Now
that we have established a clear background and timeline for both the Tatas and
the Ambanis, let us consider which of these two pillars are richer.
In
terms of market capitalisation, Reliance Industries is in the region of Rs. 9
lakh crores. Out of this, Mukesh Ambani holds a 48% stake. On the other hand,
the Tata Group is a true giant. They have a foothold in almost every major
industry. 28 of the companies included in the Tata Group are listed on the
Indian stock exchanges. Their market capitalisation is over Rs. 11 lakh crore.
However, out of this, Ratan Tata’s personal stake is at less than 1%.
Thus
we see that the Tata Group is bigger than Reliance Industries. However, Mukesh
Ambani is richer than Ratan Tata.
In
order to understand why, I will reference a quote. “Ambanis are true
businessmen, however, Tatas are true industrialists”.
The
Tata Group is not like its other contemporary companies. Their primary
objective has always been the empowerment of the country. In fact, more than
66% of the company stake is held by the charitable organisations such as the
Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, Sir Ratan Tata Trust, Tata Education Trust and others.
If not for their philanthropic mindset, the Tatas could have become one of the
most powerful families in the world, let alone India.
The
Ambanis and Reliance Industries also have numerous charitable initiatives.
However, like most other industrialist families, they donate a slight fraction
of their wealth as opposed to the majority of it. In 2018, Mukesh Ambani
donated a total amount of Rs. 402 crores, which amounts to 0.1% of his total
net worth.
