Ambani joins ‘India Inspiring’ honours Dr Mashelkar:Praises his unmatched achievements, his lifelong contribution to science, innovation society

Mumbai witnessed a truly inspiring moment as Mukesh Ambani and other top Indian leaders attended the ‘India Inspiring’ programme, held to honour the legendary scientist Dr Raghunath Mashelkar for his record 54 honorary titles.
The event took place at Taj Hotel, Mumbai, organised under the leadership of Alok Ranjan Tiwari, Managing Director and CEO of Eternal Corporate Media. Designed as a tribute to Dr Mashelkar’s extraordinary career as a scientist, engineer, policymaker, and author, the ceremony drew luminaries from industry, science, education, and policy circles across the nation. Mukesh Ambani grace the occasion Mukesh Ambani, CMD of Reliance Industries Limited, attended as the distinguished guest, alongside eminent chemical engineer and Padma Vibhushan Professor M.M. Sharma. Maharashtra’s Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil graced the event as the chief guest. Learnt a lot from Mashelkar- Ambani
Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries Limited, said that he has learned a great deal from Dr Raghunath Mashelkar. He recalled first meeting him in the 1990s and noted that while earning a single degree can be challenging, Dr Mashelkar has effortlessly received 54 honorary titles. Ambani compared Mashelkar’s life to India’s development journey, saying that just as India has risen from struggles to shine on the global stage, Dr Mashelkar’s life stands as a symbol of inspiration. Honouring 54 Lifetime Achievements
Shailesh Haribhakti, in his welcome speech, highlighted that Dr Mashelkar’s 54 honorary degrees are not mere accolades but a recognition of global consciousness and India’s potential. He emphasised Mashelkar’s enduring question: “Why can’t India do it?”—a question the world has answered 54 times through his recognition. Kripashankar Tiwari praised Mashelkar’s contribution
Kripashankar Tiwari, chairman of Eternal Corporate Media, praised Mashelkar’s character and intellect through a verse, noting that even oceans of ink and forests of pens could not capture his achievements. Alok Ranjan Tiwari spoke on how Mashelkar’s life demonstrates that science is not confined to laboratories but serves society at large.
Wisdom shared by eminent leaders
Professor M.M. Sharma shared personal experiences of teaching Mashelkar, referring to him by his student name ‘Ramesh,’ highlighting his journey from modest beginnings to extraordinary heights. He also praised Ambani as an example of achieving more with less.
During the event, Dr Mashelkar and Sushil Borde launched their book ‘More From Less For More, alongside Professor Sharma’s Divya Scientist. A special coffee-table book capturing the most inspirational moments of Mashelkar’s life was also unveiled. Ambani reflects on learning from Mashelkar
RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani recalled meeting Mashelkar in the 1990s and said he learned immensely from him. He likened Mashelkar’s journey to India’s rise on the global stage, noting that while earning a single degree can be hard, Mashelkar earned 54 honorary degrees effortlessly through his dedication and innovation. Prestigious presence and closing tributes
The event was attended by leaders from Piramal Group, Bajaj, HDFC, UPL, Godrej, Marico, KPIT, MIT University, and Kinetic Green Energy, among others. Dr Mashelkar, visibly moved, credited his mother, mentors, and colleagues for his success. The closing session featured a poetic tribute by Nadir Godrej and acknowledgements from Sulajja Firodia Motwani, celebrating the inspiration he continues to provide to India and the world.