Anil Agrawal

Anil Agarwal’s “Nand Ghar” initiative is aimed at modernizing anganwadis (childcare centers) in partnership with the Ministry for Women and Child Development. The first Nand Ghar was inaugurated in 2015, with plans to establish 4,000 such centers. These centers play a crucial role in providing education, healthcare, and nutrition to children and women in need. Remember, this information is based on what was available up until September 2021, and there might have been developments or changes since then.

Anil Agarwal’s journey began with trading scrap metal in the mid-1970s. He collected scrap from cable companies in various states and sold it in Mumbai. His business acumen led him to acquire Shamsher Sterling Corporation in 1976, which produced enameled copper. He ventured into manufacturing by setting up a factory for jelly-filled cables, forming Sterlite Industries in 1986.

Anil Agarwal’s expansion strategies included backward integration to control input costs. He founded Sterlite Industries in 1986 and later entered mining by acquiring Bharat Aluminium Company (BALCO) and Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL). His company, Vedanta Resources Plc, was incorporated in London in 2003, becoming the parent company of his diversified group.

Vedanta, under Anil Agarwal’s leadership, faced allegations of environmental violations and human rights concerns. The company was accused of dumping hazardous waste and causing harm to communities in India and Zambia. The Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) smelting plant faced protests due to environmental concerns, leading to clashes in 2018. However, the Justice Aruna Jagadeesan Commission found no specific evidence linking Vedanta to the violence.

Anil Agarwal’s philanthropic efforts continue with significant pledges. He announced his intention to donate 75% of his family’s wealth to charitable causes, inspired by Bill Gates. In 2021, the Anil Agarwal Foundation committed to spending Rs 5,000 crore over five years on programs focusing on nutrition, women and child development, healthcare, animal welfare, and grassroots sports.