Gautam Adani’s business empire and monumental success are known globally, but the woman standing strong behind this legacy, Dr. Priti G. Adani, plays an essential role that is not as widely publicized. Dr. Priti Adani is not only the wife of the billionaire business magnate Gautam Adani, but she is also a force in her own right, bringing significant contributions to social welfare and community development. With a commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Dr. Priti has helped transform countless lives through the Adani Foundation, an NGO that now stands as one of India’s most impactful organizations.
Early Life and Education
Born into a Gujarati family in 1965, Dr. Priti Adani grew up in a household that valued strong family principles, a respect for education, and a passion for community service. She pursued her Bachelor’s degree in Dental Surgery from Government Dental College in Ahmedabad, equipping her with a professional background before marriage. In 1986, she married Gautam Adani, marking the beginning of a partnership that would evolve to be foundational to Adani Group’s CSR initiatives.
The Founding of Adani Foundation
In 1996, Dr. Priti Adani founded the Adani Foundation, channeling her dedication towards bridging urban-rural divides and addressing fundamental issues in health, education, and sustainable livelihoods. Under her leadership, the foundation has expanded to impact over 5,753 villages across 18 Indian states, creating a meaningful difference in the lives of underserved communities.
Adani Foundation operates across several key areas:
- Education: With a mission to increase literacy and educational opportunities, Adani Foundation offers scholarships, builds schools, and conducts educational programs that enhance learning outcomes in rural areas.
- Healthcare: Public health services are provided to make medical facilities more accessible, focusing on preventative and promotive healthcare initiatives to improve community well-being.
- Sustainable Livelihoods: To empower rural communities, the foundation runs skill-development programs that enable individuals to secure better income opportunities and enhance their quality of life.
- Rural Infrastructure Development: Infrastructure development projects focus on enhancing access to basic amenities and creating an environment for sustainable growth in rural regions.
Achievements and Impact
Dr. Priti Adani’s impact extends far beyond her role as a corporate leader; she’s been instrumental in fostering positive change across education and healthcare in India. Her work earned her an honorary doctorate from Gujarat Law Society University in 2020, in recognition of her tireless efforts to uplift communities and promote social welfare.
A Partnership of Mutual Support
While Gautam Adani’s rise in the business world is legendary, he frequently attributes much of his success to the support and encouragement of his wife, Dr. Priti. Gautam Adani himself has publicly expressed his admiration for his wife’s contributions, stating, “I am a 10th-pass college dropout, whereas Priti is a qualified medical professional, a doctor. Despite being more qualified, she made the brave decision to marry me. If you ask what my most significant reason for success is, I would point to Priti.”
Family and Legacy
Together, Gautam and Priti Adani have two sons. Their eldest son, Karan Adani, currently serves as the Managing Director of Adani Ports and SEZ Limited, while their younger son, Jeet Adani, holds the position of Vice President of Finance in the Adani Group. Through their contributions, Dr. Priti and Gautam Adani continue to inspire a legacy not only of business success but of social responsibility and community enrichment.