Sunil Bharti Mittal is one of India’s most respected business leaders and a true example of how vision, hard work, and perseverance can turn small beginnings into a global success story. As the founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises, Sunil Mittal and his family have built a business empire that spans telecom, financial services, retail, education, and philanthropy.



From selling bicycle parts in his youth to leading one of the world’s largest telecom companies, Sunil Mittal’s journey is both inspiring and deeply human.

Early Life of Sunil Mittal

Sunil Mittal's Childhood: From a Bicycle-Selling Boy to the Founder of 'Bharti'!

Today we'll learn about Sunil Mittal, the founder of Bharti Airtel. But did you know that the man who brought the mobile revolution to India started his first business by selling bicycle parts? Let's delve into this fascinating story of his childhood!

First Stop: A Middle-Class Boy from Ludhiana (1957)


  • Sunil Mittal was born on October 23, 1957, in Ludhiana, Punjab.
  • Family: His father was a lawyer and politician, and his mother was a homemaker.
  • Key Fact: He was the eldest of three brothers (Sunil, Ravi, and Rajan) and grew up in a joint family.
  • Environment: The home was characterized by discipline and family values, but there was also plenty of freedom to play cricket and football!

School and College: An Average Student, but an Active Mind!

  • School: He studied at Central Model School in Ludhiana.
  • Interest in studies? Not much! He was more interested in sports and practical things.
  • College: He completed his B.Com from Punjab University, Chandigarh.

The Most Interesting Part: First Business at the Age of 18!

This is where the story gets most interesting:

During his college days, at the young age of 18, Sunil started his first business.

What did he sell? Bicycle parts! Just imagine – the man who today runs millions of mobile connections started with bicycles!

How much did he earn? This business wasn't very successful. But he learned valuable lessons:

1. Understanding the market is crucial. 

2. One shouldn't be afraid of failure. 

3. Every small experience is useful for the future.

Special Habits and Hobbies from Childhood:

1. Sports Lover: A huge fan of cricket and football. Sports instilled in him a sense of teamwork and competitiveness.

2. Passion for Self-Reliance: From a young age, he had a desire to earn his own money and create something. 3. Family Unity: Living in a joint family instilled habits of cooperation and teamwork.

4. Courage to Take Risks: Starting a business at the age of 18 was no small feat!

Key Lessons for Young People:

Sunil Mittal's childhood teaches us this:

Start small: It's possible to go from bicycle parts to a mobile empire!

Failure teaches: The first business failed, but the lessons learned paved the way for future success.

Sportsmanship matters: The team spirit learned through sports is valuable in business.

Family support provides strength: The support of his brothers is a major secret behind the success of Bharti Airtel.

Sunil Mittal's story tells us to "Dream big, start small, and never give up!" He rose from the streets of Ludhiana to bring about a mobile revolution across India. Who knows, your small beginning might also create great history tomorrow!

The Birth of Bharti Enterprises

In the late 1970s and 1980s, Sunil Mittal experimented with several businesses, including manufacturing push-button phones in India. This experience helped him understand technology and consumer needs.

The real turning point came in 1995, when Bharti won a telecom license in Delhi. This marked the birth of Bharti Airtel, which later became one of the largest telecom companies in India and the world.

Sunil Mittal’s vision was simple but powerful:
👉 Make communication affordable and accessible to every Indian.

Rise of Bharti Airtel

Under Sunil Mittal’s leadership, Bharti Airtel transformed India’s telecom industry. It introduced low-cost calling, expanded mobile networks to rural areas, and brought millions of Indians into the digital world.

Today, Airtel operates in multiple countries across Asia and Africa, serving hundreds of millions of customers. It stands as a symbol of India’s global business strength.

Sunil Mittal Family

Sunil Mittal’s success is strongly supported by his family, who are actively involved in business and philanthropy.

Nyna Devi Mittal (Wife)

Nyna Devi Mittal is a well-known philanthropist and education advocate. She plays a key role in charitable initiatives and social causes.

Eiesha Mittal (Daughter)

Eiesha Mittal is involved in philanthropy and social impact projects, particularly in education and healthcare.

Eiesha, Shravin & Kavin Mittal (Children)

  • Shravin Mittal and Kavin Mittal are actively involved in Bharti Group businesses, including telecom, technology, and digital investments.

  • The Mittal children represent the next generation of leadership, blending modern thinking with strong family values.

Philanthropy and Social Work

Sunil Mittal believes that wealth comes with responsibility. Through the Mittal Champions Trust and Bharti Foundation, the family supports:

  • Education for underprivileged children

  • Skill development programs

  • Healthcare initiatives

  • Women empowerment

The Bharti Foundation runs thousands of schools and educational programs across rural India.

Awards and Global Recognition

Sunil Mittal has received numerous national and international honors, including:

  • Padma Bhushan by the Government of India

  • Recognition by Forbes among the world’s top billionaires

  • Honorary knighthood for contributions to business and philanthropy

He is respected globally as a visionary entrepreneur and ethical leader

Net Worth of Sunil Mittal & Family

As per Forbes estimates, the net worth of Sunil Mittal & family is over $30 billion, making them one of the richest families in India. However, Sunil Mittal is known for his simple lifestyle and grounded personality despite immense success

Legacy and Inspiration

Sunil Mittal’s story is not just about money or business—it’s about belief, patience, and impact. From a small shop to a multinational empire, his journey inspires millions of young entrepreneurs across India and beyond.

Sunil Mittal & family continue to shape India’s future through innovation, leadership, and compassion.