Pratap Govindrao Pawar
Pratap Govindrao Pawar is an Indian industrialist and media executive who serves as chairman of Sakal Media Group, overseeing the operations of Sakal Papers Pvt. Ltd., publisher of the widely circulated Marathi-language daily Sakal.[1][2] With a background in engineering from Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Pawar has held directorships in prominent manufacturing firms, including Bharat Forge Ltd., Finolex Cables Ltd., and Force Motors Ltd.[2][3] In recognition of his contributions to trade and industry, the Government of India conferred upon him the Padma Shri civilian award in 2014.[4] Under Pawar's leadership, Sakal Media Group has expanded its influence in regional journalism, employing over 3,500 people and maintaining an extensive vendor network, while supporting initiatives in education and technology governance, such as his role as chairman of the Board of Governors for COEP Technological University.[1][5] His involvement extends to advisory positions, including nomination to the Press Council of India, reflecting a commitment to media standards and industrial development in Maharashtra.[5]Early Life and Education
Birth and Family Background
Pratap Govindrao Pawar was born in October 1944 in Maharashtra, India.[6] He was born into a large agrarian family as one of eleven children—seven sons and four daughters—of Govindrao Pawar and Shardabai Pawar.[7] Govindrao Pawar worked as a clerk in a cooperative bank and engaged in small-scale farming in rural Maharashtra, providing a modest upbringing in the Baramati region of Pune district.[8] Pawar is the younger brother of Sharad Pawar, the prominent Indian politician born in December 1940, who was the eighth child in the family. The siblings grew up in Katewadi village, Baramati taluka, where the family's roots were tied to local cooperative and farming activities that shaped their early exposure to rural economic challenges.[7]Academic Pursuits
Pratap Govindrao Pawar earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) in Pilani, Rajasthan.[2][3] This undergraduate qualification provided the technical foundation for his subsequent career in industry and media management.[9] No records indicate pursuit of postgraduate studies or additional academic credentials beyond this engineering degree.[2]Professional Career
Leadership at Sakal Media Group
Pratap Govindrao Pawar joined the board of Sakal, a leading Marathi-language newspaper founded in 1932, in 1985 following its acquisition by the Pawar family.[2][10] Under his directorship, Sakal expanded its presence across Maharashtra and Goa, transforming from a regional publication into a prominent media brand with diversified operations in print, digital platforms, event management, commercial printing, and a regional television channel.[10][1] Pawar assumed the roles of Mentor and Chairman of Sakal Media Group after his son, Abhijit Pawar, became Group Managing Director in 2004.[1] In this capacity, he has overseen the group's evolution into Maharashtra's largest independently owned media enterprise, employing over 3,500 people and maintaining a vendor network exceeding 25,000.[1] Key initiatives under his leadership include the Pune Bus Day campaign, which engaged 7 million citizens in promoting public transport; the Tanishka Foundation for women's empowerment; and the Young Inspirators Network (YIN), aimed at fostering youth-led social and economic change.[1] Pawar's prominence in the media sector is evidenced by his election as Chairman of the Media Research Users Council (MRUC) in September 2019 and unanimous election as Chairman of the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) for 2022–2023, roles held as Chairman of Sakal Media Private Ltd.[11][12][13] These positions underscore his influence in standardizing circulation audits and media research practices in India.[14]Directorships in Key Industries
Pratap Govindrao Pawar has held several directorships in manufacturing, automotive, and engineering firms, leveraging his engineering background and media leadership experience to contribute to boards focused on industrial growth and governance.[2] These roles, often as an independent non-executive director, span companies producing forgings, engines, vehicles, and electrical cables, reflecting his influence in Pune's industrial ecosystem.[15]| Company | Role | Tenure | Key Industry Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bharat Forge Ltd. | Director | Since September 4, 2019 | Global forging and automotive components manufacturing[2] |
| Finolex Cables Ltd. | Independent Non-Executive Director | Appointed around 2019; status as of recent records | Electrical and telecommunication cables production[15] |
| Force Motors Ltd. | Independent Director | September 30, 2006 – September 12, 2022 | Automotive vehicles and engines[16] |
| Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd. | Independent Director | March 30, 2010 – August 11, 2019 | Diesel engines and power generation equipment[17][15] |