Vedanta's Anil Agarwal will give away 75% wealth to fulfil dead son's wish

With his son's death, Anil Agarwal says his commitment to give away over 75% of earnings stands firm, signalling a deeper shift toward philanthropy, simpler living, and long-term social investment beyond business success.

Billionaire industrialist and Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal has renewed his long-standing pledge to give away more than 75% of his wealth to society, following the sudden death of his son, Agnivesh, in the United States.

Calling it “the darkest day” of his life, Agarwal said his 49-year-old son died after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest while recovering from injuries sustained in a skiing accident. Agnivesh was being treated at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, and the family believed he was on the path to recovery.

“We believed the worst was behind us. But fate had other plans,” Agarwal said in a deeply emotional statement, describing a loss that has left the family shattered. “A son is not meant to leave before his father.”Born in Patna on June 3, 1976, Agnivesh grew up in a middle-class Bihari family and went on to carve out a successful professional journey. Educated at Mayo College, he later built one of the finest companies in the metals business, Fujeirah Gold, and went on to serve as chairman of Hindustan Zinc.Despite his achievements, Agarwal said his son remained simple, warm, and deeply human, known as a sportsman, musician, leader and a trusted colleague.

“To me, he was not just my son. He was my friend. My pride. My world,” Agarwal said, adding that he and his wife Kiran are struggling to come to terms with the loss.

In his message, Agarwal underlined that the tragedy has only strengthened his resolve to continue the philanthropic vision he shared with his son.

“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,” he said.

“Today, I renew that promise and resolve to live an even simpler life.”

Agarwal said his son believed strongly in a self-reliant India and often questioned why the country should ever see itself as lacking. “He would say, ‘Papa, we lack nothing as a nation. Why should we ever be behind?’” he recalled.

The Vedanta Group founder added that, even in grief, the family draws strength from the thousands of young people working across Vedanta, whom he described as an extended family.

“There was so much life ahead of him. So many dreams yet to be lived,” Agarwal said, adding that Agnivesh would live on through the work he inspired and the lives he touched.

“I do not know how to walk this path without you,” he wrote in a final message to his son, “but I will try carrying your light forward.”

News is originally taken from: https://bit.ly/45KIBmz

Samachar App: watch the live latest news of India and the world, business updates, cricket scores, etc. Download the Samachar App now to keep up with daily breaking news.  

Like and Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram