Celebrated academic and former Dean of Harvard Business School, Shri Nitin Nohria, has been awarded the Padma Shri 2025 in the category of Literature and Education, recognizing his pioneering contributions to global management education and ethical leadership.
Born in New Delhi in 1962, Nitin Nohria is an alumnus of IIT Bombay and earned his Ph.D. from MIT Sloan School of Management. He joined Harvard Business School (HBS) in 1988 and served as its 10th Dean from 2010 to 2020—becoming the first Indian-origin person to hold the position.
During his tenure, he:
- Promoted values-based leadership and ethical business practices
- Expanded HBS Online for global learners
- Strengthened HBS’s global footprint and interdisciplinary programs
- Championed diversity and inclusivity in management education
Shri Nohria has authored or co-authored over 16 books and 100+ scholarly articles in leadership, corporate transformation, and organizational behavior. His widely cited work has shaped business strategy and management teaching worldwide.
Even after stepping down as dean, Nohria continues to serve as:
- Executive Chairman at Thrive Capital (USA)
- Board Member at Tata Sons, Piramal Enterprises, and Rakuten Medical
- Advisor to academic, philanthropic, and innovation-driven ventures across India and the U.S.
His cross-cultural leadership has built lasting bridges between India’s academic values and global business excellence.
- Indian Excellence on the World Stage: Nohria’s Padma Shri celebrates Indian-origin scholars shaping global discourse.
- Ethical Education Advocate: His influence promotes responsible capitalism and human-centric leadership.
- Mentorship Legacy: Trained generations of business leaders, many of whom are now at the helm of top global organizations.
Receiving the honour, Shri Nitin Nohria said,
“This award is a tribute to the countless mentors, students, and institutions that shaped my journey. I hope it inspires more Indian minds to make a global impact.”
Shri Nitin Nohria’s Padma Shri stands as a testament to the power of education, ethics, and global citizenship — a recognition of how one individual can shape institutions, influence policy, and inspire minds across continents.
