Onkar Singh Pahwa
The chairman of Ludhiana-based Avon Cycles, which he helped make a top Indian bicycle brand sold in 80 countries, honoured with the Padma Shri in 2025.
Ludhiana is the bicycle capital of India, and Avon Cycles is one of its best-known names. Onkar Singh Pahwa, its chairman and managing director, has led the company for decades. In 2025 he was named for the Padma Shri in the field of trade and industry, from Punjab [1].
Born into the business
Pahwa was born on 10 August 1952 into the family that founded Avon Cycles, and graduated from Government College, Ludhiana, in 1973 [2].
Growing Avon
Over five decades he has widened Avon’s range, including electric bicycles, and taken its bikes to more than 80 countries [2]. He has served as president of the All India Cycle Manufacturers’ Association [2].
Through the Kaushalya Devi Pahwa Trust he supports health and education [2]. His honours include the Punjab Udyog Ratna in 2022 [2].
Sources
- [1] Padma Awards 2025: list of awardees — Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Accessed 11 October 2026.
- [2] Padma Awards 2025: citation for Onkar Singh Pahwa — Padma Awards, Government of India. Accessed 11 October 2026.
Last updated . First draft prepared with AI assistance; reviewed and fact-checked by a person before publishing. Report a correction
