A tribute to Om Prakash Jindal, fondly remembered as Bauji, on his 12th death anniversary. O P Jindal (7 August 1930 – 31 March 2005) was born in Hisar, Haryana.

Born in a farmer’s family, he turned out to be visionary and a renowned industrialist. A successful politician and passionate leader, he will always be remembered for his fructified vision towards achievement across all facets of life. He established a successful business enterprise Jindal Steel and Power under the flagship of the Jindal Organization, of which he was the chairman.

Bauji was appointed Minister of Power in the Government of Haryana. He won the Hisar Legislative Assembly seat of Haryana three times consecutively. He was also a Member of the Committee on Food, Civil Supplies and Public Distribution from 1996 to 1997. He was elected to the Haryana Vidhan Sabha (the Haryana state government) in February 2005 and was the Minister of Power in the Government of Haryana at the time of his death. He was the Chairman of the N.C. Jindal Charitable Trust; Patron and Trustee of Agroha Vikas Trust and Agroha Medical College.

In November 2004, Bauji was awarded the prestigious “Life Time Achievement Award” for his outstanding contribution to the Indian Steel Industry by the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

His 4 sons, Prithviraj Jindal, Sajjan Jindal, Ratan Jindal and Naveen Jindal now run the steel and power empire. Naveen Jindal, the youngest son, drives JSPL and its group companies Jindal Power Ltd, Jindal Petroleum Ltd., Jindal Cement Ltd. and Jindal Steel Bolivia.

He envisioned supporting social initiatives at an early stage and remained focused towards uplifting society at large. He believed that without the upliftment of weak and backward section of the society, a nation couldn’t prosper. Thus, he spent a lot of his time to alleviate poverty and bring equality in the society.

Bauji always had the conviction that India should be self-reliant in every sector of industry. He visited several foreign countries to elicit latest industrial technical development and know-how. He acquired a great deal of knowledge, which he aptly applied to enhance production of his industrial establishments.

Bauji’s mantra was “where others saw walls he saw doors”. Then whether it was opening doors or breaking down walls he always led the way. His life journey from a farmer’s son to a successful industrialist, a philanthropist, a politician and a leader would serve as a great source of inspiration for generations to come.