FAQIR CHAND KOHLI
1924–
Indian businessman and engineer F. C. Kohli pioneered the use of information technology in India from the 1960s and went on to advance adult literacy around the country.
Faqir Chand Kohli was born on February 24, 1924 in Peshawar, India (now Pakistan). After studying at Punjab University, Queen’s University, Canada, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Kohli began training in power system operation in the US. Returning to India in 1951, he joined Tata Electric Companies (now Tata Power) and oversaw the installation of a computer system to control the electricity network between Bombay (now Mumbai) and Pune in 1968. A year later, he was appointed general manager of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), now India’s largest software consultancy.
Kohli transformed TCS into a multinational concern, pioneering its software systems. As part of this process, he was instrumental in introducing advanced technology and computerization to India. His contributions have led to him being referred to as the “Father of the Indian Software Industry.” After retiring from TCS in 1999, he began focusing on using computer systems to promote adult education and literacy.
“What matters is the intelligence of the people and how we help them to take the country forward.”
Faqir Chand Kohli, 2018
MILESTONES
COMPUTERIZES GRID
In 1968, masterminds the first computer system in Asia to manage an electricity network.
ADVANCES LITERACY
Creates software in 2000 that uses images to teach illiterate adults how to read common words.
GAINS RECOGNITION
Receives the title of Padma Bhushan—India’s third highest civilian honor—in 2002.