‘Darkest Day Of My Life’: Vedanta Founder Anil Agarwal’s Son Agnivesh Dies At 49

Last Updated:January 07, 2026, 23:09 IST

Anil Agarwal announced the death of his son Agnivesh Agarwal due to cardiac arrest. Tributes poured in as the Vedanta Group family mourns this loss and requests privacy.

Anil Agarwal announced the death of his son Agnivesh Agarwal due to cardiac arrest. Tributes poured in as the Vedanta Group family mourns this loss and requests privacy. (Pic: Facebook)

Agnivesh Agarwal, son of Anil Agarwal, chairman of the Vedanta Group, passed away at the age of 49 following a sudden cardiac arrest in New York, the industrialist said on Wednesday.

In a statement shared on X, Anil Agarwal described the loss as the “darkest day” of his life. He said Agnivesh had earlier suffered injuries in a skiing accident in the United States and was undergoing treatment at Mount Sinai Hospital. According to the family, his recovery had been progressing well and doctors were optimistic before his condition deteriorated unexpectedly.

“Following a skiing accident in the US, he was recovering well in Mount Sinai Hospital. We believed the worst was behind us. But fate had other plans, and a sudden cardiac arrest snatched our son away from us,” Agarwal wrote.

Born in Patna on June 3, 1976, Agnivesh was educated at Mayo College in Ajmer and went on to build a distinguished professional career. He played a key role in establishing Fujairah Gold and later served as Chairman of Hindustan Zinc, earning respect across the global business community.

Remembering his son, Agarwal described Agnivesh as a sportsman, musician and leader, known for his humility, warmth and compassion. “Beyond all his achievements, he remained simple, deeply human and kind. To me, he was not just my son. He was my friend, my pride, my world,” he wrote.

The Vedanta chairman said the family was devastated by the loss. “Kiran and I are broken,” he said, referring to his wife, adding that Agnivesh was also his closest confidant.

Agarwal also recalled his son’s strong belief in India’s future and their shared commitment to social development. He renewed a personal pledge to donate more than 75% of his earnings to social causes and said he would live an even simpler life in Agnivesh’s memory.

“We shared a dream to ensure that no child sleeps hungry, no child is denied education, every woman stands on her own feet, and every young Indian has meaningful work,” Agarwal wrote. “I do not know how to walk this path without you, but I will try carrying your light forward.”

Funeral details were not immediately announced.

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