Last Rites of Nand Kishore Goenka performed in Agroha

The last rites of Nand Kishore Goenka, father of Essel Group Chairman Dr. Subhash Chandra, were performed on Wednesday. The funeral procession of Goenka, who was dedicated to cow protection, social service, and nationalist ideology, was carried out with full reverence and respect from Shri Vaishnav Gaushala in Hisar to Goenka Udyan in Agroha Dham.

Thousands of people gathered at Goenka House in Hisar on Wednesday morning to pay their last respects. Thereafter, his final journey began on a specially decorated chariot from Shri Vaishnav Gaushala. A convoy of vehicles stretching several kilometres accompanied the procession, which began amid chants of "Ram naam satya hai" and Vedic mantras. People offered flowers at various locations from Hisar to Agroha to bid him farewell.

Essel Group Chairman Dr. Subhash Chandra, Jawahar Goenka, Lakshmi Narayan Goenka, Ashok Goenka, and other family members were present at the funeral. Well-wishers from across the country also stood by the family during this time of grief.

He was cremated with Vedic rites at Goenka Udyan in Agroha Dham. When his wife had passed away, she was also cremated at the same site. The atmosphere during the funeral was deeply emotional, with mourners bidding him farewell with tears in their eyes.

Union Energy Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Haryana Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda, Public Health Engineering Minister Ranbir Gangwa, former Minister Dr. Kamal Gupta, former Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Rajya Sabha MP Subhash Barala, Adampur MLA Chandraprakash, and former Rajya Sabha MP Dr. D.P. Vats, along with numerous public representatives, were present on the occasion. Industrialists, prominent figures from the film industry, saints, social workers, cow protection advocates, educationists, businesspersons, villagers, and representatives of various social and religious organisations from across the country also participated in the funeral procession. The presence of thousands of people reflected society's deep respect for Nand Kishore Goenka and his significant contributions to society.

Paying tribute, Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar said that while Nand Kishore Goenka is no longer with us physically, his ideals will live on forever. He added that the legacy Goenka created through his family, social work, and especially Agroha Dham would continue to inspire generations to come.

Khattar said that Goenka's 96 years reflected a life of service, contentment, and fulfilment. Therefore, he said, this was not just an occasion for mourning but also a time to draw inspiration from his ideals. Recalling their long-standing association, Khattar said that in 1992, while serving as a departmental pracharak for the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, he had the opportunity to work with Nand Kishore Goenka for nearly two months at Agroha Dham.

He added that the way the entire family, including Dr. Subhash Chandra, Jawahar Goenka, Lakshmi Narayan Goenka, and Ashok Goenka, is carrying forward the traditions of social service, national service, and human values is a continuation of Nand Kishore Goenka's ideals. He expressed confidence that the family would continue serving the nation and society by upholding these values.

Nand Kishore Goenka passed away on July 13 at the age of 96. He was known for his dedication to cow protection, social service, and nationalist ideology. In his memory, Essel Group Chairman Dr. Subhash Chandra has announced the establishment of Nand Kishore Goenka University in Agroha at an estimated cost of ₹100 crore. The proposed university will be built on 32 acres of land and aims to provide better opportunities for higher education to young people while promoting the values of social service.