Saroj Goenka: Businesswoman & Ramnath Goenka's Daughter-In-Law Passes Away

Businesswoman Saroj Goenka, also the wife of the late Bhagwan Das Goenka, scion of the famous Express group's founder and the only son of the revered doyen of Indian journalism, Ramnath Goenka, died at the age of 94 in Chennai on May 24. Goenka was also the aunt of Manoj Kumar Sonthalia, Chairman and Managing Director of The New Indian Express.

A Life of Eminence and Service

Born on August 31, 1929, to the distinguished lineage of Shreyans Prasad Jain, a famous businessman and Rajya Sabha member, Goenka was raised with the values of integrity and social duty. Her background, together with her knowledge of business and politics, created the groundwork for her multiple initiatives in later life.

When Bhagwan Das Goenka (BDG), the heir apparent to the Indian  Express empire, died on July 19, 1979, worry over the future of this renowned institution arose. There were speculations of decline, collapse, or even the sale of the tightly managed corporate conglomerate, worth Rs 100 crore. However, Goenka, BDG's wife, elected to lead the Express Empire, eliminating all reservations and claiming its vigour and energy.

Goenka, despite being unconventional in the patriarchal world of the Indian newspaper industry, showcased a rare blend of astuteness and foresight. She envisioned  journalism as "bold reports, infused with compelling human narratives and vivid imagery, resonating deeply with the readers' appetite for insightful news coverage. This is what they want," she asserted confidently, understanding audience preferences.

Goenka's strong involvement in the newspaper's management is widely known, particularly in the mid-1970s. She first made an impression when aware of the need to repair the organization's shaky finances, she began asking difficult questions regarding the improper use of its fleet of cars and vans.

As a director of Express Infrastructure Limited, Goenka was also instrumental in changing Chennai's urban landscape, leading projects such as Chennai's well-known Express Mall on Mount Road, E Residences, E Hotel and EA Chambers.

Her philanthropic endeavours extend beyond monetary transactions, from supporting victims of the 2015 Chennai floods to former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa to building shelters at the 10-acre site where the Swami Dayananda Krupa Home is located for the differently-abled.

Goenka is survived by her three daughters, Arati Agarwal, Ritu Goenka and Kavita Singhania who are also directors of Express Infrastructure Limited.