No. F.2 : J-1/2012 A newsletter of Reg. No. DELENG/2012/43122 JKspotlight Jan.-Feb. 2015 Volume : 1 Towards Perfection – Our Tradition Issue : 19 The Visionary... who illuminated our paths R E M E M B E R I N G Dr. Gaur Hari Singhania in memoriam Special Edition JKspotlight Jan.-Feb. 2015 Dr. Gaur Hari Singhania The Visionary... who illuminated our paths Life is indeed darkness save when there is urge, And all urge is blind save when there is knowledge, And all knowledge is vain save when there is work, And all work is empty save when there is love; - Kahlil Gibran, Zahir An archetypal family patriarch,a keen sports enthusiast, an ardent philanthropist, a resolute entrepreneur, Dr. Gaur Hari Singhania effortlessly donned several hats. Born in Kanpur to the illustrious Sir Padampat Singhania and Lady Anusuiya Singhania on the 12th of June 1935, he inspired unequivocal admiration and respect in all who came in contact with him. 2 Jan.-Feb. 2015 JKspotlight “Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it's amazing what they can accomplish.” - Sam Walton With a universal appeal that cuts across generations, he had a legendary ability to befriend everyone and adapt to people and their preferences. He was noted for his ability to make everyone feel special, showering love and affection on several generations of family, friends and associates. 3 “The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly.” - Jim Rohn Dr. Singhania performed each of his many roles with admirable perfection. Acknowledged as Kanpur's most prominent citizen, he played a significant role in promoting trade bodies, contributing to voluntary organisations (Rotary and the Free Masons Lodge) and leading many renowned institutions in healthcare, education, social service, sports and culture. His painstaking and relentless contribution to build and nurture sporting institutions and facilities in Kanpur has put it on the international map as a sporting venue. As a foresighted industrialist at the helm of J.K. Organisation, he inspired many firsts in the history of modern Indian Industry. “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” - John Quincy Adams An indicator of the immense positive impact he created through continued focus on service to the community, he stands the test of time. Even in the face of adversity, he was unflinching, believing that Dwarkadhishji would guide him through the toughest of times. His memories shall continue to lead, guide and inspire us. e r e d h l o f n U Jan.-Feb. 2015 JKspotlight In Remembrance of My Father, the Legend... A s I write this message of remembrance, two diverse emotions well up inside me; a deep sense of sorrow, at having lost my greatest inspiration – my father, mentor and friend as also a profound sense of pride at having been born to his lineage. Ever since my childhood, even without consciously trying to, my father has been a role model for me. He was my friend and guide through my growing years, and then, my mentor and guide when I started my training at J.K. Organisation. He was an extraordinary man, with many facets to his vibrant persona - family patriarch, sports enthusiast, affectionate philanthropist and industrialist, in equal measure. And, even though he performed each of his roles with admirable perfection, his humility was both endearing and inspiring. I have always tried to emulate him, be it while taking professional decisions or in personal interactions. He was a man who believed in leading by example. We greatly admired his discipline. Even with his health problems, he would always make it a 4 Jan.-Feb. 2015 JKspotlight point to attend office. He was zealous about contributing to society and people at large. Inspired by his philanthropic nature the organisation has tried to imbibe the same in its ethos. He always urged us to instill in ourselves the “never give up” attitude, and maintain the spirit even in the most adverse circumstances. His life is a testament to this philosophy and he shall continue to inspire all of us. Yadupati Singhania Remembering Babaji, Our Inspiration... After completing our studies, we were inducted into the family business with the blessings of Ammaji and Babaji. It was due to their unstinting support and unconditional love that we were able to find our feet. Our most fond memories from childhood are of the Diwali celebrations at Ganga Kutir. The entire family used to congregate for endless festivities. Time spent in our family home in Mussoorie also invoke fond memories. Memories of Babaji are etched in our minds because of his cheerful disposition and all the pampering we would receive. Babaji was a man of varied interests. He was very fond of movies and would try not to miss any new release. Everyone is aware of his passion for cricket, on which he was an ocean of knowledge. We vividly remember the excitement at home that would build up during matches. What is indelibly imprinted on our minds is how he remained unfazed, and greeted life with a smile. We will miss his presence but we know that his blessings will continue to guide our path. Raghavpat Singhania Madhavkrishna Singhania 5 Jan.-Feb. 2015 JKspotlight A Multifaceted Entrepreneur D r. Singhania obtained his Ph.D in Economics from Agra University in 1963. Surrounded by Industry stalwarts, it was natural that his training began at an early age. For over five decades, Dr. Gaur Hari Singhania was a prominent figure in India's business landscape . Due to his extensive experience and qualities of leadership, he was elected as the President of Merchants' Chamber of Uttar Pradesh five times. He also served as Chairman of the Employers Association of Northern India and was the patron and first Chairman of the U.P Stock Exchange Limited. Dr. Gaur Hari Singhania with Dr. Gaur Hari Singhania with Mr. R. Venkataraman (President of India, 1989) Mr. Pranab Mukherjee (Minister of External Affairs, 1995) during the Inauguration of the new building at the 13th Annual Day Celebration of of Uttar Pradesh Stock Exchange Ltd. Uttar Pradesh Stock Exchange Ltd. 6 Jan.-Feb. 2015 JKspotlight He was a mentor, guide, and power centre for many commercial as well as financial business organizations who frequently sought his advice and guidance in all matters of business. Employers Associations of Northern India All India Organisation of Employers Member, Executive Committee Member, Northern Region Associated Chambers of Commerce, Lucknow Kanpur Commdity Exchange Ltd. Member, Managing Committee Patron Merchants’ Chamber of U.P. U.P. Stock Exchange Ltd. Members of Council Founder President He was a great industrialist, philanthropist and a visionary who served Kanpur with great distinction and devotion. In his long and distinguished career he took up many activities for the welfare of Kanpur and promotion of sports, particularly cricket. His friendly nature was matched in equal measure by his kindness and generosity of his spirit. Ever helpful, he will be remembered with deep affection and respect by all those whose lives he touched. His life will continue to inspire us in the time to come. Basant Seth Central Information Commissioner Dr. Gaur Hari Singhania, the PATRON of ge lHkh bZ'oj ls izkFkZuk djrs gSa fd vkidks our Exchange - The Kanpur Commodity ,oa vkids leLr ifjokjtuksa dks bZ'oj Exchange Ltd. was a man of vision and bl vikj {kfr dks lgu djus dh 'kfDr under his guidance our Exchange iznku djsA flourished day by day. We have lost an esteemed well wisher of the Exchange. Mk0 bUnz eksgu jksgrxh President, Merchants’ Chamber of Santosh Kumar Agrawal Uttar Pradesh President, Kanpur Commodity Exchange Ltd. May God Almighty grant his soul May Almighty God grant eternal eternal peace and provide strength to peace to the departed soul and the family to bear the irreparable loss. courage to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss. Dr. K.L. Jain Ghanshyam Dwivedi Hony. Secretary General, Rajasthan Shareholder Director, U.P. Stock Exchange Ltd Chamber of Commerce & Industry He was very humble. He agreed to be present at the Chambers' Felicitation on his 75th birthday, only after we repeatedly insisted. I interacted with him at various levels, and sought his advice and help from time to time. I don't remember him ever saying NO to anything. He was a friend who stood by me through thick and thin. B.K. Bhartiya Ex - President of Merchants' Chamber of Uttar Pradesh 7 Jan.-Feb. 2015 JKspotlight A Foresighted Industrialist A n eminent industrialist, Dr. Gaur Hari Singhania commanded the respect of his peers and subordinates alike. After the demise of his father Sir Padampat Singhania in 1979, he took over the reins of the business. It was under his guidance that many 'firsts' were recorded in the history of modern Indian Industry, such as the manufacture of N-6 Nylon Filament Yarn, White Cement manufacturing through dry process and the diversified use in jute and cotton fabrics technology. Dr. Singhania served on the Board of Directors of several companies M/s Jaykay Enterprises Ltd. M/s J.K. Traders Ltd. M/s G.H. Securities (P) Ltd. Chairman Chairman Chairman M/s Key Corp. Ltd. M/s J.K. Cement Ltd. M/s Juggilal Kamlapat Padampat Chairman Chairman Partner M/s J.K. Cotton Ltd. M/s Yadu International Ltd.