New York, May 1: India faces two major challenges educating and imparting training to young people to enable them to effectively participate in the fast growing economy of the country, Reliance Industries' chairman Mukesh Ambani has said.

After receiving award from the American India Federation (AIF) for his economic and philanthropic commitment to the country last night, Ambani called for encouragement to the organisation, which works to help young people achieve their dreams through projects that focus on education and developing skills.

This is important, he added, as millions would be joining the work force in years to come.

In this context, Ambani praised the work being done by the foundation which gives grants for education, livelihood and healthcare projects. "I want to congratulate the AIF leadership for what they have achieved on the ground in a short span of seven years."

The foundation honoured Ambani along with chairman of the General Electric (GE) Jiffrey Immelt at its annual dinner gala, where it raised a donation of about two million dollars.

About 900 corporate leaders, philanthropists and community leaders attended the dinner at which the foundation explained its programmes with the expectation that the presentation would impress the donors.

Immelt said by working with organisations like AIF, "We can ensure India retains and builds on its competitiveness in the global market place."

AIF had raised 11.5 million dollars last year and more than 10 million a year before. Last year, it had organised fund-raisers in six American cities and this year it plans to do so in eight cities.