Mukesh Ambani gets misty-eyed as Anant speaks about Reliance’s journey at Jio IPO listing ceremony

Mumbai: Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani appeared tearful as his son Anant Ambani recalled the humble beginnings of his grandfather, Dhirubhai Ambani, and traced the family’s journey from Chorwad to Jamnagar and eventually to Jio during the Jio Platforms IPO listing ceremony in Mumbai.

Anant Ambani, Executive Director of Reliance Industries Limited, spoke about the modest home in Chorwad where Dhirubhai’s dreams took shape and recalled how he once worked at a petrol pump in Aden without money or influential connections.

Reflecting on his grandfather’s journey, Anant said Dhirubhai had demonstrated how an ordinary Indian could aspire to achieve extraordinary things despite limited means.

“He showed us that even an ordinary Indian could dare to dream an extraordinary dream,” Anant said.

Speaking about the significance of the listing, Anant described the ringing of the stock exchange bell as something akin to a temple bell, explaining that he viewed business as pooja (worship).

“The bell at the exchange will ring for me like a temple bell because for me business is pooja and every pooja ends with prasad,” he said. “Prasad is always shared. Today, Jio is shared with India.”

Anant expressed gratitude to the millions of people who had believed in Jio and contributed to its growth. He also spoke about the bond he shares with his siblings, Isha and Akash Ambani, saying they stood together with a common commitment to honour the family’s dreams.

Similarly, Isha Ambani, Executive Director of Reliance Retail Ventures, recalled a family conversation in which Mukesh Ambani spoke about Reliance’s first public offering in 1977. She said Dhirubhai Ambani had envisioned taking Reliance directly to the people, a principle that continues to guide the group.

Highlighting Jio’s growth over the past decade, Isha said the company had generated approximately $15.5 billion in revenue and around $8 billion in earnings during the year. She emphasised that behind the financial figures were millions of customers who had contributed to Jio’s success.

“Jio aapne banaya. You welcomed it,” she said, acknowledging the role of customers in building the company.

Isha also paid tribute to her brother Akash Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Jio, praising his dedication to the business and saying she could not be prouder of him.

The siblings’ addresses highlighted Reliance’s journey from Dhirubhai Ambani’s early ambitions to Jio’s expansion, while underscoring the family’s emphasis on entrepreneurship, shared success and continuity across generations.