Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, announced a generous grant of Rs 151 crore to the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) on Friday, June 6. ICT is where he studied in the 1970s.

Firstly, Ambani spent more than three hours at ICT in Mumbai. He attended an event to launch the biography of Professor MM Sharma, titled Divine Scientist.

Inspiration from Professor Sharma

He fondly remembered his first lecture by Professor Sharma at ICT. Ambani said, “I realised he is an alchemist, not of metals, but minds: he has the power to transform curiosity into knowledge, knowledge into commercial value, and both knowledge and commercial value into everlasting wisdom.”

Impact on India’s Economic Reforms

Moreover, Mukesh Ambani praised how Professor Sharma influenced India’s economic reforms. Sharma convinced policymakers to end the license-permit raj. As a result, Indian companies could grow, reduce imports, and compete globally.

Shared Vision with Dhirubhai Ambani

Ambani added, “Like my father, Dhirubhai Ambani, he had a burning desire to transform Indian industry from scarcity to global leadership.” Furthermore, he said, “These two visionary leaders believed that science and technology, combined with private entrepreneurship, would lead to prosperity.”

Honouring a ‘Rashtra Guru’

Recognizing Professor Sharma’s role in India’s chemical industry, Ambani called him ‘a Rashtra Guru – a Guru of Bharat.’

Finally, while discussing ‘Guru Dakshina’—the tradition of honoring teachers—Ambani announced the Rs 151 crore grant for ICT. He explained, “When he tells us something, we just listen. We don’t think. He told me, ‘Mukesh, you have to do something big for ICT,’ and I am very pleased to announce this grant for Professor Sharma.”