In a gesture both deeply personal and historically significant, Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, has donated ₹151 crore to the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai—his alma mater—marking the largest philanthropic gift ever received by the institution.
Announced during the release of the biography Divine Scientist—a tribute to Professor M.M. Sharma, Ambani’s mentor at ICT—the donation was described by Ambani as a “Guru Dakshina,” the traditional Indian offering to a revered teacher. The endowment is intended to strengthen the institute’s infrastructure, research capacity, and student support systems.
A Lifelong Influence
Ambani, who studied chemical engineering at ICT (then known as the University Department of Chemical Technology or UDCT), recounted how Professor Sharma shaped his academic and professional trajectory. Speaking at the book launch, Ambani reflected on his decision to join ICT over the Indian Institutes of Technology, driven by his desire to study under Sharma’s guidance.
“It was a burning desire to learn from the best,” Ambani said. “Prof. Sharma wasn’t just an academician. He was a visionary, a builder of institutions, and a true Rashtra Guru—India’s teacher.”
A Gift Rooted in Gratitude
The ₹151 crore contribution comes at a time when ICT Mumbai is expanding its footprint in research and innovation. The funds, officials said, will be deployed across infrastructure projects, advanced research labs, and student welfare programs. The move is expected to enhance the global standing of the institution and attract greater investment in India’s higher education sector.
Ambani’s donation is not merely a tribute to a mentor, but also a call to elevate the role of academia in national development. “Institutions like ICT are not just campuses—they are crucibles where future scientists, engineers, and nation-builders are born,” he said.
Legacy of a Guru
Professor M.M. Sharma, now 85, is widely regarded as one of India’s foremost chemical engineers. An alumnus of the University of Cambridge and recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, Sharma led UDCT for over two decades and played a crucial role in transforming the institution into a global center for chemical science and technology.
“Prof. Sharma mentored generations of scientists, engineers, and policymakers,” said an ICT official. “This gift is as much about honoring one man as it is about investing in the future of Indian science.”