Shaking hands with Mukesh Ambani

Its not everyday that you get to see Mukesh Ambani. The best way to meet and greet him is at the Reliance Industries Limited's (RIL) Annual General Meeting (AGM). Having attended lots of AGMs in Bangalore, this one was my first AGM at Mumbai.

Its an altogether different atmosphere. The company holds its AGM at Birla Matushree Sabhagraha at Vithaldas Thackersay Marg at Marine Lines. The hall holds around 1500 people (Its too small given RIL' s shareholder base of over 20 lakh shareholders). No cameras are allowed inside. Don't try to take pics, for you may be picked up by plain clothes policeman, says a heavily built man donning a RIL badge. Needless to say, there are around 200 people from RIL who cover every nook and corner of the auditorium and add to it the security personnel. I had to keep my bag with camera at a STD booth in front of the auditorium to enter inside.

The attendance is good and the hall is full, but its small when compared to my favourite Infosys' AGM. The first 2 rows are full of old RIL shareholders who stood by the founding chairmain Dhirubhai Ambani.

But its Mukesh's show all the way. He enters the auditorium with a Namaste to the first 2 rows, talking to few old and loyal shareholders. Then he starts his walk till the back of the auditorium with namaste and shaking hands with enthusiastic shareholders for whom its a once in a year (or should i say, once in a lifetime) opportunity. He thanks everyone for attending the meeting. When he comes near our row, the person next to me, tells him that we (thats me and another couple, Mr & Mrs Pai) are from Banglore. In his typical style, he shakes hand and thanks us for coming down.

The Q & A session is well controlled. Unlike Infy's AGM where anyone can go and raise questions, RIL shareholders have to pass on the slip to Company secretary who then calls the name who come and speak. It goes on for an hour. Though I couldn't stay on till the final proceedings, its was worth a visit (though, I wont say its worth visiting again)

So whats the feeling after the handshake with one of the world's richest man ??

Just hoping that Lady Luck rubs some of her charm she bestowed on Mukesh on me too..;-)