Business tycoon Mukesh Ambani and Philanthropist Nita Ambani’s youngest son Anant Ambani got hitched to his long-time sweetheart Radhika Merchant on July 12 in the presence of family and who’s who from different industries

As the auspicious wedding process commenced, mother Nita Ambani gave an emotional and heartfelt speech just before the ‘Kanyadaan’ ritual. She explained the broader significance of the ritual to all the guests from abroad as well as India.

Underscoring the significance of marriage and ‘Kanyadaan’, she highlighted the self-reforming nature of Hindu philosophy and said, “‘Saat janam ka saath’…. It’s a belief that souls are destined to find each other… ‘kanyadan’ commonly signifies the giving away of the bride by her parents.

But as a mother and mother-in-law by myself, I know no parents can give away their daughter. Daughters are lives’ biggest blessings and greatest joys.

They are manifestations of Goddess Laxmi…. A daughter is not a possession to be transferred; she is a blessing to be cherished and tressured…. Humari betiyaan ghar ko swarg bana deti hain…”