Dhirubhai Ambani, born Dhirajlal Hirachand Ambani, was a renowned Indian industrialist and the founder of Reliance Industries. Born on December 28, 1932, in Chorwad, Gujarat, India, he is celebrated for building Reliance Industries from a modest set-up into a vast conglomerate spanning industries such as petrochemicals, telecommunications, and textiles. Ambani's journey from humble beginnings to creating one of India's largest private sector companies is often regarded as an archetypal rags-to-riches story. Under his leadership, Reliance Industries became the first privately owned Indian company in the Fortune 500. Posthumously, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honor, in 2016 for his notable contributions to trade and industry.
2025: In July, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) started investigations into entities linked to the Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group due to alleged violations in loan approvals, temporarily impacting their recovery efforts. Despite these challenges, Reliance Power and Reliance Infrastructure have been making strides to stabilize and recover economically.1
2025: Reliance Industries, under the leadership of Mukesh Ambani, announced plans to significantly increase their investments in West Bengal by the decade's end. This expansion includes new initiatives like the Swadesh project aimed at enhancing the artisan economy, and contributions to the green economy with the New Energy Initiative set to start operations by late 2025.2
2025: The Dhirubhai Ambani International School upheld its strong academic reputation by recording a school average of 96.7% in the ICSE Class 10 examinations, demonstrating continued excellence in education under the Ambani name.3
2024-2025: Anant Ambani, Dhirubhai's grandson, embarked on a remarkable weight loss transformation, drawing widespread attention to his commitment to health and wellness, aided by the Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital.4
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dhirajlal Hirachand Ambani |
| Born | December 28, 1932, Chorwad, Gujarat, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Businessman, Founder of Reliance Industries |
| Known For | Founding Reliance Industries |
| Net Worth | Deceased; legacy continued through family |
| Education | Limited formal education, learned business in Yemen |
Dhirubhai Ambani was born into a modest family in Chorwad, Gujarat. His father, Hirachand Gordhanbhai Ambani, was a school teacher, and his mother, Jamnaben Ambani, managed the household, which included four children. Dhirubhai exhibited entrepreneurial qualities early on, selling snacks and working odd jobs to support his family. At 16, he moved to Aden, Yemen, where he worked as a clerk at A. Besse & Co. Here, he gained critical insights into commodities trading, which laid the groundwork for his future business ventures.
From Aden, Ambani ventured into trading spices, textiles, and other commodities. His tenure at A. Besse & Co. instilled in him a business acumen that would later underpin the success of Reliance Industries. This period was crucial in shaping his approach to business, focusing on efficiency and strategic growth.
Upon returning to India in 1958, Dhirubhai Ambani founded Reliance Commercial Corporation, marking the foray into the textiles industry with the brand 'Vimal'. His innovative marketing strategies and bold business moves, such as employing convertible debentures, helped him attract a large number of investors and build confidence in the capital market.
Ambani's leadership was instrumental in transforming Reliance from a textile major into an integrated petrochemical behemoth and diversifying into sectors such as telecommunications and retail.
Although Dhirubhai Ambani passed away in 2002, his legacy continues through Reliance Industries, now overseen by his son Mukesh Ambani. The company remains a dominant force across several sectors, contributing significantly to India's GDP.
Reliance's impact extends beyond business, with philanthropy initiatives led by his family, particularly the Reliance Foundation, focusing on education, health, and rural development. The operational scale and reach of Reliance under Mukesh's leadership exemplify Dhirubhai's vision of a comprehensive corporate ecosystem.
Dhirubhai Ambani's journey from a small village in Gujarat to one of the most powerful corporate figures in India is inspiring for entrepreneurs worldwide. His innovative strategies and bold business practices not only transformed the Indian industrial landscape but also provided a roadmap for aspiring businesses in emerging markets. As Reliance Industries continues to evolve under Mukesh Ambani's stewardship, Dhirubhai's foundational values of resilience, innovation, and strategic acumen endure as guiding principles. His life is a testament to the power of vision and perseverance, serving as a beacon of inspiration for future generations.