Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Monday, 13 July 2026 expressed grief over the passing of Nand Kishore Goyanka, a respected social worker and father of Essel Group chairman and former Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Subhash Chandra, offering prayers for the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family.

Context

In his condolence message posted on X, Chief Minister Sharma described the news of Goyanka's passing as deeply saddening. He wrote: 'पूर्व राज्यसभा सांसद और Essel ग्रुप के चेयरमैन डॉ. सुभाष चंद्रा जी के पूज्य पिता, प्रतिष्ठित समाजसेवी नंद किशोर गोयनका जी के निधन का दुखद समाचार मिला।' ('Received the sad news of the passing of the revered father of former Rajya Sabha MP and Essel Group chairman Dr. Subhash Chandra, the distinguished social worker Nand Kishore Goyanka.')

Sharma prayed to the Almighty to grant peace to the departed soul and the strength to bear this immense grief to the family members and well-wishers during this difficult time, concluding with 'ॐ शांति!' ('Om Shanti!').

Who Was Nand Kishore Goyanka

Nand Kishore Goyanka was widely recognised as a prominent social worker and the patriarch of the Goyanka family. He was the father of Dr. Subhash Chandra, the founder of Zee TV and chairman of the diversified Essel Group, a major Indian conglomerate with interests spanning media, entertainment, and infrastructure. Dr. Chandra also served as a member of the Rajya Sabha, India's upper house of Parliament.

Goyanka's identity in public life was tied to his philanthropic and social contributions, which earned him the respect of prominent figures across politics and business.

Policy Backdrop

It is an established practice among Indian political leaders to issue public condolences via social media upon the passing of prominent social and industrial figures. Such messages reflect the institutional respect extended by elected office-holders to nationally significant families and serve as a bridge between the political establishment and civil society.

Chief Minister Sharma, as the head of the Rajasthan government and a senior BJP leader, has regularly participated in this tradition, acknowledging the contributions of individuals who have left a mark on Indian society and public life.

Stakeholders and Impact

The condolence message is directed primarily at the Goyanka family and the broader circle of well-wishers associated with the Essel Group and India's media industry. Dr. Subhash Chandra's decades-long role in building one of India's largest media conglomerates means the family's loss resonates widely across the business and entertainment sectors.

Further tributes from national BJP leaders and statements from the Essel Group are expected to follow in the coming days.

What's Next

As the Goyanka family observes mourning rites, public figures from politics and industry are likely to continue paying their respects. The broader legacy of Nand Kishore Goyanka as a social worker may be commemorated through tributes organised by the Essel Group or associated charitable bodies in Rajasthan and beyond.