Industry condoles RP Goenka’s demise

The CII has had the benefit of the late Goenka’s visionary thoughts and guidance from time to time on matters of policy and issues,which ensured that the industry always moved in a progressive way in the country,he said.

“Goenka’s erudition and knowledge was vast and helped the industry draw from his worldview ” he said.

FICCI President Naina Lal Kidwai termed the demise of Goenka as a deep loss for the country.

“Shri Goenka has been former President of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and through his relentless work he helped strengthen industry’s recognition in the global economy. As President of the Confederation of

Asia-Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry he continued to strengthen India’s ties with other nations…,” Kidwai said.

The Goekna family today said their group founder Goenka,83,passed early this morning at his Kolkata residence here after a brief illness.

Goenka is survived by wife Sushila and sons Harsh Vardhan and Sanjiv.

The Goenkas are one of the oldest business families of the eastern India.

RP Goenka established RPG Enterprises in 1979 which included Phillips Carbon Black,Asian Cables,Agarpara Jute Mill and Murphy India with a turnover of about Rs 100 crore. Other major companies in his group include CESC,Ceat,Spencer’s and Saregama.

In 1990,his sons Harsh Vardhan and Sanjiv took over as chairman and deputy chairman respectively of RPG Enterprises.

Later in 2011,Sanjiv set up RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group to have his own brand identity. Harsh continued as chairman of RPG Enterprises.

RP Goenka remained chairman emeritus of both the groups with a combined turnover of around Rs 30,000 crore.