Mallikarjuna Iytha is a social entrepreneur, ecosystem builder, trainer and mentor with over Two Decades of experience advancing disability inclusion, entrepreneurship, skill development and economic empowerment. As the Founder & CEO of the Inclusive Divyangjan Entrepreneur Association (IDEA), he is pioneering a shift from a traditional welfare-oriented approach to disability towards economic inclusion, entrepreneurship, employment, market participation and leadership.
Through IDEA, Mallikarjuna has developed DHAN (Divyangjan Hunar Atmanirbhar Network)—a disability-led entrepreneurship ecosystem. The model has supported 2,000+ entrepreneurs with disabilities across 10 states and 60+ districts, including 37% women and 40% first-time entrepreneurs. Collectively, these enterprises generated over ₹120 crore in annual turnover, demonstrating the significant economic potential of persons with disabilities when barriers to entrepreneurship are systematically addressed.
His work focuses on creating scalable, measurable and sustainable models for CSR and public investment, enabling funders and government institutions to move beyond short-term beneficiary support towards long-term livelihood creation, enterprise growth and economic participation.
Mallikarjuna's contribution has received more than 25 National and International recognitions, including the prestigious "Sarva Shreshtha Divyangjan" National Award presented by the Hon'ble President of India in 2024. His other recognitions include the Dr. V.G. Patel Special Jury Award, Delhi Govt 's Best Social Entrepreneur Award, SRM ProSkill Champion Award for Social Entrepreneurship, and the Best Social Leader Award from the World Fair Trade Organisation, Netherlands
At Charcha 2026, Mallikarjuna brings the perspective of a practitioner who has worked on the ground as well as at the ecosystem level. His core proposition is that disability inclusion must evolve from welfare to economic agency—and that strategic CSR and public policy can play a catalytic role in creating the capital, capabilities, markets, accessibility and institutional systems required for persons with disabilities to become entrepreneurs, employers and contributors to India's economic growth.
