Dhirubhai Ambani Posthumously Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award

The grand finale of the Amrit Mahotsav celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Shree Market Silk Merchants Association took place on April 14, 2025, at Garware Club House, Mumbai. The highlight of the event was the posthumous presentation of the "Lifetime Achievement Award" to Late Dhirubhai Ambani, founder of Reliance Group, by Maharashtra Cabinet Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha. A commemorative Textile Souvenir was also launched during the event.

In his address, Mangal Prabhat Lodha praised India’s rich textile legacy, referencing Dhaka’s legendary muslin. He acknowledged Dhirubhai Ambani’s pivotal role in expanding India's textile production capacity and described India’s current progress under PM Modi’s 'Make in India' initiative as the third significant phase of the industry’s evolution.

Padmabhushan Kundanbhai Vyas, Guest of Honour, remarked on Mumbai’s declining role in textile production, noting that cities like Surat and Ahmedabad have taken the lead. He emphasized the need to revitalize Mumbai’s textile hubs like Bhiwandi and Dombivli through modernization and improved connectivity.

Neeraj Mehta, the newly appointed President of the Association, highlighted emerging prospects in sustainable fashion, digitalization, global trade, and innovation. He emphasized expanding the legacy of 75 years beyond Maharashtra. He also shared that, with support from Reliance Foundation, the association's Education Fund has supported 650 students over the past four years, particularly children of staff, gumasta, and mathadi workers.

Narendra Mehta, former President, stressed the association’s significant role in arbitration, facilitated by legal expert Advocate Rakesh Jain, ensuring legal recognition of dispute resolutions.

Pankaj Sheth (Orbit Exports Ltd.), Guest of Honour and Sponsor, described the textile trade as a legacy journey, recognizing merchants as a vital link between weavers and consumers, much like the service industry.

Smt. Sushma Morthania, Founder and Director of India SME Forum, announced the development of 75 new industrial hubs, urging the textile industry to leverage these opportunities.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Jayantilal Jain, Honorary Secretary of the Association.