Tata Counsultancy Services (TCS) founder Faqir Chand Kohli, better known as the father of India’s IT industry, passed away on Thursday at the age of 96. Besides being the founder, Kohli was also the first CEO of TCS. He also served as the deputy general manager of Tata Power Company and was chairman of the Board of Governors of the Pune College of Engineering.
Kohli pioneered India’s ‘technology revolution’ and helped the country build the $ 100 billion IT industry.
During a recent interview, Kohli revealed that he remained active in the tech field until he was 94 years old. “Even after I retired I was quite active, until I was 94 years old. After that, my needs started to change and became very different, because if there was a conference I would share what I thought about technology. The main thing is that technology it is never static, it is always moving forward, “he said.
“I worked in an adult literacy program in one or two languages to teach adults who had never received an education and that was taken as a program in other countries like Africa and it was reported that it helped to promote literacy. That is perhaps the biggest contribution to my own country and government to help increase literacy. It allows people to read starting small and basically for those who have never read and without options and designed especially for them, “he added.
Expressing his grief over Kohli’s death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Thursday that he will be remembered for his pioneering contributions to the world of information technology. “Shri FC Kohli Ji will be remembered for his pioneering contributions to the world of IT. He was at the forefront of institutionalizing a culture of innovation and excellence in the technology industry. Grieved over his passing. Condolences to his family and many fans. “. the prime minister tweeted.
Mourning Kohli’s disappearance, TCS in its statement said: “Tata Consultancy Services mourns the passing of Padma Bhushan Shri FC Kohli, its first CEO and the father of India’s IT industry. Kohli joined the company in 1969 at the behest JRD Tata turned first to management consulting and then for the next two decades to software development, helping the organization navigate multiple waves of technology for two and a half decades by continually investing in people and stay relevant to customers. He stepped down as CEO in 1996 and continued to play an active role in promoting technology to solve the country’s social problems. “
Tata Sons President N Chandrasekaran also paid tribute to the late industrialist, saying: “I am deeply saddened by the news that Mr. FC Kohli passed away this afternoon. He was a true legend, who laid the foundation for the spectacular revolution of the information technology in India and set the stage for the dynamic modern economy we enjoy today. Mr. Kohli led innovations in areas ranging from adult literacy, water purification, software engineering, software automation, complex systems and cybernetics. I have had the honor and privilege of working with and learning from Mr. Kohli since the day he hired me as an apprentice at TCS. Despite his momentous accomplishments, his simplicity and thoughtfulness is an asset. lesson for all of us. His enduring optimism and ability to make big bets leave a legacy – one that has moved a nation forward. I will miss him greatly. “
Remembering Kohli, S Ramadorai, former TCS CEO and vice president, said he was “a brilliant technocrat and business leader with varied interests.”
“He was passionate about the development of our nation and its youth. He was also my mentor, guide and a very close family friend. His disappearance is a personal loss to our family. The nation has lost a legend today,” he added.
Paying tribute to the legend, Wipro Ltd founding president Azim Premji said: “Mr. Kohli was the true pioneer of information technology in India. We have all followed in his footsteps. His contribution to the industry of the Information technology and therefore India is immeasurable. “
Narayana Murthy recalled: “Mr. FC Kohli laid the foundation for a strong TCS. I had the privilege of working with him on the NASSCOM Executive Council in the early 1990s. I pray that his soul may rest in peace.”
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