Faqir Chand Kohli, widely regarded as the “Father of the Indian IT Industry,” was born in 1924 in Peshawar (now in Pakistan). He completed his early education in Lahore at Punjab University, earning a BA and BSc (Hons) with a gold medal for academic excellence. His pursuit of knowledge took him abroad, where he earned a BSc (Hons) in Electrical Engineering from Queen’s University, Canada, in 1948. He later pursued a Master’s degree at the prestigious MIT while working at Canadian General Electric, gaining valuable experience that would later shape India’s IT landscape.
The Architect of TCS and Indian IT Growth
After returning to India, Kohli joined Tata Electric, quickly establishing himself as a forward-thinking leader. Recognizing his immense potential, JRD Tata entrusted him with leading Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in 1969, just a year after its founding. Though hesitant at first, Kohli embraced the challenge and laid the foundation for what would become India’s largest IT company.
Under his leadership, TCS revolutionized the Indian IT sector, introducing cutting-edge innovations and securing major global contracts. His vision extended beyond business growth—he aimed to make India a key player in the global technology landscape. Kohli set an ambitious goal to double TCS’s growth within five years, which the company successfully achieved.
A Global Visionary
Kohli’s strategic visits to the United States played a crucial role in securing international clients for TCS, including a major deal with American Express. His ability to foresee industry trends positioned India as a preferred IT outsourcing destination. During the 1990s, he led TCS in addressing the Y2K crisis, making it the first Indian IT firm to tackle this global issue. His efforts propelled TCS to reach a billion-dollar revenue milestone by 2003, solidifying its dominance in the industry.
Legacy and Impact
Faqir Chand Kohli’s contributions extended beyond TCS. He played a pivotal role in shaping India’s IT policies, promoting digital education, and encouraging software exports. His work laid the foundation for India’s booming IT industry, which now employs millions and contributes significantly to the economy.
Though TCS is often associated with the Tata Group and Ratan Tata, its success and India’s emergence as a global IT leader owe much to Kohli’s vision, leadership, and relentless pursuit of excellence. His legacy continues to inspire generations of technology leaders, ensuring that his impact on India’s digital revolution is never forgotten.
