Know more about the person who built the billion-dollar conglomerate, Reliance Industries from scratch.
We all know about Reliance Industries as the largest company in India whose revenue surpassed, Indian Oil Cooperation. Reliance Industries is also listed in the top 500 industries as the world’s biggest cooperation. But do you know about the man behind Reliance Industries? It is the story of a visionary who with his business acumen created Reliance and became an inspiration for generations ahead. Dhirajlal Hirachand Ambani or Dhirubhai Ambani as he is popularly called rose from nothing to creating a 200-billion-dollar conglomerate.
Early life
Born in a middle-class family, Dhirubhai Ambani’s father was a school teacher in Junagarh district in Gujarat. From very early in life he was hardworking and engaged in small jobs such as selling “Bhajia” to a pilgrim who came to Mount Girnar in his spare time. He went to Yemen at the tender age of 16. There he worked with A. Besse and Co and very soon started to learn the ropes of the trade. After several gigs and making money out of selling melting silver bullion, he returned to India.
Back to India and start of Reliance
He started importing Polyester yarn and exporting Indian spices. And with just 15000 rupees capital he started Reliance in the year 1966. With his eye to detail and business acumen, established brand “Vimal” which later became the household name in sarees, shawl and dress material. After being successful in the textile industry, Reliance Industries delved into petrochemicals, petroleum refining and oil and gas exploration. Dhirubhai Ambani also revolutionized equity culture in India. He brought out retail investors in the market generated funds for those who put their trust in his companies.
His Achievements
Reliance Industries has stepped up to various other sectors such as Capital markets, logistics, energy, power, retail, telecommunication, information and technology. And it all started with the man with humble beginnings and ‘never say die’ spirit. Reliance Industries is the first Indian corporate to be featured in the Forbes 500 list. Dhirubhai Ambani was conferred with Man of Century, Lifetime achievement for corporate excellence, Dean’s medal. He was posthumously conferred with India’s second-highest civilian honour, Padam Vibushan. In 2007, Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan movie ‘Guru’ was said to be loosely based on the life of Dhirubhai Ambani.
Dhirubhai Ambani was a visionary, and his life is a beacon of hope and inspirations for many entrepreneurs for generations.
