On June 7, 2025, Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, gained attention for gifting ₹151 crore to his alma mater, the Institute of Chemical Technology, (ICT) Mumbai. The donation was made in honor of his mentor, Prof. MM Sharma, who profoundly influenced Ambani’s career, as well as the landscape of chemical engineering in India. Ambani announced the gift on June 7, 2025.
A Tribute to Prof. MM Sharma: The Guru Dakshina
Mukesh Ambani is a proud IIT Mumbai (then University Department of Chemical Technology) alumnus from the 1970s, who always credits his early learning formative experiences to his education at the IIT. He refers to the ₹151 crore donation as “Guru Dakshina,” the Indian tradition to reciprocate one’s teacher. Prof. MM Sharma’s contributions to chemical engineering in India are well known, as is the significant impact he must have had on Ambani’s developement and growth as a professional and to his overall journey.
Boosting Education and Research at ICT Mumbai
The new endowment supports education and research at ICT Mumbai; a top institution in a variety of disciplines including technology, chemical engineering and applied sciences. The endowment will support research at the leading edge of the discipline, physical plants and facilities equivalents, and grow beginners into the next leaders in the area. Ambani’s gift reflects his commitment to social impact philanthropy in education, and building innovation into India’s educational system.
Reliance Industries’ Commitment to Social Impact
Reliance Industries, under Ambani’s leadership, have a demonstrated track record of implementing social impact initiatives. This donation aligns with the company’s mandate of building community strength with education; and building sustainable development. Ambani is giving back to where he began his career while supporting and investing in the supply leading area of chemical technology; and building capabilities and brand around India being the next global center for innovation in the business of chemistry.
Why This Donation Matters
The ₹151 crore endowment is one of the largest single donations to an Indian educational institution. It is part of a recent trend towards corporate philanthropy in India, and it is encouraging that leaders such as Mukesh Ambani are paving the way. When invited, it will allow ICT Mumbai to expand educational programs beyond what is currently being done, attract top talent in its classes and accelerate global thought leadership in research disciplines focused on problem solving the world’s productivity and efficiency challenges in and around chemical engineering
A Legacy of Giving Back
Mukesh Ambani’s gift to ICT Mumbai displays his faith in the ability of education to change lives. By honouring both his mentor and his own alma mater, Ambani has set a noble example for others to follow in supporting the development of India’s educational institutions. This endowment is likely to have a ripple effect as it is seen as encouraging further support to higher education and research throughout India.
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