The new wealthiest man on Earth is Mukesh Ambani, the Indian industrialist and top shareholder in Reliance Industries, Petroleum, and Industrial Infrastructure. Thanks to a bull market in the Bombay Stock Exchange, his shares have soared to a net worth of $63.2 billion. Congratulations Mr. Ambani and India. This is just a glimpse of what is yet to come.
Not to take from Mr Ambani’s glory, but considering Mr Gates has given over $27 billion in charity during the course of his career (as of 2004), it doesn’t surprise me he is losing the number one slot. Which brings up a very good question, should the “richest” man rankings take into account philanthropic work?
http://www.businessweek.com/pdfs/2004/0448_philan.pdf