The Birth of NASSCOM: A Dream Realized

The Pre-NASSCOM Era

The IT industry in India was still in its infancy in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Indian companies were just starting to explore the software development business, and the concept of a separate industry was still unknown. Hardware companies dominated the market, with software being a relatively small and expensive business. However, there was a growing awareness of the potential of software exports, and entrepreneurs were eager to capitalize on this opportunity.

One of the earliest software companies was Mastek, founded in 1982 by Ashank Desai
The company’s founder, Ashank Desai, was a visionary who saw the potential of software exports and was determined to make it happen

The Founding of NASSCOM

In 1987, a group of entrepreneurs met in Delhi to discuss the possibility of forming a separate association for the software industry. Thirty to forty people attended the meeting, including Ashank Desai, Harish Mehta, Nandan Nilekani, Narayana Murthy, KV Ramani, and Saurabh Srivastava. The meeting was a turning point in the history of the Indian software industry, as it marked the beginning of NASSCOM.

“We felt that their dynamics and opportunities were different, and we should form a separate association.” – Ashank Desai

The founders decided to split away from the existing association, MAIT, and form a new association that would focus on the software industry. The new association would be called NASSCOM, and it would be dedicated to promoting the software industry in India.

NASSCOM’s Early Years

The early years of NASSCOM were marked by hard work and dedication. The founders worked tirelessly to create a constitution, choose a name, and establish the association. Harish Mehta played a crucial role in making the association a reality.

Harish Mehta was a key driver of the association
He worked closely with Ashank Desai and other founders to establish NASSCOM

NASSCOM’s Pioneers

The founders of NASSCOM were a group of visionary entrepreneurs who saw the potential of the software industry. Some of the pioneers included:

Harish Mehta
Ashank Desai
Nandan Nilekani
Narayana Murthy
KV Ramani
Saurabh Srivastava

These pioneers played a crucial role in shaping the Indian software industry and establishing NASSCOM as a leading association.

The Impact of NASSCOM

The establishment of NASSCOM had a significant impact on the Indian software industry. The association helped to promote the industry, provide a platform for companies to connect with each other, and advocate for policies that would support the growth of the industry.

NASSCOM helped to promote the software industry in India
The association provided a platform for companies to connect with each other
NASSCOM advocated for policies that would support the growth of the industry

Conclusion

The birth of NASSCOM was a dream realized by a group of visionary entrepreneurs who saw the potential of the software industry. The association has played a crucial role in shaping the Indian software industry and promoting the growth of the industry. As Ashank Desai said, “I have lived a dream, and I always say that I have lived a dream.” The story of NASSCOM is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and the importance of working together to achieve a common goal.