Shailja Mishra
Shiv Nadar, the founder of HCL Technologies and a prominent Indian entrepreneur, is widely regarded for his pioneering work in India’s IT industry. Often called the “Magus” or wizard of Indian tech, Nadar transformed a modest startup into HCL, one of the largest global IT companies today. Beyond his business success, Nadar has made significant contributions to Indian education through the Shiv Nadar Foundation, which supports various educational initiatives.
Shiv Nadar Biography
Shiv Nadar was born on July 14, 1945, in Moolaipozhi, Tamil Nadu, India. He completed his schooling at institutions including Town Higher Secondary School in Kumbakonam and pursued a degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from PSG College of Technology in Coimbatore. His early career started at Cooper Engineering Ltd. under the Walchand Group, but his entrepreneurial drive soon led him to co-found Microcomp Limited in 1975, a venture that eventually transformed into HCL Technologies (1976).
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shiv Nadar |
| Nickname | Magus (Persian for “wizard”) |
| Profession | Industrialist |
| Famous For | Founder of HCL Technologies and Shiv Nadar Foundation |
| Height | 5′ 7″ (173 cm) |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Half bald |
| Awards | – Padma Bhushan (2008) – BNP Paribas Grand Prize for Individual Philanthropy (2013) – Lifetime Achievement Award at ET Corporate Excellence Awards (2023) |
| Date of Birth | 14 July 1945 |
| Age | 79 years (as of 2024) |
| Birthplace | Moolaipozhi, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Zodiac Sign | Cancer |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Hometown | Delhi, India |
| Schooling | Town Higher Secondary School (Kumbakonam) Elango Corporation Higher Secondary School (Madurai) St. Joseph Boys Higher Secondary School (Trichy) |
| College/University | PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore |
| Educational Qualification | Electrical and Electronics Engineering |
| Food Habit | Non-Vegetarian |
| Controversies | Commented on adding meat in mid-day meals for school children during a speech in 2019, drawing mixed reactions |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Kiran Nadar |
| Children | Daughter – Roshni Nadar Malhotra (Chairperson, HCL Technologies) |
| Parents | Father – Sivasubramaniya Nadar Mother – Vamasundari Devi |
| Favourite Actor | Rajinikanth |
| Net Worth | Approx. $36.7 billion (as of 2024) |
| Philanthropy | Founded Shiv Nadar Foundation; supports Shiv Nadar University, SSN College, and Vidyagyan Schools in UP |
| Notable Facts | – Started career at Cooper Engineering Ltd. – Founded HCL with partners in 1976 – Pioneered international growth in Singapore and the U.S. markets – Committed philanthropist focused on educational reform – Daughter Roshni is the current chairperson of HCL Technologies |
HCL initially focused on producing calculators and computer hardware, seizing opportunities in the Indian market after IBM exited the country. By the 1980s, Nadar had expanded HCL’s footprint internationally, starting with Singapore, which helped lay the groundwork for HCL’s global presence in IT services and software.
Shiv Nadar Age
As of 2024, Shiv Nadar is 79 years old. Despite his age, he remains a vital figure in Indian business, particularly through his philanthropic endeavors focused on transforming education.
Shiv Nadar Net Worth
Shiv Nadar’s net worth is estimated at around $36 billion in 2024, placing him among the wealthiest individuals in India. His wealth largely comes from his stake in HCL Technologies, which is renowned for IT services worldwide. This financial success has enabled him to invest substantially in social causes; he is known as one of India’s most generous philanthropists, having committed over $1 billion to educational projects through his foundation.
Shiv Nadar Family
Shiv Nadar is married to Kiran Nadar, a distinguished art collector and philanthropist. Together, they have one daughter, Roshni Nadar Malhotra, who took over as the chairperson of HCL Technologies in 2020. The family’s contributions extend beyond business, with Kiran establishing art museums in Delhi and Roshni actively involved in the foundation’s educational initiatives.
Shiv Nadar First Wife
Kiran Nadar is Shiv Nadar’s only wife. She shares his commitment to social causes and manages art institutions in Delhi, preserving and promoting Indian art and culture.
Shiv Nadar Daughter
Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Shiv Nadar’s daughter, has been a significant figure at HCL Technologies, becoming the first woman to lead a listed Indian IT company. She also heads the Shiv Nadar Foundation and is instrumental in guiding its educational mission. Roshni is an alumna of Northwestern University and holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management.
Shiv Nadar Son
Shiv Nadar does not have a son. His daughter, Roshni, is his only child and is closely involved in the family’s business and philanthropic pursuits.
Shiv Nadar Native Place
Shiv Nadar’s roots lie in Moolaipozhi, Tamil Nadu, a place that played a foundational role in shaping his values and outlook. Although he now lives in New Delhi, his upbringing in Tamil Nadu remains an integral part of his identity.
Shiv Nadar – Wikipedia
Shiv Nadar’s Wikipedia page provides an overview of his career, philanthropic work, and family background, detailing his rise in the IT industry and his enduring contributions to Indian education. His Wikipedia page highlights his journey, from the establishment of HCL to the creation of the Shiv Nadar Foundation, capturing his transformative impact on both technology and social sectors.
Shiv Nadar University Fees
Shiv Nadar University (SNU), a premier institution founded by Nadar’s foundation, offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across disciplines. The tuition fees at SNU typically range from ₹2.5 to ₹4.5 lakhs annually, depending on the course, and the institution is known for its emphasis on research and academic excellence. SNU is part of Nadar’s mission to elevate educational standards and foster innovation among India’s youth.
Shiv Nadar School
The Shiv Nadar Foundation also runs Shiv Nadar Schools in Delhi, Gurgaon, and Noida, known for their holistic and modern approach to education. These schools focus on critical thinking, creativity, and character development, with curriculums designed to prepare students for a dynamic world. Through these schools, Nadar’s foundation aims to nurture young minds and contribute to the Indian education system.
Current News – November 2024
In November 2024, Shiv Nadar’s contributions to education are making headlines as his foundation continues to support students from underprivileged backgrounds. The foundation recently announced partnerships with international universities to enhance research opportunities for Shiv Nadar University students. Nadar has also been recognized globally for his sustained philanthropic impact, underscoring his dedication to social progress.
Conclusion
Shiv Nadar’s journey is a testament to the power of innovation, resilience, and social responsibility. From pioneering India’s IT industry to revolutionizing education through the Shiv Nadar Foundation, he has left a profound mark on multiple sectors. His daughter, Roshni, carries forward his legacy, ensuring that HCL and the foundation continue to contribute positively to society. As he nears his eighties, Shiv Nadar’s influence in technology and philanthropy remains unparalleled, inspiring generations in India and beyond.
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