Former Mahindra MD Pawan Goenka Awarded Padma Shri

Dr. Pawan Goenka, former Managing Director of Mahindra & Mahindra, has been awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honour, in recognition of his significant contributions to the automotive industry. The announcement was made on the eve of the 76th Republic Day as part of the annual Padma Awards, which honour individuals for their distinguished achievements across various fields.

Dr. Goenka's association with Mahindra & Mahindra began in 1993 when he joined as General Manager of Research and Development. Over the years, he ascended to key leadership roles, including Chief Operating Officer of the automotive sector in 2003 and President of both the automotive and farm equipment sectors by 2010. Under his leadership, the company experienced substantial growth, with revenues increasing 25-fold and profits rising 55-fold over two decades. 

A strong proponent of electric mobility, Dr. Goenka has been instrumental in steering the Indian automotive industry towards innovation and sustainability. His tenure at Mahindra & Mahindra was marked by a focus on research and development, leading to the company's prominence in the SUV market and its position as the world's largest tractor manufacturer. 

In addition to his role at Mahindra & Mahindra, Dr. Goenka has served as the Chairman of the Board of Governors at IIT Madras and currently chairs the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), reflecting his diverse contributions to India's industrial and technological sectors.