Success Story: One name always shines in the success stories of India’s IT industry – Shiv Nadar. Starting from a small garage in 1976, Nadar made Hindustan Computers Limited or HCL the leading IT company of India. Today Nadar is not only a successful industrialist but also one of the biggest donors in the field of social service, donating about Rs 7.4 crore daily.
Starting from the garage: Birth of HCL
Shiv Nadar was born on 14 July 1945 in Tiruchirappalli district of Tamil Nadu. After completing his engineering studies, he worked in DCM Group. During this time, together with some of his colleagues, he discussed the future of computers and electronics in India and decided that they should start their own business. In the year 1976, Nadar and some of his fellow engineers established HCL together in a small garage in Delhi. In the early days the company focused on manufacturing computer hardware and electronics equipment. His objective was to popularize computer technology in India and open new employment opportunities for the youth of the country.
Challenges on the way to success
Shiv Nadar’s journey was not easy. In the initial days they faced financial difficulties, technical problems and competition in the market. But Nadar’s vision and desire to continuously innovate helped transform HCL from a small startup to India’s leading IT company. He believed that technology should be used to make every person’s life easier.
Form of global IT giant
In the 1980s and 1990s, HCL expanded into computer hardware as well as software and IT services. The company gradually stepped into the international arena and established its branches in America, Europe and Asia. Today HCL Technologies is operating in about 60 countries of the world and has more than 2.22 lakh employees. The company is a leader in services like cloud computing, cyber security, digital transformation and enterprise software.
Command given to Roshni Nadar Malhotra
Nadar led the company for more than four decades before stepping down as chairman in 2020. In 2020, he appointed his daughter Roshni Nadar Malhotra as the chairman of HCL, who became the first woman chairman of the company. Shiv Nadar is the Chairman Emeritus and Strategic Advisor of the company.
Shiv Nadar’s net worth
According to Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Shiv Nadar’s net worth is $38.2 billion, which makes him the 54th richest person in the world. At present the market cap of HCL is Rs 449,369 crore.
Social service and philanthropy
Shiv Nadar’s story is not limited to just business. He has also been very active in the field of education and social service. Through Shiv Nadar Foundation he has established schools and universities across the country. According to ‘Edel Give and Hurun Philanthropy List 2025’, the list of the biggest philanthropists and donors of the Indian corporate world, Shiv Nadar and his family have topped the list for the fourth time in the last 5 years. The Nadar family has donated Rs 2,708 crore last year, which means they donated an average of Rs 7.4 crore every day.
Honor and legacy
Shiv Nadar was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2008. He received this honor for his contribution to the IT industry and his vision of providing opportunities to the youth of the country. Today HCL employs millions of employees and represents India’s technological capabilities across the world. Shiv Nadar’s story proves that big success is possible with small steps. His journey that started from a small garage transformed HCL into a global IT company.
