Industrialist, educationist and social leader remembered for his contribution to soybean processing, education and institution-building
Indore, September 23. (SDNA) — Padma Shri Dr. Nemanath Jain, veteran industrialist, educationist, philanthropist and founder-chairman of the Prestige Group, died on Wednesday morning at the age of 95. He breathed his last at his residence in Prestige Vihar, Scheme No. 74, Indore.
News of his death was followed by condolences from people associated with the industrial, educational, agricultural, soybean and social sectors. Dr. Jain was regarded as one of the prominent figures who contributed to the development of agro-based industries and higher education in the region.
His last rites were performed at Sayaji Mukti Dham in Indore. His eldest son, Dr. Devish Jain, lit the funeral pyre. His younger son Deepin Jain, grandson Dr. Himanshu Jain and Ketan Jain were among the family members present. Industrialists, educationists, representatives of social organisations and citizens from different walks of life also attended the final journey.
Dr. Jain had celebrated his 95th birthday only a few days earlier, on September 17.
From displacement to entrepreneurship
Born in Rawalpindi in undivided India, Dr. Jain moved to Indore with his family following Partition. The experience of displacement at a young age became part of a life marked by perseverance, enterprise and institution-building.
He was among the early students of SGSITS, Indore, where he studied mechanical and electrical engineering. Alongside his education and early professional experience, he gradually developed an understanding of industry and business that later shaped his entrepreneurial journey.
Dr. Jain entered the industrial sector in 1977 with the establishment of a cattle-feed plant. His entry into soybean processing in 1980-81 marked another important phase of his career. Under his leadership, the Prestige Group subsequently expanded into soybean processing, food processing, edible oils and other agro-based businesses.
A significant association with the soybean sector
Dr. Jain’s name remained closely associated with the growth of the soybean industry in Madhya Pradesh. His work involved the interests of farmers and the development of soybean-based processing and allied industrial activities.
His contribution to the sector earned him the recognition of “Soyaman of the Millennium.” His work in the field was also associated with the broader development of agro-processing and value addition in the soybean economy of the state.
The Government of India announced his selection for the Padma Shri in the Trade and Industry category as part of the Padma Awards 2020. President Ram Nath Kovind presented the Padma Shri to Dr. Jain at Rashtrapati Bhavan on November 8, 2021.
Education became another pillar of his legacy
Beyond industry, education remained a major area of Dr. Jain’s public and institutional work. Through the Prestige Education Society, Prestige Institute of Management and Research (PIMR), Indore, was established in 1994.
The institution subsequently developed into an important centre for management education in central India. Over the years, the Prestige Group also expanded its educational activities into areas including engineering, law and other professional disciplines.
Through these institutions, Dr. Jain’s educational initiatives reached generations of students and contributed to the development of professional education in the region.
Building institutions beyond business
Dr. Jain’s career extended beyond the conventional boundaries of entrepreneurship. His work connected industrial activity with employment generation, education, agriculture and wider social development.
From beginning his journey as a young engineering student and facing the challenges of displacement to establishing industrial and educational institutions, his life reflected a long process of building organisations and expanding their reach.
His passing marks the end of a long public and professional journey closely linked with Indore’s industrial and educational landscape. The institutions established under his leadership, along with his contribution to the soybean and agro-processing sectors, remain significant parts of the legacy associated with his name.