The art of giving back is as much about the people who contribute to social change as those who are willing to encourage it. Just as every push requires a pull, every pull requires a push. And when push and pull are combined and pointed in same direction, magic is created.
Every contribution to community service, whether at the individual or group-level, is important. Businesses can make a larger impact and should contribute to bringing about transformation -- a great way to give back to the community. After all, communities are an integral part in the growth of businesses. This kind of involvement can influence everything. Such efforts, no matter how big or small, have a positive impact.
In the pursuit of this purpose, the Adani Group has joined hands with ISKCON to conduct Mahaprasad Seva at Maha Kumbh 2025 to serve one lakh devotees every day from January 13 to February 26. "The Adani Group has always been a shining example of corporate responsibility and social service. What makes Gautam Adani truly remarkable is his humility - he never waits to be called but moves forward to serve selflessly. We are extremely grateful for his contribution. His work inspires us to give back to society and unite in the service of humanity," said Guru Prasad Swami Ji, Chairman of the ISKCON Governing Body Commission.
Giving back is the right thing to do, and social enterprises must be encouraged as they focus on improving the lives of the less privileged, directing their energies and abilities to serving society. Creating an environment where giving back is valued does not require a reason. It could be because it makes you and everyone around you feel good, or it could be because it is crucial and might save a life.
During a raila some years back, Adani visited a hospital where 20 patients were waiting for transplants due to lack of funds. When Pratap Reddy of the Apollo Hospitals mentioned it to him, he immediately wrote a cheque of the required amount. He is a unique personality. "No matter who the person is or what designation they hold, the minute they approach Gautambhai, they always leave only when a solution is found," said a person very close to the family.
"His philosophy has always been the same: if a person comes to him seeking a solution, that person must be experiencing significant pain and discomfort. When anyone extends their hand to him for help, he is always there for them. Gautambhai inherited this philosophy from his father, who also believed in it," he added.
There are several incidents where people have approached Mr. Adani for help and never returned empty-handed. He provided help to an employee's blind daughter, who sang beautifully. Nothing escapes his attention. The mark of his attention to detail is evident everywhere in people, ports, buildings.
Gautam Adani and his family, representing the Adani Group, made a significant philanthropic contribution of Rs 330 crore, securing the fifth position in 2024, according to the Hurun India Philanthropy list. This amount reflects a 16% increase over the previous year. They pledged to donate Rs 60,000 crore for social causes on his 60th birthday in 2022. Their charitable initiatives are primarily funneled through the Adani Foundation, with the largest share of their donation directed towards education, followed by efforts in skill development and community health programmes.