Gautam Adani, a self-made billionaire from India, faces bribery charges in New York over a $265 million scheme. Known for his rapid rise and controversies, Adani has built a global business empire while navigating allegations of misconduct.
Early Life and Path to Success
Born on June 24, 1962, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Gautam Adani left school at 16, completing only the 10th grade. Despite his modest background, he launched the Adani Group in 1988, starting with commodities trading. Over the years, he expanded into industries like power, ports, sugar, and soybeans.
Adani’s journey from a middle-class textile family to one of the world’s wealthiest individuals is remarkable. Unlike many billionaires who inherit wealth, Adani built his fortune from the ground up.
Gautam Adani’s Business Empire
The Adani Group, valued at $141 billion, has weathered significant challenges, including allegations by Hindenburg Research in 2022. The firm accused Adani of misusing offshore tax havens, causing a $150 billion loss in market value. While the group denied these claims, they recouped some losses.
Adani briefly became the world’s richest person, surpassing Tesla’s Elon Musk, before slipping to 25th place with a net worth of $57.6 billion. His businesses, especially coal and power projects, have drawn criticism in countries like Australia and Bangladesh.
US Bribery Charges
Adani faces serious allegations of bribing Indian officials to secure a solar power project expected to yield $2 billion in profits over 20 years. US authorities claim Adani and seven others agreed to pay bribes to win supply contracts. The Adani Group has not commented on these charges.
Personal Life and Leadership
Married to Priti Adani, a dentist, Gautam Adani has two sons, Karan and Jeet, who actively participate in the family businesses. Known for his hands-on management style, Adani aims to pass on his empire to the next generation by the time he turns 70.
Despite controversies, Adani remains a prominent figure in India and abroad. He has praised global leaders like Donald Trump, aligning his business ventures with political opportunities. Recently, Adani announced a $10 billion investment in US energy and infrastructure, aiming to create 15,000 jobs.
Gautam Adani’s story is one of ambition, resilience, and controversy, making him one of the most talked-about businessmen globally.
