New Delhi: Anil Agarwal, the Chairman of Vedanta Group, is a globally recognized entrepreneur whose journey from humble beginnings in Patna in Bihar to the helm of a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate has inspired many. However, beneath the surface of his professional success lies a deep-rooted connection to the values that define him - values of resilience, respect, family, hard work, and an unwavering sense of tradition.
 

These values, which Agarwal credits to his mother, were brought into focus in an emotional post he shared on his X handle on September 25.


 

Ma is a fighter and the strongest lady I know.

She is 90+ and loves to live everyday to the fullest. She’s always been the first to dress in new clothes, go to new restaurants, meet new people, or take in new experiences in London, where she has lived with me, on and off, for… pic.twitter.com/2U2K8wgpRV

— Anil Agarwal (@AnilAgarwal_Ved) September 24, 2024

“Ma is a fighter and the strongest lady I know,” Agarwal began, describing his 90+ year-old mother who, despite her age, continues to embrace life with enthusiasm. Living with him in London for over 20 years, she has remained active, whether it’s wearing new clothes, trying new experiences, or meeting new people. But during a recent trip to Mumbai to meet her newborn great-granddaughter, his mother fell critically ill. Despite her condition, Agarwal recalled how, even in the hospital, she greeted him with the same strength and optimism that shaped his upbringing, saying, “Sab theek hai, tum kaam pe jao.” (You take care of your business; all will be fine).
 

This simple yet profound phrase encapsulates the resilience his mother passed down to him - a quality Agarwal has carried with him throughout his life. As he sat by her bedside in the ICU, Agarwal was reminded of his childhood in Patna. His mother, with only Rs 400 a month, managed to run the household, take care of four children, and help neighbors and guests alike. This sense of duty and responsibility has been a guiding force for Agarwal, influencing his personal and professional approach to life.
 

Reflecting on his mother’s enduring love for India and its culture, Agarwal shared stories from his childhood that highlight the values of respect, family, and tradition that were ingrained in him. He recalled how she took them to meet India’s first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, and prominent leader Jayaprakash Narayan, or how she ensured they wore khadi during a Congress Adhiveshan in Patna. These acts were not just symbolic but were deeply rooted in the belief that it was their duty to honor and uphold India’s legacy. “It is only because of her that we have remained with our culture, tradition, and religion,” Agarwal reflected, showcasing how his mother ensured the family’s deep connection to their Indian identity, even as they navigated a modern world.
 

Agarwal also remembered how his mother followed Lal Bahadur Shastri’s call to fast for a day each week, encouraging the country to share its resources during a time of scarcity. Her commitment to these principles of sacrifice, unity, and empathy profoundly influenced Agarwal’s understanding of leadership and responsibility. As he grew into one of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs, these lessons remained close to his heart.
 

Even as his mother lived abroad, her ability to connect with people, regardless of language barriers or cultural differences, astounded Agarwal. “I have time and again been amazed by the way she has won the hearts of all the people around her, including the British people,” he wrote, a proof of her universal warmth and the Indian value of hospitality - welcoming others as family, no matter where she was.
 

Anil Agarwal’s tribute to his mother is more than just a personal reflection - it is a loud reassertion of the strength of India’s core values. In a world that is constantly evolving, he remains grounded in the teachings of his mother: resilience in the face of adversity, a deep sense of duty towards family, hard work, and a connection to one’s cultural and religious roots. 
 

As Agarwal wrote, “I still have so much to learn from you, Ma,” it’s evident that the lessons his mother imparted on him continue to guide his journey, both as a businessman and as a person.

Through his mother’s legacy, Agarwal has not only succeeded as a global entrepreneur but also as a bearer of India’s timeless values - values that resonate not just in boardrooms, but in the hearts of those who seek to build a meaningful life based on tradition, respect, and community.

BI Bureau