A timeless visionary

whose legacy emboldens the imagination of a billion people

Dhirubhai

Ambani

Our dreams have to be bigger. Our ambitions higher. Our commitment deeper. And our efforts greater. This is my dream for Reliance and for India.

Dhirubhai

Ambani

Founder-Chairman

Dhirubhai Ambani (28 December 1932 – 6 July 2002) epitomised the dauntless entrepreneurial spirit of a visionary on the march to change the destiny of a nation. Acclaimed as the Top Businessman of the 20th Century and lauded for his dynamic, pioneering, and innovative genius, Dhirubhai was an inspiring leader with sterling qualities. His success story sparked the imagination of a generation of Indian entrepreneurs, business leaders and progressive companies. For many, he still remains an icon and a role model to be emulated.

Dhirubhai’s extraordinary vision redefined the potential of the Indian corporate sector and he challenged conventional wisdom in several areas. He was probably the first Indian businessman to recognise the strategic significance of investors and discover the vast untapped potential of the capital markets and channelize them for the growth and development of the industry. The corporate philosophy he followed was simple and succinct: “Think Big. Think Differently. Think Fast. Think Ahead. Aim for the Best.”

It was under Dhirubhai’s visionary leadership that the Reliance Group emerged as the largest business conglomerate in India and carved out a distinct place for itself in the global pantheon of corporate giants.

During the course of his entrepreneurial mission, Dhirubhai set a number of revolutionary precedents. His contributions to the social and economic development of India were many and recognised by numerous national and international organisations. He was honoured with the Padma Vibhushan – India's second highest civilian honour - in 2016, for his ‘exceptional and distinguished’ service to trade and industry.

Many other prestigious awards and titles have been conferred on him, including the Lifetime Achievement Award (The Economic Times), Man of the Century (Chemtech Foundation), and the Indian Entrepreneur of the 20th Century (FICCI).

He envisaged the growth of Reliance as an integral part of his grand vision for India. He was convinced that India would become an economic superpower and wanted Reliance to play an important role in helping the nation realize this goal.

Reliance has grown in the short span of just over four decades to become India’s largest private sector conglomerate, and its turnover represents nearly 3 percent of India’s GDP.

Speeches at
Reliance Shareholders' Meetings

Awards & Recognitions

Awards
2016

Posthumously conferred the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second highest civilian honour, by the Hon’ble Former President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee

Awards
2011

Posthumously awarded the 'ABLF Global Asian Award' at the Asian Business Leadership Forum Awards

Awards
2002

Commemorative postal stamp is released by the Philately Department, Department of Posts, on Dhirubhai Ambani’s 70th birth anniversary

Awards
2001

The Economic Times confers ‘Lifetime Achievement Award for Corporate Excellence’

Awards
2000

Voted as ‘Creator of Wealth of the Century’ in The Times of India (TOI) poll

Awards
2000

Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) confers ‘First Citizen’s Award’; hosts civic reception in his honour

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