In the story of India’s IT revolution, one name continues to shine brightly Shiv Nadar. What began in 1976 as a small dream inside a modest garage has today grown into HCL Technologies, one of India’s most powerful global IT companies. Beyond business success, Nadar has also emerged as one of the country’s biggest philanthropists, donating an average of Rs 7.4 crore every single day.
The Birth of HCL: A Garage Dream
Shiv Nadar was born on July 14, 1945, in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruchirappalli district. After completing his engineering education, he joined the DCM Group. During his early working years, Nadar and a few like-minded colleagues began discussing the future of computers and electronics in India.
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These discussions soon turned into action. In 1976, Nadar and his fellow engineers founded Hindustan Computers Limited (HCL) from a small garage in Delhi. At a time when computers were barely known in India, HCL focused on building hardware and electronic products, aiming to make technology accessible and create new employment opportunities for Indian youth.
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Who Is Shiv Nadar?
Shiv Nadar is one of India’s most respected business leaders and philanthropists. He is the founder of HCL Technologies and a pioneer of India’s IT industry. Known for his sharp vision and belief in education-led growth, Nadar transformed HCL from a small startup into a global technology giant. Beyond business, he is widely admired for his large-scale philanthropic work, especially in the field of education, through the Shiv Nadar Foundation.
Overcoming Early Challenges
The journey was far from smooth. HCL faced financial constraints, technical hurdles, and intense market competition in its early years. However, Nadar’s long-term vision and belief in innovation helped the company survive and grow.
He strongly believed that technology should simplify people’s lives, not complicate them. This mindset became the foundation of HCL’s growth strategy.
Becoming a Global IT Powerhouse
During the 1980s and 1990s, HCL expanded beyond hardware into software development and IT services. The company gradually entered global markets, setting up offices in the US, Europe, and Asia.
Today, HCL Technologies operates in nearly 60 countries and employs more than 2.22 lakh people worldwide. It is a major player in cloud computing, cybersecurity, digital transformation, and enterprise software services.
Leadership Transition to the Next Generation
After leading the company for over four decades, Shiv Nadar stepped down as chairman in 2020. He handed over the reins to his daughter Roshni Nadar Malhotra, making her the first woman chairperson of HCL.
Nadar continues to serve as Chairman Emeritus and Strategic Advisor, guiding the company’s long-term vision.
Net Worth and Business Legacy
According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Shiv Nadar’s net worth stands at $38.2 billion, placing him as the 54th richest person in the world. HCL’s market capitalisation currently stands at Rs 4.49 lakh crore.
Shiv Nadar’s success story extends far beyond profits. Through the Shiv Nadar Foundation, he has established several schools and universities across India, focusing on quality education.
As per the Hurun Philanthropy List 2025, Nadar and his family topped the list for the fourth time in five years. In the last year alone, the family donated Rs 2,708 crore, averaging Rs 7.4 crore per day.
Honors and Lasting Impact
In 2008, Shiv Nadar was awarded the Padma Bhushan for his contribution to India’s IT sector and nation-building efforts.
From a garage startup to a global technology leader, Shiv Nadar’s journey proves that bold ideas, perseverance, and a commitment to giving back can create a lasting legacy.