Dhirubhai Ambani

Despite suffering a paralytic stroke in 1986, Dhirubhai Ambani remained actively involved in Reliance’s expansion until his death in 2002.

The Naroda textile mill, launched in 1966, was rated ‘excellent even by developed country standards’ by a World Bank technical team in 1975.

In 1998, Ambani became the first Indian to receive the Dean’s Medal from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, for his leadership.

Dhirubhai Ambani transformed Indian industry by introducing mass public participation in stock markets through Reliance's IPO, which empowered small investors. His strategy of backward integration established a model for self-reliant manufacturing in sectors like textiles and petrochemicals. Reliance’s rise under his leadership set the stage for India’s emergence as a significant player in global business and inspired a generation of entrepreneurs.