Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, and Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, have been named among TIME magazine’s 2025 list of the 100 Most Influential People in Philanthropy. This prestigious recognition highlights their significant contributions to India’s healthcare, education, and rural development.
The Ambanis are celebrated for their extensive work through the Reliance Foundation, which has positively impacted over 71 million lives nationwide. Their initiatives encompass various sectors, including establishing the Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital in Mumbai, the Dhirubhai Ambani International School, and various rural transformation programs.
The Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) in Mumbai exemplifies Nita Ambani’s commitment to cultural preservation. Since its inauguration in 2023, NMACC has hosted over 6,000 artists and attracted more than 2 million visitors, positioning itself as a global performing and visual arts hub. Her efforts in promoting Indian culture and arts have earned her international accolades, including being the first Indian Honorary Trustee on the Board of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
In addition to their philanthropic endeavors, the Ambanis have been recognized for their contributions to sports and women’s empowerment. Nita Ambani, as the co-owner of the Mumbai Indians IPL franchise and a member of the International Olympic Committee, has been instrumental in promoting sports at the grassroots level and advocating for India’s bid to host the 2036 Summer Olympics.
Their inclusion in TIME’s list underscores the growing influence of Indian philanthropists on the global stage. It reflects a broader trend of strategic giving aimed at long-term, sustainable solutions to pressing global issues.
This recognition adds to the Ambanis’ numerous accolades, including the 2023 USISPF Global Leadership Award for Philanthropy and Corporate Social Responsibility, and Nita Ambani’s recent honor for ‘Outstanding Contributions to Brand India’ at the India Business Leadership Awards 2024.
As leaders in both business and philanthropy, Mukesh and Nita Ambani continue to set a benchmark for impactful giving, demonstrating how corporate success can be leveraged to drive meaningful social change.
