Gautam Adani, the Indian business tycoon behind the Adani Group, is one of the wealthiest individuals in the world today.
His influence stretches across various industries such as energy, infrastructure, ports, and agriculture, placing him at the center of India’s economic rise.
Despite growing up in a modest Gujarati family, Adani’s ambition and vision for success were clear from an early age. Over the decades, he has not only built a multi-billion-dollar enterprise but also carved out a legacy of resilience and determination.
Here are some little know facts about Gautam Adani.
1. Adani Dropped Out of College
Like other successful entrepreneurs such as Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, and Mark Zuckerberg who dropped out of college, Adani also dropped out of college.
Adani attended Gujarat University but dropped out after just two years to pursue a business career. His decision to leave school early wasn’t made lightly but stemmed from his belief that hands-on experience in the business world would teach him more than sitting in a classroom.
Adani entered the diamond trade in Mumbai, and this initial foray into business taught him the ropes of commerce. It wasn’t long before he ventured into other industries, ultimately laying the foundation for the Adani Group.
2. He Survived the 2008 Mumbai Terror Attacks
One of the most dramatic moments in Adani’s life came during the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
On November 26, 2008, Adani was dining at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai when a group of terrorists stormed the building. For several hours, Adani and other hotel guests were trapped inside, unsure if they would make it out alive.
Adani recounted how he remained calm throughout the ordeal, even as gunfire and explosions rocked the hotel. He managed to escape unharmed after nearly 24 hours of being held captive in the hotel.
Adani often refers to this incident as a turning point in his life, reminding him of the fragility of life and the importance of resilience.
3. A Close Relationship with Narendra Modi
Gautam Adani’s business empire has flourished in part due to his close relationship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Their relationship dates back to the early 2000s, when Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat.
Adani, a native of Gujarat, benefited from Modi’s pro-business policies, which allowed the Adani Group to expand its operations significantly in the state. This mutually beneficial relationship has continued, with Adani’s business ventures aligning with Modi’s vision for India’s development.
Despite criticism from some quarters that Adani’s business success is linked to his political connections, Adani has maintained that his relationship with Modi is built on shared values of nation-building and economic progress.
4. Started With Trading Before Diversifying
Before he became known for owning massive infrastructure projects and energy plants, Adani started his entrepreneurial journey in the trading business.
In the early 1980s, he began by trading in agricultural commodities and later expanded into textiles and other goods. His ability to identify gaps in the market and act quickly helped him build a reputation as a shrewd businessman.
Adani’s entry into large-scale infrastructure projects, such as port development, came later in the 1990s. This diversification allowed him to build the Adani Group into the conglomerate it is today.
Related: JKIA Workers Strike Over Adani Airport Takeover
5. Committed to Green Energy
Despite being heavily invested in coal and other traditional energy sources, Gautam Adani has also made a strong push toward renewable energy.
Adani has publicly stated that he envisions the Adani Group becoming the world’s largest renewable energy company by 2030, as global trends increasingly favor sustainable energy solutions.
In 2020, Adani Green Energy became the largest solar power developer in the world, with plans to further increase capacity in the coming years.
6. Gautam Adani Was Kidnapped in 1998
One of the more shocking events in Gautam Adani’s life occurred in 1998 when he was kidnapped for ransom.
Along with Shantilal Patel, another prominent businessman, Adani was abducted by gunmen in Ahmedabad. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of approximately ₹15 crore (around $2 million at the time) for their release.
The two were held hostage for several hours before being freed, though the details surrounding the payment of the ransom remain unclear to this day. Adani has rarely spoken about the incident publicly, choosing instead to focus on his work and the continued growth of his business empire.
7. He Is One of India’s Largest Philanthropists
While Gautam Adani is widely known for his business acumen, he also runs various philanthropic activities both in India and outside.
In June 2022, to mark his 60th birthday, Adani pledged ₹60,000 crore (about $7.7 billion) to charity. The funds were set aside for various social causes, including healthcare, education, and skill development, through the Adani Foundation, the charitable arm of the Adani Group.
This donation made Adani one of the largest philanthropists in India, with his contributions aimed at improving the lives of millions across the country.
8. The Adani Group Operates the Largest Commercial Port in India
Mundra Port, located in the state of Gujarat, is India’s largest commercial port and is a significant part of Adani’s business empire.
When Adani acquired the port in the late 1990s, it was a relatively small operation. Under his leadership, Mundra Port has grown exponentially and now handles millions of tons of cargo every year, playing a crucial role in India’s international trade.
The strategic location of Mundra Port, along with the development of state-of-the-art infrastructure, has made it a key player in the global shipping and logistics industry.
9. Adani Escaped the 2001 Gujarat Earthquake
Another close call in Adani’s life came during the 2001 Gujarat earthquake, one of the most devastating natural disasters in India’s history.
The earthquake, which measured 7.7 on the Richter scale, caused widespread destruction across the state, killing over 20,000 people and leaving many more homeless.
Adani was in the region at the time but managed to survive unharmed. Like the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, this experience reinforced his resilience and outlook on life.
The disaster also prompted Adani to ramp up his philanthropic efforts in the affected regions, providing aid to those who lost their homes and loved ones.
10. He Is Self-Made Despite Family Connections
While Gautam Adani’s family had some business interests, he built his empire largely on his own.
Born to a family of modest means, Adani’s father ran a small textile business in Ahmedabad. However, young Gautam chose not to join the family business and instead sought his own path.
His decision to pursue trading and then later venture into infrastructure and energy marked a significant departure from his family’s traditional business interests.
Conclusion
These little-known facts about Gautam Adani reveal a man who has faced numerous challenges and life-threatening experiences but has continually emerged stronger and more determined.
From surviving a kidnapping to escaping natural disasters and building the largest commercial port in India, Adani’s life is filled with events that have shaped him into the business titan he is today.
As the Adani Group continues to expand, the world will undoubtedly see more from this remarkable entrepreneur.