Mukesh Ambani graduated from the institute in the 1970s when it was known as the University Department of Chemical Technology (UDCT). (Facebook/ICT)Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, has announced an unconditional grant of Rs 151 crore to his alma mater, the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai. The announcement was made during his visit to the institute for the launch event of a biography titled Divine Scientist, chronicling the life and work of his former mentor, Professor M.M. Sharma.Ambani, who graduated from the institute in the 1970s when it was known as the University Department of Chemical Technology (UDCT), paid tribute to Prof. Sharma. Recalling his first lecture, Ambani said it left a lasting impression on his academic and professional journey.He praised Prof. Sharma not only as an academic giant but also as a quiet architect of India’s economic liberalisation. “Like my father, Dhirubhai Ambani, he had a burning desire to transform Indian industry — from a system of scarcity to global leadership,” Ambani remarked. “These two visionaries believed that science, technology, and private enterprise could open the gates to national prosperity,” he added.Ambani described Sharma as a “Rashtra Guru – a Guru of Bharat,” and credited him for influencing policymakers to dismantle the license-permit raj, enabling Indian industries to scale up, reduce imports, and compete globally.The Rs 151 crore donation was made in honor of Prof. Sharma’s request. “When he tells us something, we just listen. We don’t think. He told me, ‘Mukesh, you have to do something big for ICT.’ This is my Guru Dakshina,” Ambani said.The contribution is expected to significantly strengthen ICT’s research infrastructure and global collaborations.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd