University of Bath Celebrates Sunil Bharti Mittal’s Contributions to Business and Education

Mittal Receives Ninth Honorary Doctorate, Strengthens India–UK Academic Ties

In a distinguished recognition of entrepreneurial excellence and philanthropic impact, the University of Bath in the United Kingdom has conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration upon Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises. The degree was awarded during the university’s summer graduation ceremony at Bath Abbey, in celebration of Mittal’s transformative contributions to global business, innovation, and social development.

Widely regarded as a pioneering figure in India’s telecom revolution, Mittal established Bharti Airtel, which has grown into one of the world’s largest telecommunications companies, operating across 18 countries. His leadership extends beyond telecom into digital infrastructure, financial services, and space communications, reflecting a diversified and forward-looking business vision. In parallel, Mittal’s philanthropic endeavours, particularly through the Bharti Foundation, have had a profound social impact, notably improving access to education and rural development. To date, these initiatives have positively influenced the lives of over 3.7 million children, underscoring his commitment to inclusive growth and social equity.

During the ceremony, Professor Phil Taylor, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bath, commended Mittal’s leadership and humanitarian efforts. He also welcomed Mittal into the university’s alumni community, noting the personal significance of the occasion, as both Mittal’s son and daughter are graduates of the institution. In his acceptance remarks, Sunil Bharti Mittal expressed heartfelt gratitude to the University of Bath, emphasising his belief in the transformative power of education and his dedication to strengthening India–UK collaboration in academia and industry. This honour marks his ninth honorary doctorate and his third from a UK university, following previous recognitions from the University of Leeds (2009) and Newcastle University (2012). The University of Bath, ranked among the UK’s top ten and within the top 10% globally (QS 2026), conferred the award as part of its commitment to celebrating global leadership.

Mittal’s influence in academic circles is equally notable. He has served on the governing body of London Business School, the Cambridge India Partnership Advisory Board, and continues to advise institutions such as the University of Cambridge and LSE. In India, he has held board positions at IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Lucknow, and IIT Bombay, and currently chairs the Chancellor’s Advisory Board at Plaksha University, while also serving on the governing board of the Indian School of Business.

Internationally, Mittal contributes to academic dialogue through his roles on the Board of Dean’s Advisors at Harvard Business School, the Advisory Board of CASI at the University of Pennsylvania, and the Global India Council at INSEAD. He is also a member of Harvard University’s Global Advisory Council, reinforcing his commitment to fostering global academic partnerships. An official statement from the University of Bath affirmed that the honour reflects the growing synergy between India and the UK in the realms of enterprise, innovation, and higher education.

Editor’s Note:

The University of Bath awarding an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration to Sunil Bharti Mittal is an important recognition of Indian leadership and innovation on the global stage. Mittal’s journey, from building Bharti Airtel into a leading telecom company to expanding into digital infrastructure and space communications, shows how vision and hard work can make a lasting difference across industries. His success goes beyond business and highlights how technology and enterprise can improve people’s lives. Mittal’s strong commitment to education and social development is also highly admirable. Through the Bharti Foundation, he has helped over 3.7 million children, especially in rural areas, gain access to quality education. This honour from a top UK university also helps strengthen academic ties between India and the UK, encouraging future partnerships in research, learning, and innovation.

Skoobuzz believes that Sunil Bharti Mittal’s recognition by the University of Bath is a powerful example of how visionary leadership and international cooperation can create a more inclusive and innovative world. It also inspires young professionals and students, showing that true success comes from combining business excellence with a strong sense of social responsibility.