New Delhi: Agnivesh Agarwal, son of Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal, passed away in the United States at the age of 49. The news has drawn condolences from across the nation, including a heartfelt message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who expressed deep sorrow over the untimely demise.
Prime Minister Modi wrote, “The untimely death of Shri Agnivesh Agarwal is deeply saddening and shocking. This heartfelt tribute reflects your profound grief. I pray that you and your family find strength and courage during this difficult time. Om Shanti.”
Anil Agarwal shared his anguish on social media, stating, “Today is the most painful day of my life. My son Agnivesh, aged 49, is no longer with us. There is no greater sorrow than a father carrying his son’s bier. Agnivesh was skiing with a friend in the US when he had an accident. He was recovering at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York. We hoped he would get better… but suddenly he suffered a cardiac arrest and left us.”
Recounting memories, Anil Agarwal said, “Agnivesh was born on 3 June 1976 in Patna. That moment is still vivid in my mind. Born into a middle-class Bihari family, he was my mother’s beloved. As a child, Agnivesh was lively and mischievous, always smiling and cheerful. He was a true friend and very protective of his sister Priya.”
Agnivesh studied at Mayo College, Ajmer. He possessed a strong personality, was a boxing champion, fond of horse riding, and an accomplished musician. He founded the successful company Fujairah Gold and served as Chairman of Hindustan Zinc. Despite these achievements, Agnivesh remained simple, warm, and grounded—always surrounded by friends and colleagues who admired him for his sincerity and humanity. “He was not just my son, but my friend, my pride, and my whole world,” said Anil Agarwal.
The grieving father added, “Kiran and I are shattered. Though our son has left us, all those who work at Vedanta are like our sons and daughters. Agnivesh and I dreamed of making India self-reliant. He often said, ‘Papa, what is it that our country does not have? Why should we lag behind others?’ Our heartfelt wish was that no child should go hungry or uneducated, every woman should stand on her own feet, and youth should have employment.”
Anil Agarwal reaffirmed a promise to Agnivesh: “I pledged that more than 75% of our wealth will be devoted to social causes. Today, I renew that promise. I will live more simply and dedicate my remaining life to this mission. We thank all friends, colleagues, and well-wishers who stood by Agnivesh.”
He concluded with a poignant message: “There was so much more to do together, Agni. You had your whole life ahead with so many dreams and desires, all left incomplete. I don’t know how life will go on without you, son. Life will always feel incomplete without you, but I will ensure your dreams are fulfilled.”
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