Essel Group clocks 100 years, bets big on tech and digital platforms for next phase

Essel Group on Thursday marked 100 years of operations, highlighting its evolution from a commodity trading business in pre-Independence India into a diversified conglomerate spanning media, packaging, entertainment, infrastructure, education and technology.

Founded in 1926 in Adampur, the group said it now has a presence across more than 190 countries and has generated employment opportunities for over 10 million people over the past century. As it enters its second century, the company said technology and digital platforms will become key focus areas for future growth.

The milestone comes at a time when several legacy Indian business groups are repositioning themselves around digital ecosystems, consumer engagement and platform-led businesses amid rapid shifts in technology and media consumption patterns.

Media and entertainment remain defining pillars

Essel Group played a key role in reshaping India’s media and entertainment landscape during the liberalisation era. The company launched Zee TV in 1992 as India’s first private satellite television channel, followed by Zee News in 1995, opening up India’s broadcasting sector to private participation.

The group later expanded into cable and DTH distribution through Siti Cable and Dish TV, helping scale television access across Indian households and creating new opportunities across advertising, production and content distribution.

Beyond media, Essel Group also built businesses in consumer-facing segments such as amusement parks and packaging. It said Essel Propack emerged as the world’s largest laminated tube manufacturer with operations across five continents, while Essel World became one of Asia’s biggest amusement parks.

Education and infrastructure businesses expand footprint

In education, the group said Zee Learn operates more than 2,500 KidZee pre-schools across Asia, alongside K-12 schools and higher education institutions.

Its infrastructure business has been involved in highways, urban water management systems and power distribution projects across multiple states. The company also highlighted the role of Essel Finance in extending lending and credit support to MSMEs.

Technology and digital engagement to drive next phase

Addressing employees during a global townhall, Essel Group chairman Dr. Subhash Chandra said the company would continue to pursue entrepreneurship-led growth as it expands into newer business areas.

The group said its future strategy will centre on building integrated digital and technology-led platforms aimed at capturing long-term consumer engagement and creating value in the evolving attention economy.