Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the crown jewel of the Tata Group, now valued at a whopping Rs 13.78 lakh crore, owes its success to a visionary who is often referred to as the Father of Indian IT—Faqir Chand Kohli. His journey from Pakistan to pioneering India’s IT revolution is nothing short of legendary, making him a pivotal figure in the industry’s global success. Let’s dive into the inspiring story of this tech titan who not only built a colossal empire but also left an indelible mark on India’s technological landscape.

Who Was Faqir Chand Kohli?

Born in 1924 in Peshawar, India (now in Pakistan), Faqir Chand Kohli was a prodigy right from the start. After completing his early education in Lahore, where he earned a gold medal, he went on to study Electrical Engineering at Queen’s University, Canada, and later pursued a Master’s degree from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). His academic brilliance laid the foundation for what would become a monumental career in IT.

From Tata Electric to Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)

Kohli’s journey with the Tata Group began in 1951 at Tata Electric, but it was in 1969 that his life changed forever when he joined Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), the then-newest venture of the Tata empire. Initially uncertain about his fit in this fresh space, Kohli's use of computers in power engineering turned out to be groundbreaking. Encouraged by JRD Tata, Kohli took the helm at TCS and turned it into a global IT behemoth.

Faqir Chand Kohli’s Vision for TCS

Kohli had a dream: to use technology to drive India's socioeconomic progress. His leadership saw TCS expand rapidly, setting the foundation for India’s global IT dominance. He aimed for TCS to double its growth every five years, which turned it into a comprehensive solutions provider for sectors like banking, utilities, and more. Kohli’s vision didn’t stop at India’s borders—he took TCS global, securing deals with international giants like American Express, and was instrumental in handling the Y2K bug, propelling TCS to a billion-dollar revenue milestone by 2003.

The Man Who Brought Indian IT to the Global Stage

Faqir Chand Kohli’s strategic approach took TCS beyond India’s shores, and his keen foresight helped the company capitalize on the Y2K crisis, a move that cemented TCS’s place as a global leader in IT services. His leadership not only expanded TCS but also paved the way for India’s dominance in the tech world.

The Lighter Side of Faqir Chand Kohli

Despite his many accolades, Kohli was known for his humility and humor. Once introduced as the Father of Indian IT, he wittily responded, “I have three sons, but I’m not sure about my role in IT.” His humor, combined with his razor-sharp intellect, made him a beloved figure in the business community.

Kohli passed away on November 26, 2020, leaving behind a legacy that profoundly shaped the Indian IT landscape. His contributions have not only built a Rs 13.78 lakh crore empire for Ratan Tata but also revolutionized India’s place in the global tech industry.