As tributes poured in for her from statesmen and spiritual masters—among many others-- friends and admirers fondly recall her unquenched youthful spirit, zest of life and determination to make the world a better place.

The first thing people usually noticed about Indu Jain was her radiant complexion and childlike, mischievous smile both an external manifestation of her deep immersion in spirituality. Well versed in ancient scriptures and belief systems, she wore her erudition lightly and her conversation — apart from English and Hindi, she also spoke Bengali, Bhojpuri, Awadhi and various other languages and dialects – was peppered with witty remarks and delighted laughter

After becoming chairman of the Times of India group in 1999, she evolved a distinctive leadership style, characterized by compassion and inclusiveness that helped propel the group to new heights.

She set up the Times Foundation in 2000, with sustainable development and transformational change as its key goals. One of the India’s most respected non-profits, it provides community services and runs the Times Relief Fund to offer assistance during cyclones, earthquakes, floods, epidemics and other crises

She was the founder president of FICCI Ladies Organization (FLO), established to promote entrepreneurship and professional excellence among women in India. From 1999, she also served as chairperson of Bharatiya Janpath Trust, founded in 1944 by Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain, her father-in-law, to promote literature in Indian languages. The Janpath Award, conferred by the trust annually, is acknowledged to be the most prestigious honor for authors writing in Indian languages.

One of her last wishes was to donate her organs. Sadly, the complications caused by covid meant it could not be fulfilled.

She received many honours, including the Padma Bhushan in January 2016. She was conferred a life time achievement award by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India in 2019, an award for lifetime contribution to media by the Indian Congress of Women in 2009, In the year 2000, she also addressed the United Nations at the Millennium World Peace Summit.

Indu Jain once said, “Living in the present means not having regrets for the past, not worrying for the future. Life is what is now. I was born a seeker. I was very inquisitive and curious to explore. I don’t see a choice between ‘being happy’ and ‘having a purpose’. Life is an incredible adventure, and you should give it your very best.” She certainly did. (IPA Service)