Delhi: India’s ‘Wind Man’, Suzlon Energy founder Tulsi Tanti, died of cardiac arrest at 64 on Saturday evening, the company said. One of the pioneers of the wind energy business in India and a globally renowned expert on clean energy, Tanti envisioned the opportunity in the renewable energy industry back in 1995 when the global wind energy market was dominated by international players.Also Read – Sebi slaps over Rs 1 cr fine on Suzlon Energy
Tanti complained of chest pain in his car in Pune after returning from a press conference in Ahmedabad. He asked the driver to take him to a hospital but died before getting any medical help. Also Read – IWTMA appoints Tusli Tanti as its Chairman
He is survived by his wife Gita, son Pranav, and daughter Nidhi. Also Read – Firdose Vandrevala joins Sterlite Power's advisory board
“With profound sadness, we inform you of the untimely demise of Shri Tulsi R Tanti, the Founder, the Chairman and Managing Director, and one of the promoters of Suzlon Energy Ltd on October 1, 2022. Shri Tanti suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away the same day,” the company said in a stock exchange filing.
WHO WAS TULSI TANTI?
Born in 1958 in Rajkot, Tanti graduated from Gujarat University with a bachelor’s degree in commerce. He founded Suzlon Energy, now valued at Rs 8,535.9 crore, in 1995.
He was also the chairman of Belgium-based turbine parts maker ZF Wind Power Antwerpen since May 10, 2006 and the president of the Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association.
Before foraying into wind energy, Tanti owned a textile business which he sold in 2001.
“In this difficult time, the company continues to be supported by its highly experienced board of directors and senior management who are both able and committed to taking Shri Tanti’s legacy forward and realise his vision for the company,” the firm said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi too condoled his death.
Shri Tulsi Tanti was a pioneering business leader who contributed to India’s economic progress and strengthened our nation’s efforts to further sustainable development. Pained by his untimely demise. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 2, 2022
Sumant Sinha, founder and CEO of ReNew Power, took to Twitter to condole his demise.
Very saddened to hear about the passing away of Tulsi Tanti. He was such a visionary and a pioneer of our industry. Many of us owe a lot to him. Truly a loss for all of us. Deepest condolences to the entire @Suzlon family
— Sumant Sinha (@sumant_sinha) October 2, 2022
TANTI -A VISIONARY
He was widely known as the visionary who pioneered the renewables revolution in India. He spearheaded the wind energy revolution in India with the founding of Suzlon Energy in 1995.
He envisioned the opportunity in the Indian renewable energy industry at a time when the global wind energy market was dominated by international players and characterised by expensive and complicated technologies that were largely unviable for traditional businesses.
Under his leadership, Suzlon Energy grew to become the country’s largest wind energy player with 19.4 gigawatt (GW) of cumulative installed capacity, 33 per cent market share in India and a presence in 17 countries. It has over 2 GW installed capacity in its second largest market, the US.
Instituting a new business model, he conceptualised an end-to-end solution to create realistic avenues for businesses to ‘Go Green’ and thus emerged as a strategic partner in developing sustainable businesses.
His vision led to Suzlon setting up R&D centres in Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark and India that employ over 200 engineers.
(With PTI inputs)