Savitri Jindal, the chairperson of OP Jindal Group, has become the fifth-richest Indian and the richest woman in India, according to Forbes. Her net worth has soared by $9.6 billion in 2023, surpassing the wealth of Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, who are ranked second and third respectively.
Jindal’s fortune increased by more than three times in the last two years, from around $4.8 billion in 2020 to $17.7 billion in 2022. She also ranks 91st on the Forbes Billionaires’ List with a net worth of $28.9 billion.
Jindal is the widow of Om Prakash Jindal, who founded OP Jindal Group in 1952 and expanded it into steel, power, cement and infrastructure sectors. He died in a helicopter crash in 2005 at the age of 55.
After his death, Jindal took over the leadership of the group and steered it through a challenging period. She faced competition from global players like ArcelorMittal and Tata Steel, as well as domestic rivals like JSW Steel and Adani Group.
She also diversified her portfolio by investing in new ventures like JSW Infrastructure, which went public in September 2023. She also launched her own e-commerce platform called Savitri Online Shopping in 2019.
Jindal is known for her business acumen and resilience. She never went to college but learned from her husband’s mentorship. She also raised nine children with him and managed their education along with their businesses.
She is an inspiration for many women entrepreneurs and leaders in India. She once said that women of her family did not venture out but stayed at home while men took care of everything outside. However, after her husband’s death, she proved that age is no barrier to success.
She is also a philanthropist who supports various causes like education, health care and women empowerment. She has donated generously to institutions like IIT Delhi, AIIMS Delhi and Jamia Millia Islamia University.
Jindal is a role model for millions of Indians who aspire to achieve their dreams despite facing challenges. She has shown that with hard work, determination and vision, anything is possible.