'Wedding of the century': What does Mukesh Ambani want to prove by such extravaganza?

By NS Venkataraman*

Mukesh Ambani, a renowned Indian industrialist who is said to be the richest person in India and one of the richest persons in the world, has just now conducted the wedding celebration of his son in Mumbai, with unheard level of lavishness in India.

It appears that a few million dollars of money must have been spent in conducting this wedding, which was attended by past Prime Ministers and Presidents from different countries, CEOs of several multinational organisations, popular film stars and sports persons and of course, lawyers, politicians and journalists.

It is further said that Mukesh Amabani sent separate aircrafts to different destinations to bring these so-called VIPs (very important persons), lodged them in leading hotels in lavish style. The event was widely publicized in print and visual media in India and a few other countries. Several media called this wedding as the wedding of the century, whatever it may mean.

There is no doubt that Mukesh Ambani has earned several millions of dollars of income by hard work, sustained and intelligent investment and promoted large scale projects in multiple fields with dynamic management practices. All credit can be given to him for such achievements.

But, is there not a sign of vulgarity and exhibition of enormous ego in conducting such lavish wedding celebrations? What does Mukesh Ambani want to prove by such extravaganza? In throwing away money by conducting such luxurious wedding celebration, is he not aware that many people may suspect his mental state and thought process, which does not certainly reflect any level of thinking at a higher level?

India is a country with 1,400 million people, of which 15% of the population still live below poverty line and around 40% of the population are just above the border line of poverty level. Has Mukesh Ambani thought about these people in his “hour of glory”? By wasting his wealth in such luxurious wedding function, he has lost the opportunity to use this money for helping the cause of the poor and downtrodden, who constitute lakhs of people in India.

In throwing away money by conducting luxurious wedding celebration, isn't he aware, many people may suspect his mental state?

By spending for the benefit of poor people, while celebrating the marriage in simple style, instead of throwing money in wasteful wedding exercise, Mukesh Ambani and the young couple would have received the blessings of millions of people, which will stand him and his family in good stead in future. Such blessing are far more significant and important than the praise and admiration that Mukesh Ambani received from his rich guests.

Just like days follow night, the wedding celebration of three days would also go away, leaving only bitter thoughts and frustration in the mind of the poor people in India, who would inevitably ponder about the state of their life with the life style of the rich and affluent people. Such unacceptable exhibition of wealth would only create a sense of anger towards rich people amongst those who have to fight for square meal a day.

It is inevitable that in the mind of deprived of people and discerning observers, there would be development of feelings of contempt for Mukesh Ambani’s style and for the similar style of other rich people too.

Human life is essentially a time passing exercise and people with noble thoughts would not believe in such ego centric actions.

Money is noble when spent for good cause. Money becomes evil and even vulgar when thrown away for ego centric actions.

This above conclusion is not only applicable to Mukesh Ambani but to several other ego centric wealthy persons and families and politicians who could be gathering curses rather than blessings by celebrating lavish marriages which become an eyesore for the discerning people and those facing poverty conditions.

---

*Trustee, Nandini Voice For The Deprived, Chennai

Comments

Academics urge Azim Premji University to drop FIR against Student Reading Circle

By A Representative A group of academics and civil society members has issued an open letter to the leadership of Azim Premji University expressing concern over the filing of a police complaint that led to an FIR against a student-run reading circle following a recent incident of violence on campus. The signatories state that they hold the university in high regard for its commitment to constitutional values, critical inquiry and ethical public engagement, and argue that it is precisely because of this reputation that the present development is troubling.

'Policy long overdue': Coalition of 29 experts tells JP Nadda to act on SC warning label order

By A Representative In a significant development for public health, the Supreme Court of India has directed the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to seriously consider implementing mandatory front-of-pack warning labels on pre-packaged food products. The order, passed by a bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan on February 10, 2026, comes as the Court expressed dissatisfaction with the regulatory body's progress on the issue.

When tourism meets tribal law: The Vanajangi dispute in Andhra Pradesh

By Palla Trinadha Rao A writ petition presently before the High Court of Andhra Pradesh has brought into focus an increasingly important question in the governance of tribal regions: can eco-tourism projects in Scheduled Areas be implemented without the consent of the Gram Sabha? The case concerns the establishment of a Community Based Eco-Tourism centre at Vanajangi village in Paderu Mandal of Alluri Sitarama Raju District, a region located within the Scheduled Areas of Andhra Pradesh.

Was Netaji forced to alter face, die in obscurity in USSR in 1975? Was he so meek?

By Rajiv Shah This should sound almost hilarious. Not only did Subhas Chandra Bose not die in a plane crash in Taipei, nor was he the mysterious Gumnami Baba who reportedly passed away on 16 September 1985 in Ayodhya, but we are now told that he actually died in 1975—date unknown—“in oblivion” somewhere in the former Soviet Union. Which city? Moscow? No one seems to know.

UAPA action against Telangana activist: Criminalising legitimate democratic activity?

By A Representative The National Investigation Agency's Hyderabad branch has issued notices to more than ten individuals in Telangana in connection with FIR No. RC-04/2025. Those served include activists, former student leaders, civil rights advocates, poets, writers, retired schoolteachers, and local leaders associated with the Communist Party of India (CPI) and the Indian National Congress.

The ultimate all-time ODI XI: A personal selection of icons across eras

By Harsh Thakor* This is my all-time best XI chosen for ODI (One Day International) cricket: 1. Adam Gilchrist (W) – The absolute master blaster who could create the impact of exploding gunpowder with his electrifying strokeplay. No batsman was more intimidating in his era. Often his knocks decided the fate of games as though the result were premeditated. He escalated batting strike rates to surreal realms.

India’s green energy push faces talent crunch amidst record growth at 16% CAGR

By Jag Jivan* A new study by a top consulting firm has found that India’s cleantech sector is entering a decisive growth phase, with strong policy backing, record capacity additions and surging investor interest, but facing mounting pressure on talent supply and rising compensation costs .

Aligning too closely with U.S., allies, India’s silence on IRIS Dena raises troubling questions

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat* The reported sinking of the Iranian ship IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean near Sri Lanka raises troubling questions about international norms and the credibility of the so-called rule-based order. If indeed the vessel was attacked by the American Navy while returning from a joint exercise in Visakhapatnam, it would represent a serious breach of trust and a violation of the principles that govern such cooperative engagements. Warships participating in these exercises are generally not armed for combat; they are meant to symbolize solidarity and friendship. The incident, therefore, is not only shocking but also deeply ironic.

India’s foreign policy at crossroads: Cost of silence in the face of aggression

By Venkatesh Narayanan, Sandeep Pandey The widely anticipated yet unprovoked attack on Iran on March 1 by the United States and Israel has drawn sharp criticism from several quarters around the world. Reports indicate that the strikes have resulted in significant civilian casualties, including 165 elementary school girls, 20 female volleyball players, and many other civilians.

Search This Blog