Today, one of India’s most influential businessmen stands tall as a beacon of resilience and success. Emerging from humble beginnings, this billionaire has carved a niche in the corporate world while surviving harrowing experiences that could have dramatically altered the course of his life. His journey from modest origins to becoming the second-richest person in India is nothing short of remarkable.
Gautam Adani has led the Adani Group to become a powerful force across diverse industries in India. However, few are aware that this iconic business tycoon has twice narrowly escaped death.
Born in Ahmedabad in 1962 into a Gujarati Jain family, Adani grew up as one of eight children. His father was a small textile merchant, and his mother was a homemaker. After leaving Gujarat University, he embarked on his business journey in 1988 by founding Adani Exports, now known as Adani Enterprises, the flagship company of the Adani Group.
At 62, Adani’s net worth is estimated at a staggering $93.5 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, placing him just behind Mukesh Ambani as India’s wealthiest. His group’s ventures span sectors like energy, agriculture, real estate, and defense, solidifying his status as a formidable player in India’s business landscape.
Kidnapping Incident in Ahmedabad
In 1998, Adani faced his first near-fatal encounter when he and his associate, Shantilal Patel, were kidnapped at gunpoint. The incident occurred while they were leaving Ahmedabad’s Karnavati Club, where their car was intercepted by armed bandits.
The kidnappers, riding scooters, forced Adani and Patel out of their vehicle and took them to an undisclosed location. A ransom between $1.5 and $2 million was demanded. Fortunately, both men were released the same day. Adani later described this traumatic event as “one of the unfortunate incidents” of his life, a reminder of the dangers that often accompany great success.
Surviving the Mumbai Terror Attacks
Adani’s second life-threatening experience occurred on November 26, 2008, when terrorists attacked Mumbai’s Taj Mahal Hotel. He was there meeting Dubai Port CEO Mohammed Sharaf, and as their meeting concluded, he was preparing to leave. However, his business associates suggested extending their discussion over coffee, unknowingly putting him in harm’s way.
As gunfire erupted, the Taj staff acted swiftly, escorting Adani and other guests first to the hotel kitchen and then to a basement. The group spent the night in hiding before they were safely evacuated the following day. Reflecting on this terrifying ordeal, Adani recounted how he “saw death at a distance of just 15 feet,” an experience etched in his memory forever.
From humble beginnings to monumental success, the life of this Indian billionaire is marked not just by wealth but also by resilience. Surviving a kidnapping and a terror attack, he has demonstrated that even amidst adversity, strength and determination can pave the way to greatness.
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