Essel Group Centenary: The defining moments of a century-long legacy

As the Essel Group turns 100 on May 21, 2026, the century-long journey of the legendary conglomerate has been marked by ambition, reinvention and remarkable resilience. What began as a modest grain trading business in Haryana in 1926 has evolved into a diversified multinational conglomerate with interests spanning media, entertainment, packaging, infrastructure, education, technology and digital platforms across more than 190 countries.

At the heart of this journey lies a philosophy passed down through generations. Jagannath Goenka, grandfather of Dr Subhash Chandra, built the family business on three core principles -- never be afraid, never step back from your resolve, and never deviate from the path of truth. Those ideas became the moral foundation of the Essel Group and helped it navigate five major business crises over the past century.

From the humble beginnings to the most legendary media group of the country, the group’s story mirrors the evolution of modern homegrown enterprise itself. Long before the country’s start-up boom, Dr Chandra was identifying untapped sectors and building businesses around them -- whether in packaging, TV broadcasting, satellite communication or education.

The defining turning point came in 1992, when the group launched Zee TV at a time when Indian television was still dominated by state broadcaster Doordarshan. What many considered a risky experiment at the time eventually shaped the nation's television industry. Over the years, the network expanded into movies, regional entertainment, news, music and digital media, helping shape the country's very own modern media ecosystem.

Today, as Essel Group marks its centenary under the theme “Impression of a Century”, the group describes its journey as one built on entrepreneurship, adaptability and persistent reinvention.

Here's a summery of some of the most remarkable and notable achievements of the legendary group from both the business world and wider society:

• Essel Propack’s North America unit secured three positions at the Tube Council’s “Tube of the Year Awards” in 2013
• Dr Chandra received the International Emmy Directorate Award in New York in 2011
• Dr Chandra was honoured with the International Writers Award in 2014
• EsselWorld won awards in three categories at IAAPI’s 10th National Award for Excellence in 2011
• Essel Infra Ahmedabad Godhra Toll Road Project received recognition for “Environmental Sustainability” from IIFCL in association with the World Bank and Asian Development Bank
• Dish TV was ranked among India’s “Most Trusted Brands” in TRA’s 2014 Brand Trust Report
• Zee Entertainment Enterprises became the only media brand featured in Interbrand’s 2015 list of “30 Best Indian Brands”
• Zee Institute of Creative Art won the “Asia’s Fastest Growing Education Institute Award” in 2013
• Dr Chandra received the prestigious “Chanchlani Global Indian Award” from the Canada India Foundation in 2016 -- an honour previously awarded to business icons such as Ratan Tata and NR Narayana Murthy

Beyond business

The Essel family has long maintained that the untimate purpose of wealth and success must be to give back to society. Alongside its business expansion, the group has also supported a host of philanthropic and social initiatives focused on education, empowerment and well-being.

• Ekal Movement works across more than 50,000 villages in India to support education and rural empowerment
• Global Vipassana Foundation promotes meditation and mental wellness based on Vipassana teachings
• Taleem Research Foundation supports higher education and research opportunities
• DSE Foundation undertakes initiatives related to social welfare and community development

Dr Chandra's timeless quotes

It is the vision of a legendary leader that has guided and inspired the group’s journey across generations.

Here are three quotes by Dr Chandra that continue to shape the conglomerate's businesses:

“Success comes to those who work hard and stay determined.”

“Failure is not the end, but rather a stepping stone towards success.”

“Dream big, work hard, and never give up. The sky is the limit.”

As the group enters its second century, Essel’s story continues to stand as a rare example of a multi-generational Indian business house that not only endured changing economic eras, but repeatedly reinvented itself alongside the country’s own transformation, under the priceless and legendary vision of Dr Chandra.