Shri Shashikant Ruia (SNR): The Man Who Dreamed Without Limits: (23.12.1943 - 25.11.2024)

“Na hi jñānena sadrusham pavitram iha vidyate”

(There is nothing in this world as pure as knowledge — Bhagavad Gita)

 Shri Shashi Ruia (SNR) was a man of wisdom, courage, and boundless vision. To the world, he was the founder of the Essar Group, a name synonymous with innovation and global excellence. But to those who knew him, he was much more—a dreamer who touched lives with simplicity, a leader who understood the soul of people, and a mentor who lived by the mantra, “Keep it simple, but dream big.”

From humble beginnings, SNR and his younger brother Shri Ravi Ruia (RNR) built an empire that spanned continents and industries. Steel, energy, shipping, telecom—there wasn’t a sector they didn’t conquer. But what made SNR truly legendary was not the size of the empire he built but the depth of the relationships he nurtured.

The Simplicity of Greatness

SNR’s approach to business was disarmingly simple. “No long excel sheets, no endless PowerPoints,” he would often say with a smile. Instead, he believed in ideation, innovation, and action. His meetings often ended with a single decisive thought: “What’s the simplest way to make this happen?”

He took risks others wouldn’t dare. When the world said it was impossible, he replied, “Let’s give it a try. What’s the worst that can happen?” It was this audacity that led Essar to venture into unexplored territories, to set benchmarks, and to inspire a generation of entrepreneurs.

A Heart That Connected with All

Mr Shashi Ruia wasn’t just a leader; he was a listener, a linguist, and above all, a humanist. Fluent in multiple languages, he had the uncanny ability to connect with anyone—be it a global CEO or a young intern. He would sit on the factory floor, chatting with workers over tea, and remind them, “Tumhare bina yeh sapna adhoora hai” (Without you, this dream is incomplete).

Employees remember him not for grand speeches but for simple gestures: paying for a child’s education, standing by families in times of need, or just showing up unannounced to celebrate their milestones. His leadership was not about hierarchy but about humanity.

A Legacy Etched in Hearts

When SNR bid farewell to this world, he left behind a legacy that went far beyond Essar. Thousands—his family, his colleagues, and his friends—gathered to pay tribute. His passing wasn’t just the end of an era; it was the celebration of a life lived with purpose and passion.

A colleague tearfully recalled, “Sir never let us feel like employees. We were his family. He taught us to dream, to dare, and to never give up.”

Lessons from a Legend

SNR’s life is a masterclass in leadership, not by the book but by the heart. His lessons remain timeless:

       1.  Dream Big: “Sapne dekhne mein koi maamooli cheez nahi hoti. Sapne jeene ke liye hote hain” (Dreams aren’t ordinary; they are meant to be lived).

       2.  Take Risks: “Jo dar gaya, samjho mar gaya” (Fear is the end of all progress).

       3.  Keep It Simple: Solutions don’t have to be complicated to be effective.

       4.  Connect with People: Trust and empathy are the foundation of any great enterprise.

       5.  Lead with Love: Businesses may rise and fall, but the bonds you build last forever.

The Man Who Knew No Boundaries

Mr Shashi Ruia’s story is one for the ages—a reminder that greatness is not in wealth or power but in the lives you touch. He taught us that leadership isn’t about imposing authority; it’s about inspiring belief.

Even as we bid him a tearful goodbye, his words echo in our hearts: “Sapna dekho. Karo. Jeeto.” (Dream. Do. Win.)

SNR wasn’t just a man; he was a movement. His life urges us to dream without limits, to live without fear, and to leave the world better than we found it. For those who knew him, he will forever be the man who taught us to soar higher, love deeper, and live simpler.

“Antaḥkaraṇa śuddhaye śreyo margaḥ”

(To purify the heart is to walk the path of greatness.)

A Tribute by :

Dr Kaustubh Sonalkar