Sunil Bharti Mittal, born on October 23, 1957, in Ludhiana, Punjab, is a prominent Indian industrialist and philanthropist. He is the founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises, a conglomerate with diversified interests in telecom, insurance, real estate, education, malls, hospitality, agriculture, and food industries. The group’s flagship company, Bharti Airtel, stands as one of the world’s largest and India’s leading telecommunications firms, operating across 18 countries in Asia and Africa.
Early Life and Education
Mittal was born into a family with political ties; his father, Sat Paul Mittal, was a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha representing the Indian National Congress. He pursued his education at Wynberg Allen School in Mussoorie, Scindia School in Gwalior, and later graduated from Panjab University, Chandigarh, in 1976 with a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree.
Entrepreneurial Journey
In 1976, at the age of 18, Mittal embarked on his entrepreneurial path by establishing a small bicycle parts manufacturing business with a modest capital. By 1980, he had launched Bharti Overseas Trading Company, focusing on importing portable electric generators from Japan. However, a government ban on generator imports in 1983 prompted him to explore new ventures.
A visit to a trade fair in Taiwan in 1982 introduced Mittal to push-button phones, a novelty in India at the time. Recognizing the potential, he began assembling these phones in India in 1984 under Bharti Telecom Limited, in collaboration with Siemens AG of Germany. This venture expanded to include the manufacturing of fax machines, cordless phones, and other telecommunication equipment.
Formation of Bharti Airtel
The liberalization of India’s telecom sector in the early 1990s presented new opportunities. In 1992, Mittal secured one of the first licenses to operate cellular services in Delhi, marking the birth of Bharti Cellular Limited. Launching services under the brand name Airtel in 1995, the company rapidly expanded its footprint, becoming a major player in the Indian telecom industry.
Global Expansion and Diversification
Under Mittal’s leadership, Bharti Enterprises diversified beyond telecommunications. The group’s interests now encompass sectors such as financial services, retail, and food processing. Bharti Airtel, the flagship company, has extended its services to 18 countries across Asia and Africa, serving over 399 million customers.
Recent Developments
In August 2024, Mittal made headlines by acquiring a 24.5% stake in BT Group, the UK’s leading telecom operator, from Altice, becoming its largest shareholder. This strategic investment underscores Mittal’s vision to bridge the digital divide and expand Bharti’s global footprint.
Philanthropy and Personal Life
Beyond business, Mittal is actively involved in philanthropic activities, focusing on education and community development through the Bharti Foundation. He is married to Nyna Mittal, and they have three children: daughter Eisha and twin sons Kavin and Sharvin.
Sunil Bharti Mittal’s journey from a small entrepreneur to a global business magnate exemplifies vision, resilience, and a commitment to innovation.
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