Sunil Bharti Mittal awarded with honorary doctorate by University of Bath
Recognised for leadership in telecom, entrepreneurship, and social impact
Praised for philanthropy benefiting over 3.7 million children
Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, has been conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration by the prestigious University of Bath, UK. The honour was awarded during the university's summer graduation ceremony held at the historic Bath Abbey. It recognises Mittal's outstanding contributions to global business, entrepreneurship, and social impact.
Mittal, a key architect of India's telecom revolution, has transformed Bharti Airtel into a global telecom powerhouse. His leadership has extended beyond telecommunications, shaping sectors such as digital infrastructure, financial services, and space communication. The University cited his unwavering commitment to equity in education and development as a strong reason behind the recognition. HONOURED FOR LEADERSHIP AND SOCIAL IMPACT
Professor Phil Taylor, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bath, praised Mittal's trailblazing journey in enterprise and service. "Not only has he built a global business, but his philanthropic efforts have positively touched the lives of over 3.7 million children," said Professor Taylor. He added that Mittal's story sends a powerful message to graduates about leadership and the importance of giving back.
This recognition carries special meaning for Mittal, whose son and daughter are alumni of the University of Bath's School of Management and Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences. Reflecting on the honour, Mittal said, 'This moment is made even more meaningful by the deep personal connection my family shares with the university. Education, for me, has always been a force for transformation, uplifting communities and unlocking opportunity.' LEGACY OF ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENT
The honorary doctorate from Bath marks the ninth such distinction for Mittal, and the third from a UK institution. Previously, he received honorary doctorates from the University of Leeds (Doctor of Laws, 2009) and Newcastle University (Doctor of Civil Law, 2012).
Over the years, Mittal has worked closely with leading academic institutions in India and abroad, underscoring his belief in education as a cornerstone for equitable progress. He has served on the governing bodies of IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Lucknow, IIT Bombay, and currently chairs the Chancellor's Advisory Board at Plaksha University. He is also on the Governing Board of the Indian School of Business (ISB).
Internationally, his advisory roles span across elite institutions such as Harvard University, London Business School, University of Cambridge, LSE, and INSEAD. STRENGTHENING THE INDIA-UK EDUCATION AND INNOVATION TIES
This honour also highlights the deepening collaboration between India and the UK in the areas of enterprise, academia, and innovation. Bharti Enterprises reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing global partnerships built on trust, shared talent, and a drive to create meaningful impact.
The University of Bath, ranked amongst the UK's top ten universities and within the top 10% globally (QS 2026), lauded Mr. Mittal's role in shaping a purpose-driven global enterprise and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, has been conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration by the prestigious University of Bath, UK. The honour was awarded during the university's summer graduation ceremony held at the historic Bath Abbey. It recognises Mittal's outstanding contributions to global business, entrepreneurship, and social impact.
Mittal, a key architect of India's telecom revolution, has transformed Bharti Airtel into a global telecom powerhouse. His leadership has extended beyond telecommunications, shaping sectors such as digital infrastructure, financial services, and space communication. The University cited his unwavering commitment to equity in education and development as a strong reason behind the recognition. HONOURED FOR LEADERSHIP AND SOCIAL IMPACT
Professor Phil Taylor, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bath, praised Mittal's trailblazing journey in enterprise and service. "Not only has he built a global business, but his philanthropic efforts have positively touched the lives of over 3.7 million children," said Professor Taylor. He added that Mittal's story sends a powerful message to graduates about leadership and the importance of giving back.
This recognition carries special meaning for Mittal, whose son and daughter are alumni of the University of Bath's School of Management and Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences. Reflecting on the honour, Mittal said, 'This moment is made even more meaningful by the deep personal connection my family shares with the university. Education, for me, has always been a force for transformation, uplifting communities and unlocking opportunity.' LEGACY OF ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENT
The honorary doctorate from Bath marks the ninth such distinction for Mittal, and the third from a UK institution. Previously, he received honorary doctorates from the University of Leeds (Doctor of Laws, 2009) and Newcastle University (Doctor of Civil Law, 2012).
Over the years, Mittal has worked closely with leading academic institutions in India and abroad, underscoring his belief in education as a cornerstone for equitable progress. He has served on the governing bodies of IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Lucknow, IIT Bombay, and currently chairs the Chancellor's Advisory Board at Plaksha University. He is also on the Governing Board of the Indian School of Business (ISB).
Internationally, his advisory roles span across elite institutions such as Harvard University, London Business School, University of Cambridge, LSE, and INSEAD. STRENGTHENING THE INDIA-UK EDUCATION AND INNOVATION TIES
This honour also highlights the deepening collaboration between India and the UK in the areas of enterprise, academia, and innovation. Bharti Enterprises reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing global partnerships built on trust, shared talent, and a drive to create meaningful impact.
The University of Bath, ranked amongst the UK's top ten universities and within the top 10% globally (QS 2026), lauded Mr. Mittal's role in shaping a purpose-driven global enterprise and inspiring the next generation of leaders. Join our WhatsApp Channel
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