Chitkara University Bestows Honorary Degree on Madan Padaki for Entrepreneurship

Chitkara University honoured Madan Padaki, a distinguished entrepreneur and visionary leader, with the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Literature (Honoris Causa). This accolade recognises his profound impact on entrepreneurship and social innovation in India, particularly his dedication to uplifting rural communities and fostering mass entrepreneurship.

Madan Padaki’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2000 with the co-founding of MeritTrac, India’s pioneering skills assessment organization. Under his leadership, MeritTrac was recognised as one of the Top 10 Innovative Companies by Fast Company and was subsequently acquired by Manipal Education in 2011. Over the past two decades, the organisation has maintained its status as a leader in the field, successfully assessing the skills of over 50 million candidates and setting benchmarks in educational assessment.

To further bridge the digital divide in rural India, Madan established 1Bridge, an innovative assisted-commerce platform designed to provide essential digital financial services and aspirational products to underserved markets. With a presence in over 75 districts and a network of 20,000 village entrepreneurs, 1Bridge has revolutionised rural commerce and has garnered national accolades, including the National Start-up Awards 2021. His work gained significant visibility when Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted 1Bridge during his “Mann ki Baat” program in May 2022. The ambitious vision for 1Bridge aims to extend its reach across 350 districts, impacting the lives of 30 million households and nurturing 300,000 entrepreneurs over the next five years.

Madan’s commitment to social impact is evident in his role as the Managing Trustee of the Head Held High Foundation, where he empowers underprivileged youth, particularly young women, to gain the confidence and skills necessary to thrive in professional environments. He also co-founded the Global Alliance for Mass Entrepreneurship (GAME), an initiative focused on job creation through strategic collaboration among governmental and business sectors.

In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavours, Madan Padaki is a significant figure in the investment landscape as the director of Sylvant Advisors, where he focusses on supporting education-driven startups. His influence extends to his roles as a Board Member of YuWaah/UNICEF India and as President of TiE Bangalore. A prominent speaker at TEDx and the INK Conference, he has shared his insights on entrepreneurship at various esteemed forums, including the Champions of Change Conclave in 2017, where he was invited by Prime Minister Modi.

The Honorary Degree of Doctor of Literature (Honoris Causa) awarded to Madan Padaki by Chitkara University symbolises not only his remarkable contributions to the fields of entrepreneurship and rural empowerment but also his unwavering vision for a future of inclusive growth and shared prosperity. His legacy continues to inspire individuals and communities alike, illuminating the path toward a more equitable and sustainable world.