In his speech, Mukesh Ambani paid tribute to Dr. Mashelkar’s visionary leadership and lasting contributions to science and education, stressing the importance of knowledge, perseverance, and ethical innovation in nation-building. Here is the complete address, where Ambani shines a spotlight on Dr. Raghunath Anant Mashelkar, a distinguished Indian chemical engineer, polymer scientist, and a prominent figure in India’s Science and Technology landscape.
Good Evening!
This is indeed a very special evening for me personally.
It’s an honor to have Prof. MM Sharma here, who has greatly influenced my life since I was 20—I’ll reveal my age; it’s been 44 years.
I first met Dr. Mashelkar in the 90s.
Both of these remarkable individuals have shaped my perspective and contributed to some of Reliance’s achievements.
So, I would like to begin by expressing my deep respect for Professor Sharma.
We are honored to have our dynamic Education Minister, Shri Chandrakant Patil ji, with us tonight.
Good evening to all distinguished guests, members of the scientific community, and my esteemed colleagues from various industries.
And most importantly… good evening to the wonderful Mashelkar family, including Smt. Vaishaliji, Shruti, Amey, and Sushil.
I join all of you in celebrating the extraordinary achievements of an Indian scientist.
Fifty-four honorary doctorates.
Yes — fifty-four.
While most individuals struggle to obtain one degree, Dr. Mashelkar has earned them as though collecting frequent-flyer miles!
Whenever I congratulated him on his honorary PhDs or his numerous awards, he would humbly respond, “Arre Mukesh, but the real work is yet to begin.” That encapsulates our collaboration over the last two to three decades.
Dr. Mashelkar is akin to a metaphorical rich tree weighed down by its abundance of fruit, always bent low.
He is the embodiment of humility.
Dear friends…
In Dr. Mashelkar’s life story, I perceive the journey of Modern India.
A young boy studying under Mumbai’s streetlights grows to illuminate the scientific imagination of a whole nation.
His childhood was enriched only by his mother Smt. Anjaniji’s love and his own unwavering determination and hard work.
He ascended from scarcity to global esteem.
In his writings and speeches, he often portrays Indian society as an iceberg, with most individuals living beneath the visible surface.
He states: “Our challenge as scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovators is to bring this iceberg above the surface so that all can attain the quality of life they deserve.”
This notion resonates with Prof. Sharma, Dr. Mashelkar, and my father.
My father Dhirubhai founded Reliance with the singular objective of ‘enhancing the quality of life for Indians’. India and Indians must progress, and that was the essence of Reliance’s mission.
And we witness that transformation in India today.
NEW INDIA is brimming with youthful dreamers.
Millions of dreams are being realized… in India itself
… not merely in foreign lands, as Prof. Sharma highlighted.
Of course, we have a long journey ahead.
But as Dr. Mashelkar insists, “Yeh MUMKIN hai.”
It’s POSSIBLE.
That has been the core of his life’s work…
In reshaping CSIR into a world-class scientific research ecosystem.
In defending India’s traditional wisdom in global patent disputes.
In guiding the government and enterprises on innovation.
And, most importantly for me, in positioning Reliance as a leader in science and deep technology.
I remember our mid-90s conversations when he engaged with us at that time from the Government of India’s Science & Technology sector. I still recall Ajay and Swati being present.
I called him “Doc” even then. I expressed that I wanted Reliance to evolve into a truly innovative company. We excel at project execution.
Prof. Sharma continually reminds me that while technology can be purchased, making your own technology is paramount.
Thus began our association. If we’re discussing vision, I have continuously validated and refined Reliance’s vision with Prof. Sharma, who has offered immense support without asking for anything in return. His only reward has been seeing smiles on our faces.
In collaboration with Dr. Mashelkar, he has been intricately involved in our journey over the last two decades.
I take great pride in stating that out of our 550,000 employees at Reliance, we have over 100,000 technical professionals. All of them are on the verge of becoming part of a deep innovation and deep tech-driven company.
That is the contribution of Dr. Mashelkar to Reliance. I told him I could spend three hours elucidating his influence on us.
I want to share with the audience the significance of the Reliance Innovation Council, which he initiated, bringing Nobel laureates and global thinkers to engage with our team on the meaning of local innovation.
This initiative started in 2000 and has evolved into a movement, comprising our culture today.
Dear friends…
Many years ago, he advised me: “Mukesh, Reliance must become a deep-tech company. But it should be distinct from those in advanced countries.”
The formula he proposed was “Extreme Affordability.”
He termed it ‘Gandhian Engineering’.
He articulated this in his latest book with his renowned mantra:
“MORE from LESS for MORE”.
Produce MORE utilizing cutting-edge technologies,
using LESS natural and financial resources,
to benefit MORE and MORE people—a philosophy he has practiced for the last 30 years.
I recall when India launched its space mission, he told me, “India sent a rocket to Mars for less than the cost of a Bollywood movie. This is what Indian corporates must achieve through self-reliant initiatives to offer high-quality products and services that improve the lives of ordinary Indians.”
I believe at Reliance we have embraced his vision, and we remain grateful to implement it beyond the realm of Chemical Engineering.
Jio is a prime example of this; there were skeptics surrounding Jio for many years. Today, it has, in my opinion, propelled India into the global digital forefront.
Thank you, Doc, for articulating the Jio narrative in your recent book.
Now…
One principle that Prof. Sharma, my father, and I firmly believed in is that if India relies on 80% energy imports, we can never attain prosperity. We must address these challenges.
And I can confidently say, Dr. Mashelkar once remarked that with time, he seems to gain energy. Whenever I propose an initiative, he responds, “From tomorrow, I’ll dedicate 24 hours to it.” We hold numerous conference calls to materialize these goals.
He established a new Energy Council a few years ago, and now I am confident that with the talent and work we’ve undertaken, we are on the cusp of transforming solar energy from a mere four-hour resource into a sustainable solution for the long-standing challenges India faces.
I will forever be grateful to you for laying the foundation; we will illustrate how to provide green and clean energy in abundance and affordably, with green fuels, not just for India but for much of the world. That would be the ultimate tribute we could pay to this path of ‘less for more.’
He has instilled in us the vision to see Reliance not merely as an industrial company.
But as a scientific enterprise.
My esteemed colleagues from the business sector,
I must highlight one more crucial lesson I gleaned from Doc.
He once shared, “Mukesh, technology without compassion is merely machinery.
Technology infused with compassion transforms into a social movement.”
I have given this significant thought.
The world is filled with intelligent individuals.
Now, we’ve entered a new age of Artificial Intelligence.
While we must excel in AI and aim for global leadership, we must prioritize EMPATHY and COMPASSION even more.
By merging intelligence with empathy, wealth with purpose, India can offer a new developmental model to the global community.
Dear friends…
Two additional virtues that we all—especially young Indians—should learn from this illustrious son of India are present in abundance in Dr. Mashelkar as he ages.
One is his PASSION.
Whenever he speaks to politicians, business leaders, or students, his passion radiates.
His other quality is his UNWAVERING and INSATIABLE QUEST FOR KNOWLEDGE.
He is a true Gyan Yogi.
A lifelong learner.
He generously shares his knowledge.
Constantly, he imparts his wisdom and vast experience to IITs, IIMs, IISERs, and even smaller local colleges.
This is driven by his desire to elevate India into a nation of world-class universities and research institutions.
Dear friends…
As we honor Dr. Mashelkar for his nearly unparalleled achievements, I wish to impart another important reflection.
He stands as the most recognized bridge between the scientific and business communities.
Yet, India requires more bridge-builders like him.
We need a far stronger integration of Indian enterprises with universities and research institutions.
This will enable India to establish itself as a deep-tech superpower.
An India where AI, quantum technology, synthetic biology, advanced materials, space technologies, healthcare innovations, and new agricultural methodologies are conceived through the collaborative efforts of our scientists and businesses, bolstered by the right governmental policies.
Dear Doc, I am convinced this has been your lifelong aspiration.
You have inspired millions of Indian minds through your words and actions.
Your life teaches every Indian child: “Your starting point is irrelevant. What matters is the size of your dreams, your dedication to hard work, and your heartfelt compassion.”
On behalf of Reliance… On behalf of this audience… And a grateful nation…
Thank you for inspiring India.
Thank you for motivating us.
And thank you for shaping a future where India will not merely join the world… but lead it.
Ladies and gentlemen…
Please join me in celebrating one of India’s greatest sons — Dr. Raghunath Anant Mashelkar.
Let us give him a standing ovation for his numerous accomplishments and for being a beacon of inspiration to millions of Indians.
Jai Hind!
Thank you.
