(Image source from: x.com/AnilAgarwal_Ved)
Billionaire businessman and Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal has reaffirmed his long-held commitment to donate over 75% of his fortune to the community after the unexpected passing of his son, Agnivesh, in the United States. Calling it “the darkest day” of his life, Agarwal stated that his 49-year-old son died due to a sudden heart failure while recuperating from injuries from a skiing mishap. Agnivesh was receiving care at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, and the family thought he was recovering well. “We thought the worst was behind us. But destiny had other ideas,” Agarwal expressed in a heartfelt statement, conveying a loss that has devastated the family. “A son should not leave before his father. ” Agnivesh, born in Patna on June 3, 1976, grew up in a typical middle-class family from Bihar and achieved great success in his career. After studying at Mayo College, he established one of the leading companies in the metals industry, Fujeirah Gold, and later became the chairman of Hindustan Zinc.
Today is the darkest day of my life.
— Anil Agarwal (@AnilAgarwal_Ved) January 7, 2026
My beloved son, Agnivesh, left us far too soon. He was just 49 years old, healthy, full of life, and dreams. Following a skiing accident in the US, he was recovering well in Mount Sinai Hospital, New York. We believed the worst was behind us.… pic.twitter.com/hDQEDNI262
Despite his successes, Agarwal remarked that his son stayed humble, friendly, and very relatable, recognized as an athlete, musician, leader, and a reliable partner. “To me, he was more than just my son. He was my buddy. My pride. My universe,” Agarwal mentioned, expressing that he and his wife Kiran are finding it hard to cope with their loss. In his message, Agarwal emphasized that this tragedy has only reinforced his commitment to continue the charitable vision that he shared with his son. “We shared a dream that no child should go to bed hungry, no child should miss out on education, every woman should be empowered, and every young Indian should have a meaningful job. I had promised Agni that over 75% of what we earn would be given back to society,” he stated.
“Today, I renew that promise and intend to lead an even simpler life. ” Agarwal mentioned that his son strongly believed in an independent India and often questioned why the country should ever feel inadequate. “He would say, ‘Papa, we lack nothing as a country. Why should we ever fall behind? ’” he remembered. The founder of the Vedanta Group added that even in their sorrow, the family finds strength from the many young people working at Vedanta, whom he considers an extended family. “He had so much life ahead of him. So many dreams yet to be realized,” Agarwal remarked, noting that Agnivesh would be remembered through the work he inspired and the lives he impacted. “I do not know how to move on without you,” he conveyed in a final note to his son, “but I will try to carry your light forward”.
