Sir Padampat Singhania- Man of All Seasons

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About the Book This book presents in words and pictures the story of an exemplary nationalist who was destined to change the course of Indian history. This is also the story of an innovative industrialist who has touched the lives of many, both in India and across the world. Sir Padampat Singhania: Man of All Seasons is a tribute to this great man, presented by his sons, Dr Gaur Hari Singhania and Govind Hari Singhania.

The builder of a vast industrial empire, JK Organisation, Sir Padampat Singhania was a visionary and a towering personality. He was an upholder of noble values and came across as a karamyogi to everyone. Sir Padampat had many firsts to his credit. An honorary doctorate holder, he was decorated with the title of 'The Knight of the British Empire'.

Today he is remembered most of all for his significant contributions to the world of industry and commerce, legislative bodies, federation of assemblies, educational, sports and religious institutions.

About the Authors Dr Gaur Hari Singhania, Vice-President of the JK Organisation, is a distinguished industrialist who is associated with a number of educational, religious, social, charitable and sports organizations. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Economics and a PhD degree in Economics from Agra University. He has held the position of Chairman of the Merchant Chambers of Uttar Pradesh and Employers Association of Northern India. A multifaceted personality, he has played an important role in promoting trade bodies and contributing to voluntary organizations.

Govind Hari Singhania, Director, JK Organisation, is an entrepreneur in his own right. He graduated from Christ Church College, Kanpur (Agra University). A dynamic Rotarian, his untiring efforts to promote India while he was President, ASSOCHAM, have been highly appreciated. He is equally devoted to the arts, cultural and sports activities and gardening. He has contributed in a significant manner to the growth of the JK Organisation, one of the largest business houses in India. Along with his brother, Dr Gaur Hari, he has enhanced the rich legacy that they inherited from their illustrious father, Sir Padampat Singhania.

Foreword This biography of Sir Padampal Singhania is a tribute by his sons, Dr Gour Hari Singhania and Shn Govind Han Singhania, in the form of a compact and readable account of his eventful life presented in words and photographs. It traces the history of the Singhanias back to the turbulent days of the East India Compony.in the eighteenth century when the family migrated from Rajasthan to Uttar Pradesh and eventually reached Kanpur as traders and bankers at the beginning of the twentieth century. They ventured into the textile industry at a time when all the textile mills in Kanpur were owned by the British. It is against this background that the achievement of Padampotji and the drive, business acumen and spirit of enterprise he displayed in building JK Organisation into one of the largest business houses in independent India, have to be appreciated.

Padampatji was a man of diverse interests. The institutions he built in the field of education, training, science and technology or the magnificent Radhakrishan Temple in Kanpur, reflect his multi-faceted personality. He was actively involved in the social life of Kanpur and in public affairs. Indeed, he was a member of the Constituent Assembly.

I saw Padampatji since my school days when he came to meet my father who was then Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. I knew that he was contributing significantly to the industrialization of Kanpur and, in later years, I came to appreciate how he and his family developed industry and trade in other parts of the country as well. This biography has brought out Padampatji's sterling qualities of head and heart which enabled him to leave behind a rich legacy for the generations to come.

Preface On 18 November 1979, as the shadows began to lengthen and the dim winter sunlight started to fade, Sir Padampat, on his bed in Gango Kuti, oblivious to this ploy of nature, breathed his last. This signalled the end of an era, an important part of India's history. The end was not unexpected. He had been battling leukemia courageously for five years. But it was a shock to discover that this giant of a man in every sense of the word, who had seemed so indestructible and powerful, would come to an end.

Kanpur, the city to which he had given so much and from which he had received a great deal, was plunged into darkness. As the news spread, the business community, across the country, emotionally mourned the passing away of one of its greatest members. Sir Padampat's friends and acquaintances were stricken with grief and sorrow. People from all walks of life realised that it was not an ordinary mortal who had passed away. Sir Padampat had influenced the life of his city, as well as of the entire nation, in such a way as very few men have had the good fortune of doing People who had the privilege of meeting him said he was a true nationalist, an intrepid human being, a nation-builder, an extraordinary industrialist, a generous philanthropist, a sports enthusiast, a nature lover, a loving family man, an erudite scholar, an ardent devotee and a loyal friend.

He was only 12 years of age when his future course of business activities began to take shape. Sir Padampot inherited his father's business at 32 and, through his dedication, hard work and extraordinary intellect, proceeded to set up a business empire that spread across India and abroad. He was honored with the title of "The Knight of the British Empire' by the colonial government.

**Contents and Sample Pages**