Jamshed J Irani also known as the steel man of India, passed away late Monday night at Jamshedpur. He was 86
“We are deeply saddened at the demise of Padma BhushanDr. Jamshed J Irani, fondly known as the Steel Man of India. Tata Steel family offers its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones,” Tata Steel tweeted on their official handle.
- Born on June 2, 1936 to parents JijiIrani and KhorshedIrani in Nagpur JJ Irani obtained his BSc degree from the city’s Science College in 1956 and later pursued his MSc in Geology from Nagpur University in 1958.
- Later he went to the University of Sheffield in UK as a JN Tata scholar where he secured a Masters degree in Metallurgy in 1960 and a PhD in 1963.
- He began his professional career with the British Iron and Steel Research Association in 1963 but he always yearned to contribute to the nation. He returned to India to join the Tata Iron and Steel Company (now known as Tata Steel) in 1968 and became the assistant to the director-in-charge of research and development.
- He became the general superintendent in 1978, general manager in 1979 and President of Tata Steel in 1985 and retired in 2001.
- JJ Irani joined the Board of Tata Steel and served as non-executive director from 2001 for a decade.
- He also served as the national president of the Confederation of Indian Industry for 1992-93. He was felicitated with several awards including the Padma Bhushan in 2007 for his contribution to industry.
- He was an eager sportsman who played and followed cricket till his last and had been passionate aboutcoin and stamp collection.
- Being a metallurgist, he was deeply interested in the research, development, and collection of minerals and metals.
- He is survived by his wife Daisy Irani and their three children, Zubin, Niloufer, and Tanaaz.
