With deep sorrow and utmost respect, we inform you that Shri S. N. Ladhani passed away on May 2, 2025, at 12:34 a.m. at his residence in Bareilly. He was 85 years old. A successful industrialist, kind-hearted social worker, and a spiritually grounded person, Shri Ladhani always upheld hard work, honesty, and service throughout his life. His journey will remain a source of inspiration for us all.
Shri S. N. Ladhani ji founded SLMG Beverages, which now operates major bottling plants across Ayodhya, Amethi, Agra, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh—with a new plant underway in Buxar, Bihar—making it Coca-Cola India’s largest bottling partner.
The Shraddhanjali Sabha held in Bareilly on May 4 witnessed the presence of several distinguished individuals who came in person to offer their respects. Among them were senior BJP leader Shri Shahnawaz Hussain, Chairman of the Oberoi Group Shri Arjun Oberoi, and Bareilly MLA Dr. Arun Kumar, along with many others from across the region and country.
In addition, heartfelt tributes and prayers have been extended by several eminent personalities who conveyed their deep admiration and sorrow, including Bollywood actor Shri Suniel Shetty, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Brajesh Pathak, Uttarakhand MLA and former Cabinet Minister Shri Madan Kaushik, Shri Navneet Sahgal (Chairman, Prasar Bharati), B.K. Mruthyunjaya (Additional Secretary General, Brahma Kumaris), Dr. Pankaj Sahni (CEO, Medanta Hospital), Shri Avnish Awasthi (Advisor to the Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh), Shri Subodh Uniyal (Minister, Uttarakhand Government), Padma Bhushan awardee Smt. Deepa Malik, and the District Basketball Association, Haridwar.
Shri Ladhani was born on March 7, 1940, in Gulam Ghot village of Sakkhar district in Sindh, in undivided India. During the Partition, he migrated with his family to Faizabad (now Ayodhya), which marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life—a journey that would be shaped by relentless effort, vision, and deep-rooted values.
He began his career in 1957 in Katihar, Bihar, and soon ventured into business with his brothers. Initially involved in construction work across Bihar and West Bengal, he later entered the cold storage business in Ayodhya during the 1980s. His dedication and experience began to show results. Around this time, he partnered with the Parle Group to enter the soft drink industry—a major turning point in his life. In its very first year, the beverage business saw an astonishing growth of 800–900%, showcasing his sharp business acumen and foresight.
In 1992, when Coca-Cola re-entered the Indian market, the first bottle was produced under his supervision at the Agra plant. Under his visionary leadership, the business grew into SLMG Beverages, now running seven major plants across Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Bihar. His efforts not only directly employed over 10,000 people but also indirectly supported the livelihoods of lakhs more.
His ventures weren’t limited to beverages. He also contributed to the hotel, shopping mall, animal feed, and renewable energy sectors. He developed key properties in Bareilly and Haridwar and collaborated with the Oberoi Group for a hotel in Rishikesh. His commitment to sustainability was evident in the nearly 75 MW of clean energy generated through solar and wind power.
As a devoted family man, he nurtured his loved ones with affection, humility, and peace, always putting their well-being first. He was not just a successful entrepreneur but also a true human being whose values will continue to inspire future generations.
May the soul of Shri S. N. Ladhani Ji rest in peace. His life will remain a lasting legacy of vision, service, and inspiration.