Gautam Adani is a renowned Indian entrepreneur, industrialist, and philanthropist with a net worth of $101 billion. As the founder and chairman of the multinational conglomerate Adani Group, he has significantly impacted various industries. Beyond his business endeavors, Adani is also dedicated to philanthropy, serving as the president of the Adani Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to social development.
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Gautam Adani Net Worth
As of 2024, Gautam Adani’s net worth is estimated to be around 81.4 billion USD. This staggering wealth is a testament to his success in turning the Adani Group into one of India’s most influential conglomerates.
Who is Gautam Adani?
Gautam Shantilal Adani (born June 24, 1962) is an Indian billionaire businessman and the founder and chairman of the Adani Group, a multinational conglomerate involved in port development and operations in India.
He is known for his close association with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party, leading to allegations of cronyism due to the numerous energy and infrastructure contracts his firms have won. In January 2023, Hindenburg Research accused Adani of stock manipulation and fraud, causing a significant drop in his wealth. However, in January 2024, the Supreme Court dismissed requests for further investigations into the allegations.
Early Life
Gautam Adani was born on June 24, 1962, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, to Shantilal and Shantaben Adani. He has seven siblings, and his parents migrated from the town of Tharad in northern Gujarat. His father was a small textile merchant. Adani attended Sheth Chimanlal Nagindas Vidyalaya school in Ahmedabad and later enrolled for a bachelor’s degree in commerce at Gujarat University but dropped out after the second year. He was more interested in business than his father’s textile trade.
Career
In 1978, as a teenager, Gautam Adani moved to Mumbai to work as a diamond sorter for Mahendra Brothers. In 1981, his elder brother bought a plastics unit in Ahmedabad and invited Adani to manage it, leading to his entry into global trading through PVC imports. Adani established Adani Exports (now Adani Enterprises) in 1988, dealing in agricultural and power commodities.
The economic liberalization in 1991 helped his company expand into trading metals, textiles, and agro products. Adani secured the contract for Mundra Port in 1995, and today, Adani Ports & SEZ is the largest private multi-port operator in India. He founded Adani Power in 1996, making it the largest private thermal power producer in the country. Adani continued to expand his business empire, entering new sectors such as solar energy and acquiring significant stakes in companies like Mumbai International Airport and NDTV.
Personal Life
Gautam Adani is married to Priti Adani, and they have two sons, Karan, the CEO of Adani Ports & SEZ, and Jeet. In January 1998, Adani and an associate were allegedly abducted and held for ransom, but the accused were acquitted in 2018. Adani was also present at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai during the 2008 terrorist attacks, where he hid in the hotel’s kitchen and toilet and emerged safely the next day.
Is Adani a Vegetarian?
Gautam Adani is a vegetarian. His dietary choice is a reflection of his personal values and lifestyle preferences. Being a strict vegetarian is part of his commitment to maintaining a simple and grounded way of life, despite his immense wealth and status as one of India’s most prominent businessmen.
This preference for a vegetarian diet is not uncommon in India, where a significant portion of the population practices vegetarianism due to cultural, religious, or personal reasons. In the case of Adani, it’s a personal choice that aligns with his broader approach to life and business. In addition to his vegetarianism, Adani is also known to abstain from alcohol. This teetotaler approach further signifies his dedication to a disciplined and focused lifestyle.
Philanthropy
Gautam Adani’s wife, Priti Adani, has been the chairperson of the Adani Foundation since its establishment in 1996.
The foundation, which serves as the corporate social responsibility arm of the Adani Group, operates in 18 states across India. In March 2020, the foundation contributed ₹100 crore (approximately US$15 million) to the PM Cares Fund to support efforts against the COVID-19 outbreak. Additionally, ₹5 crore was donated to the Gujarat CM Relief Fund and ₹1 crore to the Maharashtra CM Relief Fund.
The Adani Group also imported 80 metric tonnes of liquid medical oxygen and 5,000 medical-grade oxygen cylinders from Saudi Arabia to aid in the fight against COVID-19 in Gujarat. In June 2022, Adani pledged to donate ₹60,000 crore (US$7.7 billion) to social causes, marking one of the largest philanthropic donations in India.
Conclusion
Gautam Adani’s journey from a young entrepreneur in Gujarat to a globally recognized industrialist is a narrative of resilience, strategic decision-making, and an unyielding desire to succeed. His impact on the Indian and global economy is profound, with the Adani Group playing a pivotal role in several critical sectors.
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FAQs about Gautam Adani
- What is the core business of the Adani Group? – Port development, energy, and infrastructure.
- How did Gautam Adani start his business empire? – He began with a diamond brokerage and commodity trading.
- What is the focus of the Adani Foundation? – Philanthropy in education, community health, and sustainable livelihood development.
- How has Adani influenced the energy sector in India? – By investing in renewable energy and sustainable solutions.
- What is Gautam Adani’s vision for the future of his group? – Continued growth, diversification, and global expansion.
