A graduate of the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakvasla, and the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Dehradun, Capt Shivaji Mahadkar was commissioned into the elite Gorkha Regiment of the Indian Army as a Second Lieutenant. A trained Commando, he served with distinction before choosing premature retirement in 1980 to embark on a new journey in the world of business.
After settling in Mumbai, Capt Mahadkar diversified into multiple industries, including Human Resources, Manufacturing, Travel & Tourism, Exports, Hospitality, and Wineries. His extensive work in the Middle East brought him into close collaboration with leading Korean construction giants such as Dong Ah Construction, Hyundai Construction, and Samsung Construction.
In the 1980s, Capt Mahadkar played a pivotal role in opening the Korean Cotton Yarn market for India, breaking Pakistan’s dominance in the sector. His success was recognized by the Indian Mission in Korea, marking a significant milestone in Indo-Korean trade relations.
Beyond business, Capt Mahadkar’s deep connection with Korea was evident in his silent protest against the 1983 Korean Airlines (KAL) aircraft tragedy, where he stood alongside the Korean community in Mumbai outside the Russian Consulate. His lifelong dedication to Indo-Korean relations earned him the honor of being personally received by former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the United Nations Headquarters.