HISAR: A chartered plane carrying the mortal remains of Nand Kishore Goenka, father of former Rajya Sabha MP and Essel Group founder Dr. Subhash Chandra, met with an accident at Hisar Airport on Tuesday. Despite significant damage to the aircraft, all passengers and crew on board survived safely.

The plane was arriving from Mumbai. According to reports, the pilot mistakenly landed the aircraft on a closed, inactive runway instead of the operational one.

The Runway Mishap

Because the old runway was closed, it was not adequately prepared for a safe landing. As soon as the aircraft touched down, it collided violently with a "cat's eye" (heavy-duty runway reflector lights used to guide pilots at night or in fog).

The impact was so severe that the lighting unit pierced through the plane's wing. Fortunately, the pilot managed to bring the aircraft to a halt, and all occupants—including Dr. Subhash Chandra's wife, Sushila, and other family members—were evacuated safely. Dr. Chandra was already present at the Hisar airport to receive his family.

Tributes Pour in for Nand Kishore Goenka

Nand Kishore Goenka, 96, passed away in Mumbai on Monday following a prolonged illness. His mortal remains have been placed at his ancestral home in Mohna Mandi, Hisar, where a large number of people are gathering to pay their last respects. Born on September 28, 1930, in Sadalpur village (Adampur), he was a highly respected figure in the region.

Remembering his father, Dr. Subhash Chandra shared a heartfelt note:

"A salute to a life dedicated to national service and compassion. This morning, our revered father, Shri Nand Kishore Goenka ji, breathed his last. The entire family is emotional, but more than grief, our hearts are filled with gratitude for his glorious 96 years dedicated to society and the nation. As a true RSS volunteer, his 'Nation First' resolve, dedication to social service, and selfless life towards 'Gau Seva' (cow protection) will always remain a guiding pillar for us. Babuji, your teachings and values will remain with us forever."

Who Was Nand Kishore Goenka?

• Humble Beginnings in Adampur: Nand Kishore Goenka started his career at the Adampur grain market as an Arhtiya (commission agent), trading grains.

• Deep Ties with the RSS: He was associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for decades, holding several key responsibilities within the organization.

• Architect of Agroha Dham: Bajrang Das Garg, a prominent leader of the Vaishya community, noted that Goenka was one of the core founders of the revered Agroha Dham. He made historic contributions to the socio-religious development of Haryana.

• The Foundation of an Empire: During a period of severe financial distress for the family, his eldest son, Dr. Subhash Chandra, had to drop out of school to help with the business. It was Nand Kishore Goenka who taught his son the nuances of trade from their Mohna Mandi base—laying the groundwork for what would eventually become the massive Essel Group media and business empire.