Mukesh Ambani has donated ₹151 crore to the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai—his alma mater. The donation was announced at an event celebrating the biography of his mentor, Prof MM Sharma, titled Divine Scientist. This is one of the largest alumni contributions to an Indian educational institution.
For the average Indian, this isn’t just another billionaire PR move. It’s a rare moment where gratitude, vision, and purpose meet. And the impact? It could shape the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators—right here in India.
A Tribute Wrapped in Emotion and Purpose
Back in the 1970s, Mukesh Ambani was just another student at what was then called UDCT. His first lecture was by Prof MM Sharma—a moment he says changed his life. Sharma wasn’t just a teacher. He was a silent force behind India’s industrial liberalisation.
Ambani called him a Rashtra Guru—a Guru of the nation. That’s not something you say lightly in India. It’s a title of reverence, and for Ambani, deeply personal.
Not Just a Donation—A Statement
“This is my Guru Dakshina,” Ambani said. “When he tells us something, we just listen.” The ₹151 crore grant is unconditional and given as per Prof Sharma’s wishes. It’s not about brand-building or naming rights. It’s about legacy.
When he speaks, we don’t question—we just listen,” said Mukesh Ambani. “He told me, ‘Mukesh, you must do something big for ICT.’ Today, I’m proud to fulfill that wish for Professor Sharma with this announcement
It’s also about India’s chemical industry—an unsung hero in our economy. Prof Sharma, through his work and quiet pressure on policymakers, pushed for reforms to unshackle Indian industry from the old license-permit raj. That’s the foundation Reliance Industries was built on.
Vision, Scale, and Science
Ambani drew a bold line connecting his father, Dhirubhai Ambani, and Prof Sharma. Both believed India could go from scarcity to global scale. Not through politics, but through science, tech, and entrepreneurship.
“It’s time to back science in a big way,” Ambani said, in so many words. With this donation, he’s putting money where his mouth is.
And let’s be honest—₹151 crore can do a lot. From better labs to research grants to attracting global faculty, ICT Mumbai now has the fuel to dream bigger.
In a world where everyone is looking West for education, Ambani’s move is a reminder: world-class science can grow on Indian soil too. But it needs support, belief, and a few bold visionaries.
