S.P. Hinduja, the chairman of the renowned Hinduja Group, has passed away at the age of 87 in London after a prolonged illness. As the eldest among the four Hinduja brothers, he was considered the family patriarch and had a life filled with success, controversy, and tragedy across India, Iran, and the UK. The family spokesperson issued a statement announcing his demise, expressing deep regret and highlighting his visionary leadership and crucial role in building strong relationships between the UK and India. S.P. Hinduja, along with his brothers, played a pivotal role in expanding the family business, which includes Ashok Leyland, a commercial vehicle manufacturer, and IndusInd, a private bank. Under their formidable networking prowess and business acumen, the Hinduja Group has grown to encompass diverse sectors such as oil lubricants, chemicals, energy, and IT, employing over 200,000 people across 38 countries. Starting with humble beginnings, the Hinduja family emerged as one of the earliest Indian billionaires to achieve international success. The roots of the Hinduja family trace back to the Sindh region, known for its enterprising traders.
They made their mark in the trading of spices, textiles, and dry fruits with Iran. Their association with Iran began when they seized an opportunity to build metal pylons for the Shah of Iran’s power industry. However, following the Shah’s overthrow in 1979, the family relocated to London, concluding their six-decade-long business journey in Iran. While S.P. Hinduja witnessed tremendous growth and amassed significant wealth, his life was not without hardships and personal tragedies. He had to take on family responsibilities at a young age, assisting his father after the untimely passing of his elder brother. Despite controversies, such as the Bofors scandal, the courts absolved the Hinduja family of any wrongdoing.
In recent years, S.P. Hinduja shifted his focus away from wealth accumulation and pursued religious endeavors, while his brothers continued to lead the group. Known for his resilience, he faced personal grief and transformed it into hope, guiding his journey. S.P. Hinduja’s passing is mourned by his family, including his daughters Vinoo and Shanu, who expressed their sadness while honoring his contributions to India’s global recognition and his philanthropic efforts. They find solace in the belief that he is now reunited with his wife and son in the afterlife and pledge to carry on his legacy and values.