Nita Ambani stood before an eager audience at the Harvard India Conference 2025, poised to deliver a keynote address that was as personal as it was powerful. Before she even began her speech, she shared an emotional reflection on her journey—a journey that had come full circle. Her mother had called her daughters-in-law, Shloka and Radhika, to recall a time when the thought of studying at Harvard had been beyond reach. “When Nita was young, we could not afford to send her to Harvard, even though she wanted to go. Now, they have called her to speak at Harvard,” her mother had said with pride. The room erupted in applause, recognizing the profound weight of that moment.
Dressed in a navy blue silk Parsi Gara sari, Nita folded her hands in greeting. Her daughter, Isha Ambani, sat in the audience, beaming with pride as her mother took the stage. The woman standing before them was not just the wife of Mukesh Ambani, the billionaire businessman, but a leader in her own right—one whose life had been shaped by discipline, values, and an unyielding commitment to making a difference.
Recalling her early days, Nita spoke about her childhood in a middle-class Gujarati family. She described how her parents instilled in her the importance of education, culture, and hard work. Dance had been her passion, and she had trained rigorously in Bharatanatyam, dedicating hours to perfecting every movement. Her father, a senior executive in a small company, had always encouraged her dreams, but financial constraints often dictated the course of their lives.
Despite the challenges, Nita excelled academically. She pursued a degree in commerce and worked as a teacher, shaping young minds with the same dedication she had once applied to her dance. Teaching gave her a sense of purpose, and she loved the independence it brought her. It was during this phase of her life that she received a phone call that would change everything. Dhirubhai Ambani, the founder of Reliance Industries, had seen her perform at a dance recital and had been captivated by her poise and talent. He had one question for her—would she be interested in meeting his son, Mukesh?
Nita recalled her first meeting with Mukesh as one filled with curiosity and deep conversations. He had driven her around Mumbai, showing her the places that had shaped his life. Their connection was instant, built not on wealth or status but on shared values and aspirations. But when Dhirubhai Ambani proposed marriage, Nita had hesitated. She had made it clear that she wanted to continue working even after marriage, and Dhirubhai had supported her decision wholeheartedly.
Marriage into one of India’s most powerful business families came with its own set of challenges. Nita had to navigate a world she had never imagined being part of, but she stayed true to herself. She continued her passion for education, arts, and philanthropy, eventually becoming the driving force behind the Reliance Foundation. From building schools and hospitals to empowering rural women, she channeled her influence into causes that mattered.
At Harvard, standing before an audience that hung on to every word, Nita spoke not just of privilege but of perseverance. Her journey had been shaped by moments of doubt, resilience, and the constant pursuit of purpose. “It is not where you start but where you choose to go,” she said, looking at the sea of young faces before her.
As she stepped down from the stage, she was met with a standing ovation. Isha embraced her, knowing that her mother’s story was one of quiet determination, grace, and an unwavering belief in the power of education and opportunity. The little girl who once dreamed of Harvard but could not afford to go had returned—not as a student, but as a voice of inspiration.
After the speech, Nita Ambani took a moment to reflect on the journey that had brought her to this stage. She acknowledged that while life had offered her immense opportunities, it had also tested her strength in ways she had never anticipated. Entering the Ambani family had not meant immediate luxury or ease. Instead, she had to prove herself in a world where expectations ran high, and responsibilities never ceased.
She spoke about the early days of her marriage, where she balanced being a young wife with her passion for teaching. There were days when she would return home exhausted from school, only to dive into the demands of managing a household. But she never let the weight of expectations dull her ambitions. Instead, she used every challenge as fuel to push forward, whether it was pioneering initiatives in education or making her mark in philanthropy.
Her love for the arts remained a core part of her identity. Dance had been her first language of expression, and she continued to nurture that passion by supporting India’s rich cultural heritage. From restoring heritage sites to promoting traditional dance forms, she saw art as a bridge between the past and the future. “No matter where life takes you, staying connected to your roots is what gives you true strength,” she told the audience, her voice steady with conviction.
Despite the public perception of her life being one of privilege, Nita revealed that motherhood had been her greatest grounding force. Raising her three children—Akash, Isha, and Anant—while ensuring they understood the value of humility and hard work was her biggest priority. She had always made it clear that wealth could open doors, but it was character that would define them. “Money can build businesses, but values build legacies,” she said, sharing how she and Mukesh had worked tirelessly to ensure their children remained grounded despite the towering empire they would one day inherit.
When asked about her role in Reliance’s expansion beyond business into social initiatives, Nita spoke about the deep sense of responsibility that came with influence. Whether it was bringing world-class sports facilities to India, advancing women’s healthcare, or ensuring underprivileged children had access to quality education, she saw herself as a bridge between privilege and purpose. “I was given an opportunity to create impact, and I could not let that go to waste,” she said.
As the Harvard event concluded, Nita took one last look at the auditorium filled with bright young minds, each with their own dreams and struggles. She hoped that her story had left them with one message—that success is not defined by where you come from but by how far you are willing to go.