In a recent interview with Haslinda Amin on Bloomberg TV’s Latitude, Nita Ambani shared her vision for the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) and how it is elevating India’s cultural heritage on the global stage. With over 2 million visitors in just two years, NMACC stands as a significant milestone in her mission to showcase the beauty, diversity, and richness of India’s traditions to the world.
“India has such a great history,” Nita Ambani said during the interview, reflecting on the cultural centre’s mission. “If we take that legacy and make sure that it’s nurtured and cherished so that it lives on for the generations to come, I think that would be our vision—to shine the spotlight on India.” This commitment to preserving and promoting India’s heritage is at the heart of the NMACC’s ethos, which blends both Indian and global artistic expressions.
When the cultural centre was conceived, Nita Ambani envisioned it as a space where the finest art from India and around the world would converge. “When we started the centre, we wished that the best of India and the best of the world will come here,” she shared. “You know, I get motivated and inspired every day when I speak to all the artists and the kind of stories they tell me.” Her deep involvement in the centre allows her to be inspired by the incredible artists and their passion for their craft, fueling her drive to share these experiences with the world.
Nita also recalled an eye-opening visit to Rajasthan as part of a Reliance Foundation initiative. There, she met a group of remarkable artists who had learned their craft from their ancestors
but were on the verge of abandoning it due to lack of livelihood. “I saw a group of fantastic artists who had learned this art from their fathers and forefathers and were forced to leave it due to no sustenance or livelihood in this field,” she said. This experience deepened her resolve to preserve and support such traditions and ensure they are sustained for future generations.
For Nita Ambani, the mission of NMACC extends beyond showcasing art—it’s about inclusivity. “Art is meant to be inclusive, it is meant to inspire everyone, and everyone has the ability to inspire from their own art and bring it to the world,” she emphasized, expressing her belief that art can unite people from all walks of life and foster a deeper understanding among diverse cultures.
The success of NMACC, with over 2 million visitors in its first two years, is a testament to the growing global recognition of India’s cultural heritage. “I have seen India in the 60s, in the 70s, and now in the 2000s,” Nita reflected. “As an Indian, I’m happy to be on this soil at this time, and I’m proud of my Indian roots.” Her pride in India’s craft and traditions shines through as she celebrates the hard work of artisans who contribute to the rich cultural fabric of the nation. “I love how much energy goes into making one piece of garment, and for each Indian saree I wear, I actually represent these Indian artisans who are working tirelessly to make that for us.”
Through the NMACC, Nita Ambani is not only preserving India’s cultural heritage but also helping position it as a vital part of the global conversation. By shining a light on the country’s artistic traditions, she is ensuring that India’s rich history continues to inspire and resonate worldwide for generations to come.
