Anil Agarwal said he had promised his son that more than 75% of their income would be given back to society…reports Asian Lite News
Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal’s son Agnivesh died after a cardiac arrest on Wednesday at the age of 49. The tycoon shared the news on his official X account, stating, “Following a skiing accident in the US, he was recovering well in Mount Sinai Hospital, New York. We believed the worst was behind us. But fate had other plans, and a sudden cardiac arrest snatched our son away from us.”
“Agnivesh was many things – a sportsman, a musician, a leader. He studied at Mayo College, Ajmer, went on to set up one of the finest companies Fujeirah Gold, became Chairman of Hindustan Zinc, and earned the respect of colleagues and friends alike. Yet, beyond all titles and achievements, he remained simple, warm, and deeply human,” he said.
Anil Agarwal said he had promised his son that more than 75% of their income would be given back to society.
“We shared a dream to ensure that no child sleeps hungry, no child is denied education, every woman stands on her own feet, and every young Indian has meaningful work. I had promised Agni that more than 75% of what we earn would be given back to society. Today, I renew that promise and resolve to live an even simpler life,” he said.
Agarwal has two children: his late son, Agnivesh, and a daughter, Priya, who is on the board of Vedanta Ltd. and chairperson of Hindustan Zinc Ltd. Agnivesh was the chairperson of Vedanta subsidiary Talwandi Sabo Power Ltd.
His father, Anil Agarwal, shared on X, “Following a skiing accident in the US, he was recovering well in Mount Sinai Hospital, New York. We believed the worst was behind us. But fate had other plans, and a sudden cardiac arrest snatched our son away from us.”
The grief-stricken tycoon further described his son as a great soul. “To me, he was not just my son. He was my friend. My pride. My world.”
Agnivesh Agarwal, 49, was the son of Vedanta chairman and mining mogul Anil Agarwal. He was born on June 3, 1976, into a middle-class Bihari family and received his education at Mayo College, Ajmer. In 2019, Agnivesh stepped down as the Non-Executive Chairman of Hindustan Zinc in 2019. Prior to that, he served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Talwandi Sabo Power Ltd (TSPL), a Vedanta-promoted company.
He also established Fujairah Gold FZC, a precious metal refinery and a continuous cast copper rod plant. He held directorships in other group subsidiaries, including Twin Star International Ltd. and Sterlite Display Technologies.
The former, admitted at New York’s Mount Sinai Hospital following a skiing mishap, passed away after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest in the United States. He was a sportsman, a musician as well as a leader, but even after achieving so much, he remained simple, warm and deeply human, said his father, Anil.
Agarwal deeply believed that India could be a top player on the global platform and often expressed his concern that the country was not achieving the greatest of heights. In his tribute, Agarwal wrote, “Agnivesh believed deeply in building a self-reliant India. He would often say, “Papa, we lack nothing as a nation. Why should we ever be behind?”
Agnivesh, along with his father, shared the dream of uplifting children and women in the country. He believed in eliminating hunger among children, ensuring quality education, empowering women and providing meaningful jobs for the youth.
Following the tragic demise of 49-year-old Agnivesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss and told Anil Agarwal in a X post, “The untimely passing of Shri Agnivesh Agarwal is deeply shocking and saddening. The depth of your grief is evident in this touching tribute. Praying that you and your family find continued strength and courage. Om Shanti.”
Other condolence messages were also posted on social media from leaders across political parties and the industry.
Union minister Kiren Rijiju said he and his wife were “heartbroken by the tragic demise” of Agnivesh. Taking to X, he wrote, “Anil Ji, I’m sending our deepest condolences and offering heartfelt prayers. May god provide you and your family the strength to bear this unimaginable loss.”
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called the news “tragic”, writing that he hoped the family would find the strength to overcome the loss. “Prayers for the sadgati of Agnivesh’s soul. Om Shanti,” he added.
Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw conveyed her condolences, saying she could hear the “profound grief” in Agarwal’s words. “My heartfelt condolences to you and Kiranji. This is so very tragic, and I can hear the profound grief in your words. May Agnivesh’s soul rest in peace. Om Shanthi,” she said.
