Nand Kishore Goenka, a philanthropist and father of Essel Group Chairman Dr Subhash Chandra, was cremated with full traditional honours on Wednesday afternoon. Before the final rites, his mortal remains were taken to Vaishnav Agrasen Gaushala, an institution he had helped establish by laying its foundation. A large number of well-wishers and members of the community gathered at the gaushala to pay their last respects and bid him a heartfelt farewell. Before the cremation, the funeral procession halted at the Vaishnav Agrasen Gaushala in a symbolic tribute to Goenka's contribution to the institution. The gaushala holds special significance as it was founded on the foundation stone laid by him. Hundreds of local residents and community leaders assembled there to offer their final respects to Goenka, who passed away in Mumbai on July 13, 2026, at the age of 96. Among those present were Union Minister Manohar Lal, former Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, Haryana Cabinet Minister Ranbir Gangwa, Rajya Sabha MP Subhash Barala, Hansi MLA Vinod Bhayana, former Haryana Minister Kamal Gupta, Adampur MLA Chandraprakash and Nohar (Rajasthan) MLA Amit Chachan. Following his demise, PM Modi sent a formal condolence message to Dr Subhash Chandra, deeply mourning the loss of his father, Nand Kishore Goenka. "Deeply saddened to learn about the demise of Shri Nand Kishore Goenka ji. My thoughts are with you and the entire family during this difficult time. I have been fortunate enough to meet him on several occasions, and his warm, affectionate behaviour will always remain in my memory. His passing is an irreparable loss to society, " PM Modi said. In addition, while paying final respects, Union Minister Manohar Lal remarked that the guiding philosophy and values of Goenka would continue to inspire generations. Spiritual leader Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev also paid his tributes and shared the family's grief, stating that he considered himself the "fifth brother" of the Goenka family.&nbsp;Dr Subhash Chandra announces Rs 100-cr university&nbsp;&nbsp;Addressing people at Goenka Park, after the funeral rites, Dr Chandra announced that a university named after Nand Kishore Goenka will be established to carry forward his legacy. He said the university will be built on 32 acres of land at an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore. "We have decided to build a university in Goenka Ji's name on 32 acres of land. It will cost around Rs 100 crore. To ensure that his legacy continues, we will introduce courses focused on social service and contributing to society," Dr Chandra said. Nand Kishore Goenka was born on September 28, 1930, in Hisar, Haryana. He built his life on the foundations of Indian values, hard work and moral principles. The struggles of his early years made him self-reliant, while the values instilled by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) shaped him into a dedicated servant of the nation. He never sought fame and regarded every task as an offering to God and a means of serving the country. He was a guide to society, a trusted organisational worker, a devoted advocate of cow protection, an inspiration to the Agrawal community and a vigilant guardian of national values.

<h3>A life shaped by RSS values</h3>For Goenka, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was not merely an organisation but a way of life. He remained a disciplined, dedicated and committed volunteer throughout his life. He lived by the Sangh's guiding principle of "Nation First" with complete sincerity. Patriotism, for him, was not a matter of speeches but an everyday practice. Discipline, punctuality, humility, self-restraint and organisational commitment were integral parts of his personality. As Vice President of the Haryana unit of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and a member of its Central Cow Protection Committee, Goenka made significant contributions. He believed that organising Hindu society was not solely the responsibility of any institution but of every conscious citizen. He extended his wholehearted support—through his time, effort and resources—to the Parishad's initiatives related to service, values, social harmony and religious awareness. For him, cow protection was not merely a movement but an effort to preserve Indian culture, agriculture, rural life and compassion. He regarded the cow as the foundation of Indian civilisation. His active association with numerous gaushalas and cow protection campaigns reflected this conviction. Paying tribute to him, Vishwa Hindu Parishad International President Shri Alok Kumar said," While Shri Nand Kishore Goenka's mortal body has merged with the five elements today, his virtues, deeds, character and greatness will remain immortal. As a dedicated RSS volunteer, he devoted his entire life to selfless service. As a true descendant of Maharaja Agrasen, he developed Agroha Dham into a pilgrimage centre for the Vaishya community. His contribution as Vice President of the Haryana unit of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and as a member of its Central Cow Protection Committee will always be remembered. He was a true servant of Gau Mata and dedicated his entire life to Bharat Mata."&nbsp;Also read: 'I am strong...': Sonam Wangchuk breaks silence as health deteriorates; Cong's Shashi Tharoor urges him to end fast<h3>Agroha Dham: Dream and lifelong mission</h3>Maharaja Agrasen, remembered in history and associated with the Mahabharata era, symbolises the Indian tradition of equality, cooperation and public welfare, reflected in the principle of "one brick and one-and-a-quarter rupees." Shri Nand Kishore Goenka resolved to carry this legacy to the masses. His contribution to the development of Agroha Dham was immense. He envisioned it not merely as a temple complex or memorial but as a centre of cultural consciousness, social unity and national resurgence for the Vaishya community. Today, Agroha Dham welcomes lakhs of devotees from across the country as a place of faith, inspiration and social unity. Shri Goenka's role in this achievement will always be remembered with respect. Shri Goenka believed that the highest form of service is one performed without seeking recognition. For this reason, he never publicised his philanthropic work. He consistently supported education, healthcare, religious institutions, social organisations and people in need. He always believed that a society does not become great through economic progress alone but also through values, education and service. Accordingly, he encouraged numerous social and educational initiatives and worked to strengthen community bonds. Despite belonging to a highly respected family, there was no trace of ostentation in his life. He was approachable, humble and warm. Anyone who visited him never felt like an outsider. His speech reflected kindness, his conduct inspired affection, and his decisions demonstrated clarity. He possessed the ability to listen, which earned him deep respect in society.<h3>Values passed on to his family</h3>Behind every great family stands a great source of values, and Nand Kishore Goenka fulfilled that role for the Goenka family. He not only guided his children towards success but also taught them that the true purpose of success is to fulfil one's responsibilities towards society. The diligence, courage, innovation and deep-rooted Indian values reflected in the personalities of Dr Subhash Chandra, Shri Lakshmi Narayan, Shri Jawahar and Shri Ashok Goyal clearly bear the imprint of the values instilled by their father. Nand Kishore Goenka completed his life's journey at the age of 96. As his last rites were performed on the sacred land of Hisar, it was not merely a family bidding farewell but an entire era of society. Countless RSS volunteers, saints, social workers, industrialists, public representatives and ordinary citizens gathered to pay their final respects. This honour was not for a position he held, but for a life of selfless dedication. Nand Kishore Goenka demonstrated through his life that serving the nation and society does not require any official position; it requires selflessness, unwavering resolve and continuous action. Throughout his life, he embodied the dedication of an RSS volunteer, the commitment of a Vishwa Hindu Parishad worker, the compassion of a devotee of cow protection, the social consciousness of an Agrawal and the dignity of an Indian householder. His life was a living example of the Indian ideal in which dharma, service, organisation, compassion, humility and patriotism complement one another.&nbsp;

Union Minister Manohar Lal remarked that the guiding philosophy and values of Goenka would continue to inspire generations. Spiritual leader Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev also paid his tributes and shared the family's grief, stating that he considered himself the "fifth brother" of the Goenka family.

Nand Kishore Goenka, a philanthropist and father of Essel Group Chairman Dr Subhash Chandra, was cremated with full traditional honours on Wednesday afternoon. Before the final rites, his mortal remains were taken to Vaishnav Agrasen Gaushala, an institution he had helped establish by laying its foundation. A large number of well-wishers and members of the community gathered at the gaushala to pay their last respects and bid him a heartfelt farewell. Before the cremation, the funeral procession halted at the Vaishnav Agrasen Gaushala in a symbolic tribute to Goenka's contribution to the institution. The gaushala holds special significance as it was founded on the foundation stone laid by him. Hundreds of local residents and community leaders assembled there to offer their final respects to Goenka, who passed away in Mumbai on July 13, 2026, at the age of 96. Among those present were Union Minister Manohar Lal, former Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, Haryana Cabinet Minister Ranbir Gangwa, Rajya Sabha MP Subhash Barala, Hansi MLA Vinod Bhayana, former Haryana Minister Kamal Gupta, Adampur MLA Chandraprakash and Nohar (Rajasthan) MLA Amit Chachan. Following his demise, PM Modi sent a formal condolence message to Dr Subhash Chandra, deeply mourning the loss of his father, Nand Kishore Goenka. "Deeply saddened to learn about the demise of Shri Nand Kishore Goenka ji. My thoughts are with you and the entire family during this difficult time. I have been fortunate enough to meet him on several occasions, and his warm, affectionate behaviour will always remain in my memory. His passing is an irreparable loss to society, " PM Modi said. In addition, while paying final respects, Union Minister Manohar Lal remarked that the guiding philosophy and values of Goenka would continue to inspire generations. Spiritual leader Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev also paid his tributes and shared the family's grief, stating that he considered himself the "fifth brother" of the Goenka family. Dr Subhash Chandra announces Rs 100-cr university Addressing people at Goenka Park, after the funeral rites, Dr Chandra announced that a university named after Nand Kishore Goenka will be established to carry forward his legacy. He said the university will be built on 32 acres of land at an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore. "We have decided to build a university in Goenka Ji's name on 32 acres of land. It will cost around Rs 100 crore. To ensure that his legacy continues, we will introduce courses focused on social service and contributing to society," Dr Chandra said. Nand Kishore Goenka was born on September 28, 1930, in Hisar, Haryana. He built his life on the foundations of Indian values, hard work and moral principles. The struggles of his early years made him self-reliant, while the values instilled by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) shaped him into a dedicated servant of the nation. He never sought fame and regarded every task as an offering to God and a means of serving the country. He was a guide to society, a trusted organisational worker, a devoted advocate of cow protection, an inspiration to the Agrawal community and a vigilant guardian of national values.

Union Minister Manohar Lal remarked that the guiding philosophy and values of Goenka would continue to inspire generations. Spiritual leader Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev also paid his tributes and shared the family's grief, stating that he considered himself the "fifth brother" of the Goenka family.

Nand Kishore Goenka cremated at Agroha Dham; family, political leaders gather to pay tribute

Essel Group Chairman Dr Subhash Chandra on Wednesday (July 15, 2026) performed the mukhagni (funeral rite) for his father, veteran industrialist and philanthropist Nand Kishore Goenka, who died in Mumbai on July 13. Goenka's last rites were performed at Goenka Udyan in Agroha Dham, located in the Hisar district of Haryana.&nbsp;&nbsp;Addressing people at Goenka Park, after the funeral rites, Dr Chandra announced that a university named after Nand Kishore Goenka will be established to carry forward his legacy. He said the university will be built on 32 acres of land at an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore. "We have decided to build a university in Goenka Ji's name on 32 acres of land. It will cost around Rs 100 crore. To ensure that his legacy continues, we will introduce courses focused on social service and contributing to society," Dr Chandra said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amarnath-yatra-breaks-records-draws-over-3-lakh-devotees-in-12-days-1784105016072">Amarnath Yatra breaks records, draws over 3 lakh devotees in 12 days</a><h2>Social service and giving back at the heart of the university's vision</h2>Dr Chandra outlined the vision for the upcoming university, saying it will carry forward his father's lifelong commitment to philanthropy through a dedicated academic programme.The university will introduce a specialised course on "Social Service and Giving Back to Society", aimed at encouraging students to contribute to community welfare and uphold the values that guided Shri Goenka's life.&nbsp;He also said the institution will be established in collaboration with the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, under a strategic agreement signed by both sides.&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/dr-subhash-chandra-announces-100-crore-university-in-goenka-s-memory-1784133733976/embed&nbsp;"Our entire family is blessed to have been born to such a noble soul. Agroha is not only a sacred land for the entire Agrawal and Vaishya communities, but it has also sent powerful messages of inspiration across India and the world.&nbsp;Because this region is deeply connected with business, my brothers and I decided to channel resources here. We have signed a strategic agreement with the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, to establish this university. It will sit on 32 acres of our family land and will cost around ₹100 crore. Additionally, to carry forward Shri Goenka's legacy of service, we will introduce a dedicated course focused on social service and community welfare."

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Dr Subhash Chandra&#39;s Father Nand Kishore Goenka was laid to rest at Agroha Dham in Hisar, where his last rites were performed with full respect Thousands pay final respects to Nand Kishore Goenka<a href="https://x.com/Rhythmsharmax?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Rhythmsharmax</a> has more <a href="https://t.co/Xiw7TktAIk">pic.twitter.com/Xiw7TktAIk</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://x.com/WIONews/status/2077398599022108797?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>What is the history of Agroha Dham?</h3>Construction of Agroha Dham began in 1976 and was completed in 1984, and it is dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi and Maharaja Agrasen. The site extends across nearly 300 bighas, housing the Shakti Sarovar and magnificent temples. Over the years, it has developed into a centre for education, healthcare and cultural advancement.&nbsp;Nand Kishore Goenka has played a key role in the construction and development of Agroha Dham, the historic town associated with Maharaja Agrasen, and is widely credited for his invaluable contribution. His last rites were also performed at Goenka Udyan within Agroha Dham. Bajrang Das Garg, a leader of the Vaishya community and a close associate of the Goenka family, told the media, "Shri Nand Kishore Goenka was one of the principal founders of Agroha Dham. As a patron of the Vaishya community, he made historic contributions to the development of several social and religious institutions in Hisar as well as across the state of Haryana." Goenka was among the key individuals associated with the establishment and expansion of this religious site. Through his efforts, Agroha Dham gained recognition not only across India but also among the Agrawal community living abroad. He also made notable contributions in the fields of education and social development in Hisar. He also served as the patron of the Shri Devi Bhawan Mandir Gaushala Trust and held the responsibilities of President and Patron of the Shri Vaishnav Agrasen Gaushala. Agroha, which was established as the capital of Maharaja Agrasen, had been a centre of trade and prosperity since ancient times. Following the invasion by Muhammad Ghori in 1194, Agroha Dham became deserted. Efforts to rebuild and redevelop the site began again in 1907. In 1907, Saint Brahmanand Brahmachari arrived in Agroha, and in 1908, he inspired the Agrawal community to establish the "Agrawal Darbar." Later, in 1976, a resolution for the revival of Agroha was passed at the All India Agrawal Representatives Conference.

Nand Kishore Goenka has played a key role in the construction and development of Agroha Dham, the historic town associated with Maharaja Agrasen, and is widely credited for his invaluable contribution. 

Essel Group Chairman Dr Subhash Chandra on Wednesday (July 15, 2026) performed the mukhagni (funeral rite) for his father, veteran industrialist and philanthropist Nand Kishore Goenka, who died in Mumbai on July 13. Goenka's last rites were performed at Goenka Udyan in Agroha Dham, located in the Hisar district of Haryana. Addressing people at Goenka Park, after the funeral rites, Dr Chandra announced that a university named after Nand Kishore Goenka will be established to carry forward his legacy. He said the university will be built on 32 acres of land at an estimated cost of Rs 100 crore. "We have decided to build a university in Goenka Ji's name on 32 acres of land. It will cost around Rs 100 crore. To ensure that his legacy continues, we will introduce courses focused on social service and contributing to society," Dr Chandra said. Also read: Amarnath Yatra breaks records, draws over 3 lakh devotees in 12 days Social service and giving back at the heart of the university's vision Dr Chandra outlined the vision for the upcoming university, saying it will carry forward his father's lifelong commitment to philanthropy through a dedicated academic programme. The university will introduce a specialised course on "Social Service and Giving Back to Society", aimed at encouraging students to contribute to community welfare and uphold the values that guided Shri Goenka's life. He also said the institution will be established in collaboration with the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, under a strategic agreement signed by both sides. https://www.wionews.com/videos/dr-subhash-chandra-announces-100-crore-university-in-goenka-s-memory-1784133733976/embed "Our entire family is blessed to have been born to such a noble soul. Agroha is not only a sacred land for the entire Agrawal and Vaishya communities, but it has also sent powerful messages of inspiration across India and the world. Because this region is deeply connected with business, my brothers and I decided to channel resources here. We have signed a strategic agreement with the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), Ahmedabad, to establish this university. It will sit on 32 acres of our family land and will cost around ₹100 crore. Additionally, to carry forward Shri Goenka's legacy of service, we will introduce a dedicated course focused on social service and community welfare."

Nand Kishore Goenka has played a key role in the construction and development of Agroha Dham, the historic town associated with Maharaja Agrasen, and is widely credited for his invaluable contribution.&nbsp;

Dr Subhash Chandra performs last rites of father Nand Kishore Goenka, announces Rs 100-cr university in his memory

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Nand Kishore Goenka cremated at Agroha Dham; family, political leaders gather to pay tribute

Dr Subhash Chandra announces Rs 100 crore university to honour father's legacy