A proud momma claims: ‘Like father, like sons’

“I am proud that Mukesh and Anil have continued to progress on the path charted by their father.” In the first-ever media interaction by Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani, the shadow in the India’s Uber industrial family who steadfastly avoided media glare in company of her husband and sons. However, this simple bahu from Jamnagar managed to hold on to her position as the second in command after her illustrious husband. She steered the mighty Ambani ship from turbulent waters thus averting major mishap.

“Both the brothers are proud of their father’s achievements as Dhirubhai reached great heights despite a very humble beginning,” said a proud mother with even greater pride in her eyes. Kokilaben was replying to a query on the reactions of her sons to the inauguration of the memorial. “Both of them are happy and therefore they are joining the family function. I am proud that both brothers have gone by the roadmap their father had planned,” she added.

Kokilaben was interacting with the media at Chorwad, the birthplace of Dhirubhai Ambani. She arrived at the coastal town to attend a family function organised to dedicate a memorial in the name of Dhirubhai. Kokilaben added that Mukesh and Anil will join her on Tuesday morning for the various religious functions planned for the ocassion.

Besides them, Ambani daughters - Deepti and Neena - are also expected to arrive on Tuesday morning.Meanwhile, Rameshbhai Oza, spiritual leader and founder of Sandipani Vidyaniketan who is close to the Ambani family, will inaugurate the memorial at Chorwad on Tuesday. "I am happy to be part of the function.

Dhirubhai was a great human being and the family's decision to dedicate a memorial at his birthplace is also a great occasion. I respect their feelings and will be with the family for two days," Oza said. Two religious ceremonies have been planned on the occasion. "The house warming ceremony of the memorial will be performed by 11 'rishikumars' from the Sandipani Vidyaniketan of Porbandar.

The Vidyaniketan runs a Rishikul, a system inspired by ancient rishis and based on the close relationship of guru-shishya. The students, also called rishikumars, will begin a three-hour-long vedic yagnya on Tuesday at the house where Dhirubhai spent his childhood," a source from the Vidyaniketan said.

"A special function has been arranged on Tuesday evening at Bhavani Ma Mandir (Goddess Chorwadi temple) at Chorwad," says a source familiar with the itinerary of the two-day event. The source further added that all family members will be present at the temple besides some 700 brahmins who have been specially invited for dinner. "The family has great faith in goddess Bhavani. Whenever they are at Chorwad they make sure to participate in the pujas here," source said.