Dr Pawan Goenka, former Managing Director of Mahindra & Mahindra and current Chairman of INSPACe, has been awarded the prestigious Padma Shri on India’s 76th Republic Day.
Recognised for his exemplary contributions to India’s space sector and his role in advancing state-of-the-art automotive capabilities, Dr Goenka epitomises the spirit of innovation and dedication to India’s growth story.
The Padma Awards—one of India’s highest civilian honours—celebrate distinguished service across various fields, including science, engineering, trade, and public affairs. Dr Goenka’s recognition underlines his unwavering commitment to ‘Make in India,’ a philosophy he has championed throughout his illustrious career.
A Stellar Journey Of Excellence
Dr Goenka’s academic and professional journey is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence. With a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Kanpur, a Ph.D. from Cornell University, and an Advanced Management Program degree from Harvard Business School, his credentials speak volumes.
He began his career at General Motors R&D in Detroit, U.S.A., where he worked from 1979 to 1993. Subsequently, he joined Mahindra & Mahindra, where he rose to the position of Managing Director in 2016, contributing significantly to the company’s transformation into a global automotive powerhouse.
Even after retiring in 2021, Dr Goenka’s commitment to nation-building remained steadfast. He took up a pivotal role at the Department of Space, where he now oversees India’s evolving space sector as chairman of INSPACe.
A Legacy Of Leadership
Dr Goenka’s leadership extends beyond his corporate achievements. He has held key positions in prominent industry bodies, including the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), SAEINDIA, and the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI). As a mentor and visionary, he has inspired countless engineering students through his guidance of BAJA SAEINDIA, a flagship event for nurturing young talent in automotive design and innovation.
His contributions have been widely recognised with numerous accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA) in 2022 and the FISITA Medal of Honour in 2016, where he became the first Indian recipient.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Padma awardees, stating that their extraordinary achievements serve as inspiration for countless Indians. Union Minister Piyush Goyal also lauded Dr Goenka, highlighting his unwavering commitment to excellence and his potential to further India’s global standing in the space and automotive sectors.
Inspiring Words, Transformative Vision
I have had the privilege of listening to his speeches on numerous occasions, but the one that stands out most vividly for me is his address at the 64th Annual Session of the Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA). It was a powerful and inspiring call to action for India’s manufacturing sector
He envisioned India as a global automotive manufacturing leader, aligning with the government’s goal of achieving a $32 trillion GDP by 2047, in time for the country’s centenary of independence.
He outlined an ambitious yet attainable roadmap, emphasising that 25% of this GDP target could stem from manufacturing, with the automotive sector contributing 20%, equating to a staggering $1.6 trillion. “This is not just a dream but a realistic goal,” he stated, explaining that an 11% nominal growth in top-line revenue, driven by the power of compounding, could make it a reality.
Dr Goenka supported his vision with compelling data. Over the past 23 years, the Indian auto industry has achieved a remarkable 17% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). Continuing this trajectory could result in a $5.3 trillion turnover by 2047, well exceeding the $1.6 trillion contribution needed to meet India’s GDP aspirations.
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