HCL Co-founder Ajai Chowdhry joins NITI Aayog Science and Tech vertical as an esteemed member

HCL Co-Founder and IIT Patna Chairman, Ajai Chowdhry, has shared that he has been appointed as an Esteemed Member of the Consultation Group on the Science, Technology and Innovation Sector by the Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog. The Science and Technology vertical of NITI Aayog examines and appraises S&T programmes of Agencies and Departments such as DST, DBT, DSIR, DOS, MeitY, DoT and DoP. It also aims to promote the Digital India Mission.

Thus, it provides inputs to the concerned Line Ministries for the formulation of appropriate policies to ensure the availability of ubiquitous, reliable and secure modes of digital connectivity. It also works on policy interventions for various initiatives. Some names include methanol economy, ‘Make in India’ body armour, National Research Foundation, hydrogen economy and seaweed cultivation. It also engages in activities like the formulation of the India Innovation Index; improving India’s ranking in the Global Innovation Index; desalination of water and the standardisation of the construction, maintenance, and operation of ropeways, etc.

Dr Ajai Chowdhry also " target="_blank" rel="noopener">shared the update via his Facebook page after retweeting Ms Lalita's tweet:

Dr. Ajai Chowdhry has been appointed as an Esteemed Member of the Consultation Group on the Science, Technology and Innovation Sector by the Vice Chairman, NITI AAYOG@AjaiChowdhry

— Lalita Gurnani (@lalitagurnani) June 21, 2021

NITI Aayog has not confirmed the update and thus, his roles and duties are unknown.

About Dr Ajai Chowdhry

Dr Chowdhry began his career in 1972 when he started working with DCM Data Products. In 1975, he quit his job to start Microcomp. Later, he became one of the six founders of HCL and the key force in driving the growth of HCL. He led the foundation of HCL's overseas operations; starting with Singapore in the 1980s. He later worked on the expansion of HCL to the other South Asian Markets. Ajai Chowdhry was also a key force in driving the growth of HCL Infosystems which took over the reins in the early 90s. He later became the Chairman of the company in 1999.

Apart from his role in HCL, Dr Chowdhry has worked closely with the Government of India. His works majorly included nudging the Indian IT sector - hardware and electronics. In 2009, the Department of Information Technology, Ministry of Communications & IT and the Government of India also constituted the IT Task Force, under the leadership of Ajai Chowdhry. He has been a member of the National Manufacturing Competitiveness Council (NMCC). NMCC is an apex body providing advisory inputs for shaping government policy.

Ajai Chowdhry receiving the Cybermedia Business ICT Award 2014 from PM Modi.

Hailing from the small town Jabalpur, he has been honoured with the Padma Bhushan, in 2011. In 2014, Ajai Chowdhry also received the Cybermedia Business ICT Award, for Lifetime Achievement in ICT By PM Modi. He also received the "Dataquest IT Person of the Year 2007", for his focus on the Indian domestic market, and his belief in the potential of computer hardware manufacturing in India.