Fortune India MPW 2026: When we believe in our girls, there's no limit to what they can achieve, says Nita Ambani

Nita Ambani, Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, who topped Fortune India's Most Powerful Women (MPW) list this year, said India must redefine power through compassion, inclusion, and empathy while highlighting that empowering girls is key to building a stronger nation. 

Accepting the top honour at the 16th edition of Fortune India's MPW 2026 event, Ambani said true leadership lies in empowering others and creating opportunities for every individual to succeed. "When we believe in our girls, there's no limit to what they can achieve," she said. 

Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Ambani said she was honoured to receive the award and proud to see so many women leaders being celebrated. "As a woman, it fills me with pride to see so many women changemakers being honoured here today. And as a mother, it warms my heart to see my daughter, Isha, also on the list," she said. 

Ambani credited her parents for instilling the belief that girls are capable of achieving everything boys can. "My parents raised me to believe that whatever boys could do, girls could do too. Mukesh and I have passed on the same belief to our children. For us, Isha, Akash and Anand are equal, and each of them is free to pursue their own aspirations and dreams," she said. 

She said the recognition comes at a significant milestone for Reliance Foundation, which has now impacted more than 100 million lives, including 29 million children. 

"Numbers do not move me as much as stories do—stories of hope, courage and women transforming not only their own lives but also those of their families, villages, communities and ultimately our country," she said. 

Ambani said the foundation's work is centred on expanding access to education, healthcare, sports and livelihood opportunities while ensuring dignity and respect for all. 

"For me, true power is to empower," she said. 

Calling for a broader understanding of leadership, Ambani said the world needs "soft power" more than conventional notions of power. "We do not need more hard power; we need soft power—kindness, empathy, compassion, and a deeper respect for nature, animals, birds, and all living beings," she said. 

She added that these values have the potential to heal societies and lead humanity with wisdom. "In our culture, we have always worshipped Shakti—the divine feminine power that nurtures, protects, creates and transforms. I believe women possess this innate strength," she said. 

Concluding her address, Ambani expressed hope that the achievements celebrated at the event would inspire the next generation of girls to dream fearlessly. 

"I hope the journeys we celebrate tonight light the path for countless young girls tomorrow. When every girl, every boy and every dream is given the opportunity to succeed, our nation becomes stronger—not only through economic strength but through compassion, inclusion and humanity," she added.