Mr. Anil Agarwal, Chairman, Vedanta Group
Anil Agarwal, Chairman Vedanta Group was chosen as recipient of 2022 Global Indian Awardee. He is an internationally acclaimed entrepreneur, known for his incredible talent in taking on some of the most challenging business ventures and turning them into stellar performers. As the head of the London-headquartered Vedanta Group (the first ever Indian company to be listed on the London Stock Exchange), his vision and commitment to communities have led to creating livelihoods and prosperity for hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. Inspired by the Giving Pledge initiated by Bill Gates, Agarwal too has joined the philanthropy initiative by committing 75% of his family’s wealth to charity.
Born in a small hamlet in India, he did not let his humble beginnings limit his achievements. At the age of 19, he left his small town with a tiffin box, bedding, and dreams in his eyes for Mumbai, the City of Dreams, where he wished to start his own company, but could barely make ends meet. For the next 10 years, Mr Agarwal tried his luck with nine different businesses but all of them failed, one after the other. He, however, did not give up. With undying faith, one of his businesses in cable production picked up pace, that led to his ventures into manufacturing of raw materials – copper and aluminum – and as a result, Vedanta was born.
Mr. Agarwal’s journey from being a metal trader to one of the top global leaders is an inspiration to many others across the world, not just because of Vedanta’s success, but also because of his philanthropic work. In line with having a bigger purpose and a fulfilling legacy, he has pledged 75% of his wealth for social good. His flagship Anil Agarwal Foundation has rolled out a plan to invest INR 5000 crore over the next 5 years in social impact projects, focusing on healthcare, nutrition, women and child development, animal welfare, and grassroot level sports.
Mr. Agarwal is the guiding force behind Vedanta’s Project Nand Ghar and through his community development interventions in education, health & empowerment has transformed the lives of more than 17 million Indians in just the last 5 years. Nand Ghars are designed to be the hub for change within communities. Mr Agarwal aims to harness the power of renewables, digitalization and technology, to positively impact 80 million children and 20 million women through the Nand Ghar program. He places special emphasis on local communities enjoying the same level of technological advancement as his business operations.
Mr. Agarwal is passionate about empowering young minds, he regularly mentors and guides entrepreneurs on how to make their business successful, and enjoys interacting with students from across the world. He encourages the youth to work hard and shoot for the stars. A quote he lives by: “Be humble, be fearless.”
To see more photographs of the CIF Global Indian Award Gala – 2022, please click on the image below
