Kokilaben Ambani speaks on Dhirubhai,sons and a new memorial


By our correspondent, Chorwad,26 December, 2011

Speaking to media persons in Chorwad today evening, Smt Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani said that the motive behind setting up Shri Dhirubhai Ambani Memorial in Chorwad is to give visitors an idea about the works that Shri Dhirubhai Ambani completed in his life-time, not only for his family, but for the nation. Kokilaben added that this only was her motive while conceptualizing a memorial dedicated to late Shri Dhirubhai.

When asked whether bollywood dignitaries will grace the function in Chorwad, Kokilaben said this was purely a family function and it will be attended by family of Mukesh, Anil and her two sisters, along with local villagers.

In a brief talk to media persons waiting for her glimpse since morning, Smt Kokilaben said that Dhirubhai stayed in this old house in Chorwad during his childhood till the time he completed his school education and went to Junagadh boarding.

Kokilaben said the memorial will preserve Dhirubhai’s memories. About tomorrow’s function she said that ‘Vastu’ ceremony will take place in the morning while prashad ceremony will be held in the evening in presence of Brahmins and Banias of the village.

When asked about Mukesh and Anil, Smt Kokilaben said Gujarati proverb, “Baap evaa betaa, ane vad evaa tetaa”. This means the fruits of the tree are like the tree itself, and sons of a father would be like the father himself.

Kokilaben added that village people here feel proud for Dhirubhai. “Dhirubhai would call smallest person in the village by his name, and would hold his hand. Villagers would think that this person has grown bigger but he recalls us all humbly and has not forgotten his root,” Kokilaben said.

“Dhirubhai spent his childhood here and later went to Edan. They returned back to Mumbai and progressed there. Thanks to almighty that his dream to set up a refinery in Jamnagar has materialized,” Kokilaben further said.

Kokilaben arrived today morning at Chorwad in a helicopter. Tomorrow Mukesh Ambani, Anil Ambani and their two sisters are expected to arrive at Chorwad in the morning. A special helipad has been set up for landing of three choppers at a time near Chorwad. Two day schedule of functions include pooja at local mandir in presence of entire family.

Glimpses of content of the museum before its opening