Ajai-Chowdhry – Father of Indian hardware

Father of Indian Hardware

The growth story of India’s hardware industry through the eyes of HCL co-founder Ajai Chowdhry

‘There are several lessons to be learned from the book: on a challenger brand becoming a pioneer and leader, on how belief in one country can alter mindsets in other nations or how a man can love both science and art… and more.’
FINANCIAL EXPRESS

‘In Just Aspire, Ajai shares the story of a successful business behemoth and the dreams, aspirations, hope and achievements from the eyes of a small-town boy.’
THE TRIBUNE

‘Ajai’s life-story is inspirational. [Just Aspire] is a warm and fun book, which will inspire many young minds to strive for excellence.’
NEELAM DHAWAN
Former Managing Director, HP

‘Just Aspire captures Ajai’s wealth of wisdom, his sense of curiosity and his towering leadership that make him one of the most brilliant professionals and coaches of our country.’
C.P. GURNANI
CEO and Managing Director, Tech Mahindra

‘I have nothing but the deepest admiration for Ajai’s passion and commitment to the cause of electronics hardware in India.’
SAURABH SRIVASTAVA
Cofounder, NASSCOM and Indian Angel Network

MUSIC

Music has always been a part of our lives. After leaving HCL, I pursued my passion for music. Joined Luttf, a singing group, I may never be pitch-perfect, but every degree of improvement is uplifting.

MENTOR & INVESTOR

Since 2011, I have been deeply involved in nurturing, mentoring, and investing in startups. I am on the Investment Committee of Electronic Development Fund and Canbank Venture Capital Fund. I share insights on entrepreneurship, salesmanship, and people management in my book.

INSTITUTION BUILDING

My institution-building journey started in 2009 with IIT Hyderabad, followed by building three tech-focused institutions. Not limited to electronics, helped shape NIFFT Ranchi into the National Institute of Advanced Manufacturing, driving Industry 4.0 advancements.

SPORTS

Racquet games were my forte. Started with table tennis, then tennis and badminton. At one time, I was ranked number two in the state of Madhya Pradesh. As an avid follower of sports, an Indian victory has always been an occasion for celebration in our home.

PHILANTHROPY

My philanthropy revolves around teaching and enabling self-sufficiency. Driven by the principle of self-empowerment I named my foundation ‘Swayam’. Additionally, I serve as a trustee for Save Life Foundation and a board member for the Population Foundation of India.

ADVISER

The Information Technology Agreement in 1996 led to a decline in indigenous electronics manufacturing, favoring cheap imports. Recognizing the need to influence policy, I joined Dr. Seshagiri's hardware team, becoming a resource person on hardware policy.