Senior leaders of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), led by chief Mohan Bhagwat, paid their tributes on Tuesday to noted industrialist and social worker Nand Kishore Goenka, father of Essel Group chairman Subhash Chandra, who passed away in Mumbai on Monday. He was 96.

A native of Hisar, Goenka's mortal remains will be cremated at Goenka Udayan in Agroha on Wednesday morning.

Beginning his journey as an arthiya in the grain markets of Hisar, Nand Kishore Goenka laid the foundation of a business legacy which his eldest son Subhash Chandra, a former Rajya Sabha MP from Haryana, now handles.

Condoling his demise RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said: “The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh expresses its grief over the demise of the renowned social worker Shri Nandkishore Goenka Ji. He remained actively engaged throughout his life in various social endeavors, including the service of cows. We pray to the Lord that He grant peace to his soul and provide strength to the entire Goenka family and all his dear friends and relatives during this hour of sorrow. Om Shanti.”

Another senior RSS ideologue S Gurumurthy hailed Goenka for his moral leadership of business and for his social welfare activities.