Mr. Anil Agarwal was on a 3-days trip, from November 21-23, 2012, to Udaipur, which is also the head-office of Hindustan Zinc, Vedanta group’s flag-ship company and the world’s largest integrated producer of zinc-lead. In the middle of his tight schedule, he took out time to interact with the students of Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Udaipur and College of Technology & Engineering (CTAE), Udaipur.
While addressing about 130 management students and faculty members at IIM Udaipur on 22nd November 2012, Mr. Anil Agarwal spoke about how important is for India to have supportive exploration policy. India is a country that has tremendous quality natural resources, keep them for another 300 years and nothing would happen. These resources would still remain unutilized. What is the meaning ? , he said. Why cant we utilize them for our people of India ?, he said. Mr. Agarwal said, Country cannot depend on imports all the time and why hard earned money within the country should be spent on imports ?
The import bill is rising and here in India we are not developing our internal resources. Is it that India is becoming an “import dominated country?, he said. IIM, Udaipur Director Prof. Janat Shah spoke about IIM, Udaipur and the need for young entrepreneurs to hold the reigns of the future of India.
Mr. Anil Agarwal was also accompanied by Ms. Queenie Dhody the well known name in fashion jwellery and columnist and also Chairman of Oasis Energy, Oman, Mr. Thamer Alshanfare. Mr. Anil Agarwal spoke about need for energy security in India and how much coal was important for the development. Globally, 70% energy is produced through coal and if the industry does not have sufficient coal, it is difficult to achieve energy targets. Without energy development cannot happen, he said.
On 23rd November 2012, Mr. Agarwal visited College of Technology & Engineering (CTEA), Udaipur. The students strength crossed the sitting arrangement and as many as 550 students and faculty members were present. On his arrival the clapping did not stop until the Dean had to request all the students to sit down. Mr. Agarwal was accompanied by Mr. Bhavin Mehta, a Diamond Entrepreneur from Belgium.
Dr. Rathore, Dean of CTAE, Udaipur gave a traditional welcome to Mr. Agarwal by adorning him with “Mewari Paag” and “Shawl”. Mr. Agarwal addressed students from various academic disciplines here such as M.Tech MBA (Tech.) and B.Tech. He emphasized the need of global entrepreneurship, especially from people of Rajasthan.
On both the occasions a short film “Partners in Prosperity” on the life of Sh. Anil Agarwal and Vedanta’s success story was screened for the students. The motivational talk from him included stirring quote such “You have got to be hungry to be successful” and “Think and Aim Big” showing his prowess in giving an inspirational boost to budding entrepreneurs. He also emphasized the role of women empowerment.
Right through his talk he depicted the unquenchable zeal for leadership and entrepreneurship, and opined that entrepreneurship does not mean owning a company but, owning an idea and leading a team. Also, local people should have a sense of ownership for the business of a successful venture. After speaking about his past experiences, anecdotes of entrepreneurship and notable events, a gamut of questions on Vedanta’s growth story, his personality, entrepreneurship, SME’s in India, Indian Economy were asked by the students.
Mr. Agarwal spoke about his hardships during early years where he started a Cable Industry and how with hard work, dedication and strong focus, Vedanta group has been built as one of the fastest growing natural resources company, which is now a 70 billion USD Diversified group. He emphasized on the fact that students should not forget their roots and not let down their high spirits because of the failures, instead learn from the mistakes and grow. He motivated students by advising them to opt for the entrepreneurial proficiency for utilizing huge natural resources in India.
Mr. Agarwal also told the students that it is difficult to survive without Zinc, Aluminum, Iron, Copper, Steel, Silver, Gold and Oil & Gas. Almost 100% gold comes from import and about 70% silver too. We have our mines in India but we still depend on imports. He gave example of China, Brazil, South Africa, Canada who have grown multi-fold ahead of India. India cannot remain poor for all the times to come, can we ?, asked Mr. Agarwal. While striking a balance between renewable and non-renewable resources, he informed that Vedanta is producing 275 MW of Wind Energy which is one of the highest in the country. During the interaction, he also mentioned that Community comes before Business.
Working for the welfare of the society is always his prime concern and his efforts are always laid towards the betterment of the people. While talking about his future plans, Mr. Agarwal mentioned that taking forward his vision of Malnourishment free India, he will spent most of the wealth in community service and on the Health-Education-Nutrition and overall development of the underprivileged children.
“Don’t bother what people say, be focused and keep working hard. Nobody can stop you. If there is a determination to achieve something, you will find your way” was his message for the students who would be inspiring to become future entrepreneurs.