‘Akash was arguing with the watchman and Mukesh saw him…': How Nita and Mukesh Ambani raised grounded children despite extreme wealth; expert on its impact

Indian Express

07-07-2025

Despite being part of one of Asia's wealthiest families, Nita and Mukesh Ambani have often emphasised the importance of raising their children with humility and middle-class values.
In a conversation with Simi Garewal on her chat show, Rendezvous with Simi Garewal, once, Nita recalled an incident that highlighted their commitment to this approach. 'Akash was arguing with the watchman, and Mukesh saw him shouting at him. Mukesh then scolded him for his bad behaviour with the watchman and asked him to say sorry to the security guard. Akash then sought an apology from the security guard at the behest of his father,' she shared, offering a rare glimpse into their parenting style rooted in respect and accountability.
Nita also revealed that she took intentional steps to keep her children grounded, away from the trappings of privilege. In an older interview with Hindustan Times, she spoke about making her children travel via public transportation. 'My parents used to stay at Santacruz, and I would take the kids to Churchgate and board a train from there. My mom comes from Ahmedabad, and she used to take them there in the Gujarat Mail train. So they have travelled by local transport, etc. I think it's important to keep the children grounded. Even now they clean their own rooms. I have kept them out of public life,' she said.
Sonal Khangarot, licensed rehabilitation counsellor and psychotherapist, The Answer Room, tells indianexpress.com, 'Children raised in privilege benefit greatly from engaging in everyday tasks like using public transport or doing household chores. These experiences build resilience, self-reliance, and problem-solving skills. They also foster empathy, reduce entitlement, and prepare children to face real-life challenges with confidence.'
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Psychologically, she notes that knowing they can handle basic tasks 'boosts their self-worth and independence. It also prevents functional helplessness and anxiety later in life.' Regardless of gender, wealth, or background, everyone should learn life skills. It teaches humility, encourages equality, and shapes a grounded, emotionally intelligent adult who respects all forms of work and walks of life.
When a parent publicly corrects a child, especially by forcing them to apologise to someone perceived as subordinate (like domestic help or service staff), Khangarot emphasises that it can evoke shame rather than empathy. 'Public correction activates social embarrassment and can lead to internalised self-criticism, damaging self-esteem. Psychologist Dr Brené Brown differentiates shame ('I am bad') from guilt ('I did something bad'); public correction often triggers shame.'
Instead of fostering accountability, it may lead to resentment or a performative sense of apology. Privately guiding the child helps build genuine empathy, respect for all individuals, and an internal moral compass, all while maintaining emotional safety.
In an age where excess often drowns empathy, children need conscious parenting more than ever. 'Teach them that worth isn't tied to wealth, and respect isn't selective. Let them participate in chores, face consequences, and witness you treating everyone with dignity. Encourage gratitude over greed, and feeling over flaunting. Emotional awareness and exposure to diverse realities build depth and compassion,' concludes the psychotherapist.