Our Global Community
Our Global Community
The Agarwal community, often referred to as Agrawals, is one of the most vibrant, dynamic, and influential communities in India and across the globe. Rooted in tradition yet forward-looking in vision, Agrawals have left a timeless imprint on India’s economy, society, and culture. Today, they are not only respected as successful business leaders but also as changemakers contributing to global progress.
The Heritage of Maharaja Agrasen
The origin of the Agarwal community is traced to the legendary Maharaja Agrasen, a noble king of the Suryavanshi lineage, who founded the ancient city of Agroha in present-day Haryana. Inspired by compassion and equality, Maharaja Agrasen gave up his warrior caste and embraced Vaishya dharma (business and trade) for the prosperity of his people.
He introduced the principle of “One Rupee and One Brick” for every newcomer to Agroha — ensuring that everyone had the resources to build a home and start a livelihood. This spirit of collective growth, fairness, and entrepreneurship has remained the cornerstone of the Agrawal ethos for over 5,000 years.
The word Agrawal itself means “children of Agrasen” or “people of Agroha,” and the community continues to uphold his ideals of hard work, integrity, non-violence, and compassion.
Culture and Values
At the heart of the Agarwal identity lies a blend of tradition and modernity. Guided by the teachings of Maharaja Agrasen and the blessings of Goddess Mahalakshmi, Agrawals uphold values of:
Non-violence and compassion – respect for life and ahimsa.
Honesty and integrity – strong ethical foundations in trade and relationships.
Family and community spirit – a culture of support, collaboration, and philanthropy.
Risk-taking and entrepreneurship – embracing challenges and creating opportunities.
The community is divided into 17 and a half gotras, each tracing its lineage back to Agrasen’s descendants. While legends may vary in detail, the essence remains unchanged: Agrawals are united by shared ancestry, values, and vision.
Contributions Through History
From the times of Agroha to modern India, Agrawals have played a pivotal role in shaping the socio-economic fabric of the nation.
- Philanthropy: Agrawals are renowned for their generous contributions to education, healthcare, and social welfare. Many schools, hospitals, dharamshalas, and temples across India stand as a testament to their community spirit.
- Economic Development: Agrawal entrepreneurs, industrialists, and business leaders have fueled growth across sectors including retail, textiles, finance, real estate, and technology.
- India’s Freedom Struggle: Members of the community actively participated in movements for India’s independence, blending patriotism with sacrifice.
- As Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla (himself from the community) has emphasized, “The Agarwal community has made significant contributions to India’s socio-economic transformation while fostering inclusive growth.”
A Global Footprint
The Agarwal community is no longer confined to India. With migration and globalization, Agrawals can be found thriving across continents — in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
One shining example is Agarwals Based in Canada (ABC), a not-for-profit organization established in 1997. Today, with nearly 800 families in the Greater Toronto Area, ABC works to:
Promote cultural heritage and social events.
Support newcomers with networking and settlement assistance.
Engage in mainstream causes like the Terry Fox Run and Food Bank drives.
Encourage youth participation in leadership, business, and community service.
Similar organizations exist in the USA, UK, Australia, and other countries, keeping the community connected and vibrant across borders.
Modern Identity
While business remains a strong foundation, today’s Agrawals are excelling in diverse professions — as doctors, engineers, professors, IT professionals, scientists, lawyers, chartered accountants, and political leaders. They embody adaptability, constantly embracing new industries and technologies while staying rooted in their ancestral values.
In every field, Agrawals continue to be recognized for their entrepreneurial acumen, innovative spirit, and community-first approach.
The Spirit of a Global Family
More than just a community, Agrawals represent a global family bound by culture, heritage, and shared values. Their journey from Agroha to the world demonstrates the power of unity, adaptability, and compassion.
The true aim of life, as embraced by the Agrawal philosophy, is not only to create wealth but also to uplift others, preserve culture, and serve humanity. Through collaboration and interdependence, the Agarwal community continues to shine as a force for prosperity and progress.