“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” These words truly epitomize one of the greatest leaders, visionary and a humble human soul that once walked amongst us. For many, Dhirubhai Ambani may have been one of the greatest entrepreneurs the world has seen; for some a visionary with a passionate mind and soul and for some just a wonderful leader to look up to. But above all, he was a gifted man, one with a heart of a swan and mind that seers far and beyond.
Born on 28th December 1932, Dhirajlal Hirachand Ambani-more lovingly known as Dhirubhai Ambani-had a humble life as a child. Coming from a modest family, he knew early on the value of life, money and power. An intelligent mind in an zealous body made him push his boundaries beyond his known forte to become one of the most inspiring rags-to-riches muse one has ever know. Like he once said, “I am deaf to the word ‘no’ “, he truly moved mountains to achieve what he always wanted.
One of the most successful achievements to his credit has been India’s largest private sector entity-Reliance. He established this monolith from scratch and took it to the very top of its trade. Dhirubhai Ambani started his entrepreneurial career with establishment of one of India’s most famous textile brands ‘Vimal’. So far reaching was its success, that even today; ‘Only Vimal’ stands out as one of the finest and most recognized brand the country has seen. Reliance Industries came into being as ‘Reliance Commercial Corp’, a commodity trading and exports house in the year 1958 and over the years, it was diversified successfully into petrochemicals (a core specialization) with additional interests in telecommunications, information technology, energy, power, retail, textiles, infrastructure services, capital markets, and logistics.
Dhirubhai Ambani was as a known risk taker and he believed in building inventories, anticipating a price rise and making profits. He never felt shunted because of his modest upbringing. He understood that every effort he puts in and experiences he gains, makes him a better person and the leader of his own life. Even when selling ‘bhajias’ to pilgrims in Mount Girnar over the weekends, working at a gas-station attendant or even as a clerk in an oil company at one point, he was a remained a futurist with a goal in mind. It took Rs 50,000 and a strong determination to set up his very first venture, and he made it one of the finest in the world. He said, “Between my past, the present and the future, there is one common factor: Relationship and Trust. This is the foundation of our growth”- and this is what Reliance even today stands for.
His entire life he lived by his own words-Only when you dream it, you can do it. He once said, “Our dreams have to be bigger. Our ambitions higher. Our commitment deeper. And our efforts greater. This is my dream for Reliance and for India.” He made possible for India the very first of many things-the first equity culture, the largest private sector enterprise, first Fortune 500 Company from India and many more. But what he did most was work in the interest of his people. Reliance Industries has valued its people and it is this corporate culture that has brought it this far.
The world truly deserved a man like him- a man that not only had a dream but lived it to the fullest.Labels: Mukesh Ambani, Reliance Industries Limited, RIL