At the 47th Annual General Meeting of Reliance Industries Limited, Nita Ambani, founder and chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, shared an inspiring update on the Foundation's initiatives and future plans. Her address underscored the Foundation's dedication to advancing sectors such as sports, education, and cultural preservation in India.
Celebrating India's Athletic Achievements
Nita Ambani began her speech by celebrating the remarkable achievements of Indian athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She praised their "resilience, dedication, and hard work," emphasizing their role in showcasing "the indomitable spirit of India." Ambani stressed the importance of collective support to nurture and empower these athletes, stating, "Greatness is built gradually, one day at a time."
The Foundation aims to transform India into a global sports powerhouse through its Education and Sports for All (ESA) program. Led by her son Akash Ambani, the ESA program has impacted nearly 23 million youth across India. Initiatives like Reliance Foundation Youth Sports and Young Champs are designed to cultivate young talent from the grassroots level.
Ambani also reflected on the significant milestone of hosting the 141st International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session in Mumbai in October 2023. She highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of India’s bid to host the 2030 Youth Olympics and the 2036 Summer Olympics. Additionally, she noted the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. As an IOC member, Ambani expressed pride in taking steps toward realizing India’s Olympic dreams.
Innovative Educational Initiatives
Shifting focus to education, Nita Ambani, who identifies as a passionate educator, spoke about her daughter Isha Ambani’s efforts to revolutionize education in India. This year, Isha launched two pioneering institutions: the Nita Mukesh Ambani Junior School and the Nita Mukesh Ambani Early Years Campus. These institutions aim to nurture 21st-century skills through pace-based learning, allowing students to excel at their own speed.
Ambani outlined the Foundation’s vision of establishing international schools with an Indian essence. She announced the upcoming School Leadership & Administration Programme, designed to enhance teacher training. The Foundation also plans to provide world-class early childhood education to over 10 million disadvantaged children in India. This includes developing capacity-building models and resources for students and teachers.
Highlighting past achievements, Ambani noted that the Foundation has awarded over 10,000 of the 50,000 scholarships pledged for the next decade. She emphasized a partnership with Jio to leverage AI and extend educational opportunities to students in two million schools across India.
Cultural Preservation with Swadesh
Nita Ambani then turned to Swadesh, a project aimed at preserving India’s rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions. Initially launched as an exhibition, Swadesh has grown into a broader initiative supporting Indian artisans. The project provides a global platform for showcasing their skills and plans to open stores in the US and Europe.
Ambani highlighted Swadesh’s mission to bring the work of Indian artists from all regions to a global audience, celebrating India's diverse artistic heritage.
Rural Transformation and Disaster Relief
The Foundation’s rural transformation initiatives have positively impacted over 20 million people by enhancing climate resilience, livelihoods, and productivity. Ambani also noted the Foundation’s active role in disaster management, providing crucial support during natural calamities such as floods and the COVID-19 pandemic. Most recently, the Foundation’s volunteers assisted communities affected by landslides in Wayanad, offering relief and support.
Advancements in Healthcare and Environmental Stewardship
Reflecting on a decade of service, Ambani praised the achievements of the Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, which has served over one million patients, with a focus on pediatric care. Looking forward, the Foundation aims to expand healthcare services using innovation and AI to ensure affordable, high-quality care for all Indians.
Ambani also spoke about Vantara, a zoological research and rehabilitation center led by her youngest son, Anant Ambani. Located in Jamnagar, Vantara serves as a sanctuary for abused and endangered animals, embodying the principles of compassion and care.
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