The Indian diaspora is doing wonderful things. From NASA to media to science and technology, they’re conquering the world: Reliance Foundation Founder Chairperson
Our Bureau
New Delhi
Reliance Foundation Founder Chairperson Nita Ambani has said that ‘Swadeshi’ should get global recognition and her foundation is working in that direction. She also said that she wants her legacy to be about creating institutions that make a difference, like Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), Dhirubhai Ambani International School, the Reliance Foundation hospital and Mumbai Indians.
“So I think that was where I thought ‘Swadeshi’ should get the global recognition that the artists so deserve. We are planning to take Swadesh globally. Also, we are setting up digital skilling platforms for these artisans to enable them for the sustenance and livelihood,” she said in a conversation with CNBC.
‘Swadeshi’ is a brand from Reliance Foundation that sells artisanal handicraft products. “So I think that was where I thought ‘Swadeshi’ should get the global recognition that the artists so deserve. We are planning to take Swadesh globally. Also, we are setting up digital skilling platforms for these artisans to enable them for the sustenance and livelihood,” she added.
Speaking about the Reliance Foundation, she said that it has reached out to 70 million people in India and it is present in all the states of India. “For me, I think a nation’s development depends on women’s empowerment, and the well-being of its children and transformation through sports. I think these three key to a developed nation. With the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, we are offering employment to 1 million women to ensure that they get income of Rs one lakh or more. So I think women’s empowerment is something very very dear to my heart,” she said.
On being asked about her experience at the White House state dinner that was hosted for Prime Minister Narendra Modi by US President Joe Biden this year, she applauded the progress of the Indian diaspora. “The excitement was palpable. The Indian diaspora – just like you – are doing such wonderful things. I mean, NASA to media to science and technology. They’re conquering the world. And you could see that, you could feel that in the room. I get goosebumps even thinking about it now. And so much enthusiasm in the diaspora around the world. They’re so proud to say we are Indians and that’s something that touches your heart,” Nita Ambani said.
Nita Ambani who is the CEO of Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) — a multi-disciplinary cultural centre — also recalled the first instance when she got the idea.
“Actually the seeds for the cultural centre probably were sown when I was a young girl. I was six when I started learning Bharatnatyam,” Nita Ambani said.
She added, “So I think NMACC is actually a dedication to all emerging artists. I visited Australia for the Cricket World Cup. And we as tourists went to see the Sydney Opera House and at that time, I thought, why can’t India have something like this of its own? So the idea really sparked off at that time in Australia. And it’s taken us now a decade to bring this to life”.
Nita Ambani, who is also a member of the Indian Olympic Committee further said that India is absolutely ready to host the 2036 Olympics. “We’re absolutely ready. Just like we would love to have the Olympics in India, the Olympics also cannot ignore the 1.4 billion people of India,” she added.
On being asked about her legacy, Nita Ambani said that she wants it to be of creating institutions where youth are nurtured and knowledge is imparted.
“What have enjoyed the most is setting up institutions that Dhirubhai Ambani International School, the Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai Indians, now NMACC. So, I think the legacy should be of creating institutions where we nurture our youths and we joyously impart knowledge, and we celebrate diversity and our roots and to leave the world as a better and a happier place,” Nita Ambani said.
