Anant Ambani is one of the youngest billionaires in India with a net worth of ₹3,73,000 crore ($45 billion). He is also known for his philanthropic activities and donations. One of his notable contributions was a donation of ₹1.5 crore to the Shirdi Sai Temple. His mother, Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, was recognized with the 2023 Global Leadership Award for Philanthropy and Corporate Social Responsibility. This award not only highlights the Ambani family’s commitment to philanthropy but also sets a precedent for Anant’s future endeavors.
Anant’s philanthropic efforts are part of a broader commitment to social responsibility within the Ambani family. The Ambanis’ philanthropic work, particularly through the Reliance Foundation, has been instrumental in empowering women and children, which is very close to their hearts. As we move forward, we can expect Anant Ambani to continue this legacy of giving back to society.
Focus Areas of Anant Ambani’s Philanthropy
Education
Reliance Foundation, one of India’s largest scholarship initiatives, launched the Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships in 2023. The program aims to strengthen young people’s access to higher education. The foundation has committed to supporting 50,000 students with scholarships over the next 10 years. The scholarship selects students based on a merit-cum-means criteria.
The Dhirubhai Ambani Scholarship Program is an initiative of the Reliance Foundation. This program benefits meritorious students who scored well in the 12th board examination. The scholarship provides a grant of up to ₹2 lakh for study in any field. The selection is based on the Merit-cum-Means basis.
In rural India, there is a noticeable shift in mindset towards girl child education. Government initiatives have played a significant role in bridging the gender gap and improving access to quality education. Programs like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP), and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) have been instrumental in this regard.
Healthcare
Anant Ambani, a prominent figure in philanthropy, has made significant contributions to healthcare through the Reliance Foundation. The foundation’s ‘Health for All’ motto and integrated healthcare model provide a continuum of care to the most vulnerable sections of society.
Reliance Foundation is committed to enhancing access to quality and affordable healthcare in India. It has established an integrated healthcare model that provides seamless services. Primary and preventive care is delivered with the help of technology, using multiple delivery points including mobile medical units, static medical units, and healthcare camps.
Reliance Foundation Hospital, a 345-bedded quaternary care hospital located in South Mumbai, is equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology and has the finest professionals in medicine providing world-class care. The hospital is committed to delivering safe, affordable, and quality healthcare by using international evidence-based practices.
Reliance Foundation is committed to enhancing the healthcare ecosystem through community health initiatives and health outreach to vulnerable communities. It ensures comprehensive healthcare through mobile medical units, community health centers, and health camps. The foundation has touched the lives of over 7.8 million people through various health initiatives.
Rural Development and Sustainability
Anant Ambani, a key figure in the Reliance Foundation, has made significant contributions to rural development and sustainability. His efforts have been channeled through various initiatives, with a focus on sustainable agriculture, livelihood creation, and disaster relief and rehabilitation.
Reliance Foundation’s Rural Transformation program, operating in 16 states and two Union Territories, empowers marginalized communities. The program, known as the Gram Samridhi initiative, has reached over 14.6 million people as of August 2022. The initiative focuses on climate resilience, women’s entrepreneurship, and sustainable farming, creating a new ecosystem of livelihoods.
Reliance Foundation has been instrumental in promoting sustainable agriculture practices. On December 19, 2023, diverse stakeholders from across India’s millet landscape called for sustaining the momentum generated during the International Year of Millets 2023 (IYOM) at a roundtable discussion organized by Reliance Foundation. The foundation also focuses on climate resilience for sustainable development, adopting Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA), and efficient irrigation & management of water resources.
Reliance Foundation has been actively involved in livelihood creation. The foundation’s initiatives aim to cater to ecological, economic, and social vulnerability arising pre, during, and post-disaster and the lack of information on preparedness and planning; coping mechanisms to save lives and livelihoods, and measures to be taken post-disaster. The goal is to create stronger and more resilient communities in disaster-prone and climate-vulnerable districts, reduce disaster risks and livelihood losses in very high and high climate-vulnerable districts, and empower vulnerable communities to take appropriate actions and decisions on disaster risk management.
Reliance Foundation has a response-ready and experienced team that proactively works to mitigate disaster, minimize damage, and enhance community resilience. The foundation has responded to 48 disasters by assisting communities affected by floods, cyclones, earthquakes, and drought across 293 districts in 19 states & 3 UTs to date, helping 1.9 crore (19 million) people to date.
Sports and Arts
Under the leadership of the Ambani family, the Reliance Foundation has made significant strides in promoting sports development in India. The foundation believes in sports as a medium to encourage lifelong learning, build character, and develop leadership skills among India’s youth. It has reached out to over 21.5 million children through its ‘Education and Sports for All’ program. The foundation’s sports initiatives, which are free and open to all, have reached the remotest parts of the country.
The Reliance Foundation Youth Sports (RFYS), started in 2016, aims to lay a strong foundation for India’s sporting future through the development of sports in schools and colleges. RFYS is a prominent scouting platform for sporting talent in the country and has reached out to 90 lakh youth and children across 26 states and Union Territories.
The Ambani family, through the Reliance Foundation, has also been instrumental in promoting Indian art and culture. The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) in Mumbai, a first-of-its-kind multidisciplinary arts center in India, was founded by philanthropist Nita Mukesh Ambani. The center aims to preserve and promote India’s rich art, culture, and heritage through varied art forms. It has a clear focus on promoting India’s highly influential artists, while also bringing cutting-edge international artists to Mumbai.
The Mumbai Film Festival, popularly known as MAMI, sponsored by Jio, is another initiative backed by the Ambani family. The festival, which returned in physical form in 2023 after a hiatus of four years, is based at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) with screenings taking place across eight venues and 20 screens in Mumbai. The festival aims to provide a platform for showcasing a variety of films, including world premieres, and promoting the work of both established and emerging filmmakers.
Anant Ambani’s Personal Involvement and Vision
Anant Ambani’s Hands-On Approach to Philanthropy
Anant Ambani, the youngest son of Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, is known for his hands-on approach to philanthropy. He has made several donations and funding to various programmes to protect wildlife in the Seven Hills in Tirumala. He has also donated a significant amount of money to the Nitya Annadanam scheme. In addition, he made a generous donation of Rs 1.5 crore to the Shirdi Sai Temple.
His Emphasis on Innovation and Long-Term Impact
Anant Ambani is not just involved in philanthropy but also plays a vital role in environmental stewardship to pivot Reliance’s Energy business to a sustainable future by reducing its carbon footprint and preserving biodiversity. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Brown University, USA. Anant Ambani leads Reliance’s new energy business and is already on the boards of Jio Platforms and Reliance Retail Ventures.
Vision for Creating a More Equitable and Sustainable Future for India
Anant Ambani’s vision for a more equitable and sustainable future for India is reflected in his commitment to innovation and long-term impact. His father, Mukesh Ambani, announced at the 46th Annual General Meeting of Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) that the company is accelerating its efforts to achieve net carbon zero by 2035. This shows that the Ambani family, including Anant, is committed to creating a sustainable future for India.
Conclusion
Anant Ambani’s philanthropy isn’t just giving – it’s transforming lives. From classrooms to clinics, villages to stadiums, his impact ripples across India. Education gets a boost, healthcare finds new reach, and rural communities thrive. Tech fuels this progress, partnerships amplify it, and transparency guides it.
But Anant’s story isn’t just his own. He inspires a new generation of givers, showing that even small acts can create big change. So, what about you? Will you join the movement? Volunteer, donate, raise your voice – every step counts. Let’s build a brighter India, together.
