Goenka family to establish Rs 100 crore university in Hisar in memory of Nand Kishore Goenka

HISAR: A legacy set in stone, and in classrooms. The Goenka family has announced plans to establish Shri Nand Kishore Goenka University in Agroha, Hisar, honouring the life and legacy of Nand Kishore Goenka, who passed away on 13 July at the age of 96.

The announcement was made by Subhash Chandra, alongside his brothers Laxmi Narain Goel, Jawahar Goel and Ashok Goel, after the final rites of their father in Agroha. The proposed university will be built on 32 acres of land owned by the family and will involve an investment of nearly Rs 100 crore.

Designed as a centre for learning with a strong social purpose, the university will introduce a specialised curriculum centred on social service and giving back to society. The institution aims to carry forward Nand Kishore Goenka’s lifelong commitment to philanthropy, community welfare and charitable work.

To develop the institution, the Goenka family has signed an agreement with the Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India. The university is expected to combine entrepreneurship education with programmes focused on public service and community development.

Thousands of family members, friends and well-wishers gathered in Agroha to pay their last respects to Nand Kishore Goenka. The funeral was attended by several political leaders and dignitaries, including 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 MLA Amit Chachan.

Paying tribute, Narendra Modi wrote to the Goenka family, describing Nand Kishore Goenka as an inspiring personality whose life was rooted in hard work, simplicity and public service.

In his message, the Prime Minister said Goenka strengthened the family’s business traditions while fulfilling his responsibilities towards society with sincerity. He added that Goenka’s life, inspired by his association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and guided by the principle of “Nation First”, would remain an example of selfless service. Modi also recalled meeting him on several occasions and described his passing as an irreparable loss to society.

Condolences also poured in from across the political and business spectrum. Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini and yoga guru Baba Ramdev paid tribute to Goenka. Business leaders, including Kumar Mangalam Birla and Bombay Stock Exchange managing director and chief executive officer Sundararaman Ramamurthy, also expressed their condolences.

The family has organised daily Shanti Baithaks at Goenka Seva Sadan, Devi Bhawan Mandir Complex in Hisar from 10 am to 1 pm and 4 pm to 7 pm, where members of the public can offer prayers and pay their respects. A Rasam Pagdi ceremony will be held on 26 July 2026 from 3 pm to 4 pm at Maharaja Aggarsain Bhawan, Old Government College Ground, Hisar.

Nand Kishore Goenka was widely respected for his humility, generosity and dedication to community welfare. Through the planned university, the Goenka family hopes to transform his lifelong belief in service into an enduring institution, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire future generations through education and social impact.