The story of Pawan Goenka's life mirrors that of India's ascent—humble beginnings, bold bets, and a mission to make Indian industry shine on the world stage. Autocar Professional trace the remarkable rise of this automotive and space industry veteran.
13 Jun 2025 | 738 Views | By Prerna Lidhoo & Ketan Thakkar
In the village of Harpalpur, Madhya Pradesh, where kerosene lanterns lit the night and electricity was still a dream, Dr. Pawan Goenka's journey took root. Born into a humble family, he shared a single room with his parents and three brothers, far removed from the boardrooms of Mahindra & Mahindra ...
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In the village of Harpalpur, Madhya Pradesh, where kerosene lanterns lit the night and electricity was still a dream, Dr. Pawan Goenka's journey took root. Born into a humble family, he shared a single room with his parents and three brothers, far removed from the boardrooms of Mahindra & Mahindra or the strategic corridors of India's space sector.
Yet within this simplicity, nurtured by dedicated parents and later anchored by his wife Mamta's determination the foundations of resilience, curiosity, and humility were laid—qualities that would propel Goenka to become a leader in Indian industry and earn him the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honor, in 2025.
Goenka's story is more than a personal achievement— it's a tribute to collective effort. His wife, Mamta, served as his anchor, standing by him through life's many challenges, including her three battles with breast cancer. Alongside her, mentors, colleagues, teachers, and many others helped amplify his impact. From a Hindi-medium student struggling with English to a leader reshaping India's automotive and space sectors, Goenka's journey reflects a nation's rise to global prominence.
His gratitude was evident at his Padma Shri celebration in Mumbai, especially for Mamta, whose consistent support made it all possible. Puneet Goenka, who hosted the Padma Shri celebration for his father, delivered a personal tribute highlighting Dr. Pawan Goenka's professional legacy and the quiet strength of their family life. Reflecting on his upbringing, Puneet spoke of parents who kept their struggles hidden and placed their children at the center of their lives.
"There was a complete separation between a parent's work and home life," he noted. It wasn't until much later, when he saw his father honored nationally, that he fully realized the scale of his journey. "I guess you sort of are a big deal," he whispered warmly. Puneet highlighted the role played by his mother, Mamta, calling her the foundation of his father's achievements. He shared tender memories—like his father making time to tutor him in calculus over Skype during his Harvard AMP Program, or his mother's attention to small details that still ground him.
"It still makes me happy to depend on them," he said with a smile. Through personal hardships and professional milestones, they never let the burden show. "They never let it be known," he added, visibly moved. The event brought together over 500 guests—family, friends, former colleagues, ISRO and Mahindra team members, dignitaries, and industry leaders—underscoring the wide-reaching impact of Dr. Goenka's life and work.
Rajesh Jejurikar, Executive Director and CEO of Mahindra & Mahindra's Auto and Farm Business, delivered a tribute, lauding Goenka's important role in Mahindra's success, his continuous reinvention, and his passions for Bollywood, bridge, and cricket—affectionately dubbed his "BBC"—which humanized the leader behind the legend. The Padma Shri honors not just Goenka but the entire ecosystem, with Mamta at its heart, that propelled him to illuminate India's future.
Lanterns to Legacy
Pawan Goenka's earliest memories are of Harpalpur in Madhya Pradesh, where life revolved around smoky kerosene lanterns, with no telephones or fans to ease the sweltering summers. "I saw a light bulb at six," he recalled during his Padma Shri celebration, a moment that sparked his aspirations, symbolizing a world beyond the confines of his village. His early education unfolded in a gurukul-style classroom, where students sat cross-legged on the floor under teachers who blended discipline with inspiration.
His parents were his first heroes. With no formal education yet possessing wisdom, his mother stretched financial resources with grace. "She never let us feel deprived," Goenka shared, her lessons of frugality shaping his worldview. His father, a simple yet determined man, prioritized education above all, ensuring his four sons' dreams could transcend their modest circumstances. At seven, he relocated to Kolkata, where Goenka faced a significant challenge at Shree Jain Vidyalaya, a Hindi-medium school. "I didn't know ABCD in third grade," he admitted, the linguistic barrier testing his resolve.
The school's dedicated teachers— Pandeyji, Choubeji, Mishraji, Pathakji, and Ojhaji—grounded him in physics, chemistry, and math, their subsidized Rs 10 tuition easing the family's financial burden. "They were the best teachers anyone could have had," he told the crowd, his gratitude evident. Mamta, whom he met later, would often hear these stories, her resilience mirroring his early mentors' determination. "She understood sacrifice from the start," Goenka reflected, crediting her empathy to their shared modest roots.
Goenka's academic determination was tested during the IIT JEE, an English-only exam that posed a major hurdle. "I still vividly remember a physics question that confused me," he recalled—until a peer's diagram in the exam hall offered unexpected clarity, highlighting the role of chance in his journey. Though English dragged his rank down to 900, he did manage to secure the last seat at IIT Kanpur. The early days at IIT were tough.
"I was in tears, ready to go home," he admitted, but his father's insistence kept him going. Years later, he learned that his rank would have been 50 without the English score—a revelation that contributed to English being removed from JEE rankings. Graduating at the top of his class—a feat he believes may be rare—Goenka credits his success to a simple principle: "Hard work can overcome any limitations." Mamta would later embody that belief, her steadfast faith in him becoming a guiding force through every challenge.
The American Dream and a Call to Return
At Cornell University, Goenka experienced a series of firsts—his first flight, a near-mugging in Times Square, and a shoplifting scare due to supermarket confusion. "I learned cooking alongside finite element analysis," he joked at the Padma Shri event, drawing laughs. But years later, after a few mishaps in "Mamta's kitchen," he was politely banned from entering it. Meeting Mamta during this time was transformative. "She was my anchor in a foreign land," he shared, her presence easing the loneliness of graduate life.
"But her real strength was holding us together," he added, a sentiment that touched many. Goenka's technical skills stood out at General Motors in Detroit, even as language posed a challenge. A department head's belief secured him the job, and 13 weeks with a personal tutor reshaped his English fluency. "An incredible opportunity to learn in my mid-20s," he recalled, crediting Mamta's constant encouragement.
After 18 years in the U.S., with their daughter settled, a 1992 ad by the Anand Group calling for professionals to help build India's future changed everything. Mamta didn't hesitate. "If you believe in it, we go," she said. They left a six-figure salary for a rupee-denominated one—a leap driven by her courage and their shared values. "She understood sacrifice from the start," Goenka reflected, a testament to their humble roots.
The Scorpio Revolution
Goenka recalls the turning point in his career—an interview with Anand Mahindra, who offered him the chance to build an R&D division capable of delivering world-class products. For an automotive engineer, it was a significant challenge, with the potential to reshape both Mahindra and the broader Indian auto industry. Early in the role, a line in Auto India by Hormazd Sorabjee—now Editor of Autocar India—struck him: "Mahindra did not have the R&D muscle to take on Tatas." That critique, he told the audience, became his mission.
Two decades later, the journey came full circle when Ratan Tata, at a 2012 Tata Motors AGM, acknowledged Mahindra's progress: "I have great respect for what Mahindra and Mahindra have been able to do." For Goenka, it felt like a "lifetime achievement award" coming from someone he deeply admired.
When Goenka joined Mahindra in October 1993 as General Manager of R&D, he was met with just 50 team members. "I asked, 'Where's the rest?' They said, 'This is it,'" he recalled, momentarily questioning his move from a successful career in Detroit to a modest setup in Nashik. But Anand Mahindra's bold promise changed his mind: "I'll give you a blank cheque for R&D—build globally competitive products in five years." That vision sparked his determination.
Goenka's first major challenge was leading the development of the Scorpio—a then-risky Rs 600-crore project. Skeptics on the board even tried to sell it midway. "They couldn't find a buyer. Nobody believed Indian R&D could pull it off," he recalled. "That was our luck." The Scorpio wasn't perfect when it launched in 2002, but it captured the nation's imagination. "Customers gave us time to fix its flaws. Their pride in an Indian product made all the difference."
He credits the success to Mahindra's ecosystem— suppliers, consumers, and channel partners who believed in Indian engineering. "The Scorpio didn't just start Mahindra's journey—it started the industry's belief in itself." Jejurikar said, "Pawan has been important in Mahindra's history." From a small product development center, Goenka built a global operation.
"All our success today rests on the foundations he built." Jejurikar praised Goenka's clarity: "No one explains complex issues simply unless they truly understand them." Under Goenka's leadership, the Scorpio became a launchpad for future Mahindra leaders like Jejurikar, Veejay Nakra, Velusamy R, and Hemant Sikka. His 2003 Harvard AMP, backed by Anand Mahindra, paved the way for his rise to Managing Director in 2016.
By 2010, he was already steering both auto and farm businesses, positioning Mahindra as a serious global mobility and engineering force. Behind the scenes, Mamta Goenka was his steadfast anchor. In 1997, when Goenka considered returning to GM for their children's future, Mamta's clarity changed everything. "She listened, then said, 'We're building something bigger here,'" he recalled.
While Anand Mahindra offered logistical support—even a helicopter commute to Nashik—Mamta's conviction kept them in India. "Without her, I'd have left," Goenka admitted. Rajesh Jejurikar echoed this, describing Goenka's commitment to Mahindra as more family than job.
During his tenure, Goenka championed bold bets on EVs, global acquisitions, and local innovation, laying the foundation for Mahindra's leadership in SUVs, safety, and electrification. His legacy endures through strong fundamentals: the Chakan plant, Mahindra Research Valley, and a robust leadership pipeline. "We never needed emergency hires," he said with pride, pointing to the company's steady talent development. Despite higher costs, Goenka's commitment to local sourcing helped nurture a new generation of Indian suppliers.
At the Padma Shri event, he also recalled the key enablers of the Chakan plant from the Maharashtra government: Vinesh Jairath, Bhushan Gagarani, Rajiv Jalota, and Apurva Chandra. Not every bet paid off. The SsangYong acquisition brought valuable technology, but it never turned profitable.
"We were close to a turnaround, but COVID forced our exit," Goenka recalled. The 2017 Ford JV, aimed at co-developing EVs and SUVs with Mahindra holding 51%, was also shelved in 2020 due to the pandemic. Other missteps, like the Marazzo's performance, offered key lessons from past tie-ups—with Ford in manufacturing, Renault in procurement, and Navistar in commercial vehicles. "We were doing too many things," he admitted.
Still, Goenka urges Mahindra to think bigger, especially in exports. "Our future lies in becoming a global brand. We should aim for 30% of sales from international markets," he said—a vision Jejurikar and his team are now pursuing through EVs, built on Goenka's legacy.
A Leap into Space
When Pawan Goenka stepped down from Mahindra in 2021, he envisioned a quieter life with family, travel, and bridge. But destiny had other plans. At 10 p.m. on August 27, 2021, the Department of Space called, asking him to chair IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre). "I had to Google IN-SPACe," he admitted. With no background in space, he hesitated—until his wife made it clear: "The Prime Minister has faith in you—how can you say no?" Her conviction saw the national impact before he did.
Earlier, Goenka had already stepped beyond automotive, contributing to the SCALE committee under Minister of Industry and Supply of India Piyush Goyal, which broadened his exposure to manufacturing and policy. "It was an eye-opener," he recalled. At IN-SPACe, Goenka became "employee number one," tasked with regulating and promoting India's private space sector. "We cannot behave like a bureaucracy. Space is a long game—it demands persistence and capital," he said.
Under the guidance of ISRO leaders like then-chairman Dr. S. Somanath and several central directors including the chairman Dr. Narayanan, Goenka learned what he called "the ABCD of space." Blending corporate expertise with government processes, he shaped IN-SPACe into a startupfriendly, single-window agency. "ISRO selfregulated. We brought in some corporate practices," he explained. He also laid out a bold roadmap to grow India's space economy from $8 billion in 2023 to $44 billion by 2033—a vision backed by senior government leadership.
"In just three and a half years, we've gone from a handful to 300 deep-tech startups," he said, crediting the strategic Shashank Mani, who is now an MP for helping shape the plan. Goenka also helped secure a Rs 1,000 crore VC fund to support startups across four pillars— capability, capital, collaboration, and customer demand. "Impossible is nothing," he said, echoing ISRO's spirit of resilience.
He challenged misconceptions about government systems and added, "From the outside, we only see what doesn't happen. From the inside, you see the effort that is put in to make it happen." He recalled the Prime Minister's motivational words from his private meeting: "Goenka ji, if you complete this task, the whole country will thank you." Rajesh Jejurikar called Goenka's transition "impressive," praising his ability to reinvent continually. "He keeps getting better with time," Jejurikar said, calling IN-SPACe not just Goenka's next act, but a model for India Inc.
Padma Shri Triumph
On January 25, 2025, Goenka received the call confirming his Padma Shri—a moment so surreal he "pinched himself." "I don't even know who nominated me—if you're here, raise your hand," he joked at the celebration. The flood of congratulatory messages overwhelmed both him and Mamta. "I didn't know I knew so many people," he smiled, as Mahindra colleagues even updated their email signatures in celebration. "A national award is from India itself," he said, his voice filled with pride. Mamta, deeply moved, read every message with tears in her eyes.
"That village boy still lives inside me," he told Autocar Professional, reflecting on his humble roots. "No one's fate is written at birth—success comes from the help you receive and your willingness to accept it." Though away in the U.S., Anand Mahindra sent a message, which Rajesh Jejurikar shared, emphasizing the company's collective pride.
Goenka also acknowledged the many who enabled his journey—teachers at Shree Jain Vidyalaya, media professionals like Roma and Varsha, and a dedicated team of executive assistants and administrators: Ketan, Prasad, Shipra, Subodh, Ashutosh, John, Lourna, and Dominica. "They helped me perform my task," he said. Mamta always reminded him to thank the unsung heroes—her empathy guiding his gratitude.
Learning and Humility
Goenka's success stems from an insatiable thirst for learning. "Every conversation teaches me," he said, embracing "I don't know," even as an IN-SPACe Chairman. His humility, rooted in his parents and deepened by Mamta, keeps him grounded. "She taught me to stay simple, no matter the awards," he noted, recalling his modest upbringing.
His wide-ranging contributions—chairing the SCALE committee under Piyush Goyal, shaping PLI schemes, serving on boards of Sun Pharma and Bosch, and leading IIT Madras's board—reflect his versatility. "He blocked 2–5 p.m. on Sundays for family," Jejurikar said, "but otherwise, he was Mahindra first." These passions, he added, kept Goenka connected to India's cultural roots.
Goenka doesn't believe in rigid work-life balance, preferring to respond to what life demands—something Mamta exemplified. Her resilience, through years of shared challenges, inspired his focus on family, bridge, and travel. "There aren't enough words for her," he said, visibly emotional. Recalling the Scorpio launch, he added, "The tears were not just of joy—they were guilt for not being there when she needed me."
Despite his achievements, Goenka regrets not building a broader social circle. "That's one thing I didn't do enough," he admitted. His guiding philosophy is clear: keep learning, stay humble, and avoid arrogance. "The day you become arrogant is the beginning of the end," he said. He now values stillness and reflection—a habit once seen as indulgent in his fast-paced corporate life. "Even though I don't do it often, sitting still and doing nothing has its own value," he reflected.
A Vision for Viksit Bharat
At the core of Pawan Goenka's journey lies one driving ambition: to see an Indian brand succeed globally. "Building an Indian brand which is respected globally is the biggest high. If I can witness that in my lifetime, I'll be very happy," he said with quiet conviction. Goenka believes India is at a pivotal economic moment. "We're growing at 6.5–7%—these are among the best times to create growth," he noted. But realizing the government's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision—a $30–35 trillion economy with $20,000 per capita income—requires bold reform.
"Manufacturing must rise to 25% of GDP from today's 15%. That means it needs to grow at 12% nominally while the economy grows at 9–9.5%," he explained. He sees untapped potential in exports. "Auto component exports are just 1.5% of the global market; for passenger vehicles, it's only 14%. Korea, Germany, and Japan are at 50%. With our quality and cost edge—why can't we?" he asked. Yet Goenka is candid about the challenges.
"Ease of doing business has improved, but we're far from the end goal," he said. R&D remains weak, and while quality is better, it still trails global standards. His strongest critique is about perception: "Too many believe Indian-made isn't good enough. That must change." To him, true leadership in manufacturing means owning innovation. "India can't be a manufacturing powerhouse without being a product nation. Otherwise, we're just a sweatshop. Real leadership requires Indian IP and innovation," he stressed.
He advocates for a unified national effort—government, industry, and individuals working together. Recalling the Scorpio, he said, "It had flaws, but customers backed it because it was Indian. That trust is our greatest asset." Goenka believes fostering pride in Indian-made products is key to becoming globally competitive. Pawan Goenka's Padma Shri is a tribute to a lifetime of building India's industrial and technological capabilities.
At Mahindra, he didn't just lead R&D—he transformed it. From a modest 50-member team, he built a globally competitive innovation engine, created the iconic Scorpio, and established the Mahindra Research Valley (MRV) and large manufacturing facilities like the Chakan plant. These became the bedrock of Mahindra's leadership in SUVs and its rise as a serious global player. In his second innings, Goenka is doing for space what he did for mobility.
As Chair of IN-SPACe, he's unlocking India's private space sector—enabling over 250 deep-tech startups, laying the path for a $44 billion space economy, and integrating private enterprise with ISRO's legacy. "It's a mission that's impressive," Jejurikar remarked. Union Minister Piyush Goyal, echoed this sentiment with an endorsement on LinkedIn: "Congratulations to IN-SPACe Chairman Pawan Goenka ji on being honoured with the Padma Shri for his significant contributions towards strengthening India's space sector and his work in developing state-of-the-art automotive capabilities.
I've had the privilege of many insightful discussions with him at DPIIT's SCALE Committee, where his vision has been critical in driving India's journey toward Aatmanirbharta. With his vast experience and commitment to excellence, I am confident he will continue to elevate India's global standing in the space domain and beyond." Goenka's journey is also marked by deep personal sacrifice. His wife, Mamta, gave up a settled life in the U.S. and stood by him through every leap of faith.
"She deserves this award as much as I do, if not more," he said. His humility was evident at the Padma Shri event as he thanked mentors, teachers, and personal staff. "Mamta reminds me everyone matters," he reflected. Goenka's story is one of determination, gratitude, and nation-building, from a kersosene-lit village in Harpalpur to steering India's industrial and space frontiers. The Padma Shri honors not just his achievements but also the values he and Mamta represent—resilience, humility, and a strong belief in India's potential.
A Legacy of Impact
At 70, Pawan Goenka embraces learning, balancing roles at IN-SPACe, the SCALE committee, Sun Pharma, and IIT Madras. His passions, "BBC" —keep him connected to India's spirit, while time with his grandchildren and travels with Mamta keep him grounded. "Do everything with 100% commitment," he advised, a principle that defines his life.
As India aims to become a $30 trillion economy by 2047, Goenka's push for local sourcing, R&D, and pride in Indian innovation illuminates the path forward. With Mamta's consistent support and the encouragement of colleagues across Mahindra, IN-SPACe, and beyond, Goenka's story is more than a personal achievement—it's an inspiration for every Indian aspiring to lead with integrity and vision.