Fortune India Exclusive: True power lies in uplifting others, says Nita Ambani

IN THE PAST two years, what have been some of your most fulfilling moments as the head of Reliance Foundation?

The past couple of years have been deeply fulfilling because they brought together purpose, scale, and impact. Firstly, Reliance Foundation reached a milestone of completing 15 years. We were able to work in 91,500 villages spread across every Indian state, and touch the lives of nearly 9.7 crore (97 million) Indians.⁽¹⁾

This milestone renewed and strengthened our resolve to keep doing better and achieve exponential growth in the coming years. We have drawn out plans to amplify our impact five-fold by 2035, when Reliance Foundation will celebrate its Silver Jubilee.

I was happy to lay out the plans to set up a state-of-the-art medical college integrated with a 2,000-bed medical city in the heart of Mumbai. We plan to modernise Seven Hills Hospital as one of Mumbai’s largest with clinical research, cancer care, emergency and trauma services, organ transplantation, neuro-degenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Similarly, ‘Vantara’, the embodiment of our shared dream for a compassionate world, became a globally renowned place for animal welfare. The other dream project is the Coastal Road Gardens... the 130-acre spread project... will be home to 60,000 trees.

Another deeply fulfilling moment was the launch of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC). In just three years, it has become home to the arts, the artists, and the audience. Our vision is to showcase the best of India to the world and bring the best of the world to India. And I’m very happy that in such a short span of time, NMACC has been ranked amongst the top seven cultural centres in the world.

I’m excited about what we can achieve in the coming years.

In these years, we have been focussed on scaling the foundation’s impact with depth. We were committed to building the youth and sports ecosystem by strengthening grassroots sports and supporting athletes. Women’s empowerment partnerships and preserving India’s cultural legacy were other focus areas. Through initiatives like Swadesh and the NMACC, we gave artisans and artists a global platform.⁽²⁾

Considering the scale and diversity of the country, working across thousands of villages and urban communities means a big challenge. Every region has its unique needs. How did you overcome those challenges?

We took a ‘there is no one-size-fits-all’ approach.

We tried to address it by spending time on the ground, listening and engaging with the communities with empathy, closely working with local institutions, and drawing long-term sustainable approaches using the power of technology, partnerships, and grassroots engagement to help bridge the gaps — but ultimately, it is trust built with communities that drives impact.

How enriching were the personal experiences that played a role in shaping your value system during your professional and personal journey?

My values are deeply rooted in India’s civilisational ethos of empathy, seva (service), and inclusiveness. Over the years, it is the people I have met and the experiences I have lived through that have shaped and strengthened my values.

Whether it is interacting with young athletes who overcome immense odds, or artisans preserving centuries-old traditions, these journeys constantly remind me that resilience and dignity exist in every corner of our country. They reinforce my belief that true leadership lies in enabling others to realise their potential and live with confidence and self-respect.

One of the experiences that most deeply shaped my commitment to healthcare comes from a very personal place. When my father was unwell for the last five years of his life, I experienced something that millions of families quietly endure — the long nights, the unanswered questions, and the silent prayers. I understand the pain and helplessness of patients and their families.

That experience stayed with me. It shaped the way I think about care, compassion, and responsibility. Our vision is clear — make world-class healthcare accessible and affordable for every Indian. And to ensure that our hospitals are compassionate, warm, and dignified spaces of care and comfort, not only for patients, but also for the families who stand beside them.

These experiences continue to guide me, reminding me that institutions must not only deliver excellence, but must also be rooted in humanity.

Reliance Industries has diversified significantly, with the next generation, including your daughter Isha and sons Akash and Anant, now leading various businesses. How has your experience been in guiding them to uphold the socially committed value system that the Ambani family stands for?

At Reliance, values are not taught — they are a way of life. The next generation has grown up seeing that business success and social responsibility go hand in hand. As they lead their respective businesses, I encourage them to embed purpose into strategy, so that growth always creates value for society. That is our guidance not only for our children, but for all the youth of Reliance.

This philosophy comes from my father-in-law Dhirubhai Ambani’s vision and continues under Mukesh Ambani’s leadership.