PM Narendra Modi, on Thursday, extended his condolences over the passing of Agnivesh Agarwal, the 49-year-old Vedanta Group director. Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, “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. Agnivesh Agarwal, son of metals tycoon Anil Agarwal, passed away on Wednesday after suffering a cardiac arrest following a skiing accident in the United States. He had been receiving treatment at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and was reported to be recovering before his sudden demise. Confirming the death, Anil Agarwal shared an emotional post on X, stating that his son had been “recovering well” before tragedy struck. “A sudden cardiac arrest snatched our son away from us,” he said, recalling Agnivesh’s life and journey.
Who was Agnivesh Agarwal?
Agnivesh was the son of metals and mining magnate Anil Agarwal, who grew Vedanta Resources from a small scrap metal business into a London-headquartered global conglomerate. Agnivesh served as the chairman of Talwandi Sabo Power (TSPL), a Vedanta subsidiary that runs a thermal power plant in Punjab. He was born in Patna on June 3, 1976. Agnivesh studied at Mayo College in Ajmer and went on to establish Fujairah Gold, a metals refinery in the UAE. He also held the position of chairman at Hindustan Zinc, acquired by Vedanta from the government in 2002, from November 2005 to February 2019, before taking charge of TSPL in May 2019. Remembering his son, Anil Agarwal said, “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.”Anil Agarwal further addded that Agnivesh strongly believed in building a self-reliant India. He would often tell him, “Papa, we lack nothing as a nation. Why should we ever be behind?” They shared a vision to ensure that no child goes hungry, every child has access to education, every woman can stand on her own feet, and every young Indian has meaningful work. Anil had also promised Agnivesh that more than 75% of what they earn would be given back to society.
