Anand Mahindra, the chairman of Mahindra Group, has established a thriving business empire worth Rs 1.9 lakh crore, gaining fame not only for his industrial success but also for his active presence on social media. Despite his widespread recognition, very little is known about his family, a contrast to the wealth of information about his professional ventures.
A Private Family Life
Anand Mahindra is married to Anuradha, a former journalist who later founded the popular magazines Verve and Man’s World. Currently, she serves as the editor of both. Together, they have two daughters, Divya and Aalika, who live abroad and have chosen different paths from the family business. Neither of the daughters holds a leadership position in Mahindra Group, and their mother is not involved in the company either.
Daughters’ Independent Careers
Divya, the elder daughter, pursued a bachelor’s degree in design and visual communication from New York. After working as a freelancer in 2009, she joined Verve magazine in 2015 as an art director. She is married to Dord Zapata, a Mexican-born artist, and now resides in the United States. Aalika, the younger daughter, married a French national and has built her career outside the family business.
A Strong Belief in Freedom of Choice
Anand Mahindra has always emphasized the importance of freedom in his children’s lives. He has never pressured them to join the family business and encourages them to make their own decisions. “I tried to get my daughters to make their own choices,” Mahindra once stated, reflecting his belief in individual autonomy.
Not a Family Business
During a board meeting, when asked about his daughters’ absence from the company, Mahindra explained that Mahindra & Mahindra is not a traditional family business for him. While his daughters do not work in the company, they are involved in supporting their mother with her magazines, with Divya serving as the creative director and Aalika as the editorial director.
A Vision of Public Service
Anand Mahindra also shared that his grandfather founded Mahindra & Mahindra in 1945 as a patriotic gesture, viewing the company as a custodian of public money. This perspective reinforces his belief that the company is not solely a family enterprise, but rather a legacy with a broader societal role.
The Future of Mahindra Group
While the future of Mahindra Group remains uncertain in terms of succession, Anand Mahindra’s philosophy of independence and his commitment to public service suggest that the company’s legacy will continue to evolve, beyond family ties.
