Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the untimely passing of Agnivesh Agarwal, son of Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal, describing the loss as “deeply shocking and saddening”.
Responding to Anil Agarwal’s emotional post on X announcing his son’s demise, the Prime Minister said, “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, 49, passed away following a sudden cardiac arrest in the United States. His father said it was the “darkest day” of his life, explaining that Agnivesh had been recovering well at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York after a skiing accident and was believed to be out of danger before the unexpected medical setback.
In an emotional tribute, Anil Agarwal recalled his son’s journey, saying Agnivesh was born in Patna on June 3, 1976, studied at Mayo College in Ajmer, and went on to build a distinguished career in business. He founded Fujairah Gold and later served as Chairman of Hindustan Zinc, one of the Vedanta Group’s key companies. Beyond his professional achievements, Agarwal described his son as a sportsman, musician and compassionate human being who remained simple and warm at heart.
“We believed the worst was behind us. But fate had other plans, and a sudden cardiac arrest snatched our son away from us. No words can describe the pain of a parent who must bid goodbye to his child,” Agarwal wrote, adding that the loss had shattered the family.
Reiterating a shared vision with his son, the Vedanta Chairman said they dreamed of a society where 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 per cent of what we earn would be given back to society. Today, I renew that promise and resolve to live an even simpler life,” he said, adding that Agnivesh’s legacy would live on through the lives he touched.
Condolences poured in from leaders across the political spectrum. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said it was heartbreaking to learn of the “irreparable loss” to Anil Agarwal, adding, “As a parent, I feel the weight of your emotions. Praying to Paramatma for strength to you and your family during this tough time. May Agnivesh’s soul attain sadgati.”
Anil Agarwal, founder and Chairman of Vedanta Resources Limited and head of the Anil Agarwal Foundation, thanked friends, colleagues and well-wishers for their support, saying that while he did not know how to walk the path ahead without his son, he would strive to carry forward Agnivesh’s light and vision.
