In the realm of entrepreneurship and philanthropy, one name that stands tall in India is Sanjeev Bikhchandani. As the founder and executive vice chairman of Info Edge, the parent company of Naukri.com, and the co-founder of Ashoka University, Bikhchandani has left an indelible mark on the landscape of Indian business and education. His relentless pursuit of innovation and commitment to social impact have earned him accolades and recognition, including the prestigious Padma Shri award in January 2020. Today, we delve into the extraordinary journey of this visionary leader and his unwavering dedication to empowering India.

Sanjeev Bikhchandani's story is one of resilience and perseverance. Born and raised in Delhi, he embarked on his entrepreneurial journey in the early 1990s when the internet was still in its infancy in India. Recognizing the vast potential of the digital landscape, Bikhchandani took a leap of faith and founded Info Edge, a company that would revolutionize the Indian job market. In 1997, Naukri.com was born, and it quickly became the go-to platform for job seekers and employers alike, transforming the way recruitment was conducted in India.

Under Bikhchandani's astute leadership, Naukri.com expanded its services beyond job listings and diversified into various other verticals, such as matrimonial, real estate, and education. Today, Info Edge is a behemoth in the Indian internet space, with multiple successful ventures under its umbrella, including 99acres.com, Jeevansathi.com, and Shiksha.com. Bikhchandani's entrepreneurial acumen and ability to spot untapped market opportunities have propelled Info Edge to the forefront of India's digital revolution.

However, Bikhchandani's contributions extend far beyond the corporate world. Recognizing the need for quality higher education in India, he co-founded Ashoka University in 2014. Located in Sonepat, Haryana, Ashoka University has quickly emerged as a pioneering institution, fostering a liberal arts education ecosystem in the country. Bikhchandani's vision was to create a world-class university that encourages critical thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and social impact. Today, Ashoka University stands as a testament to his commitment to nurturing intellectual growth and building a strong foundation for the next generation of leaders.

Bikhchandani's impact on Indian society goes beyond his business ventures and educational initiatives. He is known for his philanthropic endeavors, particularly in the areas of education and rural development. Through his philanthropic organization, Ashoka University Foundation, he supports initiatives that strive to bridge the educational divide and uplift underprivileged communities. Bikhchandani firmly believes that education is the key to empowerment and has dedicated himself to ensuring equal access to quality education for all.

In addition to his entrepreneurial and philanthropic pursuits, Bikhchandani has been actively involved in shaping India's startup ecosystem. As a mentor and advisor, he has played a crucial role in nurturing and guiding budding entrepreneurs, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience. Bikhchandani's invaluable contributions have not only paved the way for the success of countless startups but have also inspired a new generation of innovators and risk-takers.

The Padma Shri, awarded to Bikhchandani in 2020, is a testament to his exceptional achievements and unwavering dedication to the betterment of society. It recognizes his transformative impact on the Indian job market, his commitment to revolutionizing higher education, and his philanthropic efforts aimed at creating a more equitable society. Bikhchandani's accolades serve as an inspiration to aspiring