Shiv Nadar, one of India’s most visionary entrepreneurs and philanthropists, was born on July 14, 1945, in Moolaipozhi village, Tamil Nadu. He hailed from a modest family; his father, V. S. Nadar, worked in the public sector, while his mother, Vamasundari Devi, was a homemaker. From an early age, Shiv displayed exceptional curiosity and a deep interest in mathematics and problem-solving.
He completed his schooling at Town Higher Secondary School, Kumbakonam, and Elango Corporation Higher Secondary School, Madurai. Later, he pursued his pre-university degree at American College, Madurai, before graduating with a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore in 1967.
Early Career
Shiv Nadar began his career at Walchand Group’s Cooper Engineering in Pune, but he soon realized that his true calling was in entrepreneurship. In the 1970s, when India was undergoing technological changes, Nadar saw an opportunity in the IT and hardware industry, which was still in its infancy.
He, along with a group of friends and colleagues, decided to build a company that would put India on the global technology map. This bold decision laid the foundation of what would become one of India’s greatest IT success stories.
Founding of HCL
In 1976, Shiv Nadar co-founded Hindustan Computers Limited (HCL) with six partners and an initial investment of just ₹187,000. The company’s early focus was on developing microprocessors and IT hardware.
HCL became a pioneer in India by producing the country’s first indigenous microcomputer in 1978, even before many Western companies had made similar advancements. This bold innovation established HCL as a technological trailblazer and marked the beginning of India’s IT revolution.
Over the years, HCL evolved from a hardware company into a global IT services giant. In the 1990s, the company expanded into software services and IT solutions, anticipating the future of technology outsourcing. Today, HCLTech is one of the top IT firms in the world, employing over 225,000 people across 60+ countries and generating revenues of over $12 billion annually.
Major Achievements
Shiv Nadar’s vision transformed HCL into a global powerhouse. Some of his notable achievements include:
- Pioneering IT in India: Introduced India’s first indigenous microcomputer in 1978.
- Global Presence: Expanded HCL into a multinational IT services company operating in over 50 countries.
- Wealth & Recognition: Ranked among the richest Indians, with a net worth exceeding $30 billion (as of 2024).
- Awards:
- Padma Bhushan (2008) – India’s third-highest civilian honor.
- Numerous accolades from Forbes, Business Today, and Economic Times for contributions to business and philanthropy.
- Padma Bhushan (2008) – India’s third-highest civilian honor.
Philanthropy and Education Initiatives
What sets Shiv Nadar apart is not just his business acumen but also his dedication to philanthropy and education. He firmly believes that education is the key to nation-building.
In 1994, he established the Shiv Nadar Foundation, which has since invested billions of rupees into educational and social initiatives. Some of the foundation’s most notable projects include:
- SSN College of Engineering (1996) – One of India’s premier private engineering institutions in Tamil Nadu.
- Shiv Nadar University (2011) – A multidisciplinary research-driven university in Greater Noida, offering world-class education.
- Shiv Nadar Schools – Chain of progressive K-12 schools in Delhi NCR, Chennai, and beyond.
- VidyaGyan Schools – Residential schools providing free education to meritorious rural students from underprivileged backgrounds.
Through these institutions, Nadar has empowered thousands of students, particularly those from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds, with access to quality education.
Personal Life
Shiv Nadar is married to Kiran Nadar, an art enthusiast and philanthropist who established the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art in New Delhi. The couple has one daughter, Roshni Nadar Malhotra, who is the current Chairperson of HCLTech. Roshni is also recognized as one of the most influential businesswomen in India.
Despite his enormous success, Shiv Nadar is known for his humility, low-profile lifestyle, and focus on giving back to society.
Legacy and Influence
Shiv Nadar’s life is a true rags-to-riches and vision-to-reality story. From humble beginnings in Tamil Nadu to becoming one of the most influential leaders in global IT, his journey is nothing short of inspirational.
His contributions go beyond creating wealth; he is credited with shaping India’s IT revolution, paving the way for India to become a global technology hub. Furthermore, his philanthropic work in education ensures that his legacy will continue to transform lives for generations to come.
In many ways, Shiv Nadar embodies the ideal balance of entrepreneurship and social responsibility. He has shown the world that business success and social impact can go hand in hand.
