Beyond Business

The Juhari Devi Girls’ Degree college is one of the oldest and most venerated institutions of higher education in Kanpur City. The college was established by Sir Padampat Singhania, in the memory of his maternal grandmother Smt. Juhari Devi, in the year 1946 as a primary school. This school was gradually expanded up to the intermediate and degree college level. From its very inception it had an inclusive agenda with a stated purpose to educate and empower women to take their rightful place in society, the workplace and the nation. The college has constantly reviewed its offerings, facilities and infrastructure to remain contemporary and deliver the best in terms of education. The Juhari Devi College is also a centre of social activities and organises many events to promote arts and culture. Today almost 8,000 girls, belonging not only to Kanpur but also the adjoining districts, are a part of this extended family. This college is doing its utmost in providing higher education to girls especially from the under privileged families.

The Sir Padampat Singhania Education Centre was founded in 1982 by Lady Anusuiya Singhania in the memory of her late husband Sir Padampat Singhania. It is located in the Kamla Nagar Campus, in close proximity to the Radha Krishna Temple. It is housed in a ten acre plot of land and is a private, co-educational, English Medium, ISO 2000 certified school, affiliated to CBSE.

The SPSEC campus has several distinct sections such as the Play Group, Kindergarten, Primary, Secondary, Senior Secondary and the Laboratory block. The campus also has facilities for physical education, music, dance, art, and craft activities. It has a large library stocked with over 25,000 books. The School caters to almost 2,800 students and has faculty strength of 130 teachers.

The Dr. Gaur Hari Singhania Institute Of Management & Research (GHS-IMR) was set up in 1995, with the efforts of Mr. Yadupati Singhania. It is located in the Kamla Nagar campus. The Institute was formed with the aim of imparting formal management education and is registered with the Ministry of Human Resources,Government of India. GHS-IMR offers a two year fulltime and three year part-time Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM). It is the only CAT affiliated institute in the city and offers a curriculum that synthesizes conventional and modern management thinking with a global outlook.

The Institute has the latest educational and learning infrastructure including LCD projectors, television sets and a well equipped computer lab besides a 24*7 wi-fi campus. It has an eminent faculty dedicated to developing professional managers for the Indian industry, who follow a case-based teaching method to ensure practical education.

The Institute invaricbly upholds the high ideals and moral values of J.K. Organisation and is one of the most revered management institutions of the region.

The J.K.M.K. Public school was promoted by the J.K. Cement Nimbahera Foundation in the year 1999. It is part of the ongoing efforts of the J.K. Organisation to make quality education available for every citizen of Kanpur. The school is well equipped and has a stellar faculty that uses innovative means to educate students. With a healthy mix of academic and outdoor pursuits, it offers students an opportunity to develop their personalities in a holistic manner.

The J.K.-ITC is a venture aimed at empowering the young by offering technical education. It was set up in the year 2003, as part of J.K. Cement Limited’s ongoing CSR initiatives. The institute began by offering two courses-Electrician and Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning Mechanic. The success of these courses led to the expansion of the programme, and presently the institute offers courses for mechanics in the electronics industry as well as the building and construction industry. These courses fulfill a much needed gap in industries which otherwise trained people ‘on the job’, and where few ‘qualified ’ workmen were available.

J.K.-ITC is a unique endeavour in vocational training to enhance human resources that will contribute to the nation’s development. The course hinges on the need for technical expertise in a city and eventually in a nation that is taking rapid strides on the technological and infrastructural fronts.

The J.K. Institute of Radiology and Cancer Research was established in the year 1955 by the J.K. Charitable Trust. The institute is one of the India’s premier centres for the detection, treatment and prevention of cancer. Its foundation stone was laid by the then President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad. The institute was formally inaugurated in May 1963 by the then Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru.

The institute uses high quality, state of the art techniques for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients. Every year over 17,000 people are given free consultancy and treatment at the institute.

It has 106 beds to accommodate resident patients. The J.K. Institute of Radiology and Cancer Research regularly conducts cancer detection camps in accordance with the Cancer Control Program. Its patients come from a number of states such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and even Nepal!

The institute promotes study and research in cancer treatment. It also holds Cancer Medical Education programs on a regular basis.

The Kamlapat Singhania Memorial Hospital was set up in 1961, and was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Chandra Bhan Gupta. The hospital was built by Sir Padampat in the memory of his father Lala Kamlapat Singhania. Today the hospital is part of the Medical and Health Department of Uttar Pradesh. The Hospital has specialized departments for eye diseases, paediatrics, cardiology and dental care. The hospital also has an x-ray and ultrasound department.

Other units at the hospital include a Homeopathic Clinic, a City Family Welfare Centre, a Contagious Disease Control Unit. The hospital has 36 doctors, assisted by 26 paramedic staff and 26 nurses. The other administrative staff number 80.

The Kailashpat Singhania Institute of Medicine was established on 8th January, 1973. It is a post graduate institute of medicine with attached hospital facilities of G.S.V.M Medical College, Kanpur.

The Institute has a capacity of 180 teaching beds. It has 8 beds in ICU and Dialysis facility for 4 patients. The Institute has Endoscopy, Ultrasound and Doppler for both in-house and outdoor patients. Apart from the above the Institute has 20 Echo Doppler and Lung Function Tests for in-house and outdoor patients. It is fully equipped with infrastructure such as a library, seminar room and auditorium, classroom and an audio visual room.

The Lakshmipat Singhania Institute of Cardiology (LPS) is yet another shining example of J.K. Organisation’s ongoing commitment to enhancing healthcare facilities in Kanpur. The institute was established on 26th January, 1975, after the upgradation of the Department of Cardiology at the G.S.V.M Medical College (Estd. 1969). The LPS Building was donated by the J.K. Charitable Trust and bears the name of Lakshmipat Singhania Institute of Cardiology. The institution provides patients a one-stop solution for all cardiac problems. It has an in-patient department, an Intensive Cardiac Care Unit (ICCU), investigation facilities such as Tread Mill Test, Echocardiography, Holter Monitoring, Cardiac Catherisation, Cardiac Surgery, Cardiac Bio Chemistry, Cardiac Pathology, Blood Bank, Physio Therapy, X-Ray department and a Rehabilitation centre.

The LPS Institute is one of the few such institutes capable of handling 300-400 out-patients in the OPD. It has a resident patient capacity of 125 beds, which are almost fully occupied.

The institution provides patients with quality cardiac care at affordable prices. It simultaneously works towards the enhancement of its human resources by training four candidates every year for advanced medical care.

The J.K.-ITC is a venture aimed at empowering the young by offering technical education. It was set up in the year 2003, as part of J.K. Cement Limited’s ongoing CSR initiatives. The institute began by offering two courses-Electrician and Refrigeration & Air-Conditioning Mechanic. The success of these courses led to the expansion of the programme, and presently the institute offers courses for mechanics in the electronics industry as well as the building and construction industry. These courses fulfill a much needed gap in industries which otherwise trained people ‘on the job’, and where few ‘qualified ’ workmen were available.

J.K.-ITC is a unique endeavour in vocational training to enhance human resources that will contribute to the nation’s development. The course hinges on the need for technical expertise in a city and eventually in a nation that is taking rapid strides on the technological and infrastructural fronts.

A deep sense of piety is perceptible in the lives and works of the leaders of the J.K. Organisation, over the generations. One of the very first contributions to society by the Singhania family was the setting up of the Dwarkadheesh Temple at Kanpur in 1884 (Samvat 1941). The temple was established with donations from Lala Munnalal, Kedarnath, Juggilal and Balmukund Singhania in Chatai Mohal. The Ashta Dhatu idols of Lord Dwarkadheesh and Rukminiji adorn the temple. Dwarkadheesh is Lord Krishna – the name when translated means the King of Dwarka. The temple also features an idol of Shivji and Mataji, who is the Kuldevi of the family. This temple recently completed 125 years of consecration, and the entire Singhania family from across the country gathered in Kanpur to participate in a special Puja.

This temple was established in the year 1925 by Lala Kamlapat Singhania at the famous Parmat Ghat. The consecration and dedication ceremony of Lord Kamleshwar Mahadeo Ji (Lord Shiva) was performed on Ashad Shukla 3, a Wednesday. The temple is established at a picturesque bank of the river Ganges and thus is a very popular evening congregation spot for locals. Regular festivals and celebrations of important events are held together with Bhog and Puja. There is also a ghat attached to the temple for the people to bathe and perform religious ceremonies.

The Radha Krishna Temple, more commonly known as the J.K. Temple is a signature monument to the city of Kanpur and one of its most loved landmarks. It was built by Sir Padampat Singhania to fulfill the wishes of his revered mother, Smt. Rampiyari Devi. Since the Dwarkadheesh temple had the statue of Lord Krishna with Rukmini, she expressed the desire to have another temple built where Lord Krishna is with Radhaji. Sir Padampat immediately set about building a marvelous example of Indian craftsmanship as is evident from the imposing edifice of the Radha Krishna Temple.

Consecrated in 1960, the temple is built on more than 17 acres of lush green grounds, in the heart of the city. Its open spaces and serene setting give it a divine sense of quiet, while inducing a feeling of reverence within devotees. The temple architecture is a delightful blend of the traditional and modern and it features unique ventilation system to make it airy and bright. The shrine has five Mandaps housing five different temples – the central one houses the divine Shri Radha Krishna and the others are dedicated to Shri Laxminarayan, Shri Ardhanarishwar, Shri Narmadeshwar and Shri Hanumanji. In each of the shrines, there are intricate marble carvings of stories from mythological references to the individual deities.

The temple was included in the list of attractions in the communications of the Department of Tourism of the Government if India. It is today a center of pilgrimage that attracts millions of devotees from all corners of the world.

Rampiyari Devi was the wife of Lala Kamlapat. She was a model mother, loving helpmate to her husband and very elegant and refined in her dressing, mannerisms and speech. She had a profound impact in the upbringing and religious disposition of her children and they literally worshiped her. Legend has it that the Lord appeared in her dream and wanted her to have a temple built, a fact she mentioned to her son Padampat. He promptly set about building a grand structure. After it was built, she shifted residence to the temple and led an austere life, feeding merely on the Prasad that was offered to the deities. She breathed her last in the temple itself, in the divine presence of the Lord.

The LPS Institute is one of the few such institutes capable of handling 300-400 out-patients in the OPD. It has a resident patient capacity of 125 beds, which are almost fully occupied.

The institution provides patients with quality cardiac care at affordable prices. It simultaneously works towards the enhancement of its human resources by training four candidates every year for advanced medical care.

The Merchants’ Chamber Of Uttar Pradesh was established, due to the single minded efforts of Lala Kamlapat Singhania in the year 1932. He felt that the existing chambers started by the British did not favor Indian entrepreneurship.

The chamber was, therefore, set up encourage Indian businessmen in the spirit of Swadeshi, encourage entrepreneurship and protect the commercial interest of the various trades. The chamber was incorporated under Section 26 of the Indian Companies Act, 1913 as a body devoted to public service, limited by guarantee and motivated by no financial gain or profits.

By 1939, the chamber had grown in size as well as stature. Even the government and the legislature of the period sought its participation and opinion on fiscal and financial matters; a role that it continues to play till date.

Over the years the chamber has rendered yeoman service to the cause of Indian businessmen. It has undertaken various activities to promote the development of Uttar Pradesh as well as regions in the rest of the country. Very recently, the Chamber celebrated its Platinum Jubilee function, where the President of India, Smt. Pratibha Devisingh Patil was the Chief Guest.

This is one of the oldest and most respected association of the employer’s of Northern India . It was found on 2nd August, 1937 and was registered under the Companies Act, 1913 on 30th June, 1938. Sir Padampat Singhania was the founder trustee of the association and later he became Chairman of Association during the years 1941-43.

The association helps to advise on labor matters, labor laws and industrial relations, and in knowledge sharing . It also supplies information relating to Consumer Price Indices for working Classes for various centers in the state. Besides , regular seminars, workshops and training courses on matters relating Industrial and Labor relations are held.

The foundation for the Marwari Pustakalaya was laid by Sir Padampat Singhania in 1939. It was established to create awareness among youngsters as well as enable sociology-cultural development of fellow citizens. The library has been supported by the J.K Organisation. It is one of the oldest libraries in Kanpur and houses a rich collection of books and periodically on all subjects. Because of its affordability, it is very popular among the youth and those inclined towards reading.

The Kanpur productivity council (KPC) is an affiliate of the national productivity council (Government of India, Industry Department) and has been in existence for the past five decades. It is a tripartite body established in 1960, and formally inaugurated on 27th April 1960 by Shri Manubhai Shan, the then State Minister of State for Industry, Government of India.

KPC is a non-profit Organisation, which the J.K Organisation helped in setting up, and continues to support with the provision of a new building and office infrastructure. KPC aims to increase the productivity of industry with an intention to accelerate economic growth. It partners with the government, management and labour groups on the basis of mutual trusts, respect and cooperation.

KPC aims to achieve increased productivity by propagating awareness, Disseminating modern productivity techniques, sharing experiences and best practices in the industry and services sectors. It performs the role of a catalyst, data bank, trainer and consultant by organising training programs, seminars, workshops as well as by undertaking safety audits. Mr. Yadupati Shinghania takes an active interest in the affairs of KPC.

The J. K Organisation and Dr. Gaur Hari Singhania played a pivotal role in the setting up of the Uttar Pradesh Stock Exchange (UPSE). The Exchange was inaugurated on the 27th August, 1982 and it occupied a prominent place among the regional stock exchanges of the country. It is one of the first stock exchanges in Northern India and is the only stock exchange established in a city other than the state capital. It is also the only Stock Exchange in whole of Uttar Pradesh and the membership of this Stock Exchange is not restricted to the territories of Uttar Pradesh only. Initially it had 350 members but that figure gradually increased to 540 members from almost all important cities of the country.

UPSE has one of the best infrastructure required for developed exchanges. Dr. Manmohan Singh, Shri Pranab Mukherjee and other Central Ministers and Honorable Governor and Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh have visited it and appreciated the efforts in maintaining transparency and integrity of the market. To keep pace with changing technology, the Exchange embarked on the project of Screen Based Trading. The On-line trading based on VECTOR, a software supplied by CMC commenced in UPSE from 11th November, 1997, making it among the first in the country to start the practice.

The Kamla Club was built in the 1930s as an organization to foster closer interaction among members and their families and friends and to promote sports, cultural pursuits and the arts.

It has a magnificent clubhouse, set amidst expansive lawns. The club has over the years, nurtured and honed the talents of many sportsmen. The Club pays special attention to Cricket, and to promote this game, the Gaur Hari Singhania Sports academy was established in May 2001, as part of the club.

Kamla Retreat is a sprawling estate located near the Allen Forest, west of the Agricultural College. This was a large garden owned by Mr. George Allen, until it was purchased by the J.K Organisation in 1935. Since then, the Singhania family have nurtured this idyllic paradise and transformed it into a true retreat, that attracts over one lake visitors every year.

The buildings are a fusion of Indian, Japanese, Chinese and Swiss architecture each mingling harmoniously with the other. The Retreat is host to a museum with interesting archaeological relics and finds. The property consists of rambling, luxuriant parks and lawns with meandering canals that facilitate a boat ride. Kamla Retreat has played host to many luminaries including Prime Ministers, Foreign Heads of State, Central Ministers and Chief Ministers. Even Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru loved coming here. The Retreat’s dining and conference rooms have been home to many seminars, meetings and solemn affairs of local and national importance. The Dining hall is an artistic wonder with impeccable decor.

The Retreat has a swimming pool with electronically generated waves, to offer visitors the experience of an ocean! The verdant green expanse is dotted with bronze statues in every nook and corner.

The Singhanias’ passion for beauty and wonderment is best manifested in this make believe world. Here, the best of nature and man-made attractions come together in an ecstatic celebration of beauty and joy. Visitors are only allowed here with prior permission.

Sir Padampat was a man with manifold interest. His undying love for the game of cricket is legendary and his enthusiasm and drive was instrumental in making Kanpur a popular venue for international cricket matches. In most instances, the visiting Cricketers were his personal guests at Kamla Retreat, where the legendary Singhania hospitality was, lavished upon them! Busy though he was, he regular took time off to play and watch Cricket.

The J.K Organisation played a significant role in the setting up of the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association, Along with the other Cricket lovers and administrators. The association was formally affiliated with the board of Cricket Control India (BCCI) on 5th April, 1931. In the early days, international Cricket engagements were mostly confined to the metro cities of Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and New Delhi.

The UPCA was keen to bring international Cricket to Kanpur, and, to further this aim, it gave Sir Padampat Singhania the complete authority to organised International matches as a representative of the UPCA. This was in 1951.

This desires to host international matches led to the leasing of 21 acres of land from the state government on which of the green Park Stadium, which can seat 40,000 people, is home to the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Team. UPCA has organised 22 International Test matches and 13 one day International games with continued support from the J.K Organisation.

The Green Park Stadium, formerly called the Modi Stadium has been an International Venue for test and One Day matches. It is located in close proximity to the river Ganges. Green Park is currently managed by the Sports Department of Uttar Pradesh. Several national and international records have been registered during matches here and it is one of India’s Luckiest Cricket venues!

The growing city of Kanpur had just one hall that could be used for public meetings or important functions –the auditorium of the Merchants’ Chamber of Uttar Pradesh. By early 1960’s this single location was insufficient for the numbers and scale of public meetings that were taking place in Kanpur.
It was around this time that Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Bishwanath Dass Ji approached Sir Padampat Singhania, to construct an auditorium in the memory of the Late Lala Lajpat Rai. Sir Padampat had already realized the need for a larger hall in Kanpur, and this coincided with Shri Bishwanathji’s request.

He immediately established the Lala Lajpat Rai Memorial Trust in1964, of which he remained the founder president for about 15 years. This truest built the Lajpat Bhawan in the memory of the great national leader of pre-independence India.

The large hall has since been host to many religious, educational, cultural and administrative functions and is operated on a non-profit model to make it affordable for the public at large.

Recently, even as the city went for a makeover on the initiative of the Kanpur Development Authority, Dr. Gaur Hari Singhania mooted and carried out the renovation and redecoration of the auditorium premises. Now the newly decorated hall features colourful fountains in the lawn adding to its visual charm. From the inside too, the auditorium has a fresh, renovated look.

The Sir Padampat Singhania Bridge Academy was established in 2001 by Dr. Gaur Hari Singhania in the memory of his late Father, who was a keen player of the game. The Academic Aims to promote professional training for young and building Bridge Players. The Academy aims to promote the game and offers convenient areas for Bridge lovers to enjoy their game.

Kamla Nagar is an Offices’ township built on the outskirts of the City of Kanpur. It is built on 43.7 acres of land. In the first round of construction, 156 quarters were created between 194-1955. Later, 149 quarters, 100 flats, and 60 bungalows were also added.

Kamla Nagar has its own water supply system, electricity distribution system, well developed drainage, parks, markets, roads, street lights, and security systems. This speedily developing locality is now known as an up –market, ‘posh’ area and features premium educational institutions such as Dr. Sir Padampat Singhania Educational Centre, Dr. Gaur Hari Singhania Institute of Management and Research, J.K Industrial Training Center and also the Shyam Hari Singhania Art Gallery.