“True power lies in uplifting others. It lies in extending a helping hand, in empowering communities, in being able to make a difference in someone’s life, in driving meaningful change in society.” — Nita Ambani
In an exclusive interview with Fortune India published on July 11, 2026, Reliance Foundation Chairperson Nita Ambani said that true leadership is measured not by influence or authority, but by the ability to uplift others and create lasting social impact.
“True power lies in uplifting others. It lies in extending a helping hand, in empowering communities, in being able to make a difference in someone’s life, in driving meaningful change in society,” Ambani told Fortune India, describing the philosophy that continues to guide her work across healthcare, education, sports, rural development, culture, and philanthropy.
Reflecting on the Foundation’s journey, Ambani said the organization recently completed 15 years of service, reaching approximately 97 million people across more than 91,500 villages in every Indian state. She said the Foundation now aims to expand its impact fivefold by 2035, when it marks its silver jubilee.
Among the initiatives she highlighted was the planned development of a 2,000-bed integrated medical city in Mumbai, which will include a new medical college and expanded research facilities. She also spoke about the modernization of Seven Hills Hospital into one of Mumbai’s largest healthcare centers, with specialized services in cancer care, organ transplantation, trauma medicine, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Ambani described healthcare as a deeply personal mission shaped by her family’s experiences.
“One of the experiences that most deeply shaped my commitment to healthcare comes from a very personal place. When my father was unwell for the last five years of his life, I experienced something that millions of families quietly endure,” she said, adding that the experience reinforced her commitment to making world-class healthcare accessible and compassionate.
She also pointed to the growing global recognition of Vantara, the wildlife rescue and rehabilitation initiative, and the continued success of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), which she said has emerged as one of the world’s leading cultural institutions within just three years of its launch.
According to Ambani, preserving India’s artistic and cultural heritage remains central to her vision. Through initiatives such as Swadesh and NMACC, she said artisans and performers have been given platforms to showcase Indian craftsmanship and culture to global audiences.
Speaking about leadership, Ambani emphasized that business success and social responsibility should always move together.
“Power is a responsibility — a means of creating shared values and building institutions that serve a larger purpose for society,” she said.
She credited much of her leadership philosophy to her husband, Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, and the legacy of Reliance founder Dhirubhai Ambani, saying both have encouraged her to dream big while remaining grounded in service to society.
Looking back on her professional journey, Ambani described the development of the Jamnagar refinery township during the 1990s as one of the defining moments of her career. She recalled leading the creation of residential communities, schools, and green spaces while simultaneously raising three young children. She also recounted how the refinery complex recovered within two weeks after being devastated by a cyclone and earthquake—despite experts estimating the recovery would require at least a year.
For women professionals, Ambani encouraged confidence, resilience, and ambition.
“My advice to women professionals is to believe in your potential, set high targets for yourself, and never be afraid to dream big and work hard to achieve those dreams,” she said.
Despite overseeing one of India’s largest philanthropic organizations, Ambani said she continues to find balance through family, Bharatanatyam, music, sports, and time spent with her grandchildren.
Throughout the interview, she repeatedly returned to one central theme: institutions should not simply pursue excellence but should be rooted in compassion, dignity, and service.
