Sunil Bharti Mittal exemplifies the journey of a first-generation entrepreneur who transformed from a bicycle parts manufacturer to building one of India’s largest business conglomerates. His story represents the power of vision, innovation, and strategic thinking in modern business leadership.
Personal Information Tables
Personal Details
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Sunil Bharti Mittal |
Date of Birth | October 23, 1957 |
Birthplace | Ludhiana, Punjab |
Education | Bachelor of Arts and Science, Punjab University |
Net Worth | $30.7 billion (2024) |
Occupation | Chairman, Bharti Enterprises |
Known For | Founder of Bharti Airtel |
Family Information
Relation | Details |
---|---|
Father | Sat Paul Mittal (Former MP, Rajya Sabha) |
Spouse | Nyna Mittal |
Children | Eiesha Bharti Pasricha, Kavin Bharti Mittal, Shravin Bharti Mittal |
Timeline of Major Events
1976: Started first business at age 18 with Rs. 20,000
1980: Founded Bharti Overseas Trading Company
1984: Launched Bharti Telecom Limited
1992: Won mobile network license
1995: Launched mobile services in Delhi
2007: Awarded Padma Bhushan
2010: Acquired Zain Telecom’s African business
2024: Appointed Honorary Knight Commander (KBE)
Career Evolution
Early Ventures
- Started making bicycle crankshafts
- Imported generators from Japan
- Assembled push-button phones
- Established import-export business
Telecom Success
- Founded Bharti Airtel
- Expanded to 18 countries
- Built customer base of over 399 million
- Achieved revenues exceeding $18 billion (FY2023)
Legacy and Impact
Mittal has revolutionized Indian telecommunications through:
- Affordable mobile services
- Infrastructure development
- Industry advocacy
- Global expansion
- Digital transformation
Awards and Recognition
- Padma Bhushan (2007)
- Honorary Knight Commander KBE (2024)
- Business Leader of the Year (2022)
- Harvard Business School Alumni Achievement Award
- Multiple honorary doctorates
Recent Developments
- Co-Chairman of Eutelsat Group
- Leading global satellite communications
- Expanding into digital solutions
- Focusing on space communications