Nita M. Ambani Receives the KISS Humanitarian Award 2025
On March 18, 2026, Nita M. Ambani, the founder and chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, was honored with the prestigious KISS Humanitarian Award 2025. The award ceremony took place at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in Bhubaneswar, India. This recognition celebrates individuals who have profoundly impacted humanity through their philanthropy and social initiatives.
During the event, Nita Ambani received the award from Nobel Laureate Prof. Mohan Munasinghe, alongside Dr. Achyuta Samanta, the founder of KISS and KIIT, who also presided over the ceremony. The gathering attracted numerous esteemed officials, students, and community leaders, all of whom came to honor Ambani's contributions toward social betterment.
Ambani’s receipt of the KISS Humanitarian Award was largely attributed to her extensive humanitarian initiatives and the significant impact of the Reliance Foundation. Her organization has actively worked to promote education, health care, rural transformation, women's empowerment, and sports, especially in underserved communities. In her acceptance speech, Ambani expressed her admiration for Dr. Samanta’s creation of KISS and KIIT, stating that these institutions are a point of pride for the nation.
She conveyed her immense gratitude for being bestowed with such a notable award, asserting that it reflects the efforts of the entire Reliance Foundation team rather than just her individual contributions. Ambani poignantly addressed the audience of 40,000 students, emphasizing the core values of love and community that she has experienced at KISS, stating, "I will never forget the warmth and affection I have received here."
In her remarks, she also highlighted Odisha's rich cultural heritage, the profound connection the people have with nature, and the importance of equal opportunities for children. Ambani encouraged young individuals to dream big while underscoring the necessity of hard work and commitment to achieve those aspirations.
"It’s just the beginning, not your end goal. You must work diligently and remain dedicated to your paths," she said, motivating the students to stay true to righteousness and their values.
Further underscoring her belief in the potentials of young people, Ambani remarked, "I see the future of India in your hands, here at KISS. After witnessing the talent and spirit of these children, I am confident that India’s future is indeed bright."
The KISS Humanitarian Award was instituted in 2008 by Dr. Samanta, aimed at honoring distinguished individuals and organizations that embody the essence of humanitarian work globally. Recipients of the award receive a gold-plated trophy and a diploma, symbolizing their invaluable contributions.
In welcoming Ambani, Dr. Samanta stated, "Success is not merely achieving our own goals; true success is to illuminate the lives of others. Nita Ambani exemplifies this through her multifaceted social work and has garnered immense respect and love that is rare in today's materialistic world."
As Nita M. Ambani continues her tireless dedication to humanitarian efforts through the Reliance Foundation, her recognition with the KISS Humanitarian Award serves as a testament to the positive change individuals can bring to society through dedicated action and compassionate service.
This monumental event not only celebrates Ambani’s achievements but also inspires countless others to pursue impactful humanitarian endeavors.