Pioneering the Indian IT Revolution

Faqir Chand Kohli, widely recognized as the father of the Indian IT industry, played a transformative role in shaping India’s software services sector. As the first CEO of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), he laid the foundation for India’s emergence as a global IT powerhouse. His leadership not only revolutionized TCS but also helped establish India as a leading hub for software services, generating millions of jobs and influencing global IT policies.

Early Life and Academic Excellence

Born on March 19, 1924, in Peshawar, then part of British India, Faqir Chand Kohli’s journey was deeply rooted in academic brilliance and technical expertise. After completing his undergraduate studies at Punjab University, he pursued electrical engineering at Queen’s University, Canada. Later, he obtained a degree in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), a prestigious institution that shaped his vision for technology-driven progress.

This diverse educational background in engineering and technology prepared Kohli to pioneer advancements in automation and software, which would eventually redefine India’s IT industry.

Revolutionizing TCS and the Birth of Indian IT

Kohli began his career in 1951 with the Tata Electric Companies, where he led efforts to modernize India’s power sector through automation. However, his most defining contribution came in 1969, when he co-founded Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and became its first CEO.

At a time when India had little presence in the global software industry, Kohli saw an opportunity to train Indian engineers in software development and export IT services to international markets. His vision for leveraging technology, talent, and structured methodologies led to the expansion of India’s IT sector on the global stage.

Under his leadership, TCS:
✔ Focused on building a skilled software workforce in India.
✔ Developed software solutions for international clients, making India a major outsourcing destination.
✔ Implemented structured software development methodologies and quality standards, setting industry benchmarks.

Kohli’s strategies laid the groundwork for India’s IT boom, a transformation that made TCS one of the world’s leading technology service providers.

Shaping India’s IT Policy and Economic Growth

Beyond TCS, Faqir Chand Kohli played a crucial role in shaping India’s IT policies. In the 1980s, he worked closely with the Indian government to introduce policies that encouraged software exports, paving the way for the rapid expansion of India’s IT services industry.

His key contributions include:
✔ Co-founding the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), which standardized India’s IT policies and promoted software exports.
✔ Advocating for widespread computer adoption in industries such as banking, manufacturing, and government services, accelerating India’s digital transformation.
✔ Championing automation and artificial intelligence, ensuring that India moved beyond just outsourcing and towards innovation-driven IT services.

Kohli’s foresight ensured that India was not just a low-cost IT outsourcing hub but a center for technological innovation and digital advancement.

Recognitions and Lasting Legacy

Faqir Chand Kohli’s monumental contributions earned him several national and international honors. In 2002, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, for his pivotal role in shaping India’s IT sector.

His influence extended beyond the corporate world, as he was a strong advocate for education, skill development, and digital literacy in India. He pioneered initiatives to train engineers, ensuring that India had a globally competitive IT workforce.

Today, his legacy lives on in India’s thriving IT industry, which continues to drive economic growth and innovation on a global scale.

Conclusion: A Visionary Who Built an Industry

Faqir Chand Kohli’s unmatched leadership, vision, and dedication established the foundation for India’s multi-billion-dollar IT sector. His innovations at TCS and his role in policy-making, automation, and global expansion created an ecosystem that nurtured generations of IT professionals and entrepreneurs.

As India continues to innovate in artificial intelligence, automation, and software services, Kohli’s visionary legacy remains a guiding force, shaping the future of an industry he helped build from the ground up.