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.
Read a similar story of CK Prahalad, a renowned management guru.
FAQ
When did Dhirubhai Ambani pass away?
Dhirubhai Ambani passed away on July 6, 2002, at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. He had been admitted on June 24, 2002, after suffering a major stroke, which was his second; the first occurred in 1986 and had left his right side paralyzed. Despite medical efforts, he remained in a coma for over a week before his demise. His death marked the end of an era for Reliance Industries and India’s corporate sector.
What is Dhirubhai Ambani Knowledge City?
Dhirubhai Ambani Knowledge City (DAKC) is a technology park located in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra. Inaugurated in 2002, it was established by Reliance Infocomm, a subsidiary of Reliance Group, to serve as the company’s headquarters and a hub for its telecommunications and information technology operations. Spanning over 140 acres, DAKC houses state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure, reflecting Dhirubhai Ambani’s vision for a digitally connected India.
When was Dhirubhai Ambani born?
Dhirubhai Ambani was born on December 28, 1932, in Chorvad, a small village in Gujarat, India. His full name was Dhirajlal Hirachand Ambani. From humble beginnings, he rose to establish one of India’s largest conglomerates, Reliance Industries, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and determination.
What was the cause of Dhirubhai Ambani's death?
The cause of Dhirubhai Ambani’s death was a major stroke he suffered on June 24, 2002. This was his second stroke; the first, in 1986, had resulted in right-side paralysis. Following the second stroke, he was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai, where he remained in a coma for over a week before passing away on July 6, 2002.
How many grandchildren did Dhirubhai Ambani have?
Dhirubhai Ambani had a total of nine grandchildren. His elder son, Mukesh Ambani, and daughter-in-law, Nita Ambani, have three children: twins Akash and Isha, and a younger son, Anant. His younger son, Anil Ambani, and daughter-in-law, Tina Ambani, have two sons: Jai Anmol and Jai Anshul. His daughters, Dipti Salgaocar and Nina Kothari, have two children each, adding to the Ambani family’s legacy.
What was Dhirubhai Ambani's net worth at the time of his death?
At the time of Dhirubhai Ambani’s death in 2002, precise figures regarding his net worth were not publicly disclosed. However, under his leadership, Reliance Industries had grown into a conglomerate with a market valuation of approximately $9 billion. Following his passing, the Ambani family’s wealth continued to expand, with the family’s net worth estimated at $90 billion as of 2023.
Who was Dhirubhai Ambani's wife?
Dhirubhai Ambani was married to Kokilaben Ambani. They tied the knot in 1955 and shared a partnership that spanned several decades. Kokilaben stood by Dhirubhai’s side throughout his entrepreneurial journey, and together they had four children: Mukesh, Anil, Dipti, and Nina.
Who was Dhirubhai Ambani's father?
Dhirubhai Ambani’s father was Hirachand Gordhanbhai Ambani. He worked as a school teacher in Chorvad, Gujarat. Despite the family’s modest financial background, Hirachand emphasized the importance of education and integrity, values that Dhirubhai carried forward in his life and business endeavors.
Did Dhirubhai Ambani have daughters?
Yes, Dhirubhai Ambani had two daughters: Dipti Salgaocar and Nina Kothari. Dipti is married to Dattaraj Salgaocar, a prominent industrialist in Goa, and they have two children. Nina was married to the late Bhadrashyam Kothari, and she has two children. Both daughters have maintained a relatively private life, though they are involved in various business and philanthropic activities.
Who are Dhirubhai Ambani's sons?
Dhirubhai Ambani had two sons: Mukesh Ambani and Anil Ambani. Mukesh, the elder son, is the Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries Limited, overseeing its expansion into sectors like petrochemicals, refining, oil, telecommunications, and retail. Anil Ambani, the younger son, heads Reliance Group (also known as Reliance ADA Group), with interests in telecommunications, infrastructure, financial services, and entertainment. Following Dhirubhai’s passing, the brothers amicably divided the family’s business interests.
