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Time Business News
2 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
India on the World Stage: How the Ambani Wedding Embodied Bharat's Rising Influence
Family (L to R) Mr Akash Ambani, Mrs Shloka Ambani, Mr Anant Ambani, Mrs Radhika Ambani, Mr Mukesh Ambani, Mrs Nita Ambani, Mr Anand Piramal, Mrs Isha Ambani A year has passed since the wedding of Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani, an event that not only captured India's attention but resonated across the world. Their 2024 wedding was much more than a family celebration—it became a cultural phenomenon, uniting millions across continents as they witnessed the grandeur and spiritual depth of Indian traditions broadcast across mainstream and digital media. Hindu marriage is revered as a divine covenant—binding not only two individuals but entire families and communities in a sacred, lifelong partnership. Far beyond a legal arrangement, it is an act of dharma, an offering of responsibility toward personal, familial, and cosmic balance. While modern lifestyles often abbreviate traditional ceremonies, Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant consciously chose to follow every sacred rite with sincerity and reverence. Guided by the wisdom of elders and spiritual leaders, they began their life together rooted in the profound customs of their ancestors. Their commitment to preserving tradition resonated far and wide, inspiring audiences around the world. At a time when India is expanding its global influence in finance, technology, and diplomacy, this spiritually enriched ceremony further projected India's image as a land of timeless culture and wisdom. The guest list reflected India's growing prominence—drawing statesmen, business leaders, and cultural icons from around the world. This celebration became a showcase of India's ability to blend ancient tradition with modern leadership, affirming its place as a beacon of global soft power. Reliance Industries and the Ambani family's meticulous efforts to host such a global confluence underscored their dedication to forging meaningful international ties and nurturing India's image as a global leader. Dharmagurus attending the festivities included: Swami Sadananda Saraswati , Shankaracharya, Dwarka , Shankaracharya, Dwarka Swami Avimukteshwarand Saraswati , Shankaracharya, Joshimath , Shankaracharya, Joshimath Gaurang Das Prabhu , Divisional Director, ISKCON , Divisional Director, ISKCON Gaur Gopal Das , Monk, ISKCON , Monk, ISKCON Radhanath Swami , Member, Governing Body, ISKCON , Member, Governing Body, ISKCON Pujyashri Rameshbhai Oza Gautambhai Oza Pujyashri Devaprasad Maharaj Vijuben Rajani , Shree Anandabawa Seva Sanstha , Shree Anandabawa Seva Sanstha Shri Balak Yogeshwardas Ji Maharaj , Badrinath Dham , Badrinath Dham Pujyashri Chidanand Saraswati , Head, Parmarth Niketan Ashram , Head, Parmarth Niketan Ashram Shree Namramuni Maharaj , Jain Muni, Founder-Prasadham , Jain Muni, Founder-Prasadham Dhirendra Kumar Garg , Guru, Bageshwar Dham , Guru, Bageshwar Dham Baba Ramdev , Yoga Guru , Yoga Guru Swami Rambhadracharya Swami Kailashanand , Mahamandaleshwar, Niranjani Akhara , Mahamandaleshwar, Niranjani Akhara Avdeshanand Giri , Mahamandaleshwar, Juna Akhara , Mahamandaleshwar, Juna Akhara Shri Devkinandan Thakurji Maharaj , Vishwa Shanti Sewa Trust , Vishwa Shanti Sewa Trust Didi Maa Sadhvi Ritambhara Ji , Vatsalya Gram , Vatsalya Gram Swami Parmatmnaad ji , Founder, Param Shakti Peeth , Founder, Param Shakti Peeth Shri Vishal Rakesh ji Goswami, Head Priest, Shrinathji Temple In addition to numerous Indian politicians and ministers, the celebrations were graced by political luminaries from across the world, further highlighting India's growing international appeal. These included: John Kerry (American politician) (American politician) Tony Blair (Former Prime Minister, UK) (Former Prime Minister, UK) Boris Johnson (Former Prime Minister, UK) (Former Prime Minister, UK) Matteo Renzi (Former Prime Minister of Italy) (Former Prime Minister of Italy) Sebastian Kurz (Former Prime Minister of Austria) (Former Prime Minister of Austria) Stephen Harper , Former Prime Minister of Canada , Former Prime Minister of Canada Carl Bildt (Former Prime Minister of Sweden) (Former Prime Minister of Sweden) Mohamed Nasheed (Former President of Maldives) (Former President of Maldives) H. E. Samia Suluhu Hassan (President, Tanzania) A vast number of global business leaders also traveled to India for the wedding rituals, including: Amin Nasser (President & CEO, Aramco) (President & CEO, Aramco) H. E. Khaldoon Al Mubarak , CEO, Managing Director, Mubadala , CEO, Managing Director, Mubadala Murray Auchincloss (CEO, bp) (CEO, bp) Robert Dudley (Former CEO – bp, Board Member – Aramco) (Former CEO – bp, Board Member – Aramco) Mark Tucker (Group Chairman, HSBC Holdings Plc) (Group Chairman, HSBC Holdings Plc) Bernard Looney (Former CEO, bp) (Former CEO, bp) Shantanu Narayen (CEO, Adobe) (CEO, Adobe) Michael Grimes (Managing Director, Morgan Stanley) (Managing Director, Morgan Stanley) Igor Sechin , CEO, Rosneft , CEO, Rosneft Jay Lee , Executive Chairman, Samsung Electronics , Executive Chairman, Samsung Electronics Dilhan Pillay (CEO, Temasek Holdings) (CEO, Temasek Holdings) Emma Walmsley (CEO, GlaxoSmithKline) (CEO, GlaxoSmithKline) David Constable (CEO, Fluor Corporation) (CEO, Fluor Corporation) Jim Teague (CEO, Enterprise GP) (CEO, Enterprise GP) Gianni Infantino (IOC Member, President of FIFA) (IOC Member, President of FIFA) Juan Antonio Samaranch (Vice President, IOC) (Vice President, IOC) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Director-General, WTO) (Director-General, WTO) Kim Kardashian , Media personality, Socialite , Media personality, Socialite Khloe Kardashian , Media personality, Socialite , Media personality, Socialite Dinesh Paliwal (Partner, KKR) (Partner, KKR) Lim Chow Kiat , CEO, GIC , CEO, GIC Michael Klein , Managing Partner, M. Klein & Company , Managing Partner, M. Klein & Company Bader Mohammad Al-Saad (Director, KIA) (Director, KIA) Yoshihiro Hyakutome , Senior Managing Executive Officer, SMBC , Senior Managing Executive Officer, SMBC Khalil Mohammed Sharif Foulathi , Vice Chairman, ADIA , Vice Chairman, ADIA Peter Diamandis , Executive Chairman, Singularity University , Executive Chairman, Singularity University Jay Shetty (Podcaster, Author, Coach) (Podcaster, Author, Coach) Jeff Koons (Artist) (Artist) January Makamba (Foreign Affairs & East African Cooperation) (Foreign Affairs & East African Cooperation) James Taiclet (CEO, Lockheed Martin) (CEO, Lockheed Martin) Eric Cantor (Vice Chairman, Moelis & Company) (Vice Chairman, Moelis & Company) Enrique Lores (President & CEO, HP Inc.) (President & CEO, HP Inc.) Borje Ekholm (President & CEO, Ericsson) (President & CEO, Ericsson) William Lin (Executive Vice President, bp) (Executive Vice President, bp) Tommi Uitto, President, Nokia Mobile Networks Mrs & Mr Anant Ambani In the spirit of 'Manav Seva hi Madhav Seva' (Service to humanity is service to God), the Ambani family inaugurated their wedding festivities with a Samuhik Vivah—a mass wedding for 50 underprivileged couples at Reliance Corporate Park, Navi Mumbai. All family members personally blessed the newlyweds, with over 800 guests joining this humanitarian celebration. Further embracing the spirit of giving, a community kitchen (Bhandara) operated for three weeks, feeding over 1,000 people daily—ensuring the celebrations shared joy beyond social circles. The multi-day festivities honored a variety of spiritual and cultural traditions: Mosalu: A cherished Gujarati ritual where the groom's maternal family blesses the couple with gifts. A cherished Gujarati ritual where the groom's maternal family blesses the couple with gifts. Valley of Gods: Spiritual dance performances led by Nita Ambani at the Jamnagar temple complex, symbolizing maternal love and divine connection. Spiritual dance performances led by Nita Ambani at the Jamnagar temple complex, symbolizing maternal love and divine connection. Sangeet: A lively evening of music and dance, where Mukesh and Nita Ambani joyously participated alongside family and friends. A lively evening of music and dance, where Mukesh and Nita Ambani joyously participated alongside family and friends. Grah Shanti & Randal Maa Pooja: Prayers to Lord Ganesha and the Nava Grah to seek harmony, fortune, and remove obstacles. Prayers to Lord Ganesha and the Nava Grah to seek harmony, fortune, and remove obstacles. Peethi/Haldi: A joyous, traditional ceremony celebrating familial bonds and cultural continuity. A joyous, traditional ceremony celebrating familial bonds and cultural continuity. Bhajans & Shiv Shakti Puja: A solemn observance of divine energies, reflecting the balance of cosmic forces. A solemn observance of divine energies, reflecting the balance of cosmic forces. The Wedding: Performed according to sacred Vedic traditions, in the presence of elders, dharmagurus, and the holy fire. Performed according to sacred Vedic traditions, in the presence of elders, dharmagurus, and the holy fire. Receptions: Held over three days for global guests, extended family, and notably, a special celebration for the Ambani household staff, honoring their invaluable contributions. The wedding venue, inspired by 'An Ode to Banaras,' recreated the soul of the eternal city. Guests walked through immersive installations evoking the ghats, temples, and vibrant streets of Varanasi. This tribute celebrated the city's rich heritage of art, spirituality, and culinary traditions, bringing its timeless beauty to life at the Jio World Centre. The dress code, 'Resplendently Indian,' saw guests donning traditional Indian attire—showcasing the country's rich legacy of textiles, handcrafts, and couture. The vibrant colors, intricate weaves, and timeless silhouettes highlighted the artistry of India's leading designers and artisans. The wedding of Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani was far more than a personal milestone. It was a cultural landmark—an affirmation of India's enduring traditions, its spiritual leadership, and its rising influence on the global stage. One year later, the event stands as a testament to India's ability to harmoniously blend heritage with modernity, creating a global celebration that will be remembered for generations. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time Business News
2 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Cultural Diplomacy in Action: India's Grand Celebrations Capture Global Imagination
Family (L to R) Mr Akash Ambani, Mrs Shloka Ambani, Mr Anant Ambani, Mrs Radhika Ambani, Mr Mukesh Ambani, Mrs Nita Ambani, Mr Anand Piramal, Mrs Isha Ambani One year has elegantly slipped away since the matrimonial union of Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani resonated across continents, not merely as a nuptial festivity but as a resounding testament of India's cultural grandeur. Their 2024 alliance metamorphosed beyond societal spectacle—becoming an epochal cultural beacon that unfurled India's soft power onto the global stage. Millions, entranced by the sanctity of these rites, witnessed an anthology of heritage unfold, seamlessly broadcast across the arteries of traditional and digital media. In the corpus of Hindu dharma, marriage is consecrated not as a transitory social arrangement but as an immutable, celestial covenant. It symbolizes the harmonious fusion of two souls, their familial lineages, and broader communities, sanctified through a symphony of intricate rites. Its raison d'être transcends personal joy, embracing duties toward cosmic order (dharma) and societal equilibrium. Amidst the contemporary drift toward simplified ceremonies, the youthful Ambani couple elected to reverently adhere to time-honored Vedic customs. Their decision emanated from an abiding veneration for these sacred traditions and a profound yearning to initiate their matrimonial voyage amidst blessings bestowed by sages and elders. Their wedding broadcasted this spiritual fidelity worldwide, with global dignitaries privileged to witness India's timeless essence firsthand. In an era where India is assertively scripting its narrative across financial, technological, and geopolitical landscapes, this spiritually anchored and meticulously orchestrated wedding magnified India's visage as the metaphysical heartland of the world. The constellation of guests reflected India's magnetic pull on the global conscience, a reflection of its ascent as a powerhouse of thought, innovation, and influence. Reliance Industries and the Ambani dynasty, through this sublime gathering, illustrated their deliberate cultivation of transcultural alliances, fortifying India's emergence as a vanguard of global civilization. This wedding congregation eclipsed ordinary social gatherings—manifesting as perhaps the most profound assembly of Vedic spiritual dignitaries in recent memory. Dharmagurus attending the festivities included: Swami Sadananda Saraswati , Shankaracharya, Dwarka , Shankaracharya, Dwarka Swami Avimukteshwarand Saraswati , Shankaracharya, Joshimath , Shankaracharya, Joshimath Gaurang Das Prabhu , Divisional Director, ISKCON , Divisional Director, ISKCON Gaur Gopal Das , Monk, ISKCON , Monk, ISKCON Radhanath Swami , Member, Governing Body, ISKCON , Member, Governing Body, ISKCON Pujyashri Rameshbhai Oza Gautambhai Oza Pujyashri Devaprasad Maharaj Vijuben Rajani , Shree Anandabawa Seva Sanstha , Shree Anandabawa Seva Sanstha Shri Balak Yogeshwardas Ji Maharaj , Badrinath Dham , Badrinath Dham Pujyashri Chidanand Saraswati , Head, Parmarth Niketan Ashram , Head, Parmarth Niketan Ashram Shree Namramuni Maharaj , Jain Muni, Founder-Prasadham , Jain Muni, Founder-Prasadham Dhirendra Kumar Garg , Guru, Bageshwar Dham , Guru, Bageshwar Dham Baba Ramdev , Yoga Guru , Yoga Guru Swami Rambhadracharya Swami Kailashanand , Mahamandaleshwar, Niranjani Akhara , Mahamandaleshwar, Niranjani Akhara Avdeshanand Giri , Mahamandaleshwar, Juna Akhara , Mahamandaleshwar, Juna Akhara Shri Devkinandan Thakurji Maharaj , Vishwa Shanti Sewa Trust , Vishwa Shanti Sewa Trust Didi Maa Sadhvi Ritambhara Ji , Vatsalya Gram , Vatsalya Gram Swami Parmatmnaad ji , Founder, Param Shakti Peeth , Founder, Param Shakti Peeth Shri Vishal Rakesh ji Goswami, Head Priest, Shrinathji Temple In addition to numerous Indian politicians and ministers, the celebrations were graced by political luminaries from across the world, further highlighting India's growing international appeal. These included: John Kerry (American politician) (American politician) Tony Blair (Former Prime Minister, UK) (Former Prime Minister, UK) Boris Johnson (Former Prime Minister, UK) (Former Prime Minister, UK) Matteo Renzi (Former Prime Minister of Italy) (Former Prime Minister of Italy) Sebastian Kurz (Former Prime Minister of Austria) (Former Prime Minister of Austria) Stephen Harper , Former Prime Minister of Canada , Former Prime Minister of Canada Carl Bildt (Former Prime Minister of Sweden) (Former Prime Minister of Sweden) Mohamed Nasheed (Former President of Maldives) (Former President of Maldives) H. E. Samia Suluhu Hassan (President, Tanzania) A vast number of global business leaders also traveled to India for the wedding rituals, including: Amin Nasser (President & CEO, Aramco) (President & CEO, Aramco) H. E. Khaldoon Al Mubarak , CEO, Managing Director, Mubadala , CEO, Managing Director, Mubadala Murray Auchincloss (CEO, bp) (CEO, bp) Robert Dudley (Former CEO – bp, Board Member – Aramco) (Former CEO – bp, Board Member – Aramco) Mark Tucker (Group Chairman, HSBC Holdings Plc) (Group Chairman, HSBC Holdings Plc) Bernard Looney (Former CEO, bp) (Former CEO, bp) Shantanu Narayen (CEO, Adobe) (CEO, Adobe) Michael Grimes (Managing Director, Morgan Stanley) (Managing Director, Morgan Stanley) Igor Sechin , CEO, Rosneft , CEO, Rosneft Jay Lee , Executive Chairman, Samsung Electronics , Executive Chairman, Samsung Electronics Dilhan Pillay (CEO, Temasek Holdings) (CEO, Temasek Holdings) Emma Walmsley (CEO, GlaxoSmithKline) (CEO, GlaxoSmithKline) David Constable (CEO, Fluor Corporation) (CEO, Fluor Corporation) Jim Teague (CEO, Enterprise GP) (CEO, Enterprise GP) Gianni Infantino (IOC Member, President of FIFA) (IOC Member, President of FIFA) Juan Antonio Samaranch (Vice President, IOC) (Vice President, IOC) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Director-General, WTO) (Director-General, WTO) Kim Kardashian , Media personality, Socialite , Media personality, Socialite Khloe Kardashian , Media personality, Socialite , Media personality, Socialite Dinesh Paliwal (Partner, KKR) (Partner, KKR) Lim Chow Kiat , CEO, GIC , CEO, GIC Michael Klein , Managing Partner, M. Klein & Company , Managing Partner, M. Klein & Company Bader Mohammad Al-Saad (Director, KIA) (Director, KIA) Yoshihiro Hyakutome , Senior Managing Executive Officer, SMBC , Senior Managing Executive Officer, SMBC Khalil Mohammed Sharif Foulathi , Vice Chairman, ADIA , Vice Chairman, ADIA Peter Diamandis , Executive Chairman, Singularity University , Executive Chairman, Singularity University Jay Shetty (Podcaster, Author, Coach) (Podcaster, Author, Coach) Jeff Koons (Artist) (Artist) January Makamba (Foreign Affairs & East African Cooperation) (Foreign Affairs & East African Cooperation) James Taiclet (CEO, Lockheed Martin) (CEO, Lockheed Martin) Eric Cantor (Vice Chairman, Moelis & Company) (Vice Chairman, Moelis & Company) Enrique Lores (President & CEO, HP Inc.) (President & CEO, HP Inc.) Borje Ekholm (President & CEO, Ericsson) (President & CEO, Ericsson) William Lin (Executive Vice President, bp) (Executive Vice President, bp) Tommi Uitto, President, Nokia Mobile Networks Mrs & Mr Anant Ambani Echoing the maxim 'Manav seva hi Madhav seva' (Service to humanity is service to divinity), the Ambani family inaugurated their matrimonial rites with a Samuhik Vivah—a collective wedding ceremony for 50 underprivileged couples at Reliance Corporate Park. This gesture, attended by over 800 guests, symbolized compassion woven into festivity. Furthermore, the family orchestrated a communal Bhandara, serving nourishing meals to thousands over three continuous weeks—an embodiment of hospitality without bounds, where tradition met philanthropy at the intersection of joy. Their celebrations were interspersed with a myriad of culturally rich traditions: Mosalu Ceremony: A Gujarati rite where the maternal uncle lavishes the couple with the ceremonial Mameru gifts. A Gujarati rite where the maternal uncle lavishes the couple with the ceremonial Mameru gifts. Valley of Gods: Reverent dance offerings at the Jamnagar temple, led by Smt. Nita Ambani, reverberated with spiritual fervor and motherly devotion. Reverent dance offerings at the Jamnagar temple, led by Smt. Nita Ambani, reverberated with spiritual fervor and motherly devotion. Sangeet: A jubilant confluence of melody and dance, where kinfolk infused the air with laughter and rhythm, including heartfelt performances by Mukesh and Nita Ambani. A jubilant confluence of melody and dance, where kinfolk infused the air with laughter and rhythm, including heartfelt performances by Mukesh and Nita Ambani. Grah Shanti Pooja: An intricate invocation seeking planetary harmony and auspicious beginnings. An intricate invocation seeking planetary harmony and auspicious beginnings. Peethi/Haldi: A festive gathering where turmeric's golden hues bathed the couple in joy and blessings. A festive gathering where turmeric's golden hues bathed the couple in joy and blessings. Bhajans & Shiv Shakti Puja: Sacred chants and rituals invoking the cosmic energies of Shiva and Shakti, underscoring spiritual unity. Sacred chants and rituals invoking the cosmic energies of Shiva and Shakti, underscoring spiritual unity. The Wedding Ceremony: Culminating in the sacred saptapadi beside the agni (holy fire), under the solemn gaze of elders and dharmagurus. Culminating in the sacred saptapadi beside the agni (holy fire), under the solemn gaze of elders and dharmagurus. Receptions: Over three days, the celebrations embraced colleagues, extended family, and most touchingly, household staff from Antilia and beyond—honoring every contributor to the Ambani family's journey. The wedding's thematic décor, 'An Ode to Banaras,' transported guests to the mystical ghats of Kashi. Amidst the Concourse of Jio World Centre, the fragrances, flavors, and artistry of the eternal city mingled with grandeur, offering an immersive voyage through Banaras' sacred alleys and timeless spirit. In tandem, the dress code 'Resplendently Indian' enrobed every attendee in indigenous finery—a kaleidoscope of India's sartorial legacy. The convergence of textures, weaves, and embroidery celebrated the artisans whose deft hands sustain India's cultural mosaic. The union of Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani transcended mere matrimony; it was a narrative etched into India's cultural annals. A tableau of spirituality, human empathy, and global harmony, this wedding left an indelible mark upon the tapestry of India's modern identity—where heritage and progress waltz in sublime synchrony. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
