Leadership
Founder & President (STAIRS Foundation)
Advisor | Strategy & Revenue (2020-21), United News of India (UNI)
Member Governing Council (2017-2020), Sports Authority of India
Ex-Co-Chair – Sports, FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry)
Chief Advisor | Capacity Building and Revenue Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME)
Biography
Siddhartha Upadhyay is a social entrepreneur dedicated to achieving socio-cultural-economic transformations at the grassroots level through proactive interventions. He is lauded for his efforts in offering hope and creating avenues for advancement for the youth, particularly those at the lower echelons of the social hierarchy, thereby aiding them in securing lives of dignity.
Career
- Advisor | Strategy & Revenue (2020-21): Served at the United News of India (UNI), where he was responsible for guiding revenue strategies and organisational direction.
- Entrepreneurship: Upadhyay has diverse investments across several sectors including marketing and branding communication, real estate, e-commerce, and sports. His business acumen has allowed him to engage effectively with major Indian business conglomerates, public sector undertakings, and government entities.
- Industry Leadership: A prominent member of India’s premier industry bodies, such as the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), Upadhyay is renowned for his lucidity and acumen in comprehending socio-economic and political issues. His insights and leadership within these bodies highlight his significant influence in shaping industry and economic policies.
Sports Administration
- Founder & President, STAIRS Foundation: Leads the foundation in implementing initiatives that promote sports and provide substantial opportunities for young individuals through sports.
- Member Governing Council (2017-2020), Sports Authority of India: Contributed to various national sports policies and programs, enhancing the sports infrastructure and athlete support throughout India.
- Ex-Co-Chair – Sports, FICCI (Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry): Played a key role in linking sports industry stakeholders with policymakers to foster a conducive environment for sports development.
- Significant Contributions: Active role in the Steering Committee for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, BRICS U-17 Tournament, Mission XI Million Programme, and management of the Subroto Mukherjee Sports Education Society. His leadership in these roles emphasised his commitment to enhancing sports education and infrastructure.
Awards and Distinctions
- Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar (2016): Awarded by the President of India, acknowledging him as a role model for emerging athletes and for his contributions to sports development.
- Global Recognition for SSFL: The STAIRS School Football League (SSFL), under his management, is recognised globally as the world’s most extensive talent scouting and training program, involving over 100,000 footballers in India. SSFL’s impact extends beyond sports, stimulating economic opportunities for numerous sports professionals and boosting ancillary businesses.
Additional Contributions
Speaker and Advocate: A sought-after speaker at business forums and national as well as international events, Upadhyay eloquently articulates the importance of social accountability and sustainable development. He is renowned for his clarity and acumen in understanding socio-economic and political issues, emphasising the inherent potential of every individual to act as an agent of change.
