Nita Ambani, Chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, recently delivered the keynote address at the prestigious Harvard India Conference 2025. However, before stepping onto the stage, she shared an emotional anecdote that resonated deeply with the audience. As she prepared for the landmark speech, her mother called her daughters-in-law, Shloka and Radhika, and reminisced about Nita’s childhood aspirations. “When Nita was young, we could not afford to send her to Harvard, even though she wanted to go. Now, they have called her to speak at Harvard,” her mother had proudly shared. The story, evoking nostalgia and inspiration, was met with thunderous applause, marking a full-circle moment in Nita's journey. Dressed in a stunning navy blue silk Parsi Gara sari, Nita greeted the room with folded hands. Her daughter, Isha Ambani, was present in the audience. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (@nmacc.india) From teacher to philanthropist: Nita’s life before she became an Ambani Born in a middle-class Gujarati family in Mumbai on November 1, 1964, Nita Ambani (née Dalal) had humble beginnings. She pursued a bachelor’s degree in commerce at Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics and trained in Bharatanatyam from a young age, becoming a professional dancer. Before marrying Mukesh Ambani in 1985, Nita worked as a schoolteacher. Even after becoming part of one of India's wealthiest families, her passion for education remained undiminished. In an interview with Simi Garewal for Rendezvous with Simi, she recalled her early days as a teacher at St Flower Nursery, where she earned ₹800 per month. "People laughed at me, but teaching gave me satisfaction," she shared. Mukesh Ambani fondly recalled how she used to hand him her entire salary, which would then be used to buy dinner for the family. Years later, this love for education led her to establish the Dhirubhai Ambani International School, now one of India’s most prestigious educational institutions. Nita and Mukesh Ambani’s love story is as filmy as it gets. The couple, introduced by Dhirubhai Ambani, met for the first time in November 1984. Mukesh, impressed by Nita’s intelligence and personality, wanted to meet her again. After dating for a few weeks, Mukesh proposed to Nita in the middle of Peddar Road’s traffic. “Nita, will you marry me? Say yes or no now,” he asked persistently. It took three attempts before Nita finally said, “Yes.”
