Anant: A remarkable example of humanity and vision in today’s fast-paced world
My life and profession bring me in contact with countless people. Some have impressive personalities, but it is rare to meet someone who makes you wonder, “Why is this world so beautiful?” Amid the fast-paced life, finding someone who embodies simplicity, clarity, determination and deep compassion is extraordinary. Anant Ambani, a visionary business leader and director of Jio Platforms Limited, is one such rare personality. Last week, I had the privilege of spending two hours with him. We discussed many things, and I was so moved, I wanted to share my experience with you.
Anant Ambani carries the legacy of his grandfather Dhirubhai Ambani, his father Mukesh Ambani and his socially oriented mother Nita Ambani. But inheritance alone does not make anyone a business leader, one’s own personality matters. I can confidently say that Anant stands apart. His goal is not just to earn wealth but to make the world a more beautiful place. His empathy and dedication to conservation are truly astonishing, and here’s an example that will leave you amazed. Anant learned that the Spix’s Macaw, a species of parrot native to the Caatinga forests of Brazil, had been declared extinct. After extensive efforts, he discovered that a prince in a foreign country had a pair of Spix’s Macaw in his private collection. Anant acquired the pair and in association with his Vantara initiative, the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre partnered with the Association for Conservation of Threatened Parrots. Together, they began relentless efforts to revive the endangered bird species. And today, over 90 Spix’s Macaws are soaring through the Brazilian forests, and they have even begun breeding in their natural habitat. A devout follower of Lord Ganesh, Anant Ambani’s Vantara initiative has also become the world’s largest elephant rescue centre. Moreover, 80 leopards have been born in Vantara and they will soon be released into the wild.
Here’s another fascinating story. Anant Ambani has a close-knit group of 12 friends who have been with him since their days at Sunflower Nursery School in Mumbai. Their friendship is so strong that they made significant sacrifices to stay together even during their college years in the United States. Anant was admitted to the prestigious Stanford University, while some of his friends were accepted into Harvard University — both institutions being the dream destinations of the world’s elite. However, these friends made an incredible decision — they refused to separate. Despite their parents advising them to pursue their individual opportunities, their bond remained unbreakable. Eventually, they all took admission together at Brown University, ensuring they remained a tight-knit group. When Anant took ill and had to take a one-year break from college, all his friends also took a break to support him. Even today, despite their busy lives, they make sure to meet once a week.
As a child, Anant Ambani was mesmerised by the ‘Aarti’ (prayers) performed by the transgender community in the honour of the Goddess. Even today, he continues to attend these ‘Aarti’ gatherings. Taking his commitment further, he is currently caring for 18,000 transgenders in Malad, providing two permanent doctors for their healthcare needs. Anant has an ambitious healthcare vision — he plans to open 200 modern and well-equipped hospitals in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities across India, each with 5,000 to 10,000 beds. Two of these hospitals will be in Vidarbha. For this massive initiative, he has already allocated Rs 3 lakh crore that includes Rs 1.5 lakh crore for building the hospitals. The interest earned from the remaining Rs 1.5 lakh crore would ensure operational sustainability of these hospitals. To fulfil the dreams of his grandfather Dhirubhai Ambani, Anant plans to build hundreds of temples across India. These temples will not only be places of worship but also include Gurukuls, affordable housing, food services and marriage halls, fostering a spiritual and social ecosystem.
Anant is not just a philanthropist but a business leader with an unmatched vision. He is also a highly knowledgeable business leader who stays updated on the latest technologies in manufacturing, economics and industry. Every day, he spends two hours with his father Mukesh Ambani, to master the intricacies of business and life. His bond with his siblings is extraordinary, and he describes himself as their Hanuman. Mukesh Ambani’s dream has always been to generate employment for millions of Indians. With this vision in mind, Anant is working tirelessly to expand Reliance’s workforce from the current 2.5 million to 10 million, making Reliance the largest employer in the world. More significantly, he aims to present this achievement as a gift to his father on his 75th birthday.
When I requested Anant to establish industries in Yavatmal and Vidarbha, he did not hesitate for a moment. He immediately asked me to get 10,000–12,000 acres of land allocated, promising to set up a major industry that would provide employment to thousands of people. Anant was delighted to learn that Lokmat Media Group is organising the Global Economic Convention in London, following its successful event in Singapore. He gladly agreed to attend the convention. Moreover, he expressed his desire for the Maharashtrian of the Year award ceremony to be held in Jamnagar, as he believes this would strengthen the cultural and economic ties between Maharashtra and Gujarat.
During this two-hour heartfelt conversation, I was accompanied by the joint managing director and editorial director of Lokmat Media Group Rishi Darda. I was also deeply impressed by Anant’s extraordinary memory. He reminded me that when he was in Grade 7, I had visited his school during an exhibition and stopped by his stall. He recalled showing me his aquarium and how I had praised it. Coincidentally, my grandson Yashovardhan was also studying in the same school at the time. After this long, meaningful and insightful meeting with Anant Ambani, I can confidently say that Mukesh Bhai and Nita Bhabhi have raised Anant with deep-rooted values, culture and compassion. He is not just a business leader, he is a visionary who embodies humanity and foresight. For Anant Ambani, I am reminded of a sher by Mohammad Ali Asar:
Nayi manzil, naya jadoo,
Ujala hi ujala,
Door tak insaniyat ka bolbala!
The author is the chairman, Editorial Board of Lokmat Media and former member of Rajya Sabha.
