Mukesh Ambani, India’s richest man and the Chairman of Reliance Industries, is a name known to every Indian. From building a business empire to transforming India’s telecom industry with Jio, his success story is inspiring. But behind this journey lies a key chapter that shaped his life—the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) Mumbai, his alma mater. For Indian readers, understanding how ICT Mumbai influenced Ambani shows the power of education and mentorship in achieving greatness. Let’s explore this legacy in simple English, focusing on how ICT Mumbai left a lasting mark on Ambani’s life.
A Young Dreamer at ICT Mumbai
Mukesh Ambani joined ICT Mumbai, then called the University Department of Chemical Technology (UDCT), in the 1970s to study chemical engineering. Growing up in Mumbai, Ambani was a bright student with big dreams. He even cleared the tough IIT-JEE exam and joined IIT Bombay but chose to leave and join ICT instead. Why? He believed ICT’s focus on chemical engineering would prepare him better for his future. This bold choice shows how, even as a young man, Ambani trusted his instincts.
At ICT, Ambani found a place that was more than just a college—it was a hub of innovation. Established in 1933, ICT was known for training students in chemical engineering, textiles, and pharmaceuticals, fields vital to India’s industries. For a young Ambani, whose father, Dhirubhai Ambani, was building Reliance Industries, ICT was the perfect place to learn skills that would later help him grow the family business.
The Magic of Professor M.M. Sharma
The biggest influence on Ambani at ICT was his teacher, Professor Man Mohan Sharma, a legendary figure in Indian chemical engineering. Ambani has often called Sharma his “Guru” and “Rashtra Guru,” meaning a teacher of the nation. Sharma’s lectures were not just about science—they were about turning ideas into reality. Ambani remembers his first lecture with Sharma as a turning point, where he saw how curiosity could become knowledge and knowledge could create value for society.
Sharma taught Ambani to think big and solve real-world problems. For example, Sharma’s work helped India’s chemical industry grow by making products locally instead of relying on imports. This idea of self-reliance stuck with Ambani. Years later, when he led Reliance to produce everything from petrochemicals to mobile networks, he was applying lessons from Sharma’s classroom. For Indian readers, this is like a guru-shishya bond, where a teacher’s wisdom guides a student to greatness.
Building Skills for a Business Empire
At ICT, Ambani didn’t just learn formulas or lab techniques—he learned how to think like a leader. His chemical engineering degree gave him the technical know-how to understand Reliance’s core businesses, like oil refining and petrochemicals. When he joined Reliance in the 1980s, he used this knowledge to modernize factories and make them world-class. Today, Reliance’s Jamnagar refinery, one of the largest in the world, reflects the technical foundation Ambani built at ICT.
ICT also taught Ambani the value of innovation. The institute was a place where students were encouraged to experiment and find new solutions. This mindset helped Ambani later in life when he launched Jio, a telecom revolution that made internet access affordable for millions of Indians. For young Indians dreaming of starting their own businesses, Ambani’s time at ICT shows how a strong education can turn ideas into action.
Giving Back to ICT Mumbai
Ambani’s connection to ICT didn’t end when he graduated. He has stayed loyal to his alma mater, supporting it with donations and guidance. In June 2025, he announced a massive ₹151 crore grant to ICT, the largest in its history, as a tribute to Professor Sharma. Ambani called it “Guru Dakshina,” a traditional Indian way of honoring a teacher. This donation will fund new labs, research, and scholarships, helping ICT train more students to become scientists and engineers.
Ambani’s gift shows his gratitude for ICT’s role in his life. He often says visiting ICT feels like returning to a “sacred temple.” His support ensures that future generations, from small towns or big cities, can get the same world-class education he did. For Indian families who value giving back, Ambani’s actions are a powerful example of how success should lift others up.
ICT’s Broader Impact on Ambani’s Vision
ICT Mumbai shaped more than just Ambani’s technical skills—it shaped his vision for India. Professor Sharma and ICT taught him that science and business can work together to make the country stronger. This idea is clear in Ambani’s work at Reliance. Whether it’s producing affordable energy, building 5G networks, or supporting startups, Ambani’s projects aim to make India self-reliant, just as Sharma dreamed.
ICT also gave Ambani confidence to compete globally. When he studied there, India’s industries were small compared to the West. But ICT’s focus on excellence showed him that Indian talent could match anyone. Today, Reliance is a global giant, and Ambani’s belief in Indian potential, sparked at ICT, is a big reason why.
Last Updated on: Sunday, June 8, 2025 4:47 pm by Deepak Goud Kondakal | Published by: Deepak Goud Kondakal on Sunday, June 8, 2025 4:47 pm | News Categories: News
About Us: Digital Herald covers the latest News on Current News, Business, Sports, Tech, Entertainment, Lifestyle, Automobiles, and more, led by Editor-in-Chief Ankur Srivastava. Stay connected on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Google News, and Whatsapp Channel.
Disclaimer: At Digital Herald, we are committed to providing accurate, reliable, and thoroughly verified information, sourced from trusted media outlets. For more details, please visit our About, Disclaimer, Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions. If you have any questions, feedback, or concerns, feel free to contact us through email.
Contact Us: prachi.qimedia@gmail.com
About The Author
Leave a Reply