highlights, struggles, controversies, philanthropy, social media presence, and lesser-known facts as of July 2025.
About Savitri Jindal
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Savitri Devi Jindal |
| Born | March 20, 1950, Tinsukia, Assam, India |
| Profession | Businesswoman, Politician, Chairperson Emeritus of O.P. Jindal Group |
| Notable Work | JSW Steel, Jindal Steel & Power, JSW Energy |
| Marital Status | Widowed, married to Om Prakash Jindal (1970–2005) |
| Children | Nine (Prithviraj, Sajjan, Ratan, Naveen, and five daughters) |
| Net Worth | ~$34.4 billion (October 2024) |
| Awards | Acharya Tulsi Kartritva Puraskar (2008), Padma Bhushan (2025) |
Savitri Jindal’s Early Life
Modest Beginnings
Born into a Hindu Marwari family in Tinsukia, Assam, Savitri Jindal grew up with traditional values. Limited details exist about her childhood, but her upbringing was simple. At 15, her father arranged her marriage to Om Prakash Jindal, a widower 20 years her senior, after her sister, his first wife, passed away.
Education and Family Role
Savitri earned a diploma from Assam University but did not attend college. As a young wife, she focused on family, raising nine children—six from Om Prakash’s first marriage and three of her own. Her early role as a homemaker shaped her skills in managing complex family dynamics, later aiding her business leadership.
Struggles and Down Phases
Personal Tragedy
In 2005, Savitri’s life changed when her husband, Om Prakash Jindal, died in a helicopter crash. At 55, she faced the daunting task of leading the O.P. Jindal Group with no prior business experience. The sudden loss left her grieving while managing a sprawling conglomerate.
Political Setbacks
Savitri entered politics in 2005, winning the Hisar constituency in Haryana, but lost in 2014 to BJP’s Kamal Gupta. Allegations of favoritism and nepotism shadowed her political career. Additionally, transitioning from homemaker to businesswoman drew skepticism about her capabilities.
Career Highlights
Leading the Jindal Group
After her husband’s death, Savitri Jindal became chairperson emeritus of the O.P. Jindal Group. Under her leadership, the group’s revenue quadrupled, reaching $25 billion by 2025. She oversaw expansion in steel, power, mining, and infrastructure, with flagship companies like JSW Steel and Jindal Steel & Power.
Political Achievements
Savitri served as Haryana’s Minister of State for Revenue, Disaster Management, and Housing (2009–2013). In 2024, she won the Hisar seat as an independent, defeating rivals by 18,000 votes. Her son Naveen’s 2024 BJP victory in Kurukshetra further strengthened the family’s political influence.
Personal Life
Savitri married Om Prakash Jindal in 1970, blending families with his six children and their three. Her sons—Prithviraj, Sajjan, Ratan, and Naveen—manage Jindal Group divisions. A devoted mother and grandmother, she values simplicity and spirituality, living in Hisar and Delhi. Her daughter-in-law, Shallu Jindal, is a noted Kuchipudi dancer.
Controversies
Political Allegations
Savitri faced accusations of favoritism due to her political ties with Congress and later BJP (joined in 2024). Critics questioned her business decisions, alleging political influence. However, she has denied wrongdoing, maintaining a reputation for integrity.
Business Scrutiny
In 2014, the Supreme Court canceled coal block allocations, impacting Jindal Steel & Power’s finances, with debts reaching ₹50,000 crore. The company’s share price dropped from ₹700 to ₹62. Despite this, Savitri’s leadership facilitated a recovery, with the company regaining stability by 2025.
Philanthropy
The O.P. Jindal Foundation, under Savitri’s guidance, focuses on education, healthcare, and rural development. It runs schools, hospitals, and vocational centers across India. In 2021, Jindal Steel supplied oxygen to hospitals during COVID-19. Additionally, Savitri pledged ₹60,000 crore for social causes in 2022, with initiatives like the 2025 Adani GEMS School of Excellence.
Social Media Presence
Savitri maintains a low-profile social media presence, with no personal Twitter or Instagram accounts. However, her son Naveen Jindal (@MPNaveenJindal) actively shares updates on X about Jindal Group milestones and philanthropy, with millions of followers. The group’s official accounts (@JSWGroup, @JindalSteel) highlight her legacy, reaching over 500,000 followers.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Spiritual Side: Practices Jainism and supports spiritual retreats.
- Art Collector: Owns Indian contemporary art and rare artifacts.
- Luxury Assets: Owns a Mercedes-Benz and BMW, plus properties in Delhi.
- Award Winner: Received the 2021 Asia One Women Empowerment award.
- Family Unity: Ensured her sons’ equal stakes in the Jindal Group.
Current Status and Influence
As of July 2025, Savitri Jindal ranks as the world’s 48th-richest person with a $34.4 billion net worth, per Forbes. She holds the title of India’s richest woman and the seventh-richest mother globally. Her leadership drives the O.P. Jindal Group’s growth in steel, cement, and energy. Her 2024 political win and philanthropy, including rural education initiatives, cement her influence. Moreover, her focus on sustainability aligns with India’s 2030 green energy goals.
Conclusion
This Savitri Jindal biography showcases a journey of resilience and leadership. From overcoming personal loss and business challenges to leading a $34 billion empire, Savitri Jindal inspires millions. Her philanthropy, political victories, and family unity highlight her legacy. As India’s richest woman in 2025, she continues to shape industry and society with compassion and vision.
