Faqir Chand Kohli

Faqir Chand Kohli
Born	March 19, 1924 Peshawar, British India (now in Pakistan)
Died	November 26, 2020 (aged 96) India
Nationality	Indian
Education	Punjab University (BSc) Queen’s University, Canada (BEng) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MS)
Occupation	Engineer, Entrepreneur, IT Leader
Known for	First CEO of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Father of the Indian IT Industry
Awards	Padma Bhushan (2002)

Faqir Chand Kohli (March 19, 1924 – November 26, 2020) was an Indian engineer and entrepreneur, widely regarded as the father of the Indian IT industry. As the first CEO of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), he transformed India's software services sector, paving the way for its global dominance. His contributions helped create millions of jobs and positioned India as a leader in IT and software development.

Early Life and Education

Faqir Chand Kohli was born on March 19, 1924, in Peshawar, British India (now in Pakistan). He pursued his early education at Punjab University, earning a degree in science before moving to Canada for further studies. He obtained a degree in electrical engineering from Queen’s University, Canada, and later pursued a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

His strong academic foundation in engineering and technology equipped him with the expertise to revolutionize India’s IT landscape.

Career at TCS

In 1951, Faqir Chand Kohli joined the Tata Electric Companies, where he played a key role in modernizing India’s power sector through automation. However, his most significant contribution came in 1969, when he co-founded Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and became its first CEO.

At the time, India's software industry was virtually non-existent. Kohli had a visionary approach and believed in training Indian engineers to develop software for international clients. Under his leadership, TCS:

• Developed structured software development methodologies to ensure efficiency and quality.
• Focused on automation and innovation, making India a major IT outsourcing hub.
• Created extensive IT training programs, laying the foundation for India’s future IT workforce.

His leadership helped transform TCS from a small division within the Tata Group into a global IT leader.

Contributions to the Indian IT Industry

Faqir Chand Kohli played a critical role in positioning India as a key player in the global IT industry. His major contributions include:

• Promoting IT and software exports – He collaborated with the Indian government in the 1980s to create policies that encouraged software exports.
• Establishing NASSCOM – He played a vital role in the formation of the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), which promoted India's IT sector worldwide.
• Advancing automation and artificial intelligence – He advocated for embracing AI and automation to move beyond low-cost outsourcing towards innovation-driven IT solutions.
• Introducing IT into diverse sectors – His efforts led to the widespread adoption of computer technology in banking, manufacturing, and governance in India.

Legacy and Recognition

For his extraordinary contributions, Faqir Chand Kohli received numerous accolades, including:

• Padma Bhushan (2002) – One of India’s highest civilian honors for his role in shaping the IT industry.
• Lifetime Achievement Awards – Recognized by multiple industry organizations for his pioneering efforts in technology and education.

Beyond his professional achievements, Kohli was deeply committed to education and skill development. He worked on initiatives to promote digital literacy and believed that technology had the power to transform lives.

Conclusion

Faqir Chand Kohli was a visionary leader whose work laid the foundation for India's IT revolution. His pioneering efforts at TCS and beyond helped make India a global powerhouse in software services. His legacy continues to inspire IT professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. Today, as India leads the digital transformation on a global scale, his contributions remain a guiding force for the industry he helped build.