Shiv Nadar exemplifies the journey from humble beginnings to becoming one of India’s most influential tech pioneers and philanthropists. Known as “Magus” (Persian for wizard), he transformed a small IT venture into a global technology empire while establishing himself as one of India’s most generous billionaires.
Personal Information Tables
Personal Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shiv Nadar |
| Date of Birth | July 14, 1945 |
| Birthplace | Moolaipozhi, Tamil Nadu |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | Electrical Engineering, PSG College of Technology |
| Net Worth | $42 billion (2024) |
| Known As | Magus (The Wizard) |
| Height | 5’7″ (173 cm) |
Family Information
| Relation | Details |
|---|---|
| Father | Sivasubramaniya Nadar |
| Mother | Vamasundari Devi |
| Wife | Kiran Nadar |
| Children | Roshni Nadar Malhotra |
Timeline of Major Events
- 1945: Born in Moolaipozhi, Tamil Nadu
- 1967: Started career at Walchand Group’s Cooper Engineering
- 1976: Founded HCL with initial investment of Rs. 187,000
- 1980: Expanded internationally with Far East Computers in Singapore
- 1994: Established Shiv Nadar Foundation
- 1996: Founded SSN College of Engineering
- 2008: Awarded Padma Bhushan
- 2020: Daughter Roshni takes over as HCL Chairperson
- 2024: Listed as India’s most generous philanthropist
Career Evolution
Early Career
Started at Walchand Group before founding HCL with seven colleagues. Initial venture Microcomp focused on teledigital calculators before establishing HCL in 1976.
Business Success
- Transformed HCL into $12.6 billion revenue company
- Built India’s first indigenous computer
- Led major acquisitions including $1.8 billion IBM software deal
- Expanded globally across multiple markets
Philanthropy
Through Shiv Nadar Foundation:
- Invested $1.1 billion in educational initiatives
- Established multiple educational institutions
- Created VidyaGyan schools for rural students
- Founded Shiv Nadar University
- Developed Kiran Nadar Museum of Art
Legacy and Impact
Nadar’s influence spans:
- IT industry revolution
- Educational transformation
- Philanthropic leadership
- Corporate excellence
- Rural development
FAQ
Q: What is Shiv Nadar’s current net worth?
A: $42 billion (2024)
Q: What was HCL’s initial investment?
A: Rs. 187,000
Q: How much has he donated to philanthropy?
A: Over $1.1 billion through Shiv Nadar Foundation