Shiv Nadar was born on July 14, 1945, in Moolaipozhi village, Tamil Nadu, India. His early education took place in various schools across Tamil Nadu due to his father’s transferable job. He completed his pre-university degree at American College, Madurai, and subsequently graduated with a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from PSG College of Technology in Coimbatore.

The Birth of an Entrepreneur

Shiv Nadar’s journey into entrepreneurship began in the 1970s when he, along with his friends, founded a company called Microcomp to sell teledigital calculators. However, Nadar had a vision that extended beyond calculators. Recognizing the untapped potential of the IT sector, he founded Hindustan Computers Limited (HCL) in 1976. This was the beginning of what would become a major force in the global IT industry.

Founding HCL

HCL started as a hardware company, producing India’s first indigenous computer at a time when computers were largely imported. The company’s innovative spirit was evident from the outset, with HCL introducing many firsts in the Indian market, including the first 8-bit microprocessor-based computer in 1978. Nadar’s leadership and foresight were crucial in navigating the nascent technology landscape in India, allowing HCL to establish itself as a pioneering tech company.

Transition to Software and Services

While HCL initially focused on hardware, Nadar understood the growing importance of software and IT services. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, HCL transitioned towards providing software services, capitalizing on the global shift towards outsourcing. This strategic pivot was instrumental in the company’s growth, allowing it to tap into the burgeoning market for IT services.