Sunil Bharti Mittal, the chairman of Bharti Enterprises, has been named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2004. Mittal received the award from Infosys chief mentor N R Narayana Murthy and Paul Ostling, chief operating officer, Ernst & Young Global, at a function held in New Delhi.
"Mittal's entrepreneurial journey began in 1976 with a bicycle parts business in Punjab. When telecommunications were opened for private participation, he boldly bid for cellular licences in the metro markets. His successful entrepreneurial journey is an inspiration to a new generation of Indian entrepreneurs," an Ernst & Young release issued on Monday said.
Mittal will now represent India at the Ernst & Young World Entrepreneur of the Year Award ceremony in Monte Carlo, Monaco, in May 2005. This coveted award has in the past been bagged by Infosys Technologies chairman and chief mentor NR Narayana Murthy.
Mittal was among 20 businessmen shortlisted for the award. Among the finalists, he was chosen by a six-member jury chaired by Narayana Murthy.
Apart from Entrepreneur of the Year, Ernst & Young gave away awards in other categories as well. Bajaj Auto chairman Rahul Bajaj won the Lifetime Achievement Award.
ChrysCapital founder and senior managing director Ashish Dhawan got the Start-Up Entrepreneur of the Year Award. ONGC chairman and managing director Subir Raha was named the Manager Entrepreneur of the Year.
Habil F Khorakiwala of Wockhardt was named the winner in the healthcare and life sciences category, Kalanithi Maran of Sun TV in the information, communications and entertainment category, Ramdas M Pai of the Manipal Education and Medical Group in the services category and Narottam Sekhsaria of Gujarat Ambuja Cements in the manufacturing category.
The Entrepreneur of the Year programme was first established in the US in 1986 to recognise the achievements of individuals who head growing and dynamic businesses and are making a significant contribution to the economy.
Past winners of the award include Ratan Tata, Brij Mohan Lall, Mukesh Ambani and Narayana Murthy.
