Dhirubhai Ambani was an Indian businessman who is widely regarded as the founder of the
Reliance Industries, one of India's largest conglomerates. He was born on December 28,
1932, in Chorwad, Gujarat, and passed away on July 6, 2002, in Mumbai, India.
Here are some of Dhirubhai Ambani's notable achievements and milestones:
Founding Reliance Industries: In 1966, Dhirubhai Ambani founded Reliance Industries with a
modest capital of Rs. 15,000. The company initially started as a small textile manufacturer
but later diversified into petrochemicals, refining, and oil exploration.
Building a Fortune: Under Dhirubhai Ambani's leadership, Reliance Industries grew rapidly
and became one of India's largest conglomerates. In 2002, Forbes ranked him as the 138th
richest person in the world, with a net worth of $2.9 billion.
Pioneering the Stock Market: Dhirubhai Ambani was a pioneer in the Indian stock market.
He introduced the concept of equity shares to ordinary investors, which was previously
limited to institutional investors.
Establishing the Reliance Foundation: Dhirubhai Ambani established the Reliance
Foundation in 2010 to support initiatives in the areas of education, health, rural
transformation, and arts, culture, and heritage.
Winning National and International Awards: Dhirubhai Ambani received numerous national
and international awards for his contributions to the Indian business world, including the
Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award, and the Ernst & Young
Entrepreneur of the Year award.
Creating Job Opportunities: Dhirubhai Ambani was known for creating job opportunities for
thousands of Indians. At the time of his death, Reliance Industries employed over 85,000
people.
Launching India's First IPO: In 1977, Reliance Industries launched India's first IPO (Initial
Public Offering), which was oversubscribed by seven times. This marked a significant
milestone in the Indian stock market.
Building a World-Class Refinery: Dhirubhai Ambani's vision to build a world-class refinery in
India led to the construction of the Jamnagar Refinery, which is now the largest oil refining
complex in the world.
Dhirubhai Ambani's legacy lives on through his contributions to the Indian business world
and the Reliance Industries, which continues to be one of India's largest conglomerates.