S P Godrejs Demise Marks End Of An Icon

Sorab P Godrej, 87, chairman of the Godrej group of companies, passed away in London on Saturday night.

He was admitted to a hospital in London on May 17 after he collapsed while on his way to Paris to attend a conference.

He later became unconscious and did not respond to treatment. The end came at 10.30 pm on Saturday, with his nephew Jamshyd N Godrej and personal assistant R Majoo at his bedside. Godrej's body will be brought to Mumbai for the funeral.

A bachelor, Godrej was past presidents of several chambers of commerce and industry, including the Indian chapters of the International Chamber of Commerce and the European Union Chamber of Commerce.

 

He was awarded the Padma Bhushan on January 25, 1999, in recognition of his contribution to the industry and society.

Godrej was an industrialist with a social commitment. Known as a philanthropist, he was also passionately devoted to the cause of environment. Godrej was personally involved in the campaign to save the tiger. His contribution to the World Wide Fund for Nature India was also unparalled.

President KR Narayanan, expressing grief at the demise of Godrej, said: "I mourn the loss of a personal friend and a generous and sensitive human being. I extend my heartfelt condolences to you and all those who grieve the departure of this outstanding personality."

Expressing deep sorrow, the Confederation of Indian Industry president Arun Bharat Ram said, "He was among the doyens of the industry and his contribution to the cause of the Industry was unparalled. A contemporary of late J R D Tata, Godrej played a key role in the industrialisation of modern India. He was the head of the family of one of the largest and most famous corporate houses in the country and the Godrej group of companies scaled new heights under his leadership."