The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), a leading independent body committed to deepening relations between India and the US, felicitated Nita Amban with the 2023 USISPF Global Leadership Award for Philanthropy and Corporate Social Responsibility. Nita Ambani, Founder and Chair of Reliance Foundation was presented the award by John Chambers, Chairman of USISPF, at a reception in New Delhi on Sunday, October 29 attended by USISPF Board Members, top Indian business leaders, and Government of India officials.
Speaking at the award event, Nita Ambani said, "Today, I accept this award with humility and gratitude, on behalf of my entire team. I represent the beating heart of Reliance, our beacon of hope and empowerment – Reliance Foundation, through which we have touched the lives of over 71 million people. At Reliance, doing good and giving back has always been a way of life. Long before CSR became a norm, Reliance has been fulfilling our CMR, our Corporate Moral Responsibility. It has now transformed into our philosophy of WE CARE. We care for the planet. We care for humanity. And we care for our nation."
Ambani commended USISPF for their work. "I also take this opportunity to convey my deep appreciation to USISPF and its leadership for being a strong bridge in deepening the natural bonds between India and the US. In just over six years, the Forum has strengthened people-to-people and business-to-business ties between India and US."
Nita Ambani is an acclaimed philanthropist and businesswoman whose leadership of the Foundation has impacted the lives of millions of Indians through education, arts, sports and healthcare. Her work in particular champions women's and children's causes, which are at the heart of national efforts to bridge the gender divide and maximise women's contributions to India's growing economy.
Nita Ambani's significant contribution to arts and culture was recently recognized when she became the first Indian to be elected as an Honorary Trustee on the Board of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. In the past year, the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) opened in Mumbai to widespread critical acclaim. NMACC has quickly become a buzzword for world-class performing and visual arts as well as an incubator for the finest Indian talent. Reliance Foundation's sporting initiatives have supported young athletes across India at the grassroots as well as to shine in the global arena, demonstrating the inspiring role that sports can play in nation-building.
As India's representative on the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Nita Ambani successfully led the Indian delegation that won the right to host the 141st IOC Session in India, after four decades, an event held successfully in Mumbai in October 2023. The occasion reignited Olympic fever as an Indian city seeks to win the right to host the Olympic Games in 2036. She is familiar with domestic sports in her role as the promoter and mentor of the Mumbai Indians franchise and has campaigned for cricket to be included in the Olympics, which will happen in the Los Angeles 2028 Games.
Commenting on Nita Ambani's award, USISPF Chairman John Chambers said, "One of the most important awards that an organization can give is for social responsibility and philanthropy. It’s so important for people who have been successful in life to give back and create platforms for others to succeed. One such person is Nita M. Ambani, who epitomizes this example of altruism and through her work in Reliance Foundation has been exemplary in the fields of arts, sports, culture, and education."
USISPF President and CEO, Dr Mukesh Aghi who commenced and later closed proceedings stated: “We are delighted to award Nita M. Ambani for her tireless efforts to enrich the lives of many Indians. Nita M. Ambani is someone who believes that the work is never done and that there is so much more left to accomplish. At a time of hard power globally, she has shown us the reach and impact of soft power, especially in preserving and promoting India’s rich tapestry of arts and showing us that sports is a vital tool in nation-building.”
USISPF was delighted to host panel discussions with eminent Olympians, Abhinav Bindra, India's first individual Gold Medalist, and ace shuttler, former world number 1, and Olympian Bronze medalist, Saina Nehwal, and eminent director, playwright, screenwriter Feroz Abbas Khan on telling an Indian story through cinema and plays.
About US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF)
The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) is committed to creating the most powerful partnership between the US and India. As the only independent not-for-profit institution dedicated to strengthening the US-India partnership in Washington DC, and in New Delhi, USISPF is the trusted partner for businesses, non-profit organisations, the diaspora, and the governments of India and the US.
About Reliance Foundation
Reliance Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Reliance Industries Limited, aims to play a catalytic role in addressing India’s development challenges through innovative and sustainable solutions. Led by Nita Ambani, Founder and Chairperson, Reliance Foundation is relentlessly working for the overall well-being and enhanced quality of life for all, focusing on rural transformation, education, health, sports for development, disaster management, women empowerment, urban renewal and arts, culture and heritage, and has touched the lives of over 71 million people across India, in over 54,800 villages and urban locations.
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