India’s Oldest Billionaires Keshub Mahindra dies at 99, PM Modi, Ratan Tata pay respects

New Delhi (India), 13th April 2023: Keshub Mahindra, chairman emeritus of the Mahindra organization, died on Wednesday in Mumbai at the age of 99. He was a pioneer of the Indian auto industry and a visionary who helped the organisation expand into multiple areas. Several industrialists and politicians paid their respects to India’s oldest billionaire.

Keshub Mahindra supported charitable causes and was a philanthropist, he was well-known for being an advocate for education, and collaborated closely with the KC Mahindra Education Trust, which awards scholarships in a variety of fields.

Keshub Mahindra passed away a few days after re-entering the Forbes list of India’s Richest Billionaires for 2023 with a $1.2 billion net worth.

Mahindra Group Chairman, Anand Mahindra said, “Keshub Mahindra was and will always remain a source of inspiration for me and the entire Mahindra Group.” He further added, “He was a man of principles and led from the front to preserve the legacy of the company’s founders which has ensured that the organisation has remained rooted in ethics, values and good corporate governance.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his respects and said, “Anguished by the passing away of Shri Keshub Mahindra Ji. He will be remembered for his contribution to the world of business and his philanthropic efforts. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti: PM”

Keshubh’s long time friend Ratan Tata also expressed his condolences on the occasion. Ratan Tata wrote a heartfelt message to the departed and said, “Keshub Mahindra has been an icon in the Indian and international business community. Over the years, he has been a leader and statesman and has always acted with dignity. He always was a true friend and will be remembered for his good counsel and selflessness.”

Other industry members such as Pawan Goenka, former managing director, Mahindra & Mahindra, Arun Nanda, director and veteran of 50 years at the group, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and countless others paid their respects to Keshubh Mahindra who was a pioneer and a prominent figure in the industrial sector of India.

The Wharton, University of Pennsylvania graduate who oversaw Mahindra Group for 48 years changed the Mumbai-based organisation from a steel trading corporation to a federation of businesses with diversified holdings in the IT services, hospitality, and real estate sectors.