In a heartfelt gesture reflecting gratitude and deep-rooted respect for his alma mater and mentor, Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, has donated a staggering Rs. 151 crores to the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai. The announcement was made on June 6, 2025, during the launch of The Divine Scientist, a biography dedicated to Prof. M. M. Sharma, a legendary guide whose teaching left an indelible impact on Ambani.
A Tribute to a Mentor
Ambani, who graduated with a B.E. in Chemical Engineering from ICT (formerly UDCT) in the late 1970s, referred to Prof. Sharma as his “Rashtra Guru” — a teacher of the nation. He shared fond recollections of attending his first lecture by Prof. Sharma, a session that profoundly influenced his goals and outlook. It was Prof. Sharma’s vision for India’s chemical industry — to break free from restrictive regulations and strive for global excellence — that resonated deeply with both Mukesh and his father, Dhirubhai Ambani.
What ‘Guru Dakshina’ Means
This generous contribution, described by Ambani as an “unconditional grant”, embodies the revered concept of Guru Dakshina in Indian culture. Inspired by Prof. Sharma’s request, Ambani explained:
“When he tells us something, we just listen… He told me, ‘Mukesh, you have to do something big for ICT.’ This is my Guru Dakshina.”
The amount stands as the largest in ICT’s history, reflecting one of the most significant individual educational donations in India.
Aims Behind the Donation
This major funding aims to:
- Strengthen research infrastructure and global collaborations
- Provide scholarships and support for bright students
- Propel innovation in chemical sciences and technology
Institute officials foresee the donation reshaping ICT’s capacity to produce cutting‑edge research and nurture future scientific leaders.
Community and Academic Response
The academic community has overwhelmingly praised the donation — a true tribute to mentorship and the value of giving back. Media outlets call it a “generous gesture” and highlight how it underscores the symbiotic relationship between industry and education.
Why This Matters
As Asia’s richest man with a net worth around US$108 billion, Ambani’s act sends a powerful signal: significant wealth rightly harvested from an institution’s education ought equally to be reinvested in its progress. It shines a spotlight on the transformative potential of philanthropy in elevating India’s research institutions to global excellence.
In short, this Rs. 151 crore grant is more than a financial gesture—it’s a story of respect, gratitude, and a vision for future generations. It honours a mentor who shaped a titan of industry and channels that legacy into real, lasting action. With this donation, Mukesh Ambani reinforces the belief that, in India’s future, innovation thrives where past investment in education is honoured through meaningful giving.