Dhirubhai Ambani
Dhirubhai Ambani was an Indian business magnate and founder of Reliance Industries, one of the largest conglomerates in India. He was born on December 28, 1932, in Chorwad, a small village in Gujarat, India. Ambani’s life story is one of rags-to-riches, and he is widely regarded as a visionary entrepreneur who revolutionized the Indian business landscape.
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Early Life of Dhirubhai Ambani
Born on December 28, 1932, in the small village of Chorwad, Junagadh district, Gujarat, Dhirajlal Hirachand Ambani, known popularly as Dhirubhai Ambani, was the son of Hirachand Gordhanbhai Ambani, a modest village school teacher, and Jamnaben Ambani. A part of the Modh Baniya community, Dhirubhai completed his education at Bahadur Khanji school. It was in 1958 that he left Aden, a decision that would mark his first step towards establishing his own venture in the bustling textile market of India. Stories also circulate about his stint as a petrol vendor at a petrol pump.
Personal Life
Dhirubhai Ambani was known to be a private individual when it came to his personal life. However, it was his grit, determination, and drive to succeed that made him a towering personality in the Indian business landscape. His early experiences of working in diverse fields helped shape his perspective and laid the foundation for his future business endeavours.
Professional Life of Dhirubhai Ambani
Returning to India, Dhirubhai partnered with his second cousin, Champaklal Damani, to launch “Majin,” a venture that focused on importing polyester yarn and exporting spices to Yemen. The humble beginnings of Reliance Commercial Corporation were witnessed in a 350 sq ft room at the Narsinatha Street in Masjid Bunder, equipped with basic necessities and assisted by two staff members.
Living modestly in a two-bedroom apartment in Mumbai’s Bhuleshwar district, Dhirubhai and Damani parted ways in 1965. Dhirubhai then embarked on his solo journey, a move that stemmed from their contrasting business ideologies. This marked the genesis of Reliance Industries, which Dhirubhai built into a business behemoth.
Awards and Recognitions
In the course of his illustrious career, Ambani received numerous accolades. The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, conferred upon him the Dean’s Medal in 1998, recognizing his outstanding leadership. Posthumously, in 2016, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour, acknowledging his substantial contributions to trade and industry.
Age
Dhirubhai Ambani breathed his last on July 6, 2002. He was 69 years old.
Parents’ Name and Family
Dhirubhai was the son of Hirachand Gordhanbhai Ambani and Jamnaben Ambani. After his first stroke in 1986, Dhirubhai passed on the mantle of Reliance to his sons, Mukesh and Anil Ambani, who have since then carried forward his legacy.
Net Worth
At the time of his death, Ambani had built a business empire whose financial prowess was recognized globally. As of 2023, Reliance Industries, the company he founded, continues to be one of the most valuable companies in India, contributing significantly to the Ambani family’s estimated net worth.
Despite the controversies that dogged his career, Ambani’s life and accomplishments stand as a testament to his indomitable spirit and entrepreneurial prowess. He remains an enduring icon of what an ordinary Indian, fueled by determination and enterprise, can achieve within a lifetime.
