Features/personalities – Shiv Nadar, a name identical with the rise of India’s IT industry, is much more than just an entrepreneurial giant. He is a top philanthropist, a visionary leader, and an individual deeply committed to transforming society through education. Over the past several years, Nadar has left an indelible mark on India’s technology sector, while his philanthropic endeavors have empowered countless individuals through access to quality education. As the founder of HCL Technologies and the driving force behind the Shiv Nadar Foundation, Nadar’s contributions to India’s socio-economic development are incomparable.
Early Life and Education
Born on July 14, 1945, in the small village of Moolaipozhi in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district, Shiv Nadar grew up in a traditional South Indian family. His parents, Sivasubramaniya Nadar and Vamasundari Devi, instilled in him the values of hard work and education, which would later guide his career. Nadar completed his schooling at Town High School and St. Joseph Boys Higher Secondary School, where he excelled academically.
Although his early education was in Tamil, Nadar’s passion for learning transcended language barriers. He pursued a pre-university degree from the American College in Madurai and later earned a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from PSG College of Technology in Coimbatore. It was during these formative years that Nadar’s interest in technology began to take shape, setting the stage for his eventual breakthrough in the IT industry.
Nadar’s journey into the world of technology started in an era when India was just beginning to explore the possibilities of the computing age. He initially worked as an engineer with the Walchand Group’s Cooper Engineering in Pune, where he gained valuable experience. However, his true entrepreneurial spirit came to the fore when he left his job to cofound a venture that would change the face of Indian technology.
Birth of HCL: A Visionary Entrepreneur
In 1976, with an initial investment of Rs 1,87,000 and the support of five close friends, Nadar cofounded HCL Technologies, then known as Hindustan Computers Limited. Operating out of a garage in Delhi, the company began by producing calculators and microprocessors. This was a bold move in a market that was largely unfamiliar with computing technology, but Nadar had a clear vision: the microprocessor was going to revolutionize the world, and India had to be part of this transformation.
Under Nadar’s leadership, HCL quickly pivoted to producing India’s first indigenous computers, marking a significant milestone for the country’s IT sector. The company’s rapid growth mirrored the global shift towards information technology, and HCL soon expanded its services from hardware to software solutions, positioning itself as a major player in the global IT services industry.
By the early 2000s, HCL had become one of India’s leading IT companies, providing software services to global clients and employing thousands of professionals. Today, HCL Technologies generates $13.4 billion in annual revenue (as of June 2024), with a workforce of over 219,000 employees operating in 60 countries worldwide. The company has been recognized for its innovative practices and recently achieved a spot in TIME’s World’s Best Companies 2024 list, ranking 112th overall and within the global top 10 in the Professional Services category.
Nadar’s foresight and adaptability were crucial in navigating the fast-changing IT landscape. While many of his contemporaries were content with short-term gains, Nadar focused on building a lasting institution. He believed in the importance of forging partnerships and creating new knowledge, which led HCL to form numerous joint ventures and alliances with global technology leaders.
Passing the Baton: Roshni Nadar Malhotra
In July 2020, Shiv Nadar made the significant decision to step down as chairman of HCL Technologies, passing the leadership to his daughter, Roshni Nadar Malhotra. Roshni, who had been involved with the company for several years, took over as Chairperson, becoming the first woman to lead a major IT firm in India. Nadar’s decision to pass the baton to the next generation was a testament to his belief in continuity and the importance of a long-term vision for HCL.
Though Nadar no longer oversees the day-to-day operations of HCL, he continues to play an advisory role as Chairman Emeritus and Strategic Advisor to the Board. His insights remain invaluable to the company’s growth strategy, ensuring that HCL remains at the forefront of technological innovation.
Roshni Nadar Malhotra, much like her father, has a deep commitment to philanthropy. Under her leadership, the Shiv Nadar Foundation continues to expand its impact, and she plays a key role in shaping the foundation’s efforts to bring transformative education to underprivileged communities across India.
Philanthropy: The Shiv Nadar Foundation
While Shiv Nadar is best known for his contributions to India’s IT sector, it is his philanthropic work that truly sets him apart. Nadar has long believed that education is the most powerful tool for social transformation, and this belief led to the creation of the Shiv Nadar Foundation in 1994. Since its inception, the foundation has invested over $1.2 billion in various educational initiatives and institutions, directly impacting the lives of over 39,000 students and alumni.
The foundation’s flagship institution, the Shiv Nadar University, was established in 2011 and is one of India’s leading multidisciplinary research universities. The university offers a wide range of programs across engineering, natural sciences, humanities, and management, and is known for its focus on research and innovation. In addition to Shiv Nadar University, the foundation runs the SSN College of Engineering, VidyaGyan Leadership Academy, and the Shiv Nadar Schools, among other initiatives.
Nadar’s philanthropic efforts are guided by the philosophy of “Creative Philanthropy,” which emphasizes the creation of institutions that will have a lasting impact on society. His goal is to bridge the socio-economic divide by providing access to quality education for those who need it most. Through his foundation, Nadar has helped thousands of students from underprivileged backgrounds gain access to world-class education, enabling them to pursue their dreams both in India and abroad.
Legacy of Leadership and Impact
Shiv Nadar’s contributions to Indian society go far beyond the success of HCL Technologies. His philanthropic vision has had a profound impact on the country’s education sector, providing opportunities for students from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds to excel in their chosen fields. The institutions established by the Shiv Nadar Foundation have produced leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are shaping the future of India and the world.
In recognition of his extraordinary achievements, Nadar has received numerous awards and honors, including the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, in 2008. His inclusion in prestigious lists such as Forbes’ Heroes of Philanthropy and India Today’s Most Powerful People further cements his reputation as a leader who has transformed both business and society.
Nadar’s legacy is also shaped by his personal life. He is married to Kiran Nadar, an art collector and philanthropist in her own right. Kiran’s passion for art led to the establishment of two private museums in Delhi, which showcase her vast collection of contemporary Indian art. Together, the Nadars have demonstrated that success is not only measured by wealth but by the ability to give back to society and uplift those who need it most.
Shiv Nadar’s journey from a small village in Tamil Nadu to becoming one of India’s most influential business leaders and philanthropists is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and education. As the founder of HCL Technologies and the Shiv Nadar Foundation, Nadar has created institutions that will continue to impact future generations. His philanthropic efforts, particularly in the field of education, have empowered thousands of students to realize their potential and pursue their dreams.
Today, Shiv Nadar is not only one of India’s most successful entrepreneurs but also its top philanthropist. His unwavering commitment to social transformation through education ensures that his legacy will endure for generations to come.
