Shashikant Ruia, Essar Group's Co-Founder, Dies At 81

Shashikant Ruia, the co-founder of the Essar Group, has passed away at 81 years old after battling a prolonged illness. He breathed his last in Mumbai on November 25, just before midnight. Ruia's demise leaves behind his wife Manju, along with their two sons, Prashant Anshuman. His journey back from the United States, where he sought medical treatment, concluded roughly a month prior to his passing.

Starting in 1965, under his father Nand Kishore Ruia's mentorship, Ruia embarked on a journey that would establish him as a pioneering industrialist of his time. By 1969, alongside his brother Ravi, Shashikant Ruia laid the foundational stone of what would grow into a diversified conglomerate. Their initial project involved constructing an outer breakwater at Chennai Port, setting the stage for the Essar Group's expansion into sectors such as steel, oil refining, exploration, telecom, power, and construction.

The Ruia family announced that his mortal remains would be placed at Ruia House for visitors from 1 pm to 3 pm on Tuesday. Following this, a funeral procession is scheduled to depart from Ruia House at 4 pm, heading towards the Hindu Worli Crematorium. Shashikant Ruia's legacy as a first-generation entrepreneur, who alongside his brother Ravi, propelled Essar into a global business powerhouse, will be remembered by many.