Tribute to Shri F.C. Kohli
Joseph Antony Jude Ernest
Business Architect, Cloud Strategy, Design Thinking Leader, Product Manager #ONO
I have been reflecting on the life of F.C.Kohli (FCK)- fondly called the Father of Indian IT. Many in TCS and the industry are privileged to have met him, worked under him and got coached/mentored by him.
“Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you” – Shannon L Alder.
Like the saying above, we don’t need to meet all the legends. The legacy is etched and their stories and inspirational work will live forever. We can learn from them.
It is a thanksgiving holiday here in the US and last three days I read a lot about him. Since his demise, the numerous articles, videos and the real-life experiences shared by many from Tata and also from the industry and government are a testament to the above quote on reflecting FCK’s life.
For a learner like me, the fact that I can perceive from most of the words are the truth and importance FCK gave in his life. He is a true leader, transparent, transformational and charismatic at the same time and focused on People,Culture, Research, Innovation, Design, Strategy and most importantly Nation building. He built an institution that could lead to setting up an entire industry which eventually brought so much good for the entire Nation and jobs to millions of people. This is the work of a visionary leader.
It is easy to build a startup in the digital age today but back in the 60s I am sure that was not an easy task. Building the infrastructure, procuring computer systems and recruitment would have been a challenge but that didn’t stop him. He worked like a management consultant and his thought process and his focus on the entire value chain strategy helped him to build TCS.
The blog by Kedar details it out nicely.
His focus towards upskilling, hiring trends and education policies towards Nation building need appreciation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=an5OFH_SMB8
In the words of FCK, “The main thing is that technology is never static, it is always moving forward. I worked on an adult literacy program in or two languages to teach adults who have never been educated and that was taken as a program in other countries such as Africa and it was reported that it did help build literacy. That's perhaps the biggest contribution to my own country and government in helping increase literacy. It allows people to read starting small and basically for those who have never ever read and no options and designed especially for them.”
Learning and Sharing is one of TCS’ values. I am happy and humbled to have played a small part in TCS hiring process through TCS TESTimony- A software testing contest for college students through which we were able to bring awareness on software testing and train close to 350K students running for 6+ years. Similar to many pilots TCS has done, gamified hiring contests (Codevita and TESTimony) and National Qualifier Test through TCS ION are creating waves in the industry.
FCK was also in the crossroads to choose between a commission in Navy and scholarship from Government of India for higher studies. Both are good choices but he chose the latter. This choice led to his further education and entry into TATAs and rest is history. This is again a lesson to choose and follow your passion and work towards achieving success.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V41JXDJrcOQ
Something that was personally very rewarding for him is that almost one third of the IT Software companies today are headed by people who have worked with him and he is proud of the outcome that has brought to this entire nation.
FCK moved from TATA to TCS. His student Chandra from TCS is now helming the top role in TATA and helping to build a digital Nation. That’s the power of teaching and mentoring. It is also the mantra of the Tata Group. The company that FCK started is now the world’s largest and valued IT Service Companies. His legacy will continue forever.
Like many, I am proud to be associated with this group. Thank you, Sir, for your vision, service and leadership. We owe a lot to you. God Bless you and may your soul rest in Peace.
Some links for further reading:
https://www.tcs.com/statement-on-the-passing-of-padma-bhushan-shri-f-c-kohli
https://www.bloombergquint.com/opinion/it-industry-stalwarts-react-to-fc-kohlis-demise
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkSRrxpQDKA
https://www.financialexpress.com/archive/the-making-of-tcsand-the-people-behind-it/871309/
https://www.amazon.com/Bridgital-Nation-Solving-Technologys-Problem/dp/067009336X