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Dewang Mehta not Rajiv Gandhi: The True Father of Indian Outsourcing Industry!

Writer: Tarun KarmakarTarun Karmakar
Feb 21, 20233 min read

In 1996, a young man named Dewang Mehta appeared on Indian television screens with a bold vision for his country - to become the next IT power. At that time, India was still struggling with basic infrastructure such as roads and electricity. However, Mehta's dream seemed impossible to most people, but he was not deterred. He lobbied the United States, met with top officials, and announced to the world that India was ready to take on the challenge of the tech industry.


Mehta was appointed as the President of NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Services Companies) in 1991, and the organization was struggling to find its footing in the Indian tech industry. But under Mehta's leadership, NASSCOM quickly became a force to be reckoned with. He worked tirelessly to create an environment that was conducive to the growth of the IT industry in India. He encouraged collaboration between companies, promoted innovation, and helped to create a skilled workforce.

Here's a timeline of the growth of the Indian IT industry over the past 40 years

Thanks to Mehta's efforts, the Indian IT industry grew rapidly in the years that followed. In 1998, NASSCOM released a report stating that India's software exports had crossed the $1 billion mark. By 2008, that number had grown to $50 billion. Today, India is considered to be one of the world's leading IT hubs, and it all started with Dewang Mehta's bold vision.

Growth of the Indian IT Industry over the past 4 decade

Mehta's contribution to the Indian IT industry was immeasurable, yet his Wikipedia page has only six lines and no pictures. It's a shame that so few people know about the man who paved the way for India's tech success story.


Mehta's life was cut short when he passed away in 2001 at the age of 39. But his legacy lives on. His impact on the Indian IT industry is a reminder that a single person can make a tremendous impact on an entire industry. Mehta's bold vision, tireless work ethic, and unwavering belief in India's potential are an inspiration to us all.


It is important to note that Dewang Mehta was the father of the Indian IT outsourcing industry, and not Rajiv Gandhi, as is often believed. While Rajiv Gandhi played a significant role in introducing computers to India, it was Mehta who took it to the next level and made India a global leader in IT.

A quick overview about NASSCOM

Today, NASSCOM has become a political quagmire, with various undeserving candidates taking the reins one after another. But we must not forget the contribution of Dewang Mehta, who turned NASSCOM into a force for good. It's time for the current leaders of the IT industry to acknowledge Mehta's legacy and work to continue the progress he started.


In conclusion, Dewang Mehta's story is a tale of a man who dared to dream and worked tirelessly to make it a reality. His vision, hard work, and unwavering belief in India's potential turned India into a global leader in IT. Mehta's story is an inspiration to all of us, and we owe it to him to remember his legacy and continue the work he started. Perhaps the next Dewang Mehta is out there right now, dreaming of a better future for India's tech industry.


Here are some sources that you can refer to for more information about Dewang Mehta and his impact on the Indian IT industry:

  1. "Dewang Mehta, the IT industry pioneer, is still waiting for his due" - The Economic Times https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/ites/dewang-mehta-the-it-industry-pioneer-is-still-waiting-for-his-due/articleshow/72017857.cms

  2. "Dewang Mehta and the Birth of the Indian IT Industry" - Entrepreneur India https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/369686

  3. "The Story of Dewang Mehta" - NASSCOM Foundation https://nasscomfoundation.org/who-we-are/dewang-mehta/

  4. "Dewang Mehta and the revolution he brought to Indian IT" - YourStory https://yourstory.com/2016/06/dewang-mehta

  5. "Dewang Mehta: The man who put Indian IT on the world map" - Business Today https://www.businesstoday.in/magazine/features/dewang-mehta-the-man-who-put-indian-it-on-the-world-map/story/217509.html

  6. Indian IT Industry Revenue Growth, 1998-2020: https://www.nasscom.in/sites/default/files/2021-02/India%20IT-BPM%20Industry%20Performance%20FY20%20Report.pdf#page=10

  7. Indian IT Industry Employment Growth, 2001-2017: https://www.nasscom.in/sites/default/files/2018-03/Annual%20Report%202017_1.pdf#page=52

I hope these sources are helpful for you!

 
 

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