Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal announced the shocking demise of his eldest son via social media on Wednesday — prompting an outpouring of condolence messages. Prime Minister Narendra Modi dubbed the news “deeply shocking and saddening” as he posted a condolence message. Agnivesh Agarwal had been recovering from a skiing accident in the US when he suffered a cardiac arrest.
“Today is the darkest day of my life. 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. But fate had other plans, and a sudden cardiac arrest snatched our son away from us,” the Vedanta founder wrote on X.
“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,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote in response.
‘Darkest day of my life’
Vedanta chairman Anil Agarwal shared the tragic update via social media on Wednesday evening — revealing that his son suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while recovering from a skiing accident.
“No words can describe the pain of a parent who must bid goodbye to his child. A son is not meant to leave before his father. This loss has shattered us in ways we are still trying to comprehend…To me, he was not just my son. He was my friend. My pride. My world. Kiran and I are broken. And yet, in our grief, we remind ourselves that the thousands of young people who work across Vedanta are also our children,” he wrote on X.
Who is Agnivesh Agarwal?
The eldest child of Anil and Kiran Agarwal was born in Patna and studied at the Mayo College in Ajmer before heading to the United States. He had initially opted against joining his father’s company in favour of gaining global exposure. He had founded Fujairah Gold — aprecious metal refinery and continuous cast copper rod plant.
The 49-year-old served as Chairman of Hindustan Zinc and held directorship roles with several group subsidiaries including Twin Star International and Sterlite Display Technologies. Agnivesh Agarwal was also on the board of directors for Talwandi Sabo Power Limited — one of the largest private thermal power plants in Punjab. He had stayed out of the limelight for the most part — rarely spotted on social media or news updates — but remained a seasoned and respected board member within the Vedanta Group.
“Agnivesh was many things – a sportsman, a musician, a leader. He studied at Mayo College, Ajmer, went on to set up one of the finest companies Fujeirah Gold, became Chairman of Hindustan Zinc, and earned the respect of colleagues and friends alike. Yet, beyond all titles and achievements, he remained simple, warm, and deeply human,” his father wrote in an emotional tribute.