Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, delivered an insightful keynote address at the 51st India Gem and Jewellery Awards held in Jaipur. In his speech, Adani shared a personal story from his early years that laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the value of challenging the status quo.
Recalling his pivotal decision in 1978, Adani revealed how, at the age of 16, he left his school and family in Ahmedabad to pursue his dream of entrepreneurship in Mumbai. Adani explained that although he had no clear path ahead, he was certain that Mumbai, the city of opportunities, would offer the chance to kick-start his career.
Adani’s entry into the business world was through diamond trading, a field that introduced him to the complexities of the industry. He recalled the thrill of closing his first deal, a transaction with a Japanese buyer, which earned him a ₹10,000 commission. This marked the beginning of a journey that would eventually lead him to becoming one of India’s most prominent business figures.
“The joy of closing my first deal and the commission of ₹10,000 remains etched in my memory. That was the starting point for who I was to become,” Adani shared with the audience.
Reflecting on the lessons he learned during his early days in the trade, Adani highlighted the importance of taking risks. “Trading doesn’t come with safety nets. You must find the courage to take the jump and trust your own wings. In this discipline, hesitation can be the difference between winning and losing,” he said.
Adani also shared a valuable lesson from his journey: “Too much attachment to outcomes limits your ability to challenge the status quo.” He emphasized that the Adani Group’s success lies in its constant drive to push boundaries and reject complacency. “We continuously redefine our limits, refuse to accept stagnation, and are comfortable with the discomfort of change,” he explained.
In his address, Adani also touched upon the challenges faced by the Adani Group, particularly the issues raised in the report by US-based short seller Hindenburg Research in January 2023. Despite facing these challenges, Adani reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to compliance and transparency. He noted that, contrary to the reports, no charges of violation or conspiracy have been leveled against anyone from the Adani side.
“Every attack makes us stronger and every obstacle becomes a stepping stone for a more resilient Adani Group,” Adani added.
Earlier, in a stock exchange filing, Adani Green, a subsidiary of the Adani Group, dismissed media reports regarding a legal matter involving the US Department of Justice as “incorrect.”
Adani’s address at the prestigious awards ceremony underscored his belief in the power of resilience, risk-taking, and continuous self-improvement. His journey from a young trader to a global business leader is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and determination to overcome challenges at every step.
Sources By Agencies
