Nita Ambani, a trailblazer in the realm of philanthropy, has emerged as a prominent voice in India's quest for gender equality, advocating for parity in every facet of life, from corporate boardrooms to children's playgrounds.

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At the age of 59, Nita Ambani is more than just the spouse of Asia's wealthiest man, Mukesh Ambani. She is an influential personality who dons several hats, from philanthropy to sports and culture.

Her primary role lies as the Chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, a charitable organisation affiliated with one of India's largest conglomerates, Reliance Industries.

In a recent interview with CNBC on "The CNBC Conversation," Nita Ambani underscored the diverse initiatives undertaken by the Reliance Foundation, which span education, child welfare, women's empowerment, and gender equality. She passionately stated, "It’s time we treat our girls and boys equally, whether in boardrooms or on playgrounds," while noting that the welfare of women is a cause dear to her heart.

The Reliance Foundation, operating across "all states of India", has positively impacted the lives of an astonishing 70 million people, she informed. It concentrates on enhancing women's access to better healthcare, boosting digital literacy, and equipping them with skills to bolster their employability, she added.

Nita Ambani believes unequivocally that a nation's progress is contingent on the empowerment of its women, the well-being of its children, and the transformative power of sports. She affirmed, "These are the three pillars of a developed nation."

Notably, the foundation recently entered into a significant partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, ensuring that women engaged in both farm and non-farm jobs will receive a minimum annual salary of $1,200 for the next three years.

In 2021, she introduced "Her Circle," a digital app and social networking platform that serves as a space for discussions on diverse topics, ranging from lifestyle trends to women's health.

Moreover, the platform promotes diversity in terms of women's appearances and body sizes. Within just two years, Her Circle has garnered an impressive following of over 500,000 on Instagram and provides essential tools for women seeking counseling and financial guidance.

Ambani emphasised, "Empowering women has been a constant thread in my life," highlighting the critical need for such platforms, especially in a country expected to have the world's largest female population in the coming decade.

Beyond her work in women's empowerment, Nita Ambani is deeply involved in India's sports and cultural landscape. She co-owns the Mumbai Indians, a five-time champion in the Indian Premier League, and is the visionary behind the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre. Ambani believes in the significance of sports for both boys and girls as she asserts that children learn as much on the playground as they do in classrooms.

“I’m a big believer in sports for girls and boys, and I feel children learn equally in playgrounds, as they do in classrooms,” she said.

Reliance Industries, led by her husband, Mukesh Ambani, has consistently invested heavily in India's sports sector, making him the world's wealthiest sports team owner, with an estimated net worth of $90 billion.

Mukesh Ambani has ownership stakes in cricket teams in South Africa and the United Arab Emirates, having also previously acquired a franchise in the Women's Premier League.

Nita Ambani is the first Indian woman to be elected to the International Olympic Committee, a significant milestone in her association with sports.

“Sports transcends boundaries,” Ambani told CNBC.

Early in October, India declared its intention to bid for the hosting of the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed the nation's commitment to prepare comprehensively for the successful execution of this event.

“India will leave no stone unturned in the preparation for the successful organization of the Olympics in 2036 — this is the dream of the 140 crore (1.4 billion) Indians,” Modi said at the opening ceremony of the International Olympic Committee session in Mumbai.

When questioned about India's readiness to host the world's most significant sporting spectacle, Nita Ambani offered an unwavering endorsement, stating, “We are absolutely ready… I am strongly rooting for it.”

“It’s a win-win for both,” she added. “I hope in the near future, the youth of our country will be able to say proudly that we are hosting the Olympics in India.”

India is currently in the global spotlight as it hosts the Cricket World Cup, an event not held in the country for over a decade. With all 48 matches taking place in India, the nation is once again demonstrating its competence in organising major sporting events, reaffirming its rising stature in the world of sports.