The man who revolutionised the Indian IT industry and came to be known as its ‘father’ was actually a Pakistani.

Faqir Chand Kohli, born in 1924 in Peshawar, Pakistan, is renowned as the father of the Indian IT industry. The son of small business owner Gobindram Kohli, he excelled academically, earning his BA and BSc (Honors) from Government College, Lahore, followed by a master’s degree in power engineering from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

In 1951, he joined the Tata Group, where, under the mentorship of J.R.D. Tata, he established Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which has since grown into India’s largest and most valuable IT company.

Under Kohli’s guidance, TCS became a significant player in the global IT services sector, boasting a market capitalization that exceeds that of industry giants like IBM and Accenture.

His early career with Tata Electric Companies allowed him to enhance Mumbai’s power supply, achieving efficiency comparable to that of New York City. His innovative use of early computer technology highlighted the potential for improved operational efficiency.

Despite facing numerous challenges, including a lack of governmental acknowledgment of the potential of computing technology and restrictions on importing computers due to foreign exchange issues, Kohli found ways to leverage Indian talent.

He aimed to generate foreign exchange by offering software services to Western companies, particularly in the U.S., where there was a high demand for skilled professionals.

Kohli’s vision extended beyond TCS; he sought to advance India’s socioeconomic development through technology. He played a crucial role in the establishment of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and pushed for enhancements in engineering education.

His leadership spurred the growth of India’s IT sector, leading to the rise of numerous software startups and transforming cities like Bangalore into major technology centers.

Kohli’s strategic foresight, including addressing the Y2K challenge, positioned TCS as a trailblazer in the Indian IT landscape, helping the company reach significant revenue milestones.

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Nonetheless, he remained deeply concerned about poverty in India and the lack of collaboration between India and Pakistan in the IT field.

His legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for collaboration in technology and education. Calls have emerged to honor Kohli’s contributions through initiatives that promote cooperation between India and Pakistan, underscoring his lasting impact on the IT industry and his respected status in both nations.