Gautam Adani Reflects On The Women Who Shaped His Journey: From Banaskantha To Boardrooms

On International Women’s Day, Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani reiterated his commitment to empowering women and fostering gender equality across all spheres of life.

In a heartfelt message, he expressed that his granddaughters have deepened his commitment to creating a world where women can pursue their dreams without obstacles.

Reflecting on his journey, Adani credited the strong women in his life – his mother, wife Priti Adani, and countless others he met through his work – for shaping his perspective.

He reflected on his mother’s strength in raising a large family and highlighted his wife’s impactful work with the Adani Foundation in uplifting rural communities across India.

A Grandfather’s Vow

Sharing a personal memory, he wrote, “A decade ago, as I cradled my first granddaughter’s delicate fingers, I made a silent vow: to help build a world where her aspirations would know no bounds, where her voice would resonate with the same respect as any man’s, and where her worth would measured solely by her character and contributions.”

“Now, blessed with three beautiful granddaughters, this promise burns brighter and more urgent than ever. International Women’s Day is not merely a date on the calendar; it’s a poignant reminder of the strides we’ve made and the journey that still lies ahead. For me, this mission is deeply personal across many dimensions – as a young boy inspired by his mother, as a business leader witnessing the challenges faced by women in leadership, as a husband inspired by my wife Priti’s unwavering dedication to the Adani Foundation, and as a grandfather dreaming of a world without limits for the girls who affectionately call me ‘Dadu’,” Gautam Adani added.

Adani Foundation’s Women-Centric Initiatives

The Adani Group Chairman also highlighted the Adani Foundation’s efforts in empowering women, citing the Butterfly Effect framework that provides support across various life stages and the Lakhpati Didis program, which has enabled over 1,000 women to attain financial independence.

“Moreover, our ‘Lakhpati Didis’ initiative celebrates over 1,000 women who have achieved financial independence through enhanced entrepreneurial skills,” Adani noted.

During a visit to one of Adani Group’s port projects, he noticed the lack of women in leadership roles and actively pushed for more inclusive policies and mentorship opportunities.

“Several years ago, during a visit to one of our port projects, I noticed the absence of women in operational and leadership roles. It was not due to a lack of capability but rather the absence of pathways for them into these traditionally male-dominated fields. This realization sparked a personal commitment to change,” the Adani Group Chairman said.

The Road Ahead

While recognizing the progress made, Adani noted that many women continue to encounter obstacles in leadership positions.

Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani hoped his granddaughters would one day enter boardrooms and receive equal recognition.

“Yet, beneath that pride is a quiet impatience. Because despite how far we have come, my granddaughters may still enter boardrooms where they are the only women at the table. They may still have to fight harder, speak louder, and prove themselves twice over to receive the recognition they deserve. They may still face doors that open too slowly, or not at all,” Gautam Adani wrote.

He further added, “And to my granddaughters, who may one day read this: My dearest girls, The world you inherit should be one where your brilliance is met with open doors, not glass ceilings. Where your ambitions are never questioned, only encouraged. Where people not only hear your voice but actively seek it. I vow to keep pushing, to keep breaking barriers, until that world is not just a vision but a reality. Because you, and every girl like you, deserve to walk into every room knowing you belong. Your Dadu.”

Urging leaders to view gender equality as a shared responsibility, Gautam Adani concluded, “The talents, insights, and leadership of women are invaluable resources we cannot afford to squander.”

He also emphasized that this year’s Women’s Day theme, ‘Accelerate Action’, aligns with his vision of a future where every woman thrives.

Also Read: PM Modi Honors Women’s Achievements; Hands Over Social Media Accounts On Women’s Day