Indian billionaire Mukesh D Ambani recently outlined a vision of India’s future anchored in world-class education, frontier technologies and youth-led innovation, calling universities central to the country’s ambition to become a global science and technology leader.
Speaking at the 13th convocation ceremony of Pandit Deendayal Energy University (PDEU) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, Ambani said India stands at a decisive moment in its development journey, marked by strong economic growth, rising global confidence and an unprecedented opportunity for young people.
With the global economy growing at less than 2.5 percent, Ambani noted that India is expanding at close to 8 percent, driven by optimism and self-belief. “A decade ago, the world spoke about a Vibrant Gujarat. Today, it speaks about a Vibrant India,” he said, while cautioning that geopolitical uncertainties and technology competition pose serious challenges ahead.
Universities at the heart of India’s rise
Ambani emphasised that history shows nations become economic powers only when they are strong in science and technology, and that scientific leadership is built on the foundation of world-class universities. Citing the experiences of the US, Europe, Japan and China, he said India must now aim to do better by building institutions that combine academic excellence, innovation and rapid execution.
He underlined the relevance of this mission for PDEU, urging the university to emerge as a global leader in green energy, green materials and the green economy. “India must become self-reliant in critical technologies and industries. Universities have a central role to play in achieving that goal,” he said.
Technology race and India’s opportunity
Ambani pointed to intense global competition in areas such as artificial intelligence, new energy systems — including nuclear fusion — space technologies, biotechnology and life sciences. Success in these domains, he said, will define the next phase of global leadership.
Underlining confidence in India’s prospects, Ambani said the country has the talent, scale and ambition to lead this race, particularly with its young population. He described the energy of India’s youth as the most powerful resource for national transformation.
Education, innovation and execution
Highlighting PDEU’s progress, Ambani said the university’s consistent focus on innovation and research reflects the kind of institutional strength India needs. PDEU has been ranked among the top 50 institutions for innovation in the NIRF 2025 rankings, while its faculty feature among leading global scientists and its researchers have produced hundreds of publications and patents.
He attributed the university’s growth to strong leadership, clear vision and a culture that encourages bold ideas and swift implementation.
Ambani also highlighted the role of philanthropy in strengthening higher education, noting that Reliance Foundation has contributed Rs 150 crore to PDEU over the past decade to support its academic and research mission.
Message to students
Addressing graduating students, Ambani urged them to see themselves as torchbearers of India’s future and to approach their careers with confidence and purpose. He identified curiosity, courage, perseverance and gratitude as essential values for navigating a fast-changing, technology-driven world.
In an era of artificial intelligence, he said, the ability to ask the right questions would matter more than simply having answers. “The person with the best questions will be the leader,” he said.
The convocation concluded with Ambani expressing confidence that India’s next generation — supported by strong universities and cutting-edge research — will help the country advance economically, technologically and sustainably in the years ahead.
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