At the India Conference at Harvard 2025, Nita Ambani shares her journey of creating enduring institutions and her mission to bring the Olympics to India.
Nita Ambani’s Commitment to Timeless Institution Building
Nita Ambani, Chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, captivated a thousand-strong audience at Harvard Business School during the India Conference on February 16, 2025. In a fireside chat moderated by former Harvard Business School Dean Nitin Nohria, Ambani delved into her life’s work of creating institutions designed to stand the test of time.
Reflecting on her upbringing in Mumbai’s Bapu Villa, where she lived with 30 family members, Ambani emphasized the progressive values instilled by her parents. “We were 11 girls and one boy growing up together, and 62 years ago, my parents told us that whatever the boys can do, the girls could do too. That has left a lasting impact on my life,” she shared.
This foundation of equality and service led Ambani to establish several key institutions:
- Dhirubhai Ambani International School: A top-tier educational institution ranked among the top 12 international schools worldwide.
- Mumbai Indians: A premier cricket franchise known for its excellence in the sport.
- Reliance Foundation Hospital: A state-of-the-art medical facility providing advanced healthcare services.
- Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre: A hub for promoting arts and culture, supporting India’s rich artistic heritage.
Ambani’s passion for preserving and promoting Indian arts is further evident in her “Swadesh” initiative, aimed at supporting over 10 million artisans by marketing their products globally. Plans are underway to open Swadesh stores in New York and London, bringing traditional Indian crafts to an international audience.
Championing Sports: From Cricket to the Olympics
Beyond her contributions to education and culture, Ambani has significantly impacted the sports landscape in India. As the first Indian woman elected to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2016, she was instrumental in advocating for the inclusion of cricket in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. “When I joined the IOC, I saw new sports like skateboarding and squash being introduced. I thought, why not cricket?” she recounted. Her efforts highlighted the excitement of the T20 format, making a compelling case for cricket’s inclusion.
Looking ahead, Ambani has set her sights on bringing the Olympic Games to India in 2036. She emphasized India’s readiness, stating, “India is set to be the third-largest economy in the world, and among the 10 largest economies, only India has not hosted the Olympics. That needs to change.” Addressing concerns about financial sustainability, she outlined plans for frugal innovation, repurposing existing infrastructure, and hosting the greenest Olympics ever. Post-Games, athlete housing would be converted into affordable housing, ensuring long-term benefits for the community.
A Personal Journey Rooted in Service and Compassion
Ambani’s dedication to service is deeply rooted in her family’s values. She shared heartfelt stories of her 90-year-old mother’s joy at her Harvard invitation, a testament to dreams coming full circle. Her father’s emphasis on “seva” (service) saw the family engaging in acts of kindness, such as rescuing animals from slaughterhouses. These experiences instilled a lifelong commitment to empathy and philanthropy.
When reflecting on her proudest achievements, Ambani highlighted raising compassionate children and positively impacting the lives of 75,000 students who have graduated from her educational institutions. Her approach to institution-building combines a clear vision with passionate execution, leading to the creation of world-class establishments in record time.
Harvard’s India Conference 2025: A Confluence of Ideas and Leaders
The 22nd India Conference at Harvard, held on February 15 and 16, 2025, at the John F. Kennedy School of Government and Harvard Business School, attracted nearly a thousand delegates. The event featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including:
- Ashish Chauhan: CEO and Managing Director of the National Stock Exchange of India.
- Sabyasachi Mukherjee: Renowned fashion designer.
- Suvir Saran: Acclaimed chef.
- Kirthiga Reddy: CEO of Verix.
- Pramath Raj Sinha: Founding Dean of the Indian School of Business and Ashoka University.
- Ritesh Malik: Founder of Innov8.
The conference served as a platform for thought leaders to discuss India’s trajectory, challenges, and opportunities, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and collaborations.
Nita Ambani’s participation underscored her multifaceted contributions to society, from education and culture to sports and philanthropy. Her vision for creating timeless institutions and her ambition to bring the Olympics to India reflect a deep-seated commitment to national progress and global engagement.