Dr. Mallika Nadda

Dr. Mallika Nadda, President of Special Olympics Bharat, has been working in the field of disability inclusion, social development, and nation building for the past three decades. Driven by a deep sense of social responsibility, she has played a significant role in fostering social change, inclusive development, leadership, and character building in society. After completing her Doctorate in History, she served as an academic at Himachal Pradesh University.

Born in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Dr. Mallika Nadda inherited the values of selfless service and public commitment from her parents, who were prominent social and political figures of their time. Her father was a Pracharak (full-time volunteer) of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, while her mother was an active member of the Jan Sangh and served as a member of both the Legislative Assembly and the Lok Sabha. Inspired by her mother and deeply influenced by eminent personalities such as Shri Sadashivrao Deodhar, then Organising Secretary of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Dr. Nadda was naturally drawn towards the path of service, youth leadership, and nation building.

During her college years, Dr. Mallika Nadda remained actively associated with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) for nearly a decade as a dedicated student activist and leader. She created history by becoming the first woman to serve as the State General Secretary of ABVP in undivided Madhya Pradesh, which then included present-day Chhattisgarh, and was also among the first women in the country to hold this responsibility within the organisation, where she played an important leadership role in several national student movements and youth mobilisation initiatives.

As part of her contribution to the student movement, she actively participated in and helped lead the ABVP movement in Jammu & Kashmir against Article 370, where nearly 10,000 students from across the country participated under the leadership of several prominent ABVP leaders. During this historic movement, the Indian National Flag was hoisted at Lal Chowk, Srinagar, symbolising national unity and integration. The Tricolour from the movement was later presented to the then Prime Minister of India, Shri V. P. Singh. Her role during this period reflected her commitment towards national integration, youth participation, and democratic engagement.

As an elected Student Union President, she played an active role in both her college and Rani Durgavati University. She was also a founding member of Viklang Sewa Bharati in Jabalpur and has consistently worked to ensure dignity, inclusion, and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities. Over the years, she has also served as an office bearer and contributor to several social organisations including Sewa Bharati, Bharatiya Stree Shakti, and Saksham, strengthening initiatives related to social welfare, women empowerment, disability inclusion, and community development.

In 1991, after her marriage to Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, she founded Chetna Sanstha in Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh. The organisation works towards the empowerment of persons with disabilities, women empowerment, youth personality development, and community welfare initiatives.

In 2002, she initiated Special Olympics Bharat Himachal Pradesh and pioneered the introduction of snow sports and winter games for persons with intellectual disabilities in India. Under her leadership, athletes from India began participating in the Special Olympics World Winter Games, opening new avenues for athletes with intellectual disabilities in winter sports disciplines. Her early vision and sustained efforts laid the foundation for India’s continued participation and success in international winter games competitions, including the remarkable achievements of Indian athletes at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025.

Her persistent advocacy for recognition of athletes with intellectual disabilities also contributed significantly towards increased institutional support and recognition for Special Olympics athletes in India, including enhanced cash awards and incentives for medal winners in recent years. Her efforts have helped strengthen dignity, visibility, and opportunities for athletes competing at the international level.

Dr. Mallika Nadda has been honoured with several prestigious awards for her exemplary contribution towards child development, education, inclusion, and social service. In 2010, she received the Rajiv Gandhi Manav Seva Award from the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. In 2011, she was conferred with the Derozio Award for her contribution in the field of education and human development. She was also honoured with the Rotary Shreyas Award in 2015–16 for her outstanding social service and commitment towards inclusive development. Over the years, she has received recognition from several national and international organisations for her dedicated work in the field of disability inclusion and community service.

In 2021, Dr. Mallika Nadda took charge as the President of Special Olympics Bharat. Under her leadership, the organisation witnessed remarkable expansion in outreach, athlete participation, health initiatives, grassroots engagement, and unified inclusion programmes across the country. Post-COVID, on the occasion of World Health Day in April 2022, she spearheaded the Divyang Health Fest at 133 locations across India. More than 100,000 persons with intellectual disabilities were digitally registered and provided health services through this nationwide initiative. This extraordinary effort earned Special Olympics Bharat recognition in the Guinness World Records, Asia Book of Records, and the World Talent Organization.

Dr. Mallika Nadda currently serves as the Chairperson of the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Advisory Council, where she plays a key role in strengthening inclusion, athlete leadership, regional collaboration, and policy advocacy across Asia Pacific nations. In April 2026, she was appointed as a Member of the Special Olympics International Advisory Board, where she now contributes towards the global vision, governance, and strategic direction of the Special Olympics movement worldwide.