PRITI ADANI

Dr. Priti G. Adani is an Indian philanthropist and the chairperson of Adani Foundation - the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of Adani Group. A doctor by qualification (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) and an educationist by passion, she has been spearheading social development initiatives for more than 25 years now. Under her leadership, a 350-member team is working in the core areas of education, health, sustainable livelihoods, and community infrastructure development.

What is that one word which relates to you?
Commitment. It leaves no room for excuses or halfheartedness because commitment is an act of doing, of delivering. And the way you do something, is the way you do everything. I really believe that.

Which moment/incident in your journey made you the person that you are today?
It is difficult to put a finger on one moment or incident but an event which comes close to being instrumental is the devastation caused by the earthquake in Bhuj (Kutch, Gujarat) in the year 2001. Seeing its aftermath up close, for days and months, was extremely overwhelming.

It made me think more deeply about the need for comprehensive efforts to make a substantial difference in the lives of communities amidst whom we live and work. In the face of an adversity or calamity, harsh realities become more exposed than ever. Adani Foundation was a couple of years old by then but in the aftermath of the earthquake, and in a sense, the Foundation matured.

It pushed us to think how we must strategize, design and execute programmes so that they reach the most marginalized sections of the population. You can say that it paved the way forward towards building the Adani Foundation as you see it today with a nationwide presence.

What is the lesson that young boys and girls need to take away from your journey?
My advice to the younger generation is that they shouldn’t restrict learning to education. Education is an enabler to succeed but what’s even more important is to be a learner. Another ability to recognize and cultivate is the ability to give. You will come across people to whom you can offer time and/or resources. This can keep one grounded and grateful while offering hope. One may give externally but it compels them to look inwards.